Visitreno

BillG · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

I was looking for a cheap room in Reno and came across the Sands Regency. It looks good on the web site and I was just wondering if it is a decent place to stay. Is it safe to walk from there to the more popular downtown propertys? How is the gambling, the rooms, the buffet, the comps and everything else about the property? Thanks for your help.

Mammothgambler · Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 619

Hello BillG and welcome to the board! You definitely came to the right place, the users here are very knowledgable. I've stayed at the Sands about 3 times and have never had any problems, although their casino's machines seem a little tight in comparison to some of the other places around town (but that's just my experience). I've heard it's improved since it switched ownership recently and I think they might be changing/updating their room decor. The rooms are very spacious for the price and there are a couple of different models depending on which tower you stay in. Try to stay in the Empress Tower, it is the tallest one with the health club at the top and some of the corner rooms have outside balconies. The other towers are on the other side of the casino. Haven't tried the buffet yet, but Arby's, the Cabana Cafe and Mel's Diner are all really good. I've also heard good things about Fuzio Universal Pasta but haven't tried it yet. Be sure to sign up for a Bonus Beach Club card, as you will get discounted room rates and free slot play in the mail every so often. Regarding being close to the other casinos, it is, but tread carefully after dark, I've never had any trouble but many warn that the areas between there and the other casinos are not the safest. Most importantly, be sure to enter for the free room drawings here on visitreno.com, my first visit to The Sands was compliments of this board a few years back.

http://www.visitreno.com/drawings.php

Hope this helps.
Mammothgambler

CaSwede · Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 866

Like Mammothgambler, I won the contest here and stayed at Sands 5 months ago. The rooms are very large and my room was clean. They have a great sign up bonus for the slot club. $5 in free play to sign up, and then if you earn 1,000 points in the first day you get another $50 in free play. I found a few full pay video poker machines, but things change. I never ate there, so I can not help you there.

The location is a negative. I walked over to Virginia St a few times at night, but I am a big guy and don't worry about bad areas or people. During the day should be no problem, but be cautious at night.

lvbear584 · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 140

How is the gambling?

Sleazy. It now has new ownership, but the same unethical management. See link below to old thread about "The Sands Regency Special Rule."

http://visitreno.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=301

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Opinions and Commentary on the Gaming Industry: www.TheBearGrowls.com

Dave · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 212

Bill I think Mammoth and Swede said it well. I love staying there as it is cheap and the rooms are big. I would add that Mels is a great diner and the food is good there. Can't speak for the rest of the restaurants. Craps is 10 x odds. Goodluck and have fun! Very Happy

stan_allen · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 1129

Definitely an economically sound choice - nice-sized rooms, and a casino downstairs - what's not to like?

As for the proximity to downtown, there is indeed a grubby element of people in the immediate vicinity, but even at night, I doubt most people would be in any real or actual danger just walking the few blocks between the Sands and Sierra or Virgina streets.

Bob972 · Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Posts: 43

I agree, in that I've always been a little conscious about walking between Virginia Street and the Sands at night but have never encountered any kind of a problem but then again I'm 6'2".

I enjoyed their buffet (includes a steak grilled to order).