Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, a Local’s Review

Looking for a getaway, but want to keep your roots in Nevada? How about a stay at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada? It’s close enough to home, but far enough away to escape the day-to-day.

We were graciously hosted by Grand Sierra Resort during our stay, however, all opinions below are our own – so without further ado, here’s our review of our experience. Plus, you’ll get 15% off regular room rates when you book using our link through December 2023.

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino

There are a few reasons why we chose to stay at GSR during our most recent stay. Not only have we stayed there previously and had a wonderful experience, but I love that while it is a casino, it is not located in the heart of Downtown Reno, which can sometimes be more overstimulating than it is relaxing.

I also love that there is so much to do there and they are one of the most family-friendly hotels with all of the activities they offer on the lower level. I’ll share more about those below!

Location

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
2500 E 2nd St
Reno, NV 89595

The Grand Sierra Resort is located in Reno, Nevada. They have self-parking in addition to valet parking.

Save 15% Off Regular Rates During Your Stay

As a Nevada Moms reader, you can score 15% off your hotel stay at GSR. Simply click here to get the Nevada Moms Hotel Special.

• Flexible 48-Hour Cancellation Policy
• Free Parking, Valet & Shuttle
• Same-Day Pool Access Before Check-In

A Resort Fee of $39.95 plus 13% room tax per night per room of stay applies. Resort Fee includes complimentary access to the 24-hour Fitness Center, The Pool, unlimited local and toll-free phone calls, two bottles of water and coffee in room daily, beverage refrigerator and in-room safe, boarding pass printing services located at the Bell Desk, computer access in the FedEx Office Business Center 24 hours a day with your room key, self-parking, roundtrip airport shuttle service, and virtual guest service assistance.

Family-Fun at Grand Sierra Resort

One thing I love about the GSR is that they have several activities for kids on-site. we’ve shared about a few of their activities before in other articles including:

• Fun Quest Arcade (located on the lower level, the arcade is one of many activities offered for kids)
• $5 Movies ALL THE TIME at Grand Sierra Cinema
• Bowling
• Food & Drink
  • There is food available for purchase just outside of Fun Quest including Round Table Pizza, Yogurt Beach, Johnny Rockets, and Port of Subs. We personally are huge fans of frozen yogurt, so we enjoyed Yogurt Beach almost nightly during our stay!
• Pool
• Grand Bay Driving Range (we use to call this the aqua range back in the day, so fun!)
  • Grand Bay has Happy Hour from 4-6pm from Monday – Thursday where you receive a bucket of balls
    and 5 domestic beers for $25

For the Adults: Relax at The Spa at Grand Sierra Resort

While the kids play, why not have some “me” time and schedule a massage or facial? Every time I have checked out Grand Sierra Resort’s Spa, I have always left feeling rejuvenated, less stressed, and ready to take on the world… or dinner!

Honestly, I don’t know why people don’t talk more about The Spa at GSR! I think they don’t do a great job at marketing all the amenities you get access to when you do book with them – you get to spend the entire day there!

I have gotten massages and facials at the GSR and I love that you aren’t just in and out, you get access to the amenities on site including:

• Relaxation Lounge (perfect for a catnap)
• Regular Lounge (equipped with drinks, a TV, and connected to the sauna area)
• Eucalyptus Steam Room
• Sauna
• Locker Room Jacuzzi
• Co-ed Large Jacuzzi
• Fitness Center (not worth it in my opinion)

Most recently, I had a facial with Donna (who is a Nevada Moms follower!) and it was so refreshing! After my facial, I brought my Kindle loaded with a few books to choose from and sat in sweet, sweet silence for a morning me-time getaway in the co-ed jacuzzi area. It was so nice.

I am pretty picky, since I get monthly massages, so if I enjoyed my time, you know it’s worth while.

Locals Discount

Local residents, within a 60-mile radius of Grand Sierra Resort, can enjoy a 20% discount on all spa treatments and Day Passes.

This discount is available Sunday through Thursday and excludes Fridays, Saturdays, and select Holidays. Please call The Spa to check the availability of the local’s discount and to book your spa appointments. Guest must present a valid ID at checkout. This discount is valid only for the local resident who is receiving the treatment or Day Pass.

