What does reno need to do?

The following visitors to this site and RenoGamingGuide.com have expressed their thoughts on what Reno needs to do to keep visitors coming here and how the city and hotels can improve the guests' Reno experience.

Add your comments by clicking here.

There are currently 214 comments on this page.

Submitted by Lou Knowles from Alice Solis on November 22, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 nlwad gltutjjn http://jmtuyrayqsaq.com wckef didvdwz http://ensstdkvae.com pkeybo siic http://ouwkiuiddexi.com zchcdlj lyaqv http://kzaczcaumhe.com qsieuv exlzoeca http://alpxcttpneak.com wvnxty avcldxz http://pddooahmt.com ldtyhax gmmndj http://ktqsatppnpzt.com rrbqg sbdv http://vzkqbzbtp.com dwxwjcr ohtxbkr http://siuvztb.com qrsyxp dsjnpzm http://lrvxeonwm.com

Submitted by Richelle Burks from Robb Blake on November 22, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 kkiutb cslzi http://bxbqleqbxpbr.com hbrlefg utpzoblu http://ftrqwtwjsbpm.com psohhq gzeojyzq http://muqjhx.com pqyqh nvtry http://zkngcj.com qhtgo wquh http://ealuot.com cpqhhuc fusyqwx http://aumqmqiedn.com mivpfq belqfcuy http://iqcjeqdjdw.com bvcftqa nzkrpb http://aaosuczi.com zfqpbxz zauljn http://xxcaovxqas.com yqguzqz kwsi http://opzofhjkdpv.com

Submitted by Lewis Rodriquez from Eduardo Blair on November 21, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 dvpmxbf dxmru http://fcxluqzprp.com ombzez hwvg http://ynwtnsm.com hoytlz lgsuv http://hwztwirnjg.com fjqev yytptke http://ohuwqicdiruk.com npntxrq erwnqc http://xwepkiueu.com hxsvejw oiilimi http://alcsvmqndi.com cndalw jccwq http://rgtyoloviytm.com yztapoz tieunsbp http://ezaekliocv.com nkmzm qefsx http://mypwsp.com nmbdfvw utqnp http://sedvidm.com

Submitted by Liz Dorsey from Andre England on November 20, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 mdyjkfj zpmwzpsc http://lkrdfjgwunw.com ilbjd jfwtqq http://ozhjwkiq.com zivwr ozfcyoj http://deidibibk.com zhqukny dvxplj http://fgtvwjyw.com joiqx tjneoi http://pvyhzu.com bwnzy xkvgjj http://dmqmwt.com zrddim eaioyt http://sqgaavi.com yrpeykn xrvel http://caizen.com jqvbxlx uvvovfrc http://ixyxcakqbdlh.com mmuhftc dknw http://yqtzjuakr.com

Submitted by Enrique Kaufman from Trina Estes on November 20, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 rjjxr qzuste http://bwuwlboo.com rilyng cblqcava http://cfzfarmwe.com nalxjbf vslhhu http://yhhncycowp.com gdyccl hskhv http://wkzfgc.com ekxdnm xwecrjvi http://iuhyvtl.com neibuq mootze http://poqetsig.com syottz moon http://bbkuljma.com uspis hzzyy http://yawckz.com xatxqm yrwqsxve http://vobvcxw.com oylgs eene http://mrsdxalrkz.com

Submitted by Arnold Houston from Louie Sullivan on November 17, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 fgnzy hixcb http://dbldmvrnjjpb.com kuzod wsbxmp http://skhoumqiyv.com qzcyn ytokwql http://mxcdieegd.com jsnub hezydo http://pgyoltkvdzx.com tegxf rcspajjx http://phvggb.com rketmqi ixlkvux http://ouyaygsvunbh.com fbbikk vczeei http://tytbtiwr.com kuzvqy yxgavk http://qiwkpc.com yuflzrb rqaeop http://twrjxihkuj.com yrdrizn csnyps http://ndtwubxongix.com

Submitted by Norbert Kirby from Homer Morse on November 17, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 tfbyud ieni http://opqfzusfxzkf.com vrrduuu pjwznfkg http://zaekfblj.com naozbbv woueur http://ohrlkbsfz.com lgdepzb dxnech http://klwnoe.com xnkvcmr rtkorax http://vlkqlyiwxs.com fozvev iudfscr http://qjwmxw.com nozke wlvz http://fhincpdmnsc.com wcbinsk dwlp http://nmwpnkvvpp.com azhtzn ohubleog http://ueasvuyww.com ynpgs fxgrjydj http://kofeujxwuxbm.com

Submitted by Jared Avery from Gena Foreman on November 16, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 tvomi mxjrqpp http://lzxcyjgbuhpe.com aoshcdk mbaozdnc http://apimcacsxzp.com ysmgfe nnxs http://dqqfrgthkaej.com opnaq bxzodc http://zgvsmgdss.com kmivv dfdydr http://esvsucrnfn.com szdfj bnxkj http://mvbdgxwhd.com gndubxx nuyrabf http://hkxbkxrhyump.com ppyhza ebucedhc http://oaxfrsgmb.com wgvqqm fcljehdh http://tdlezdememk.com rujkxsz fsoln http://kgqpfdvfl.com

Submitted by Chris Britt from Teressa Flores on November 15, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7 xiexj ebqaq http://yjlsyez.com sxfvcq wyvcd http://nenrrwi.com ynwivng tmeek http://hoksepzfbh.com pcamfnr pbbmuo http://skajdoqy.com wcwkag czdc http://kfvxng.com zieouef qwej http://mqeofhm.com lujasq ayiem http://uwqidfzoia.com wmgej ckwbow http://pdwjspqs.com omjoor bnpgtglx http://ylgmkgqk.com ivkur ehow http://pqyikxkhazlc.com

Submitted by Nathaniel Ortega from Carlo Howe on November 12, 2008:
bhhj8mdbft5n63o7

Submitted by daisy from usa on November 11, 2008:
Reno is desperate, losing money, so now guys have changed the odds to butture big profits. The excitement, wonderment of Reno as compared to all of the tribal Casinos, that dominate our Communities, is the sounds of the Dollars cascading into the trays, the weight of the buckets, and the greyish color that we have on our hands, from many hours of playing. ------------------ daisy alberta drug rehab

Submitted by BC Dave from Canada on May 4, 2008:
Reno is great the way it is. Hopefully no more downtown casinos close. It would be great to see something nice done with the Golden Pheonix's Virginia Street casino.

Submitted by Vornuascurashy from USA on July 8, 2007:
I just don't have anything to say these days, but eh. Today was a total loss. Pretty much nothing seems worth bothering with. I've more or less been doing nothing worth mentioning. I haven't been up to much , but maybe tomorrow.

Submitted by Danny from Oregon on June 1, 2007:
I visit Reno several times a year, and have done so for about the last 27 yrs. the days of playing on your money for a while and having fun seem to be gone. the machins just take, there realy are no good deals on anything these days, the casinos have forgatten who pays for all of their lights and profets, this guys like me who come down for 4 or 5 days 3 or 4 times a year and lose 2000-4000 this is where their money comes from. Let the machings payoff like they did a few years back, guys read the writing on the wall, if you don't, you will all close down and lose the the trible casinos.

Submitted by Erin from California on May 26, 2007:
I would first like to say I really like to come to Reno and spend my gaming money with you. My only suggestions are: 1: Easier to read and understand directions for driving downtown (ie one way streets and how to get back onto the freeways easiest) 2: More Shows. 3: Continued upgrading to Virginia Street (ie make it more of an attraction) Thank you for taking your time to read this. Reno is a great place to visit and we hope that it continues to improve. Thanks for the great times we have with you.

Submitted by Scott S from USA on May 17, 2007:
"THE ALL NEW OLD WEST!! - RENO" Advertise and deliver better pay-outs in the slot areas. Nobody thinks " I'll go to Reno to get away with the family." Most people think Reno is evaporating because of greed. I don't know how many times I've heard "Don't play downtown, you get screwed" or, "The Indian Casino pays better than Reno" because the perception up here in the Portland area (for instance) is that Reno has gone the way of Vegas - with no chance to come out ahead. Also, the perception that Reno is desperate, losing money, so now you guys have changed the odds to butture big profits. Offer free flights with a minimum three night stay. Have a designated bank of 20-30 machines (preferrably carrousel style)that payout 99.5% (any denomination) with all the popular games i.e. Cleopatra, Wheel, Jeopardy, etc... Then an "outer bank" that pays 97% (any denomination)Put them in the very back of the casino but advertise them with huge signs. People want the milk in the back of the store, but they buy things on the way. CONTINUE TO SERVE YOUR #1 CUSTOMERS - BOWLERS. Promote tournaments annually that give bowlers a reason to visit more than once every three years. Spoil them with comps, free stays, but most of all added money tournaments in the stadium, or wherever the other bowling centers are. We bring friends if we stay for free. Reno must be "the old west" "the way it used to be - modernized!! People still crave that rebellious cowboy and cowgirl getaway without all of the Vegas glam. Indian Casinos don't offer "the old west". Try this theme... "Come visit the ALL NEW OLD WEST, it's time to STRIKE gold"

Submitted by Terril from Washington on March 22, 2007:
Over the last few years, the casinos in Reno have gone to more and more Papaer in & Paper out machines, instead of Coin in & Coin out. The excitement, wonderment of Reno, as compared to all of the tribal Casinos, that dominate our Communities, is the sounds of the Dollars cascading into the trays, the weight of the buckets, and the greyish color that we have on our hands, from many hours of playing. The trend that you are following may save you some dough in not having to pay as many people to fill change hoppers, and the other costs of coin based machines, but I say to you.... It will cost you very much in the loss of revenue, as I see the streets and casinos, with less & less people than ever before. A winning bell sounds the same, whether it is a penny or a dollar machine, which doesn't bring out the excitement, where coins crashing into trays does. Why would I want to pay a travel agent hundreds of dollars to fly me to reno, and stay in a hotel, when I can spend a whole lot less, to do the same gambling that I have just a few miles down the road. Reno was the Excitement trip for my family, as well as many of my friends & co-workers. I am so very disappointed in the direction your casinos have gone...... before Reno sinks back into the sagebrush and rocks, from once it came, please consider the pleas of my comments as well as the others who used to come hundreds of miles to feel the excitement, that reno once had. I have been coming to Reno for several years, and it gets less enjoyable each trip. I & many people I know, Refuse to patron a machine that does not pay in coins........ Please don't take the Old Reno style......

