Visitreno

NealDeal · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 24

Hey everyone I am brand new to this board. I have been reading for a couple of weeks now, but just signed up for an account. I've been reading about how people are getting rooms at the Sand's on a regular basis for like 29.99 a night. My buddies and I are going down for March Madness this year. We usually stay at the Fitzgerald's, but now were trying to find something else cheap. Can anyone help me out on that. Also does anyone know of any other Hotels that offer the drink badges like Fitzgerald's did?

remano · Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 717

Sorry, I can't help you with the Sands. They're owned by Terrible Herbst Corporation, which is in pretty bad financial shape right now so they might be desparate for the cash flow by March. You might be able to just call them and negotiate a "package deal" if you and your buddies are going to need more than two or three rooms.

Another possibility is Club Cal-Neva. Right now their marquee announces a 2 for 1 steak dinner for Fitzgerald's club card holders so they seem to be going after former Fitz regulars. Maybe if you mention the steak deal and ask if they have a similar promotion for rooms for those who used to stay at Fitz's they might come up with a deal. Cal Neva is a bit run down and the hotel tower is across the street from the casino, but the sports book is large and well suited for watching the March Madness games and it's the low roller's place in downtown.

I haven't seen any other place that has the drink badges like Fitzgerald's used to have, but that just means I haven't seen any. Maybe somebody else knows of someplace. If they exist, they're usually associated with some special event like a slot tournament that you have to enter to get the badge.

NealDeal · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 24

Hey thanks for the advice, we have been going down for March Madness for 3 years and we always bet on the games at Cal Neva. So that is also a possibility.

Dave · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 212

Hey Neal,
What a great time of the year to go to Reno! My buddies and I have been going down to Reno for March Madness for 14 years now. We have stayed at the Sands all but one year and love it there. We like it because we always get a good deal there and it is easy to make bets at their sports book before we head out to watch the games. Much shorter lines then most of the other Sports books. Like Remano said the Cal Neva I am sure would be great as well but the Sands is where we go. Hope you have a great time! Pretty hard not to! Mustang Mike I am sure will let you know where he stays as he goes down for the Tourney as well. Best of luck.
Also love to go to Mel's Diner for a good meal.

Smile

mustangmike · Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 76

Mustangmike here, and we'll be going to Reno For March Madness again ths year, going on year 11 staight for us. In the past we have stayed and bet at Cal Neva, mainly because they are generous with the drink coupons when betting, though it has been getting progressively worst each year, and it walking, or more truthfully staggering distance for a "AweFul AweFul" burger at the Nugget. I haven't booked a room yet, I checked Cal Neva's website, but they seem to have caught on to the March Madness thing, and are charging $54 for Thurs, and $94 for Fri. This is pretty steep for the room you get. I am going to look some more before deciding. We recently signed up for a Peppermill players card, and they have been sending us some good room deals, we might move there this year. I'll let you know if I find "a deal"

Mike

hawk · Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 508

What are the specific dates for this?
Is this the weekend of the Monday finals?

mustangmike · Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 76

The tourament starts on Thurs. 3/19/09. We usually go to Reno for the first 2 rounds which are Thursday through Sunday 3/22/09.

NealDeal · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 24

well I think I found the deal I was looking for, I found the Sand's for $31 a night on a site called Easy Click Travel. Do any of you know of this site, just wondering if you heard if it is legit. You can only book online there is no number to call???

mustangmike · Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 76

I like the price, but am leary of dealing with a website I don't know. It would suck to get to Reno and find out that you don't have a reservation. I've booked with some lesser know sites before, and when I call the hotel to verify the reservation, they have told me that these third party reservations aren't transfered till the day before. Whether that's how they all work, I don't know. Plus, what is the cancellation policy.

I spent some time this weekend looking, and this is the best I found. Harrah's east tower Thurs- $49 and Fri- $89 (Their website) The Sands was Thurs $25 Fri $49 (gotorenotahoe.com) or Thurs $29 Fri $69 (Their website) I was hoping to find a low rate at the Peppermill, but for some reason their rates are a lot higher that week, maybe a slot tourney or spring break. I'm still looking, let me know what other find.

Mike

Bama · Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 89

Dave - Are you not going this year?

If so no excuses we need to meet up!

Ben

Roll Tide

Bama · Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 89

Were flying so best deal was a package deal. Used alaska air - if you use vacation packages and put "happy25" in the promotion code box you get $50 off.
We paid $254 each for 3 nights hotel arriving Wed leaving Sat and Air. Not bad. Oh - that is at El Dorado

NealDeal · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 24

Hey mustangmike, I found out why the peppermill's rates are so high that weekend. They are the host hotel for the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Expo Trade Show. From what I saw it is supposed to be a really big convention. Just another reason to hurry and book rooms!

Mammothgambler · Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 619

NealDeal

welcome to the board! I've also used that easy click site and haven't had any problems - be sure to ask for a room in the Empress Tower (right above the casino) as they seem to be a bit larger and some even have balconies with sliding glass doors. Not sure what your final rate is with the travel site but I'd periodically check on the sands' main website as they constantly seem to be changing their internet specials (they have one right now for $22/nite in January).

Once you get there, definitely get a card. Haven't had too much luck on past trips but the offers will start rolling in, they were running $14 weekday rates in December. It's one of the few places in Reno where you don't have to play alot to get offers rolling in.

Oh yeah, and definitely try Mel's diner!

Mammothgambler

NealDeal · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 24

Mammothgambler

Hey thanks for the info on the Sand's. And really appreciate the info on Easy Click, that's puts my mind a little more at ease. It is scary sometimes booking with a place you have never heard of. Thanks again.

mustangmike · Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 76

I decided to book my room for March Madness at the Sand's, mainly due to the price. I called the Sands and was told by the reservation person that they are in the process of redoing their reservation system, and she recommended I wait till next month to book my room. That seems pretty odd to me. What do you think?

Neal, thanks for finding that info on the Peppermill. Just for fun, I tried to book a room like I was a convention attendee through the Hearth and Home website, and was given a $160 rate for Thursday night, what a ripoff.

The current plan is to sign up for a players card at the Sand's when we go to Reno for the Super Bowl, and hope thet send me a room offer in the mail by March.