11 Best Family Hotels in Reno

Fondly known as the ‘Biggest Little City in the World,’ Reno attracts a mixed crowd. Once considered the gateway to the old west, the city is quite steeped in history. However, it’s not the history that brings most people to Reno but the live entertainment, casinos, ballgames, and excellent cuisine. Many families also use the city as a stopover to the ski resorts. As such, you’ll find quite a clutch of family hotels in Reno. It’s hard to pinpoint the best family hotel in Reno as each of the family hotels has its own unique offering.

Similar to the best family hotels in Las Vegas, many of the family hotels in Reno have their own casinos. It’s no wonder that the city is often referred to as the ‘poor man’s Vegas.’ However, the comparison may run true for the casinos, but Reno has its own charm. The city is the perfect gateway for nature lovers as it provides easy access to the great outdoors. In winter, many families heading for the ski resorts by Lake Tahoe use Reno as a base. It’s not just winter that brings tourists to Lake Tahoe but summer activities too.

Hampton Inn & Suites Reno West

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Just 10 minutes from the University of Nevada and the Riverwalk District, you’ll find one of the best family hotels in Reno. Hampton Inn & Suites Reno West is a preferred choice for families due to its location and spacious accommodation. The hotel is a good choice for families looking for more affordable accommodation. The fact that it also has complimentary parking is an added bonus.

Spacious guest rooms and suites feature a warm decor with patterned carpets and muted colors. Large windows allow enough natural light into the rooms. Families will be more comfortable in the 2 Queen Rooms or the larger suites. Rooms come with a refrigerator, microwave, and flat-screen HDTV, among other things. A hot breakfast is also included in the rate.

The absence of an onsite restaurant is a bit of a setback, but the complimentary breakfast makes up for it. Families also love the year-round indoor pool. There’s also a fitness center, sauna, and hot tub/Jacuzzi.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Reno

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Home2 Suites by Hilton has always been a favored choice for families, and the hotel in Reno is no different. Families enjoy the comfort of the spacious suites and the additional perk of a complimentary breakfast. The spacious suites feature a separate living and sleeping area. There’s also a well-equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher.

If you’d prefer to rustle up a meal for the kids, you can ask for an induction burner cooktop from the front desk. Smaller families may prefer the nonsmoking King Bed Studio Suite. It features an innovative working wall that makes the room more spacious. The living room has a sofa-bed and swivel-mounted 50-inch TV.

Apart from the complimentary hot breakfast, other extras at the hotel include an indoor pool and fitness center. There’s no restaurant onsite, but given its proximity to Meadowwood Mall, you’ll find a good number of dining, gaming, and shopping options nearby.

Renaissance Reno Downtown

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Another Marriott property that stands out among the best family hotels in Reno is the Renaissance Reno Downtown. In close proximity to Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Downtown, the hotel provides easy access to Reno’s top attractions. The hotel is choc-a-bloc with activities to suit the whole family. From bocce courts, skeeball, darts, shuffleboard, air hockey, and arcade games, the kids are sure to have an enjoyable time here.

Guest rooms vary in size, but the Larger Queen rooms or the suites are more suited to families on vacation. Cribs are also provided on request. As with most Marriott properties, the rooms come with a good range of standard amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows also make them bright and airy.

The Shore Room is where you can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu. It’s open for all meals, so you won’t have to venture far to satiate your hunger. There’s also a sports bar that is home to indoor/outdoor bocce ball courts. Besides all this, the seasonal outdoor pool is also a big hit with families.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

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The upscale Atlantis Casino Resort Spa sits high on the list of the best family hotels in Reno. The AAA Four Diamond resort is ideally located in the heart of south Reno’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district. It’s also the only resort connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center via an enclosed sky bridge. However, that’s not why it scores so high with families.

Families love the indoor atrium pool with its rock wall, waterfall, and spacious deck. Another big draw is the spacious rooms that start at 375 square feet. With floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant decor, the rooms are bright and inviting. Rooms here are spread across three towers, with the more modern rooms located in the Concierge and Luxury Towers. Mod cons and comfortable beds make for a good family vacation.

Although the casino is the biggest draw for most visitors to the hotel, families also love the wide range of dining options. With eight award-winning restaurants onsite, there’s something to suit all kinds of tastes, even those of fussy kids! Apart from this, the hotel also features a world-class spa. If you can manage to get a babysitter for the kids, it’s a great place for some personal pampering.