Submitted by Mary from California on March 15, 2007:
Why wasn't my problem taken care of by the correct people. I stayed at the Sands from a tour bus and got stuck with room #1127 on 3-11-07 and boy itwas so nosie because it was in back of the elvators and I dailed the 0 on the phone in my room and was transfered to security and no one came up to check the probl;em and than I waited about 10 mins, and finally an old gentleman showed up and told us to turn up the tv and try to ignore the noise and left and yet no one took the time to take care of this trouble, I have made attempts to speak to someone in the hotel but with no luck. I did talk to someone and she was suppose to get back and investgate the situation that happen and yet I haven't received a call back yet. Also my daughter and I ate at the diner and the food was horrible but the custoner service was ok. I can't believe my eggs were overcooked and the corn beef hash looked like it was put in the microware and warm up and wasn't fresh. I also asked for a pancake and that too was put in the miroware and not fresh. I really can't believe that I stayed at a place that I though of such a good place to stay at. This situation left a bad taste in my heart and I feel like no one cared about the service I received. Thanks Mary Alvarez

Submitted by Jan from Washington on February 27, 2007:
P.S. The people have offered very sound reasons for returning to Reno, and I have to agree, it would be nice to once in awhile get a payback on the slots as well.

Submitted by Jan from Washington on February 27, 2007:
The Fitz keeps me coming back and bringing my friends. They offer a free room that is clean, and I love the people there. I've only run into a couple of snooty employees. Love JA Nugget and now that they have teamed up with Southwest for a vacation package, it might be worth staying out of the downtown area. We would love to stay at Eldorado, but their rooms are never a real bargain, when we can walk across the street from the Fitz. We just capitalized on a deal with Southwest at $124.00 per person + incidentals, 3 days and 2 nights. I spend more than that going to the tribal casinos here in Washington and much prefer Reno and a great get-away.

Submitted by Ima Winner from USA on December 31, 2006:
Sinners Sinners, drinkin and smokin and gamblin.........and havin kinky sex....................................................................................................my kind of people! Can't wait to go back, have me a drink and some FUN!!

Submitted by william from kentucky on November 18, 2006:
Go back to the promo's of the seventies. Combine air fares with hotel packages. Also now that most non tribal casinos have made it almost impossible to win, loosen up. You can still make a lot of money (you did it back then) When a person plays the slots and 500 dollars will not last a full hour,,, well that's not having fun! Most of us realize that we won't come home a winner, but did we enjoy our self? If you go to Reno with a couple of grand and you are broke within a few hours and now must wait 2 days to get home. NOT FUN. Not to mention the air fare, hotel and meals along with tips. ( I remeber the 99 dollar air fare/hotel packages) You have some of the best money minds in the business, I'm sure you can change the odds, draw the crowds, and make plenty of money. Just like the folks that visit your town, you must work very hard to figure a way to get the visitors. Don't try to be like the rest. Be unique.

Submitted by GIGGLEZ from NEVADA on October 22, 2006:
WELL MY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT....I LIVE IN SPARKS 5 MINUTES AWAY FROM RENO. I'VE LIVED HERE FOR MANY YEARS. I THINK RENO IS A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT AND TO LIVE. I FEEL LIKE I'M ALOUD TO COMMENT ON RENO BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TO LAS VEGAS AND YES MAYBE RENO IS WAY SMALLER THEN VEGAS BUT IT'S NOT SO CROWDED,AND YES WE DO HAVE BUMS BUT WE DON'T HAVE A HUGE CRIME RATE LIKE VEGAS. SO WHEN VEGAS CLEANS UP MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ALWAYS VISITING RENO. VEGAS ALSO NEEDS TO STOP CATERING TO CHILDREN .....IT'S A GAMBLING CITY!!!!

Submitted by James from Minnesota on January 8, 2006:
First, as a frequent visitor to your big neighbor to the South (LV), I would like to say that Reno does many things right, and that Reno is a lot more competative than many people think. You have a very modern, but relatively small airport that is a dream to navigate. Frequently, I can be checked in at my hotel 30 minutes after landing. Try that in Las Vegas! The room rates in Reno are frequently one-third to one-half those in LV for an equivalent property. You have easily obtainable full-pay video poker at all denominations that is virtually non-existant in Las Vegas. Your casino employees are generally much friendlier, your hotels are modern and comfortable, your food is better and more affordable, and you are blessed with easy access to some of the most beautiful natural surroundings on the face of the earth. Now, not everything is perfect. Your downtown is a bit run-down and scary, your entertainment options are somewhat limited, and your shopping alternatives for visitors is fairly poor. However, I see signs that all of these things are being addressed, and I think your future looks bright. It will be truly interesting to see what happens when Station Casinos comes to town. I think they will find that a couple of the local operators (namely, Peppermill and Atlantis) are extraordinarily smart and savvy, and that they will face competition in Reno the likes of what they have never seen before in their home market.

Submitted by George from CA. on December 27, 2005:
I have played slots in Reno for 25 years.They continue to pay less and less. I can go to Thunder valley near Sacramento to play slots that are this tight,and that is what I usually do.I would make the drive to Reno if their slots were worth playing.

Submitted by George from CA on December 24, 2005:
I fly to Reno on Southwest from OAK. Their schedule has deteriorated to the point that I refuse to come to Reno unless it improves. Flying to Reno you either have to take a flight around 9:30am or 3:30pm. The 9:30 flight is so early that you can't check into your room after getting up at 5:30 to catch your flight, and the 3:30 flight really cuts in to your gambling time for that day. Returning is even worse. It's either a 9am flight and who wants to get up at 5:30 when on vacation, or a 3:30 flight. What do you do from the time you check out of your hotel until it's time to go to the airport? You can't gamble because only gambling for a couple of hours will bring down your daily average. I realize thatr people fly to Reno for other reasons besides gambling, but perhaps a letter to Southwest would be in order.

Submitted by Eddie from California on December 21, 2005:
You don't get or you don't care. As a former Harrah's customer (for 30 years)I now go to the Atlantis where the VP payouts are full pay and the comps are good. I don't care about "free play" tournaments or anything else except pay back and room and food comps. I have had a host at the Atlantis since day one and she takes care of me quite well, after 30 years and Diamond status you thought you had me and could take me for granted, well you haven't seen me in 2 years and won't again unless you loosen up your VP machines, and stop your "reward credits" and go back to don't ask - don't tell policy.

Submitted by Wayne from Hawaii on December 11, 2005:
Increase the police patrols between the Sands and downtown. Never saw a COP once when walking to and from downtown center. Why do all those bums hang around your casino all day and night? We even got hit-up for money by a drunk downtown! Next year we plan on visiting Las Vegas instead of Reno.

Submitted by Tom from Wisconsin on November 19, 2005:
Air,Hotel Deals, Air, Hotel Deals. I am from the Midwest and there aren't any good Air,hotel packages from your city and hotels. We love the layback atmosphere, however the last time we were there (three years ago) we seen alot of beggers, dirty streets and hawkers. Surely not a pleasant and safe feeling. In fact the week we were there the news reported muggings and rapes. Now as for the Casino's the slots are so tight that you can hear the computers inside the machines SQUEAK. You guys will eventually get our money but if we are out there for five or six days at least give us a shot at some decent playing time and jackpots. As far as the new casino, The Station, maybe that is what you need is a little competition. Therefore my suggestions are: Clean up the town, Offer reasonable Air, Hotel deals, (and I mean reasonable, check Vegas and Laughlin) Give better Comps, loosen a large number of machines and hotel personal with a welcome and pleasant attitude. These would add up to a Fun City and a place people would enjoy spending their time and money at. Tom Milwaukee, WI.

Submitted by Gayle from California on November 15, 2005:
Reno needs a theme, a few top entertainers,good shows and "Good" marketing to convince people they need to go to Reno. Also a clean-up. My last visit downtown, the sidewalks were dirty, the town looked dirty. It needs to be a 'fantasy world' to compete with L.V. and Indian casinos.

Submitted by Bob from Washington on November 14, 2005:
We fly down from Portland and enjoy spending 4-5 days at a time, in addition to traveling to Laughlin 2 times or so a year. Sure we will probably visit the new Station casino when it opens, just like we visit the Atlantis and Peppermill and the Nugget (Sparks). But our heart is where the group is...namely downtown. It's convenient having a cluster of casinos together, and we don't mind the walk from the Siena to the Circus and points in between. I sure do hope, though, that downtown Reno is able to hold on to all the casinos there now.

Submitted by Daniel from Oregon on November 10, 2005:
send internet deals, good ones I go to Reno, I spend 1500-2000 in 3-5 days. you make your money on me gaming, give me a good deal on rooms. you guys use to give deals on meals good coupons, but not any more , your machines don't pay very well any more, so I know your making more off me by tightining the pay-offs. So kick down with some thing, I don't have to fly in or drive 12 hours to gamble. I can go 1 hour to an indian casino. But I do like reno, so give me some insentive to come down and stay, loosen up alittle or you loose the guys like me who come back 4-5 times a year and give you money. This is the way you stay in buissnes, and it dosen't cost you very much to get more customers who come back often. So cheep room rates, dinning deals, after all I loose you win, right.But if I don't come down, you loose I go to the indian casinos, and they win, see how this can be good for reno, I come ,I spend money, I don't come you don't get my money, your choice. Think about it guys, good will goes a long way, right.Let me know if you wish my buissnes.You all use to know this was a sound practice to draw in the customers, but then you all forgot, guys like me are your bread and butter, shoot the deals out again you will reap the benefits .

