Bill Greenwood wrote:
Where do you guys stay in Reno, is there one hotel with lot's of aviation people? Is there anyone not full of smoke?
I saw bad reports for Circus Circus and the Sands. I am thinking of coming out myself this year, having a decent room and restaurant would be great, but price is also a factor.
Most of the race teams have stayed at the Grand Sierra Resort or one of it's incarnations in the past. It's a nice hotel with good rooms. They used to have the "Pylon Bar" there which was an aviation racing themed bar. Traditionally, after the races, pilots and crew would meet there to interact with each other and race fans. Sadly, it's now gone.
For years, I used to stay at the Circus, Circus. Though economical, you get what you pay for. There is a lot of smoke in that casino, just like most others, though. If you do stay at the Circus, Circus, whatever you do, DON'T eat the buffet. I've gotten food poisoning twice from that roach-trap. Eat outside the hotel. Probably my favorite is the Silver Legacy. It's one of the "newer" casino's, connects to the Circus Circus, and is probably the most centrally located place on Virginia street, where you can walk just about everywhere else.
As far as where to stay - it all depends. For me, I just look at the hotels as a place to sleep. Other than having dinner after the races, I spend all my time at the airport from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. So, I just need a quiet place with a clean bed, that's all. If you're looking for nightlife, shows, and everything else that goes along with Virginia street, then you might want to stay at one of the "larger", well known casinos.