Visitreno

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1599

I think this report will be more 'picturey', rather than too wordy as when I think back to those days in Reno, they are all a fuzzy, pleasant blur.

I do remember leaving home at 7:15 pm or so on Saturday night (the 11th). Drove all night over the Hope Princeton Highway. Across the border at the truck crossing (Near Blaine Washington). Then the long drive south on the I-5 freeway to Sea-Tac International airport. (Actually, a parking service called 'Extra Car'). They soon quickly whisked me over to the airport.

The security lineup was already long at 3:30 in the morning! The line did move fairly well though. My 5:15 flight was on time. Wasn't a direct flight though - A couple hours later I was in Phoenix. A very busy airport - Spring Break, people were saying.

I had a window seat on the Phoenix to Reno leg. Cool views of the mountain ranges and badlands of Nevada.

Good landing in Reno. Baggage retrieved, shuttle boarded, checked in to the fabulous Atlantis! Nice room. 15th floor. Still had 1/2 day ahead of me. The view ...

Fancy furniture in the hall...

A couple of shots of the Atlantis ...

For me, a trip to Reno starts with a visit with my pals at John's place - Higgins, Charlie and Mr. Reno himself .... John!

We had dinner later at the Peppermill's Oceano restaurant. John knows the staff well. We had burgers. Not seafood, but really good!

Later that night at the Atlantis I discovered that my neighbors in the next room were crazy, noisy, rapper types. I packed my bags and went to the front desk. The gentleman there asked no questions - Just immediately assigned a new room to me. Very grateful, I retired to a very nice quiet room on the 19th floor. Concierge tower. Thanks Atlantis!

The next three days... Yup, kind of a blur. I did a few walks further south on Virginia Street. Bought a few things at Ross and Walmart. One of those days John and I toured the Sands - which is no longer the Sands. It's now the "J" resort. Or maybe it's better to say it's becoming the "J" resort. Lots of work going on. Only part of the casino was ready and we played a little video poker at a bar there. Overall the "J" resort seems to be coming along nicely. Looks like it'll be a a lot fancier when it's all done. I am so glad that ugly two tone brown and beige paint is history!

John playing V.P. at the "J".

The new exterior of the "J"

We walked thru the Row too. Looked like I had just left it - and that was Oct 2019!

John and I got together every afternoon. We usually headed straight for the Peppermill. Played a dizzying amount of Video Poker there. I had enough luck to keep playing a long time. Free drinks were delivered and appreciated! I really love that place! Had one dinner at the coffee shop. Mongolian Beef. And it was pretty good.

All the rest were in Oceano. Love that restaurant! Great staff too! Many of them know John and make a point of dropping by the table to have a chuckle with him.

The 16th came. And somehow I remembered I was supposed to go home that day. Pack, check out, shuttle and take a last wistful look back at my home for the last 4 days.

The return trip wasn't direct either. I didn't mind. I had a chance for a glance at Salt Lake City! A beautiful spot up against the Rockies!

Up in Seattle the sun was going down. I missed one little sign by an escalator and had a little trouble finding the carousel with my suitcase. Figured it out after a little panicking. Things were under construction and a little chaotic.

A long drive home through big cities, farm lands and mountains. I arrived home to find my well cared for (by my good neighbor, Peter) pets very happy to see me.

The Hope Princeton Highway at midnight ...

SeahawkSiren · Joined: 14 Sep 2015 Posts: 137

Sounds like you had a great trip, BC Dave! And I'm happy to see that John, Charlie and Higgins are doing well too.

Wow, that is news to me about the Sands. Had no idea it was getting a makeover. It does needs one. I'm really glad to see more money being invested in downtown Reno. I found this article in the Reno Gazette Journal which details all the future plans for J Resort. I can just see myself now sitting outside at the future Mountain View Amphitheater sipping drinks, looking at the mountains and listening to music. Aaahhh...

https://www.rgj.com/story/news/money/business/2023/03/07/j-resort-sands-regency-reno-hotel-casino-gets-a-new-name-rebranding/69978525007/

Thanks for the trip report and all the great photos!

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1599

Some really encouraging info in that report. For years I thought the Sands would be the next one to bite the dust. Glad to see that I was completely wrong. Wow! I stayed at the Sands many times over the years and I've a lot of good memories there - Some with my Mom. I remember her hugging one of the casino staff after she hit $400 on a slot machine he had recommended she try.

Zydeco · Joined: 03 Sep 2008 Posts: 302

Oh I love this TR and photos-photos-photos!

Seahawk, I drove thru the "Neon District" by the J. Interesting use of public art. That music space are is cool and I bet it revs up in the summer. Loved the neon so far.

My next building issue: The hotel formerly known as the Sundowner. That was another condo project gone bust, then the City appeaers to have bumbled the affordable housing project....it just sits empty....staring at the J. I'm sure Jacobs has his eye on it....

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1599

Thanks for the compliments on my trip report Zydeco! I've been missing Reno pretty badly already. A classic case of E.O.R.W.S. (Early Onset Reno Withdrawal Syndrome.)

I didn't know the old Sundowner was empty. Did a little googling and found lots of horror stories from people who did once rented there. Sound like Reno's city council was looking at it last year as an affordable housing project.

If you're wanting to attach any photos to your trip report, I can help.

alison · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 1152

Great rip report...much better than my last trip report. Lo.

I saw the Atlantis has recently remodelled rooms. Id be tempted to stay there again. Our last room there was so dated and dirty carpets. Im curious do they still have a live band playing on the stage in the casino. Thats one thing i miss about The Peppermill.

Im excited to see what the J looks like when completed. I was so suprised to see it had changed.

My next trip down probably wont be until October. Hoping it goes much smotther this time. 🙏