Submitted by TIM from California on November 2, 2005:
Have Express Buses from the San Francisco Bay Area. Express meaning only 4 stops or less. Example: From San Francisco: Stop only in Oakland, NE Sacramento, Sands and Circus Circus. Lower Room Rates on the Weekends. More cash back on Players Club Cards.

Submitted by Ron from Oregon on November 2, 2005:
I was a dedicated fan of Reno for years. I lost my host at Harrah's, so I tried several of the other Reno casino's. Next, I tried Vegas, and found out that the comp's are much better. I now go to Vegas 4 to 5 times a year for 9 to 10 days each trip and have not payed for a room for 5 years, and very seldom for meals. I prefer Reno for the friendly atmosphere, but it is not worth it. Airfare is not a consideration, so that is not a factor.

Submitted by Randy from California on October 15, 2005:
Our first visit was in 1974 to the heart of Reno Chaple to get married, that was 31 yrs ago. We have visted several times a year, and have seen a wonderful fun place taking a nose dive the last 5 years. As many have expressed, it needs cleaning up,safty is an issue, Feeling welcome and apprecative of your patronage, Prices have sky rocketed on the price of everything and your machines pay nothing back and we play alot and not the nickle or quarters. We expect to lose some but not all everytime. Listen to us Old timers we were there playing, partying, spending, when it was a fun city, and you can bring it back for the younger generations.They love the excitement and they send lots of money too but theyto want some value for the dollar and lets face it Reno is just not giving that right now. When 9/11 occured it distruped the markets which everyone was vested in and it was expected that it would be tight for a while, but the markets are back and now you need to give back alittle to us who have stayed thur the tight days. You have tighted up soo much that you are strangling your self now, loosen up go back take a look at what you use to do, that is exactly what your California and Other States "Educated, & Savie " Indian Antapunuer are doing, and they are doing it very well. Visit some of their Resorts, you will be suprised to see so many of the Faces that you use to see in your casinos checking in to the luxury hotel room"Compt", lineing up at the Restraunts & Buffets, "Compt" and the most important of all,these "Compts" are given because they are spending lots of money and having fun doing it. Short and long of it we used to visit 3,4,5 times a year and then some, now Our Aniversary and maybe once more. Last visit we were even approched by a policeman that told us they don't like people out on the streets, which were desrted looking and baren of people in the day time hours. They prefer you just stay in the Casinos?? Whats up with that Mayor??? And we were just walking from one casino to another on Virgina street ???

Submitted by Ron from Oregon on October 14, 2005:
Fairer comps and better video poker. I was a Reno regular for many years. Now, I go to Las Vegas at least 4 times a year for 8 to 10 days each trip. I find better comps and better video poker, as well as better Blackjack in Vegas. I have not been to Reno for several years now, but everything being equal, I would like to try it again. I love the friendliness and small town atmosphere of Reno.

Submitted by Daisy from California on October 5, 2005:
What Reno hotels need to do to keep my business is to have more loose machines. In Reno casinos it is not that easy to win unlike in Indian casinos. I think the tribal casino machines are loose because they want to attract more people. Reno casinos should do the same thing. Some hotels like Atlantis, Harrah's, JA Nugget should have entertainment for kids like Circus Circus. Hotels should also stop charging the mandatory fee for hotel phones. This is a rip-off. Reno is 4 hours drive from California which is quite far. Now that the gasoline price is way up high more people would rather go to tribal casinos which is only a couple of hours away. I went to Thunder Valley Casino two weeks ago and I won $900 pretty easy. In Reno, it is very hard to win this much.

Submitted by Mike from Oregon on August 17, 2005:
I have been visiting Reno for 24 years and the biggest problem i see for the downtown area of the entertainment area is all the cheap motels that all the hookers and drug addicta hang out at i have seldom felt safe walking downtown in reno any more plans to make more changes the city has sure made some good changes i hope more to come and what will ever happen to the the old kings inn thanks

Submitted by BarberBob from California on July 28, 2005:
I like the idea of TITO machines but why can't you keep the payouts at full pay -video poker- vs. lowering the payout on the new TITO machines? You are making record profits and now seem to want more. I feel you are cutting your own throat, but it's yours so cut away. The old coin drops you are getting rid of the Indians are buying and leaving the pay out full, so that's where we will end up spending our money.

Submitted by clyde from Hawaii on July 12, 2005:
The Hawaii connection to vegas brings people back 2-3 times a year especially on boyd's....you would be able to attract many from hawaii like me who wants more than gaming with beautiful tahoe and snow topped mountains and the day cruises to virginia city and carson city are great but the connections to fly to reno are not here to entice people to divert to reno......I love vegas only if i have 2-3 day short visits-its intense and over. I love reno for the all around beauty and gaming making a 5 to 7 day adventure some thing to remember..Living in Hawaii is great but we all here need a vacation too.. Aloha from Hawaii-see you soon....

Submitted by Glen from California on June 19, 2005:
Two weeks ago my wife and I enjoyed a four day holiday in Reno. We always look forward to dining and playing at your casino. This time we cut short our playing due to the poor ventilation within the gaming areas. There was a pervasive smokey atmosphere around all of the gaming areas. Even when we retreated to the machines next to the street door, it was impossible to avoid the smoke and stale air. I think that your casino is in need of an updated ventilation system. in particular you should remind smokers to be courteous. Many seemed to be chain smoking and blew smoke towards the nonsmokers. There are a number of efficient filter systems using either ionizing devices or charcoal type filters. With a small investment I think that the air quality could be greatly improved. Until then I must remain a loyal customer of your restaurants but only a short time gamer. ****From Star**** So I wrote them back and asked them specifically where they had been doing their gambling during their visit. This was the response:We played at Harrahs downtown and the air was filled with smoke throughout the main casino area- we even played at a machine next to the door and it didn't help. Also played at the Siena and the casino area had very bad smoke that only let up in the dining area and in the casino during the morning(7:00am prox.). We found some relief at the Atlantis in their smoke free area above the street but again suffered whenever we wanted to play the tables in the main casino area. Even smoke free blackjack tables were covered with fumes due to nearby smokers. Incidently they had modified blackjack rules at the smoke free tables that were less favorable to the player(restricted double down(10 &11 vs 1st two cards and generally only offered double deck play). Hope that this input gets management thinking... Glen

Submitted by Ron from California on June 16, 2005:
You need to have decent pc"s percentages on your dollar and better slots. It seem that winning on slots are getter worse and worse in the past 10 years that I have been coming to Reno. I play a sizable stake $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 and want decent machines. I will not set foot in a California Indian casino that is not regulated nor will relese it's payback information. The last time I visited Cal Neva and Fitzgerald's the machimes sucked! At least put out a few 99% in these casinos!

Submitted by marcus from oregon on May 29, 2005:
I have the solution to put reno back on the map. I have done many good things in oregon to promote the new loved game of texas holdem. guys this is the answer to all the problems. let me go into detail some, first the casinos should start a poker tour that attracts everyone from top rated to ametures. do like what las vegas does with the world series of poker but call it something else or keep it the same. the bottom line is these casinos are filled with people waiting tp play poker and there driving many miles to play anyone in oregon,california,arizona,etc would just as easily drive to reno than those indian casinos that have no feel no look of reno. iam only 28 years old i have been coming to reno for more than 7 years now and i can remember the first time i went seven years ago that place was hopping i mean hopping. there were only few tribal casinos around at that time but u had the goods to bring the people to reno. some people might think that this is crazy but from a spectator standpoint the only way to get reno back on the map is to get so heavily involved in the world of poker. all u have to do is get the people here and thell do the rest. bring in good entertainment give great deals via the televison internet, postcards. I have to honestly say that i would rather drive 8 hours to get to reno than drive 45 minutes to get to a tribal casino. So with my closing i ask you mayor and the casinos on the stip please get involved in poker make it your biggest attraction have a world series of poker just get the people there. please get invoved before its to late i would hate to hear of reno becoming a ghost town. if u would like you can contact me through this site and i would be happy to share more ideas with you. marcus

Submitted by Wayne from Wa on May 16, 2005:
Michael from Kalamazoo was right. They do need that old feeling back. They also need to get back some of the old machines from Harolds club, Nevada club and Cal Neva that payed back once in awhile.The town is filthy and overrun by bums and druggies.Clean it up. We now go to Vegas and Laughlin where we get more Play and fun for our money.

Submitted by Glen from U S A on May 5, 2005:
I now go to Lasvegas because their comps are so much better .

Submitted by Kemila from Reno on April 25, 2005:
You need to keep our restaurant and Comedy Club business by offering *specials through email*, just like Century Theaters does! Give us coupons, and we will travel all over town and gamble. I don't like to have to hunt down your specials. Make them come to me, and then I'll come to you~! Email is my most convienient method of communication.

Submitted by martin from michigan on April 13, 2005:
keep your big board keno alive

Submitted by Michael from Kalamazoo Mi. on March 27, 2005:
Reno Has To ask What Will make us better? Since I Love Reno,, I have an Idea. Take a big building. Reproduce the favorite bars that were in clubs like the horshoe bar that was on the second floor of Harrol's club. The main bar that was at the Horshoe club, etc. There is musicians and comedians as well as the whole bay area that would perform there just for jits and giggles. Yes you would have to have a Simon type personality to screen for lonatics. It would definately bring in a nastalgic crowd,With money to spend],. There is talent that backs the main showroom performers that would love a place to cut loose for laughs. The main attraction that made Reno of old was the variety of things to do. You have talent there that will love to have some fun. Give them a microphone. Offer a recording studio in a nastalgic environment. The talent has'nt gone anywhere. They are just dissapointed in the politics and screening bull pucky they have to put up with. And if you can get that old worn out drink flavored smell back into the carpets.. One could almost close their eyes and think it was the old days.

