Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what struck me first about the Peppermill? Walking into that lobby feels like stepping into some wonderfully over-the-top fever dream from the ’70s – and I mean that in the best possible way. The place is absolutely massive, with this gorgeous indoor pool area that’s got more tropical plants than most actual jungles. Honestly, it’s the kind of spot where you half expect to run into Elvis, but somehow it all works together without feeling cheesy.

The location on South Virginia is actually pretty perfect if you’re trying to avoid the chaos of downtown Reno but still want easy access to everything. You’re literally five minutes from the airport (which is clutch when you’re dragging luggage), and there’s this great little coffee spot called Hub Coffee just down the street that locals swear by. The casino floor is huge – I mean, you could get lost in there for hours – but it doesn’t have that desperate, sad casino vibe you get some places. The spa side of things is where they really shine though. I spent way too much time in their pools and hot tubs, and the mineral water actually does feel different on your skin. The rooms are surprisingly spacious, especially if you snag one of the tower suites, and the beds are the kind where you sink in just enough without feeling like you’re trapped in quicksand.

What really sets the Peppermill apart is how they’ve managed to be this full-scale resort without losing that quirky Nevada personality. The restaurants are solid – not just casino food court stuff, but actual good meals. Their steakhouse gets packed on weekends (fair warning), but it’s worth the wait. The staff genuinely seems to enjoy working there, which you notice right away during check-in. Parking is free and plentiful, thank god, because trying to find street parking in that area is a nightmare. The only real downside is that the place can get pretty loud during convention season – those business travelers like to party harder than you’d expect. But honestly, even with the noise, there’s something infectious about the energy here. It’s not trying to be Vegas, and it’s not pretending to be some boutique mountain retreat. It’s just unapologetically itself, and after a couple days there, you’ll probably find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even checked out.