Pros and Cons of Our Stay

Whenever we do reviews, I like to give all the details but then also give you a quick breakdown of the pros and cons as well as tips for your visit. Here’s my take:

Pros

• Lots of family-friendly activities on-site
• Away from Downtown Reno
• Easy access to freeway
• Starbucks is right next to check-in
• The pool is gorgeous, lots of seating, and great food options!
• SPA, SPA, SPA!!! So good!
• See what shows are happening and grab tickets.
• Casino floor machines were clean and didn’t look old – love me the penny slots!
• Mini-fridge in rooms! YAY! (confirm during your stay!)

Cons

• I got food poisoning at Grand Cafe. I’ve only eaten there a handful of times and always try to have a better outlook, but after this last visit, I was sick to my stomach. The quality was horrible, the prices were sky high, and the food — gross. Don’t do it.
• No room service – huge bummer!
• Ice Machines are NOT on every floor & with the nightmare elevators and NO room service, mama wasn’t happy.
• Elevators absolutely sucked during our stay. Two were getting replaced and only three were operational and with it being a weekend, lots of events happening, it was a nightmare. Long lines to get up and down which made us account for an extra 20-30 minutes each way unless it was a super off time. *Update: Elevators should be fixed any day per GSR! 🙂 
• Check-in took FOREVER! I didn’t realize you could do mobile check-in which we will definitely do next time. I can’t blame them too much because it was a huge event weekend, but waiting in the check-in line with a 5-month old is NOT it.
• No pack-n-play. Instead they have this metal crib on wheels that looks similar to a little jail cell for children. We currently co-sleep, but I did request one so I could see what was offered for you!
• Shower water pressure isn’t the best.

Tips For Your Visit

Pool or Mountain View

Request a room overlooking the pool or mountains – there’s something about waking up to that view every day. I loved our room and the view. I would recommend getting either a high floor or a low floor, especially with their elevators.

Plan A Pool Day

Seriously, we LOVED the pool days we had. The pool is large, family-friendly, and the pool food… 10/10! Honestly, I wish they served the pool food at the others restaurants within the resort. A few tips for the pool. There is a lot of seating, but little shade. If you have young kids you want to get a cabana or get to the pool early. Pool is warm and so nice. (I will note one day the main pool was closed so everyone had to use the 21+pool and it was COLD!)

We did get a cabana one day, which was amazing to have the shade for baby, HOWEVER, it is super important to note that on top of the minimum Food & Beverage amount you have to spend, you’ll be charged Gratuity AND a service charge, which we were not aware of when booking. Of course, we were going to tip anyways, but it was a little out of nowhere.

Pool Food Items We Liked:

• French Fries (so good!)
• Fruit Plate (enjoyed two of these!)
• Chicken Sandwich/Burger
• Mozzarella Sticks
• Berry Salad

Don’t Skip the Spa

The spa is an absolute must! Even if you don’t get to have a full day there, a few hours to escape every day and enjoy a facial, massage, and their amenities is SO worth it! I forgot how much I liked their spa.

Mobile Order at Starbucks

Hot tip! If you’re like my husband and coffee is a must in the morning before doing anything else, MOBILE ORDER via the Starbucks App. It is way quicker than standing in a line for 30-45 minutes on busy event days!

Skip the Grand Cafe

There are so many amazing spots to eat at in Reno, but if you want to make GSR a full staycation and don’t want to leave, skip Grand Cafe! Like I mentioned above, I did get food poisoning there and our experience there was not so great. There are other options to eat at on-site including the new Chickie & Pete’s, plus the pool food – SO GOOD!

• Chickie’s & Pete’s opened in November and is ESPN’s #1 rated Sports Bar in North America
• Charlie Palmer Steakhouse has a 50% off Happy Hour on Sunday-Thursday from 4-6pm
• Locals receive a 20% off Discount Sunday-Thursday

Bring Your Own Pack and Play

If your little one needs their own space to sleep, definitely bring your own pack and play or rent one from a local mama! They do have these metal cribs available, but I personally wasn’t a fan and the mattress was really low to the bottom which is hard for me as a short mama.

Also if you need a travel baby monitor, we love this compact one!

Use the Stroller

Is it just me or do you love your stroller as much as I do? We brought it back and forth and up and down the elevators during our entire stay. It made carrying things so much easier, especially during check-in and check-out.

Have You Stayed at Grand Sierra Resort?

Have you enjoyed a vacation or staycation at the GSR, lately? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below and if you haven’t yet, don’t forget you can book your room using this link and it will get you 15% off regular room rates through December 2023.