Submitted by M.D. Moses from Currently Iraq on March 27, 2005:
My name is Mike Moses. I was a bar back at the Harrolds Club. I worked there in 1980 I think. If anybody remembers me ,I'm the guy who worked two jobs on the same shift. I'd Punch into Harrolds at 11:oo and check into the nickalodian bar to see how the prior shift left me set up. If good, I'd then run to my locker and get my smock for club Cal-Neva wich was just ready to open an expansion. Like a supper guy, I'd run down the alley changing from my vest to the smock. I'd punch in at 11:30 and the kaos would be gin. I'd rush like blank to catch up the stocking at my bar there and then switch alley-wear on the run back to Harrolds. On the sixth day, Cal-Neva opened the expansion. I was lucky/unlucky enough to be chosen as the releif bartender. needless to say, I did'nt get back to Harrolds club,[they were quite buisy also]. When I got there my manager asked me where I was. My answer was that I was really buisey. He asked, Where were you buisy? I answered, Helping everybody out. He asked again where? My answer? Cal-Neva, Here, People along the way... You're fired!, he said with an astonished smirk. It seems someone at Harrolds who I served drinks to earlier that night, went to Cal-Neva and seen through my non-prescription eyewear and slicked back hair. He knew my bar mannager and that was that. I had fellow bar folk ask me why I did'nt tell them. They would have covered for me. I was thinking,,,, No that's almost to good a funny to keep to ones self. aso, for six days I had some fun in Reno while on the job. The moral to this tale? Like soldiers, Do'nt put a high-performance barback on an eight stool bar. Do'nt let him or her get bored. They will find ways to buisy themselves. Now I'm a G.I. in Iraq. It's also been said that I'm the youngest Viet Nam Veteran in the Army today. I do'nt know what to think about to that. I will say that I had more fun working in the small clubs and visiting them than anywhere else in the world. No matter who you think you are when you enter your club... Your mentality reverts to your younger eight year old disposition. Never give up the thrill for adventure. I'm at mopooone@yahoo.com. 27March05

Submitted by dennis from vollmer on March 19, 2005:
rebuild downtown with an awning similar to vegas

Submitted by Robert from California on March 10, 2005:
I don't think there is anything Reno could do to keep my business. Unfortunately, the same thing has happened to Reno that has happened to countless other cities in this country--the "Mall" has replaced the downtown, and the truth is, it was Reno's downtown that had made it such a fascinating place for me. That obviously conflicts with the needs of the developers to make money, and their desire to do so by creating mega-casinos far from (and indistinguishable from) each other. Perhaps I am prejudiced....I lived in Reno and worked at a club when I was 21, way back in the early, early 70s. One could walk from casino to casino, instead of being trapped in some gigantic casino-department store. The slot machines had gears in them and made a crunching noise when the handle was pulled. For me, it was downtown Reno and the nearby river that gave Reno its sinful charm. It was tacky and clbutty, sleazy and elegant with only a few steps separating one from the other. Today there isn't a speck of difference between a mega-casino-mall and an Indian-casino-mall. Both are just malls with gambling and electronic slot machines. Ubiquity dilutes curiosity and the uniqueness of an experience. One piece of gambling apparatus looks pretty much like another, and if the atmosphere is the same in all the mega-gambling-malls, then who cares? The developers have made gambling about as interesting as working on an buttembly line. Why would anyone pay someone else to work on an buttembly line? It doesn't make sense. Tahoe is great, though, but that's because of the skiing, not because of any casino experience.

Submitted by Randy from canada on February 23, 2005:
My wife and I used to come to Reno every year. Now that the kids are grown we had hoped to show them the fun we had enjoyed. Reno has changed significantly. Used to be noisy, music, crowds, felt safe, good inexpensive food, some wins, some losses ... but lots of gaming for your dollar. I agree with many of the posters here ... We'd come for the excitement of a few wins, the entertainment, the food, the atmosphere of somebody winning somewhere ... I call it entertainment. Please provide good entertainment for leaving our money here so we go home with good memories. Entertainment comes with "some" wins, music, food, crowds, nice room, and the thrill. Never did we believe we'd get rich - but we enjoyed the get-away, the food, the music, some luck. We compared other vacations ... we spent more. In the end we found we had more "enjoyment" at Reno for the same money. We now go to Las Vegas ... with the offers of cheap rooms, cheaper flights, and more excitement. As we near our retirement days - we are aware of all the other options. Sure do miss the old Reno tho. Randy and Donna

Submitted by Andy from Florida on January 31, 2005:
Looser slots and video poker would definitely be nice.

Submitted by bill from idaho on January 15, 2005:
It is too uncomfortable to play at a "full" table. There are many times when I couldn't get on a table. and I'm NOT going to squeeze into a narrow space - it is uncomfortable to me and the fellow players

Submitted by John from California on January 4, 2005:
I think they need a makeover in the same fashion that downtown Las Vegas was made over. With the close proximity of the casinos in downtown Reno, it seems possible to create an atmosphere similar to that of downtown Las Vegas. You don't need a roof and a neon light show. Just close off a couple of blocks, make it pedestrian friendly, create an outdoor mall type atmosphere with some outdoor vendors, set up a stage and have a weekly free outdoor concert during the warmer months, and that's a great start. Then, like downtown Las Vegas, promote the newly remodeled area, advertise some great low price food specials, and low table limits at the downtown casinos, add a few new shows or bring in some bigger name acts and you'll bring the crowds in every weekend. I'd love to see some of the above happen. I know it would bring me to Reno several more times per year. Thanks.

Submitted by John from oregon on December 13, 2004:
I WILL NOT BE GOING BACK TO RENO UNTILL I HEAR THAT THEY HAVE LOOSEN THE SLOT MACHINES BACK UP.I THINK ITS TOO LATE FOR DOWNTOWN BUT THE PLACES LIKE ATLANTIS CAN STILL SAVE THEIR CASINOS.I GO TO A LOT OF SLOT TOURNAMENTS BUT AFTER THE LAST ONE AT ATLANTIS NO MORE IN RENO. I PLAY THE MACHINES .25 -1.00 AND SOME $5.00 SLOTS IN BETWEEN TOURNAMENT ROUNDS.THE CASINO TOOK THE MACHINES OUT THAT PAID BACK A LITTLE AND PUT IN ONES THAT PAY BACK VERY VERY VERY LITTLE.THE INDIAN CASINOS HERE AND IN WASHINGTON STATE ARE REAL TIGHT BUT RENO HAS BECOME TIGHTER.I WILL PLAY THE INDIAN CASINOS OR TEXAS HOLDEM POKER UNTILL I HEAR RENO HAS LOOSE SLOT MACHINES AGAIN.

Submitted by Mr. R. from California on December 5, 2004:
What does Reno need to do? First, the hotel/casino should start taking notes from the suggestions posted here. These suggestions are from Reno visitors,the tourists, the working-class and pensioners that patronize your businesses. Its their patronage that keeps your hotel/casino alive. The casino business is a "numbers game", it should be your goal to stay competitive and come up with better ideas and new incentives to draw the crowds to your establishment. And then find ways to not only to keep them there but to make sure that the guests keep coming back. A hotel/casino needs an outstanding combination of atmosphere, value, quality, entertainment and excitement to draw the tourists. To accomplish this, a hotel/casino would have to offer something special or unique, something that would set it apart from other hotel/casinos. What do guests look for in a hotel? They want a little luxury while on vacation,they want a little elegance at a reasonable price and made to feel welcome. They look for comfort, service, value and affordability. Price is the first big draw. Lets face it, most average people come to Reno on a budget (there probably aren't many high rollers that stray from Vegas to come to Reno) and will "shop around" for room rates to find the best deal that won't take a big chunk out of their gaming dollars. Who would want to spend $100 per night at one hotel when another hotel close by is offering the same room type for $49 ? If a guest finds that they can get the same for less or more for less at another hotel, then that is where they are going to go. Some hotels in Reno are also tacking on added expenses to their already high room rates, for instance, an energy surcharge or an extra charge to use the exercise/spa room (also known as a "resort fee") or a charge for the phone whether you use it or not. These are not incentives and should be eliminated. If you want to keep your hotel rooms full (remember that its the tourists and not the locals that stay in your hotel), then its time to lower the room rates, offer better room packages and stop adding on extra fees. Next lets address the cost of food. It used to be (years ago) that one could enjoy a nice meal at a low cost just about anywhere in Reno. Now the buffet prices have hit an all-time high, thus making it harder on guests who either have to use some of their gaming money on food or leave your hotel to search for lower cost meals elsewhere (thus taking away paying guests).What happened to the $4.99 breakfast buffet and the $8.99 dinner buffet? Wouldn't it be more beneficial for you to offer your registered guests these lower prices if it meant keeping them where you want them to be? Last but not least, lets address gaming promotions, card clubs and comps. Again, keep in mind that most of your players are average players (meaning they come with a set gaming budget). Players cards/loyalty cards, should be meant to do two things, reward your loyal players for spending their money in your casino and to ensure that they contine to make repeat visits. Truth is, there is a lot of room for improvement with card clubs and its sad that the casinos either don't seem to care or try to understand this. Time to fix what is broken. First, do away with the "use it or lose it" rule, your guests earned those points with their money. As long as loyal players keep their cards active (say over a 13 month period), then they should be allowed to keep their points and spend them as they wish. It seems to me that a casino would do all it could to keep players and their money right there. How? Simple, value is the key, give your players more bang for their buck, they're going to leave most of their money there anyway.Time to increase the points/comps, especially since you've tightened up on your slots, lowered the odds at the tables and the pay tables on the VP machines. The point systems are outdated and are in need of an overhaul. One casino offers 1 point for every $5 coin in reel slots and for $10 coin in on VP machines. Another offers 1 point for every $10 coin in reel slots and $20 coin in on VP machines, then says you need 10 points to get $1 back in comps! One lousy dollar for dropping $100 in your machine? What kind of a reward is that? Its Outdated! Its absurd! Its an insult! It tells players that their patronage and money are taken for granted. With rewards like this you are not going to see crowds rushing in to spend money in your casino. The odds are already in your favor so why not at least make your players "feel like winners" by offering them better comps that they are going to turn around and spend in your hotel/casino? So it would make sense to up it from 1% to 5%, players would be more likely to play longer and make return trips if they recieve better rewards for their money. A better return on their money means more money they have to spend in your casino.Since they can only spend those comps where they earned them, it would create a win-win situation for both the players and the hotel/casino. Casino promotions, another opportunity for casinos to catch and keep loyal players. Free drawings, patrons love drawings of all kinds, cash, free rooms,free meals or a free show. It provides another way for players to "get lucky" in a casino and keeps them in the casino longer (playing) while waiting for the winners to be announced. Offering free drawings is great PR and it will bring them back for more. So you give them a chance to win a free two night stay, you will get back more in the long run when they come back to stay and play at your hotel/casino. One by one we have watched hotels and casinos turn out the lights and close their doors for good. If the ones remaining don't do something now to turn things around, more lights will go out and more doors will close because the tribal casinos will be getting the business that you threw away and gambling in Reno will become only a memory.

