I had some work out in San Francisco this week so I managed to
organize myself a couple of free days in Reno before my meetings.
Landed in SFO 8pm Sunday night and drove to Sacramento where I stayed
the night (on East coast time, plus my company was paying for
accommodations).
Next morning I headed to the Peppermill for 2 nights. Got an offer
for 2 nights comped and $25 freeplay on my first Peppermill visit
where I played only $1700 in one hour on the 50c Deuces (won a quick
$700 and left!). This time around I was going to establish myself.
HOTEL
Very unimpressive hotel check in area. A bit of a letdown after all
the amazing Vegas checkin's. Room was on the 10th floor in the tower
with a pool/mountain view. Room was very tidy but it did SCREAM 70's
to me! I liked it, in a throwback kind of way, but I am glad they are
building a new tower with Tuscan style rooms.
CASINO
I wasn't sure if all the neon in the casino was going to be garish,
but I really liked it. It is over the top, but I thought it worked.
The casino is hard to get around, lots of turns and nooks and
crannies. The mirrors on the ways don't help either. It took me half
a day before I could find my way around. Overall smoke factor was
pretty small. Music varied from area to area and overall it heavy on
country and oldies (not my favorites). I liked playing here.
RESTAURANTS
I ate at the buffet for lunch and dinner. They kept announcing that
it was voted Reno's best. I sure hope for Reno's sake that, whoever
they were, were wrong! It was adequate at best. It was cheap though
(in price and quality). Didn't like the cafeteria style table
seating. I wouldn't eat here very often. I'd rate this a C.
I had breakfast at the Coffee shop twice. Prices were a little high
but quality was good. I would give this a B-.
I ate twice at Oceano. I liked this place! Pan roasts were very good
(although I think Atlantis Sky terrace were better). Pacifico
sandwich was also top rate. Atmosphere was neat with all the neon
wild life hanging from the ceiling. Sushi was fresh and well
presented. Prices were a little high, but so was quality. I would
rate this a B+.
GAMBLING
I stunk! Here is the breakdown of games, hours and results:
50c FPDW 6 hours -$300
10/6 DDB 5c 5-Play MS 6 hours -$500
50c 9/6 JoB Prog 2 hours +$100
$4 Video Blackjack 1 hour -$200
Total action was $28,000 over 2 solid days of gambling. Made $35 on
my freeplay and another $15 from Mr Money's challenge for a total loss
of $850 or about 3%. No royals, one set of deuces, no Aces with
kickers. Sigh...
Enjoyed the trip a lot (despite results). Hope the bounce back makes
it worth my while to return.
Cheers