Simply The Best
Written: Jun 11 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Terrific food, great prices, away from the "busy end" of the strip
Cons: None, unless you count loss of money.
The Bottom Line: This is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Reno. Their resturants are superb!
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| JulAnn1217's Full Review: Peppermill Hotel/Casino |
When my husband and I went to Reno this past weekend our decision on where to stay was made for us by a travel agent. The Peppermill had an outstanding deal for bowlers in town for the Nationals and since most of our friends were staying there as well, we were hesitant to look elsewhere. I’m glad we didn’t.
I was very happy with my Peppermill experience and would definitely return again.
The Accommodations
We got a great deal, only $59 per night on a Friday and Saturday, but as mentioned before this was because of a special. Regular prices are $59-79 for weekdays and $109-129 for weekends. There are two buildings of rooms. The rooms in The Tower are directly connected to the hotel and therefore closer to the casino. Then there is a single strip of rooms located behind the casino where we stayed. They were just as nice, the only difference being The Tower rooms have a couch. Our friends stayed in The Tower, take my word for it, the rooms are not much different. The walk from our room to the casino was literally a few yards in a covered corridor so location is not a big factor.
The Casino
Or what I like to call, the place where I lost my shirt, shoes and underpants. The casino is one of the best I’ve seen since I was in Vegas. The bright lights and colors are very vivid (more so then any other casino on the strip). There are a variety of sports bars and entertainment mini lounges for your relaxing pleasure.
While they don’t run enough of them for my satisfaction, the roulette, poker and craps tables are clean, well run, centrally located and easy to find. There are an equal amount of nickel, quarter and dollar machines as well as electronic Keno and Poker machines.
Winning did not seem to be a familiar sight around The Peppermill. I rarely saw machines paying out. The roulette table was empty way too often (this says something in itself) and there were no cheers of happiness coming from the craps tables. Hubby and I gave them about $100 of our money but we have friends that lost a great deal more. Friends that usually make us sick because they never seem to lose. I’m sad for them, really I am.
Bottom line: For a casino that claims to have “30% more looser slots” I didn’t hear too many bells. Stick to the smaller casinos at the top of the strip. Or better yet…
The Pool
The Peppermill has the best pool of any casino I’ve yet to see. A two story high waterfall cascades over a huge Matterhorn style rocky cliff (all man-made of course). The waterfall goes into a three-foot deep pool but only the strong of heart (and preferably natives of Alaska) are encouraged to take a dip. The temperature is equivalent to the beach water in California. Chilly! I suppose it would feel great on those days where the temps climb past 100.
For those of us that prefer not to lose our breath upon jumping into a pool there is another larger, heated pool for general use. Plenty of lounge chairs, free beach towels, a fully equipped outdoor bar, and a large Jacuzzi are also some of the things you can experience when you visit the Peppermill’s pool area.
There is also a smaller, less crowded (and less dramatic) pool located by the back row of rooms I previously mentioned.
The Food
This is the reason (aside from the great price) that I will always return to the Peppermill. They have the best selection of restaurants in all of Reno.
From casual to elegant, the Peppermill has something for every taste. There is the Café Espresso for a quick cappuccino or breakfast muffin. The Coffee Shop was my favorite. Because they have so much variety (sandwiches to prime rib and lobster) it’s the place for young and old, picky eaters and connoisseurs alike. The food was delicious and affordable. They always have a wait during peak eating times but I didn’t see anybody wait longer then 15 minutes.
The Island Buffet has ambiance, great food and entertainment to boot. It showcases one of the biggest buffets I’ve ever seen. Organized by stations over a spacious floor plan, there are no lines that back up or trays that run low on food. The buffet is decorated with a rainforest theme and provides a quiet atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Some tables are placed next to cascading waterfalls that roll off tropical trees into a centralized pond. Every 20 minutes or so the rainforest “show” starts. Waterfalls are activated, tree branches sway to artificial breezes and tropical animals call out. This is a great place to take the kids!
Finally, there are the more upscale restaurants. Ramanza features the best in Italian cuisine. The Steakhouse is a meat eaters delight and features Rack of Lamb, Salmon, Veal and Porterhouse Steaks. We had reservations to eat here one night for dinner but upon seeing the prices turned around and walked the other way! Most plates will run you $30 and up. We got equally satisfying food at the Coffee Shop. Finally, there is the White Orchid. This is your special occasion restaurant. Since my group of friends had already picked our expensive dinner out at the Atlantis hotel, we didn’t get a chance to try this 5-course American contemporary cuisine. A quick look at the in-room menu told me that their specialties included prime rib, Maine lobster and sea bass.
The Service
Check in was fairly slow but there were quite a few guests in line. The reservation specialist was friendly and helpful. Valet parking was fast and courteous. Maid service was outstanding. They gave me all the extra towels I wanted without even batting an eyelash. The dealers and runners were…well dealers and runners. Quiet, curt and unhelpful for the most part. The Keno runners in all the restaurants were very friendly and attentive, however.
Check out was fast. We used the video check out in our room. I just love this feature!
Overall Recommendation
Skip the busy end of the strip and go straight to the Peppermill. They have a wide variety of restaurants, clean, spacious rooms, great service and a fantastic pool area. As for the gambling portion I recommend trying your hand elsewhere. If all else fails and your down to the change under your carseats, there are penny machines on the second floor of the casino.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
JulAnn1217
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Location: Elk Grove, CA
Reviews written: 61
Trusted by: 27 members
About Me:
Mom of one 11 year old son, married 13 years, love animals, dancing and music.
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