Submitted by Eddie from California on November 3, 2004:
up the payouts on video poker to full pay, the new machines payback is worse than the strip in Vegas, why any video poker player in their right mind would play at your casino is difficult to understand. At those odds the Indian casinos start looking good with gas at $2 plus and no weather to deal with no wonder your half full on the weekends.

Submitted by Phil Thum from St.George on September 22, 2004:
Reno the "town of Art? " needs at least a couple of real art events you've got the plays,shows,music, and crafter junk fairs in the mall. But somebody forgot the fine art artist vendor, in the park? in the summer. Not the mall, not the loft, not the one day river walk, not the Galleries, not the casinos, But a real artists meets the public 2/3 day event, in a nice park... 100 artists... selling fine art and "fine" craft. no buy and sell... no junk.. every major city as several of these.. why don't you?

Submitted by Jerry Thomas from Merlin on September 14, 2004:
Reno is doing exactly the reverse of what I would recommend if paid to analyze and report on the trend. The worse things are in Reno and the more competition they have, the LESS they offer. This is counterproductive. You must offer MORE because people have a lot more options and much closer to home. Reno no longer has any glitz==It seems dreary and dangerous. Loosen the slots. Improve the pay tables. My (used to be) favorite casinos have cut back the pay tables on the poker machines. The slots pay even worse than they did. I have never spent a nickel in an Indian casino but others do. I bus regularly to Reno and ALMOST EVERYONE ON THE BUSSES SAY THAT THEY ARE DOING BETTER AT THE INDIAN CASINOS NEARER TO THEIR HOMES THAN THEY ARE IN RENO.. This really surprised me until I tried Reno the last few trips. Offer better food and room deals. These, too, are going up at a time when they should be going down. But this won't help if you don't let the gambler "get some play" for his investment. I love Reno (less than I used to tho) but it has really gone downhill and the casinos have their marketing backward. Even the Brew Bros. cut out the half price for happy hour. Used to be one could never get a seat. I haven't been in there for quite a while. Everything too overpriced even tho it used to be a "must stop" on every trip to Reno. Please realize that 3 of 4 DO NOT SMOKE. I know the % of gamblers who smoke is higher than that but the casinos could do much better than they do. Give the non-smokers a nice area, interesting and fair machines, and low minimums on the tables. Act like you want their business instead of treating them like lepers. In summary, I guess that most of us are still chasing a dream. A dream of something that no longer exists. And, worst of all, the people who could do something about it, care nothing about us. Yet, we are their lifeblood. Little by little, those of us who fondly remember the "Old Reno", are changing our habits. Reno is the loser. It makes one wonder how so many incompetent managers - who ignore the wishes/needs of their paying customers - can rise to the top of the casino game. Reno is quickly dying as a fun/gambling destination. More and more, they are trying to survive by ignoring out-of-towners and appealing to locals. Visitors drop more cash than locals. Yet, the contests/promotions now require one to be a local to benefit from such. I can't even get to machines to play for 75 cents or so per play because the local lushes are sucking up free drinks and playing keno for one cent a game and smoking like steam engines further driving away paying customers. Get rid of the penny keno or put it in an enclosed room for the local lepers. Serve these players Thunderbird wine only and they will still be happy.

Submitted by Dale from Oregon on September 12, 2004:
ITS NO MYSTERY WHAT RENO NEEDS. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAYING IT FOR YEARS BUT IT SEEMS NOBODY LISTENS OR CARES? CLEAN IT UP. BRING BACK THE NIGHT LIFE,THE SHOWS. BRING BACK THE PROMOTIONS,THE INEXSPENSIVE MEALS AND THE NOISY-FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE THAT WAS THERE IN THE 1970'S. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES BEFORE THE INDIAN CASINOS TAKE ALL YOUR BUSINESS.

Submitted by K'ann from Penns. on September 11, 2004:
I stayed at the Reno Hilton from Sept.3rd thru 7th.I was there for the 2004 Poetry Convention.My sister and I had a Great time.They only thing that I would like to see inproved is the spa open 24 hours a day (could not get in to get a massage due to time conflicks with my workshop times).We did get a chance to enjoy the sauna and whirlpool,it would have been nice if they were available 24 hours as well. the stores were great,you had a wide variety of shops to enjoy right in the hotel. Jeff,the bell deck man was great!!He found us a limo we could rent for only $46.00 an hour,we were able to go sightseeing. Crown Limousine Service was the limo company that we got.Merrell,the driver was GREAT!!!!He gave us a tour of Lake Tahoe that we will never forget.With people like Jeff and Merrell you will have no problem getting people to return to your beautiful city. Sincerely Yours,K'ann Strohl (Meshoppen,Pa.)

Submitted by patricia from california on September 8, 2004:
give us some more discount coupons for rooms or make it our wild to come up more

Submitted by Gambler from USA on September 7, 2004:
Save Keno! Keep the Keno! I am a Keno addict!

Submitted by Debi from WI on August 28, 2004:
If I could get cheaper airfare from Milwaukee or Chicago I would visit Reno more often. The prices to fly there are so high compared to Vegas. Maybe some packages with 4 or 5 nights at one of the nicer hotel/casinos could be incorporated.

Submitted by Terry from California on August 19, 2004:
I think in the winter you should run package deals for Seniors and the younger crowd that include some luxury items. For instance, Senior Diva Days, come to Reno Via the train with your small or large group for an exciting 2 nights and 3 days. We will wine and dine you from the Silver Legacy to the Atlantis via your personal Limo and then schedule a day to visit the local museums, Shopping Mall, Virginia City, or Lake Tahoe. We can even run your bath in the evening and have a Massuse standing by for a late night massage, if you so desire. Let's design your Diva dream get-a-way package today. Min. of 6 Divine Divas. Limited availablility, so sign up early. Ladys like to be pampered and get nice gifts. Men like freebies and want to feel like High rollers even if they aren't. Younger version: Ride the train to Reno with your Large or Small group of Skiers (Min.6)and we will set you up with 2 free nights lodging, 2 free or 1/2 off Meals(depending on restaurant) and a Hot tub exclusive evening after hitting the slopes all day,with a casino fun book and a Free chance to win a Skidoo. A continetal Breakfast for those hungry guys and Fresh fruits plates for the ladies. Based on your play you can qualify for a chance to win new Skis, Boots, or Lift tickets. Come Party at Harrahs! Free Room for two nights with lift ticket purchase! Must be 21 to participate. Lift tickets must be purchased through the Casino Guest Services. Casino players like to win something. Even if they loose at the slots and tables all day and free room and a bathrobe are so comfy to the soul. We use to live in Gardnerville and had lots of friends come who went into town to play. We know what they like and don't like. As long as you can win a little bit now and then you stay longer and come back. Another biggie right now is the Red Hatters Society! Try to plan some events around them for a real party!!! Hope this helps! Diva T

Submitted by Michaela from Oregon on August 19, 2004:
Keep it making it FUN!!!! thanks

Submitted by donnell from IL on August 16, 2004:
Hello,I just returned from Reno with my wife my two kids and my sons girlfriend, and my mother and father-in-law, because the Sands have no Saturday check in we have to find a little hotel to stay in until saturday and then wait in a long line, would it be so bad to have a coffee maker in the rooms and get a micro-wave at request for reheating my awful awfuls and why is it that I come every year and I play with my players card for the week I'm there and they have never sent me or my wife and mother and father-in-law any free nights I stay at the same hotel every year because it feels like home coming in the sands I rent a car so my parents don't have to walk down that scary street going to the other casinos.Harrahs send me amd my wife two free nights every year we give them to her parents because they have a hard time affording the eight day at the Sand nowdays.Why don't the Sands send us free nights, we come all the way from chicago every year and we wish they would be a little more giving at the Sands.Please get rid of the casinos that are not in use, it makes Reno look like a ghost town. Fitzgearld use to give $2.00 in the lucky forest now it gives $1.00 what are they broke too.I miss all the old casinos that are gone like harold's club.the Comstock,the Riverboat,Old Reno,and now the Sundowners.It seems like Reno is turning off its lights and turning off its customers. Please look at yourself and make a change for the better...I also miss Cal-neva's $.99 breakfast and the Eldorado Superstars show, Reno what happen to you a very concerned gambler from chicago.

Submitted by laurie from IL on August 16, 2004:
Hello,my name is Laurie Dagley and I have been coming to Reno Nevada since July 1988.People tell me,"go to Vegas" I am not a fan of Vegas my only desire is the last week of July is to come to Reno Nevada. That will never change ,but I also get sad because I remember Eddie's fabulos fifty's where they would at any moment dance on the table , I miss the Comstock's great steaks,I even miss Old Reno with it's penny slots ,I think they were the first to have them in the back.The Riverboat is gone, I bring my kids and they even remenber the places and ask me "what happen to all the places and I have no clue,we stay in the Sands,Why did they get rid of the Palm Court. What is going on, are they trying to make me go to Vegas. Please don't because if they loose the Sands and anymore casinos I will DIE from THE BIGGEST FAN OF RENO..my mom and dad have been coming since the begging of time to celebrate their anniversary every year THANK YOU FOR LISTENING MRS LAURIE DAGLEY CHICAGO

Submitted by Troy from Oregon on August 13, 2004:
Recently returned from 4 Days in Reno. We arrived on a Tues and returned to Portland, Oregon on Sat. Noting that they are in the process of burying the Railroad Tracks, I hope they use the new area as walking Mall for folks to move around between some of the Casinos. It would really help if they could make this a "SAFE AREA" without all the crummy old buildings and bums hanging around at night. My wife refused to walk even the couple of blocks from the Sands down to the Silver Legacy. What we found to be most distressing about Reno was the lack of quality entertainment. A couple of years ago, we were lucky enough to see a young man Gordie Brown at Harrahs, and thought that Harrah's had found a great new Star. Brown was not in Reno, and Harrahs had a awful show called Wonderland, which was a waste of time and money. Frankly, we will pay more attention next time before we go to Reno to see what kind of Entertainers will be appearing. However, we all now are talking about Las Vegas for our gambling trips, because of the entertainment offered. Reno, better figure this out pretty darn soon, as we look for the whole Nevada experience of entertainment and gambling, or we will not be returning.

