Stepping inside the Silver Legacy Casino and Resort in Reno is somewhat like stepping back in time. The interior is decorative in the Western style circa 1800-something, if it wasn’t for the people dressed in modern clothing and the ringing of the casino machines, you could imagine the decadence of the old West when gold and silver was booming attracting people far and wide to the Sierra Nevada in search of great fortune.
Historic cases telling Reno’s story along with the history of the Silver Legacy are strategically placed around the lobby, largely unnoticed and ignored by visitors heading directly to the casino, restaurants, night club Aura Lounge, or possibly a show at the Catch-A-Rising-Star Comedy Club, the Grande Exposition Hall, or at the Eldorado Casino and Resort. Yet, if you take the time to stop and read the plaques or listen to the recorded history a fascinating story awaits.
A replica of 19th century Victorian era west the casino resort was erected in 1995 in a joint venture with the Eldorado and MGM Resorts International.
The rooms & bathroom
Luxury was at the top of the list when the resort was built in the mid-1990s. That hasn’t changed throughout the years and with each renovation of its more than 1,700, including the last multimillion dollar upgrade completed in 2011. The rooms are a decent size with a small seating area, armoire with a flat screen TV, king size bed or two queens that overlook the revitalized city or out onto the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The bathrooms are average in design and size for an American hotel offering the basics with a tub and shower, vanity with the sink, and toilet. Guest towels are soft and a medium size, depending on the guest.
The rooms are well insulated to accommodate the high desert seasons and neighboring noise levels. We weren’t able to listen in on our neighbors or forced to hear what television show they were watching, which is always a huge plus.
Dinning
The Silver Legacy offers more than six restaurants varying in casual to fine dining. If diners don’t find something that they are interested in they have options at the Eldorado (nine restaurants) and Circus Circus (six restaurants) without stepping outside of the networked resorts.
Dining options at the Silver Legacy include a buffet, two cafés, and food court for breakfast and lunch or a quick late night bite to eat. Happy hour options include an oyster bar and sit down lunch and dinner options include seafood and steak. Nearly all of the bars have regular ladies happy hours that serve women free Champaign or discounted drinks daily.
Super G and I dinned at Sterling’s Seafood and Steakhouse.
Spas and Shopping
Guests not into the casino floor can sweat and relax at the fitness center, pool, or at the award-winning Reno Health Club and Spa located on the fourth floor of the resort. The spa offers a standard variety of European inspired treatments including deep tissue and Swedish massages to healing mud wraps.
Six boutiques and gift shops in the lobby and hallways leading to the casino floor offers the typical gifts and last minute items travelers run out of or forget to pack. The boutiques carry high end fashion from well known and local designers as well as jewelry crafted by local tribes.
The Casino
Unlike most casinos, the one at the Silver Legacy is sunken and circular with high ceilings imitating a silver mine. The architecture of the casino and perhaps the new ventilation system draws the cigarette smoke away from the floor creating a nearly smoke-free atmosphere.
The best part about this casino that sets it apart from many others is how clean it feels and un-smoky it is, especially for a medium sized casino.
The machines are all digital, including the poker tables. The waitresses on the floor are nice and provide attentive and friendly customer service. It’s definitely a cool place to have some fun.
Neighborhood
Located in the heart of historic downtown Reno near the restored Riverwalk District the resort is one of the three crown jewels of hotels that are networked together. The Silver Legacy is linked to its sister casino and resort, the Eldorado, across the street, and friendly neighbor, Circus Circus. Guests not seeking the sun and want to stay cool during the summer or who want to stay warm during cold winter days and nights won’t find it necessary to ever leave the internal maze leading them to fine dining, the eternal buffet, and entertainment.
Guests seeking to venture out and explore Reno will find it easy to walk down to the Riverwalk and the West Street Market to enjoy some of Reno’s best restaurants along the Truckee River, local bars and breweries, or explore art galleries showcasing local and visiting artist. Unfortnuately, not all of downtown Reno has undergone a renaissance, but it’s only a couple of blocks surrounded by a vibrant city center.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy that the Silver Legacy is also within walking distance of free kayaking down the Truckee River (during the summer), have bikes and other outdoor activities at their fingertips at Sierra Adventures at the resort’s Adventure Desk; the Reno Ace’s new stadium completed in 2011, and the National Bowling Stadium.
Amenities
Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, but for a fee.
Shuttle service is available from the Reno-Taho International Airport twice an hour between 5 a.m. to midnight daily. Valet parking is plentiful as well as self-parking. Parking for larger vehicles (i.e. boats and recreational vehicles) can be accommodated at an off-site location.
The Bell Desk offers the ability to store luggage and other items, such as bikes, but for large outdoor or sporting events call ahead to make sure this option is available. The business center is equipped with everything necessary to get the job done, including office supplies that get forgotten for a minimal price.
Guest Services
Overall the entire resort is well maintained and very comfortable. Service at the Silver Legacy is superb. Guests are greeted with a smile and courtesy greetings by the employees. There is always someone available to assist guests. Germaphobes will appreciate the cleanliness of the Silver Legacy.
THE FLUFF
The Silver Legacy, 407 N Virginia St., Reno, Nev.; 775-325-7401; Silverlegacyreno.com
RATING: 5
VIBE: The Silver Legacy offers affordable luxury at a price can’t be beat for the quality guests receive, except may be by its sister resort, the Eldorado.
SCENE: Don’t worry about wearing jeans and shorts and even your tank top or t-shirt. This is casual luxury.
LOCATION: You can’t beat being in the heart of everything. Art galleries, theater, outdoor events, and fine dining are at your fingertips. Park and hang up your keys for the weekend.
ROOM: Slightly above average and comfortable, the rooms are standard size, but nicely decorated and clean.
BATHROOM: Clean and status quo, the bathroom is roomy enough that you can move around without hurting yourself.
AMENITIES: Standard flat screen TV, cable, internet connection (but wi-fi and internet aren’t included with the room). There is a gym and spa along with a decent amount of bars, dining, and nightlife options.
CHECK OUT: $$ = $100 – $175
(lowest price for a single night in a standard room during high-season)
SWEET DREAMS: The central location and the fact the hotel went through a multimillion dollar upgrade within the past three years.
WORTH THE SLEEP? No difference than being at home. = zzz
TYPE OF LODGING: Mid-range luxury urban resort.
Geena Dabadghav contributed to this review.
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