ELDORADO RESORTS, RENO
Comparing Reno’s Eldorado Resorts to a three-ring circus is easy. The three bustling casino hotels, totaling more than 4,000 guest rooms, brim with dingdinging games — one resort is even called Circus Circus. And thanks to an ongoing $50 million renovation that includes new dining, entertainment and room decor, Eldorado Resorts also resemble Cirque du Soleil: whimsical artistry masking concentrated effort.
Setting: The pink-neon-lined Eldorado casino hotel connects with dome-topped Silver Legacy and striperoofed Circus Circus along eight city blocks in rapidly gentrifying (though still with a way to go) downtown Reno.
The appeal: To all ages, and potentially all tastes. In addition to sleeker, higher-end furnishings in surprisingly quiet guest rooms, the Eldorado boasts a handsomely updated theater; it hosts a Cirque du Soleil spinoff, the thrilling (and mildly racy) “Cirque Le Noir,” through Aug. 27. After the show, sample a margarita at the new, mountain-view El Jefe’s Mexican Cantina in Circus Circus, home to free circus acts and a remodeled midway. Millies24, the Eldorado’s new 24-hour coffee shop and bakery, perks up patrons with customroasted coffee and house-made pastries.
Insider’s tips: For casual dining, don’t miss Habit Burger in Circus Circus’ new food court or Canter’s Deli — the only outpost outside of Los Angeles and Las Vegas — next to Silver Legacy’s new Poker Room. For more tranquil, top-notch dining, reserve a table at Eldorado’s La Strada, justly famed for its mushroom ravioli in a creamy porcini sauce and other classic, handcrafted Italian fare.
Good to know: Not all rooms have been renovated yet, but the website makes it clear which you’re booking. The daily $18 resort fee includes Wi-Fi for two devices, valet parking, airport shuttle and swimming pool access (May-October), among other items.
Details: 345 N. Virginia St., Reno. (775) 786-5700, (800) 879-8879, www.eldoradoreno.com. Renovated rooms from $96 weekdays, $216 weekends, including taxes and fees.