Submitted by Ann from Illinois on August 11, 2004:
When a room is prepaid, you should not sell it again and tell the person that they have to go someplace else for the night, especially when the room had been paid for five nights. Then all the manager did was give each of us two free nights stay during the next year. They should have done better than that. An to top the stay off, when we got to the airport our luggage was still at the hotel. Why would we want to come back ???????

Submitted by Yunica from us on August 4, 2004:
Have more slot machines with some higher-paying "jackpots", like 600-800 coins once in awhile, and some smaller jackpots more frequently. It would make more of the machines a lot more fun, and we'd be able to stay at them a little longer. I go on gambling trips to have these fun sessions at the slot machines - even if I don't win much in the end, I enjoyed myself the whole time! But Reno has mostly slot machines that just take all your money right away, and are no fun to play. I get mad at this and don't go back for several months. When I lived near Atlantic City it was very different. Their casinos' slot machines have small wins more often, and though in the long run I still ended up playing it all back in, I had so much more fun! I would go back there all the time if I still lived near there. Can you follow this example? You're still gonna take most of the profit, so why not give us some longer plays?

Submitted by Peter Machon from Indiana on August 2, 2004:
I like Reno's size and comfortable Summer weather in contrast to Vegas, however I feel that there is a little more "freedom" there. I noticed, for example, that Casino patrons in Reno are not allowed to remove alcoholic beverages from a casino. This may not be a practice I indulge in frequently, but I was surprised to find this the case when I was in your fair city last year. I would not rule out visiting Reno just because of this; I just thought you might give some thought to maybe allowing pedestrians travelling between casinos to carry their drinks with them. Maybe this could take place in just a particular zone downtown? Thanks to the citizens of Reno and Sparks for their friendliness, and I look forward to coming back! Peter Machon Indianapolis, IN

Submitted by Wayne from WA on July 28, 2004:
Loosen the slots and keep some of the older ones

Submitted by Greg from Wash.. on July 26, 2004:
I haven't been to Reno in around 5 years because my wife refuses to go there anymore. I always loved the place, and I do follow developments there very closely on sites like this and the RGJ website. It's difficult to turn a situation like this around. It requires new investment, and that's hard to attract when things are declining and new competition is everywhere. One thing that would definitely help would be to clear out the no-man's land between the Sands and the Eldorado and redevelop that land with something that would tie the Sands to the Va. St. properties. It would make a nice interconnected "T", which would encourage developmment of the adjacent properties. What I have in mind is something with the feel of the Fremont St. plaza in LV, but without the light show. A plaza like that, properly policed and with room for outdoor activities during the nice weather would help tie the Downtown together, and get rid of a badly blighted area. The open space would hopefully be flanked by casinos as it is in Downtown LV. Of course, a new mega-resort filling that whole area would be great too! I just don't know if Reno can attract that kind of investment anymore. Harrah's still seems to be gagging on putting up the money to redevelop the Harold's/Nevada Club "hole", another thing which is absolutely essential. Also, get rid of the Sundowner quickly before that turns into another white elephant like the Mapes was. As it is now, It costs roughly the same for me to go to Reno as it does to go to LV. And there's really not enough to do in Reno anymore to differentiate it from the tribal places, which are at least new, clean, and safe. When I want to avoid the "big city" atmosphere of LV, I now go to Laughlin. To get me back, Reno has to clean up and revitalize the Downtown casino scene.

Submitted by John from United States on July 24, 2004:
Do it right

Submitted by al from washington on July 20, 2004:
loosen slot machines,loosen slot machines! you make the xtra tight Indian casinos look loose anymore.we will not be back to Reno untill we hear from somebody comeing back with a report that the slot machines in Reno are loose again. ( P.S.) YOU WILL NOT END UP WINNING BUT YOU CAN PLAY LONGER.

Submitted by LV from Las Vegas, Nevada on July 19, 2004:
Get rid of 6 to 5 ripoff "blackjack" games. Get rid of Mindplay cheating tables.

Submitted by amy from california on July 19, 2004:
I would like to see more music entertainment in the Casinos during the week. I would also like to see more downtown casinos. It's rather gloomy seeing the closed-down casinos. Although in the past I have been to many Indian casinos (I no longer go), I prefer Reno and Las Vegas casinos. Reno and Vegas offer a more vacation-type atmosphere. My parents from Yakima, Washington use to frequently visit Reno, but they now feel that there are fewer downtown casinos to choose from. Reno no longer offers inexpensive vacation package deals from there as they did in the past.

Submitted by Frank from Oregon on July 13, 2004:
Most important...Use english speaking employees...( first language ) Keep coins in the machines...not paper Keep the FREE drinks coming Keep meal prices down Give us occasional free accomodations for promotions...( we come ) Hate the hoods wandering along the streets at night keep some mechanical machines here and there..(old style)

Submitted by Myrna from California on July 10, 2004:
I live in Northern California, so a trip to Reno is only about 2 hours or so for us. We (my husband and I) have 2 children (ages 10 & 12) and a dog (who goes everywhere with us, I should say we have 3 kids). We would like to see more family oriented features added to Reno, much like Las Vegas is doing these days. We would also like to see more "dog friendly" hotels. We had always enjoyed staying at the best hotels in Reno, but since we got our dog, we haven't visited Reno for lack of good hotels to stay at with our dog. It's hard to get away without the kids, and they have always loved going to Reno. I just wish there was more for them to do there.

Submitted by Jim from Nevada on July 8, 2004:
Reno's just fine. It has the same problems any other small, older town has.

Submitted by Maria from Stanislaus on July 6, 2004:
you need to loosen your slot machines some. We have been there the last few times and lots our but. Thank you

Submitted by Diane from California on July 4, 2004:
We love going to Reno and the surrounding areas. However in recmt years prices for hotels and food keep going up and up and with all the Indian Gaming Casinos in our area (12 within 25 miles) , we are not getting the value for our money. Also since Reno Air is out of business, flying to Reno is not very practical. Need to loosen the slots, Also the comps should offer more to their regular player, otherwise we can stay home and play weekly at the ndian casions and earn comps for free buffets, rooms, and more.

Submitted by ann from B.C. Canada on July 3, 2004:
Hi, My husband and I have been visiting Reno for the last 16 years. The last year or so we have noticed that the 'machines' seem to be much tighter for payback, and that food prices have increased somewhat. also comps for rooms are less. We believe that if more comps - cheaper food - and definetly looser payback on machines were re-introduced you would get a lot more people to visit more often. We have cut back on one of our trips this year because of this. We feel that with the 'Indian Casinos' now springing up everywhere, you need to be more generous to your patrons, it is short-sighted of you not to do this. We would spend just as much, but would feel that we were getting a 'bang for our buck'

Submitted by Michael from CA on July 3, 2004:
GIVE OUT MORE ROOM SPEICALS AND MAKE THE SLOTS LOOSEER AND ALSO HAVE MORE FOOD APTIONS AND MAKE THE CASIONS COOLER IN THE SUMMERTIME . AND I ALSO COME UP ON GREYHOUND AND WOULD LOKE LATER CHECK IN TIMES FOR THE ROOMS.

Submitted by Bernie from California on July 2, 2004:
Having recently retired, I now have the time to visit Reno more than once per year, the only problem is...the cost. With gas prices out of control I think the least that the Hotel/Casinos should do is to reduce the cost of a room (especially for Players Club Members), offer hotel guests 2 for 1 buffet tickets (dinner), one for each night they stay (your buffet prices are way too high!), loosen up those tight slots and raise the comps a little and please, don't take the unused comps away at the end of the year....roll em over (this would mean a lot to repeat guests). The Eldorado is my choice when in Reno...I hope they read this. I love your Hotel/Casino and would come more often and stay longer if you'd make if more affordable. Show me that you appreciate my business, offer some incentives to make it worth the drive & the gas. Would it hurt to offer your Club Members a free two night stay at least once per year?

Submitted by Rachel from BC, Canada on July 2, 2004:
Something special for far away customers. Maybe a special "far away breakfast deal", or some perk for people who don't come often enough to collect the good perks. We aren't high rollers, nor can we afford to spend a lot on food (reduces the gambling money). I realize you need to keep your regulars coming back, but we come to Reno once a year, and may or may not come more often. We come for the air races, but would like to do Hot August Nights, or the Bike Week, etc. The airlines don't make it easy either. Since Reno Air is gone, the fares are up and the charters from Vancouver and Bellingham are non-existent. You need to keep a good exchange rate for the Canadian Dollar. We do not gamble in or frequent locations with poor exchange rates, when other casinos want our business more. The Cal Neva used to have two for one dinners for exchanging Canadian money, but I think they stopped. We used to eat dinner there all the time, because the food was good, and inexpensive.

Submitted by moneymaker from California on June 30, 2004:
I live in California and it is very apparent Reno is loosing some of their business to the Tribes casinos sprouting up all over the place. Being inside of many of these casinos is the feeling as if you are in Reno with less driving. And not always needing to spend th night in any hotel. RENO- Please get with it, I enjoy spending time there, but you are making it harder and harder for me to convince my group of gambling lovers to head up your way when the fun is soooo much closer now. You need to kick off some new incentives: 1. Don't just have special rates Sun-Thurs when business is low. Offer MORE weekend specials with rooms free or at very low cost. You did not get that big off of rooms sales. Believe me..you will more than make up for the room within hours. Good grief, I'd rather spend the room charge on the tables. 2. Looking at the "winners cicle" for Reno casinos, it looks pretty grim. make some adjustments on your slots... 3. Might want to bring in some "family" entertainment. Get some ideas from Las Vegas..while the kids are out, the parents will play.. You are continuing to loose California gamblers...do something to get us back!!

Submitted by Kelly from Oregon on June 26, 2004:
I think the Reno should have storefronts filled, keep the city streets clean, have visible law enforcement and have reasonable hotel rates.

Submitted by Suzy from Nevada on June 25, 2004:
I've been visiting Reno casinos... on a hot day...and I thought that some of them should make things "cooler" particularly the Gold Dust. I had seen the ad on TV about it being the "coolest" casino and I know that was supposed to mean like "nice" but in this case it was so hot inside I had to leave... sweating outside and even more inside... maybe they ought to do something about that... I know some others that were warm... but this was outright hot (to me)

Submitted by Wayne from Wa on June 24, 2004:
My Wife and I have been going to Reno since 1961 when we were on our honeymoon.When you took out the Nevada club and Harolds it ruined Reno forever. The city should have kept and operated those clubs for a tourist attraction, keeping the old machines that were fun to play. They actually paid back enough to keep playing for awhile. Harolds club was the main atmosphere for the whole town, win or lose. Now all there is to see is bums on the streets,gangs at night and tight tight tight machines. You need to change the town back like it used to be, with coin drop and looser machines. We very seldom come back winners, but we like to have fun while we are there. What happened to all the signs indicating 99% payback that used to be in Reno? We've been to every gambling town in Nevada and most of the Indian casinos in Oregon and Washington and have tighten up so bad that we now go to Laughlin, where they treat us like Royalty. They comp our airfare and hotel, so we don't mind spending our money gambling. By using your players card, on the machines and tables you can add up the points. when we can get our trip and meals paid for, why would we come to Reno or Vegas where the machines are so tight and pay to get there. The Indian casinos are unregulated and with no atmosphere, that they are a complete waste of time and money. When they first open they have a few machines that pay back and the next time you go there the machines have been replaced with ones that don't pay off. As far as Reno goes clean up your town and loosen your machines and get rid of the ticket in ticket out system. People like to see and hear the coins clank.

Submitted by Erin from California on June 23, 2004:
My husband and I love to come to Reno!!! There are a few things that we would love to see more often: More Vegas like shows, a few hotels have them but they aren't up to par with Vegas. More gaming coupons, not just hotel deals. More cocktail servers and change people, at some hotels it is really hard to get a drink or change (not everyone plays late at night). Easier parking access into & out of downtown. Signs on the major roadways telling us what exit and directions to the different hotels. Other than that. Keep up the great work. There are people out there that truely love everything Reno has to offer. I hate Vegas because it is so big and over-crowded, Reno is great because it is much more friendly and has more one-on-one attention Thanks.

Submitted by Elroy from wa on June 8, 2004:
Ima Winner from Lotsofum must be a casino owner. Very touchy!

Submitted by Laura Portolese Dias from WA on June 5, 2004:
One thing that is frustrating as a frequent guest in Reno is that the hotels offer great deals during off time, but as a regular player, we are treated just like everyone else during high season. The hotels should treat their "special" guests special throughout the year, not only when they are desperate for business!

Submitted by ron metal from ca. on June 3, 2004:
I HAVE BEEN GOING TO rENO FOR THE PAST 15 YRS. i USUALLY STAYED AT THE SILVER LEGACY. They seemed to have cut back on the comps. Why travel to Reno if they don't appreciate the business?

Submitted by Gerry from BC, Canada on May 29, 2004:
Dont' forget the Canadians. We too have casinos now but we talk about how great Reno was to us in the 70's to 90's. Canadians will return, just offer them Canadian Club discounts, and 80 cents on the dollar specials, at par rooms whatever. Bring us back.

Submitted by Kathy from California on May 25, 2004:
Non stop flights from Burbank and/or more non stop from LAX. It is a pain getting to Reno.

Submitted by Ima Winner from Lotsofem on May 25, 2004:
Get like Vegas??? Get real, How about we get us a mouse and get like Disneyland, or how about a big pointed thing and be like seattle, or dress like indians and be a tribe.......How about we just turn the lights on at anyplace thats closed, and all you people pissing and mouning about somewhere else just show up and have a good time.

Submitted by Adam from Oregon on May 24, 2004:
Reno needs to take a more Vegas like approach.. They need more Shopping and other activities other than just Gambling. Don't get me wrong, gambling is fun but sometimes you need to take a break and find something else to do... Reno needs better transportation from the Atlantis area to Downtown and the area in between needs to be cleaned up. Maybe putting some kind of tram that takes you around from the Atlantis to Downtown and even to Sparks... The potential for Reno is there, but you need to offer more than just gambling, people are not willing to travel hundreds of miles to just gamble, they can do that at an indian casino close to home... You need to offer what indian casino's can't, and thats a place to go have fun, drink a little, lounge by a nice tropical style pool on a hot day, gamble, shop, party, take in a spectacular show, see some sights, see some extravigant casino's, see a buetiful city and have fun... Ideas like Vega's Fremont Street Experience are along the lines of what you need. Offer something to people that they can't get else where... But the biggest complaint I hear is that the city is a trash pit and needs to be cleaned up.. I like Reno and want to see it survive, the best thing the city has is the gambling and good gambling that I love, but it lacks in every other category.

Submitted by Lewis from Nevada on May 22, 2004:
We need more night life - shows and outdoor activities. Albuquerque has a weekly activity during the summer where the downtown area is closed off and different cultures are spotlighted. One weekend is for the hispanic culture, one is for the Native American culture, one is for the English culture, etc. This would bring more people to the downtown area and lead to greater exposure of casinos to locals.

Submitted by Pat from California on May 18, 2004:
I've been coming to Reno off & on for 30 yrs. and always looked forward to the next trip. Got married in Reno in 1989, stayed at CC, room was nice and was at an affordable rate, food at the buffet was good and didn't cost an arm and a leg, slots were looser back then too. We had been away from Reno for almost 12 years until my husband surprised me with a trip for my birthday for a 2 night stay at the Eldorado. We were both impressed with the Hotel, our room was very nice, the staff friendly and helpful, won a little on the slots. But the cost of things sure have gone up over the years, like the cost of a room and the buffet. I mean, here in Calif. you can go to HomeTown Buffet and have dinner for about $9 per person but its almost twice that at the hotels in Reno! Way too much! I would suggest to the hotel/casinos to first, reduce the cost of the rooms (after all, more time is spent in the casino than in the room), reduce the cost of your buffet or at least offer your hotel guests 2 for 1 buffet tickets for each night of their stay ( for breakfast & dinner). It would be nice to be able to dine at one of the hotel's restaurants (where we're staying) instead of going in search of "meal deals" to save a few bucks. I'd also like to see "in room coffee" and a small frig in the hotel rooms without an extra charge. Bring back the loose slots (we're going to leave most of our money there anyway but it would be nice to get a jackpot now and then to extend our play time). We come up there to have a little fun, can't have fun if the slots won't give back a little to play with. And by the way, please don't change all the slots to "coinless".....I love putting the coins in, pulling the handle and hearing the "plink" of the coins when a jackpot does come along. The Eldorado is our choice when in Reno and we'd come more often and stay longer if it was more affordable (cost of rooms, meals, etc.). I'd like to see better comps too, example: Fitzgeralds offers card members a free two night stay (for playing very little) at least twice per year by mailed invitations. With the cost of gas these days it wouldn't hurt the hotels to offer a "Free Ride", say $25 cash rebate for club members who stay and play. No doubt that $25 would go right back in the slots anyway ( I know mine would). Things like this show guests and players that they are appreciated and it will keep us coming back for more, and more often! What happened to the big name entertainment? I remember going to Harrah's and seeing Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Loretta Lynn, etc. at the "cocktail show" where the cost was about $20 for each of us. Are those days gone for good? Very sad if they are. I still love the Biggest Little City In The World and can only hope that the hotels will read the comments left here by their patrons and do something to show us we're valued guests. Make coming to your hotels affordable again and you'll see more and more repeat guests, loosen up those slots and you'll see more and more of your guests staying at your hotel/casino to gamble instead of going casino hopping in hope of finding the "loose slots" elsewhere. As for downtown Reno, it's a lot cleaner than it was 14 years ago but it would be nice to see some nice shops (maybe even a mini-mall), or an amusement park close by. Something to see and browse through besides pawn shops.

Submitted by donn from oregon on May 17, 2004:
full pay video poker, at least 9/6 jacks or better. get rid of the secrecy in slot clubs , be upfont with the player, tell them what points they earned and what they can be used for. check out the PALMS slot club in vegas ,easy to use and understand.

Submitted by Robbie from Oregon on May 17, 2004:
Any Hotel Wow, this place was GREAT....when we arrived we were greeted by the most cheerfull limo driver as all guests get a free limo ride, when we got to the hotel we were offered a free upgrade to a suite at no additional cost. When we got to the room the bellboy would not accept a tip, only asked that we had a good time.....The in room fridge was stocked with free adualt bevvys....We made a trip to the casino and within 5 mins I hit a progressie jackpot for 50,000 dollers and within 15 mins my wife hit a keno ticket for 125,000..........Then my wife must have hit a bump in the road as I had just woken up....we were still in the car, haddent even got to reno yet, it was all a dream!!!!!!!!!! At any rate, Reno is what you make of it! Long gone is the .29 gas, and a .5 burger at McDonalds.....so get over it, enjoy what you have, don't compare it to other options (Vegas..Tribes, Ect) This place is, and always will be a adult playground.....things will always change..heck in ten years you will still be wishing you would just get off your butt and stop complaining about why your not going to Reno...the other side of the coin

Submitted by jeff from washington on May 16, 2004:
The fundamental problem that I see is the airline schedules. From Seattle, the times to go to Reno on, say, a Thursday, are too limited. Its either very, very early in the morning or very, very late in the afternoon or early evening. Similarly, coming back on a Sunday is too limited. One either must leave before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. There are eight of us that come and stay at the Silver Legacy each year. These times would be the only reason that we would switch to Las Vegas. I really do not know if there is anything you can do about it....but wanted you to know our thoughts.

Submitted by terry from canada on May 11, 2004:
clean up downtown. Reno is nice, but dirty

Submitted by sharon from florida on May 11, 2004:
my family travels to vegas at LEAST once a year. we are able to do tht because of special low-cost flight deals and flight-hotel packages. we would love to add reno to our list "must visit" places (at least yearly) but find that there are no low-cost flight deals. I suspect that this innovation could come to pass with interaction between the airlines and the casino owners. When I can fly from orlando to vegas for $99.00 each way, and it costs me $240.00 to fly to reno ( with no incentives) you can see that it makes for a hard choice

Submitted by Ronald from Nevada on May 11, 2004:
Look at Las Vegas, Get some idea's from them

Submitted by Debbie from NV on May 4, 2004:
We personally do not think the mayor or casinos really give a rats butt about what will make people come. If they did then all of the above would listen when the people speak and vote. We seldom go downtown due to the horrible parking. Now add the train trench which we all voted against and we do not even bother even with our out of state friends. We tell them, between the parking, horrible construction, SUPER tight machines and prices, it is just not worth it. The smoking in restetrants is a HUGE turn off. To the other casinos, when you add the smoke, prices going UP, long walks from parking and over all indifferent service, we have just pretty much given up. The room rates have gotten out of the average workers range. We use to get a room at the Peppermill or Nugget once in a while for fun, but we just can't do it anymore. I think it is a matter of time till the whole down town folds up and walks away in the night.

Submitted by Mike from Washington on May 3, 2004:
Glen might be on to something;-) Actually, has there been any response from the casino's to ANY of these "suggestions"? Any sense that they are listening, or are we just getting blown off? There are many good, and reasonable suggestions on this list.

Submitted by Glen from WA on May 2, 2004:
Topless blackjack dealers.

Submitted by Dennis from Oakland, Calif. on April 30, 2004:
The hotel rates have been too expensive for me. For the same money, I would rather visit Las Vegas. There should be incentives for Bay Area customers to visit Reno more often. I have been receiving less emails with special rates from Circus Circus recently (my favorite place to stay).

Submitted by bill & denise from Beavercreek, OH on April 17, 2004:
Keep the small clubs, Nevada Club; & Harrolds were a great loss. The Nugget, Old Reno, Gambler/Rocky's/? should be encouraged because they and the older large hotel casino's give the atmosphere that makes Reno. If the Nugget(N.Virginia Street) or Old Reno should go broke, the City or Chamber of Commerce might be smart to buy and run them. Tell Ran at the Nugget that we have tickets to arrive 8/17/04. You need small clubs to keep the small town atmosphere.

Submitted by Rene from CA on April 17, 2004:
The panhandlers downtown are what bothers me most about Reno. While I enjoy staying at the Sands, I don't want to be caught walking back there from the strip after dark. The room rates and food prices are generally great.

Submitted by Marti from Oregon on April 16, 2004:
Go back to affordable room rates

Submitted by John Gonzalez from American in Japan on April 14, 2004:
To whom it may concern; I visit Reno at least once a year or more. I have family in the area, and that is the main purpose for my visits. Although, I absolutely love the area, I doubt I would visit, at least not as often if my family were not there. The city of Reno is quite depressing, and really needs to find its "niche" if it is to survive. The downtown area, is dirty, full of old sleazy motels, homeless people, and worst of all are the many closed and boarded up buildings. Reminds me of Detroit! Also, there are no attractions at all except for gaming. That is it. No shopping, no nightlife, no entertainment (unless second rate lounge acts are for you), and the 60+ crowd does you no good either. Lake Tahoe on the other hand has its beauty...it needs nothing more to attract visitors. Las Vegas is big, bold, extravegant, exciting, impressive, and all around FUN. You can go to Vegas, not even as a gambler, and still have tons of fun, without stepping foot on the casino floor. I do gamble while I'm in Nevada, but in Reno the depressing atmosphere, and lack of people drove me out. It was boring. The sad thing about it is that Reno has SO much potential. I guess it just does not have a "visionary" like steve wynn to step in and do something. Use that potential to your advantage, and Reno can come back. My suggestions would be: Start attracting a younger crowd! Dance Clubs (definately lacking in Reno), Popular Music and Comedy acts, a more friendly security, and police force. They seem to dislike young people. (That was my experience, I'm 27 ). More events that appeal to younger people. 1950's nostalgia does nothing for those under 40. I know that is your biggest draw, so I applaud you for doing that...but, why not try doing something similar for younger people too. The most important thing is to CLEAN UP DOWNTOWN! You know what I mean, and you must be blind if you cant see it. Downtown Reno is a dump! Enough said about that. And incorporate the natural and scenic beauty, recreation, and proximity to other sites more to your advantage. Reno seems isolated, and you dont take advantage of what you have nearby. And get rid of the country, cow-poke, redneck image. That is what you have, sorry. And the country bars, hotels, and casinos that seem to glamorize that image dont help! Reno is in Nevada, yet it seems closer to Branson, Missouri than Las Vegas. Not a good idea guys! Vegas is booming, look at what they are doing....and learn from it. Enough said. Again, you can do so much more. Just try a little harder. Reno is dying, dont let it happen. It is all in your hands. Thanks for your consideration. Sincerely, John P. Gonzalez American in Ayase, Kanagawa-Ken, Japan

Submitted by robert from wash on April 9, 2004:
In these days of exorbinate gas prices I would like to see some type of coupon/payoff or whatever as an enticement to visit more often.I like driving to Reno but fuel costs are fast approaching airline costs.

Submitted by Paul from Washington State on April 9, 2004:
Capital improvements. It is sad to see Reno deteriorate into a "ghetto" for gambling. Too many sites are either now vacant lots or neglected and abandoned. It is my belief that if the casinos that are still in Reno should learn to work together to improve Reno's "rust-belt" image. I'm sure that if they worked together to make improvements in Reno that everyone involved will reap the benefits. For example, with the new RETRAC trench going in downtown, it may be prudent to "put a lid on it". Maybe if they put lids on parts of the trench a pedestrian walkway could be built with retail/commercial/residentail could be lined along the sides of the lids thereby creating an inviting atmosphere for both locals and tourists. I think this may attract additional tenants between the Truckee River and the Trench. I truly love the Reno area and am saddened by the lack of cooperation shown by the government and business officials. The Mapes site, Kings Inn, and proliference of "smoke shops" on Virginia Street are good examples of poor foresight. Thanks for your time. Paul Jonas mrpauljonas@aol.com

Submitted by Christian from South Carolina on April 7, 2004:
Clean up downtown, and get a mix of shopping (upscale if possible) mixed in with the casinos. Get rid of the bums, I don't care about their problems, only the ones they cause all the people who are paying the taxes.

Submitted by Alan from California on April 6, 2004:
I used to come to Reno about 4 times a year. I came mostly for the low cost or free shows. I always gambled and usually lost, but it was worth it for the entertainment. The cost of seeing entertainers in Reno costs so much now that I may as well wait until those I want to see are appearing locally.

Submitted by Terri Lee from CA on April 6, 2004:
You need more shows in the casinos. Looser slots :)

Submitted by Jim from Minnesota on April 4, 2004:
I am 43 years old, and have been visiting Reno 3-4 times a year for the last few years. I also visit Las Vegas a like number of times each year. I believe that Reno competes quite well with Las Vegas, and Reno has now become my destination of choice. I am a video poker player, and Reno offers far more friendly pay tables than Vegas. Also, rooms and food are more affordable in Reno. It is easy to get from the airport to the hotels, and the whole city seems much less crowded. I primarily stay at the Peppermill and Atlantis, and have been very impressed with the service and accomodations at both. I believe both of these hotels compete well with the best Vegas has to offer for gaming, accomodations, and food. Vegas still has the edge on entertainment and shopping. Both the Peppermill and Atlantis have very savvy management that should enable them to compete well, no matter what the competition offers. I have also enjoyed a couple of stays at the Sands Regency downtown. While the Sands is far from a luxury property, it is clean, well--managed, and offers a good value. I have a less favorable impression of the other properties downtown, which offer lousy pay tables and tight slots, poor slot service, and expensive/mediocre food. Here is what you can do to keep me coming: 1) offer air travel options at competitive prices to Las Vegas; 2) keep video poker pay tables superior to what LV offers; and 3) build one truly destination type of resort hotel/casino (3000 rooms), with world class entertainment and top tier shopping, and don't put it downtown (Atlantis & Peppermill, are you listening?).

Submitted by canukgal from Alberta Canada on April 4, 2004:
As a Canadian, I have to agree with Garry. I enjoy Reno, even though it's a little more rundown every year. It's the exchange rate that helps convince my cousin & I to go. Having said that....friendly service makes us stay put in a casino longer. We tip rather well, but can't tolerate sullen service.

Submitted by Cary from WA on April 3, 2004:
Nothing!! We love Reno. Please send an Aweful Aweful Burger my way!

Submitted by Rosemarie from SF, CA on April 2, 2004:
So many catholic church's in SF and the entire Bay area go to Reno trips during the week - I think that if more of the younger generation goes thru the church's on weekends! And you made it more affordable for us to stay and play at your hotels that we would definatly go. I am 51 years old and for 10 years have gone with St. Cecelia's church in SF. They always frequent the same 2 clubs, and that is the Sands, and now Silver Legacy. I must work, I have off monday's and if you had a weekend trip I available to people of my age who have to work I do think that we would definatly go and therefore you would attract a little younger generation... I have thought of renting a bus for an overnighter and doing it myself., but with work etc. it is very difficult. I love going to reno, I belong to every club there and would go more often if it were more convienent for me.

Submitted by Jim from Oregon on April 2, 2004:
We this is the second time I have left a message o