Courtyard by Marriott Reno Downtown

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For families in town for a ballgame, the Courtyard by Marriott Reno Downtown is one of the best family hotels in Reno. The proximity to Reno Aces’ arena is a bonus, plus it’s away from the casinos. Another reason why the hotel is so popular with families is the smoke-free environment. As one of the few smoke-free hotels in Reno, it scores big with families. There are also plenty of areas around the hotel to meet up and talk.

The large modern lobby with the outdoor patio and fire table is the perfect place to unwind. It offers beautiful views of the Truckee River. You’ll also find a covered outdoor heated pool where the kids can enjoy splashing around. Though the guest rooms are quite spacious, families would probably prefer a suite with a separate living area. Rooms come well equipped with a smart TV, microwave, mini-fridge, and coffeemaker.

Breakfast is not included in the room rate, so that you could head to The Bistro for refreshing breakfast choices. Dinner and cocktails are also served at the restaurant. However, you’ll find quite a few dining options in the nearby vicinity.

Hyatt Place Reno Tahoe Airport

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If you’re looking for the best family hotel in Reno that’s close to the airport Hyatt Place Reno Tahoe Airport is your best bet. The hotel offers a good collection of family-friendly amenities such as adjoining rooms and in-room WiFi. There’s also a heated indoor pool with large windows letting in enough natural light. And if you have a four-legged family member, he’s allowed too for an additional fee.

You can choose from several room types to suit your needs. The spacious rooms feature a separate living and sleeping area with plush Hyatt Grand Beds. All rooms come with a 42″ HDTV and a cozy corner with a sofa or sofa sleeper. Whether it’s a portable crib or extra pillows and linen that you require, all you need to do is to call the front desk. If you’ve forgotten something important, the hotel will assist you in that area too. Guests also get to make their own complimentary breakfast bowls in the morning.

Breakfast is a good mix of fresh fruit, yogurt, and hot breakfast selections. For other food options, head to The Placery at the lobby bar. Here you get to enjoy a variety of salads and sandwiches along with a selection of drinks. However, if you’d rather grab a quick bite, head to The Market, where you’ll find a selection of packaged items. Other amenities include a well-equipped fitness center and an indoor heated pool.

Circus Circus

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Part of three hotels on The Row, Circus Circus stands out as one of the best family hotels in Reno. There are plenty of activities for the whole family at this circus-themed property, making it extremely popular with families. The Carnival Midway, with its arcade and games, is where you’ll find many families hanging out. Another plus point that brings families here is the spacious rooms.

The guest rooms at the hotel are much larger than the other properties on The Row, starting at 348 sq feet and going up to 385 sq feet. Rooms recently received a facelift to emerge more chic and welcoming. Drawing inspiration from ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ the decor is modern and playful, with graphic wall sets adding a touch of color. Newly redesigned bathrooms are also a welcome change. All rooms come equipped with a wide range of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Kids will love the food choices at the various restaurants on site. Whether it’s a delicious burger, pizza, tacos, or frozen yogurt, you’ll find all that and much more at Circus Circus. It’s going to be hard to pull the kids away from the arcade or games, but a circus show just might do the trick. Clowns, artists, and acrobats enthrall adults and kids at the Carnival Midway. With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that this is considered one of the best family hotels in Reno.

Eldorado Resort

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Like many of the best family hotels in Reno, Eldorado Resort has a mix of activities for the entire family. The outdoor seasonal heated pool on the fifth floor is especially popular. It comes with an outdoor sundeck and whirlpool spa. However, children 18 and younger cannot use the pool without an adult for company.

Besides the pool, another feature of the hotel that draws families here is the accommodation. You can choose from a variety of room types or request connecting or adjoining rooms. The spacious, Superior Rooms and some Deluxe Rooms can accommodate up to four guests. After a recent renovation, the rooms are aesthetically pleasing with elegant touches. They come equipped with quite a few extras to make your stay even more comfortable.

Eldorado is part of The Row resorts, which include Circus Circus and Silver Legacy. This means guests have access to the amenities at the other hotels too. For those looking for a bit of family entertainment, the reimagined and reinvented Carnival Midway at Circus Circus is a good place to spend your time. There’s something for both kids and adults at the Carnival Midway. You’re spoilt for dining options, too, with over eight restaurants to choose from.

Silver Legacy Resort

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While the Silver Legacy Resort may not be your typical family hotel in Reno, there’s enough here to keep the entire family happy. For one thing, you’ll have a luxurious stay without having to break the bank. It’s also at a convenient location near River Walk, where there are plenty of shops and restaurants.

The composite dome that reflects the Nevada sky is another big attraction at the hotel. Apart from this, the main draw for families is the outdoor pool with its spectacular mountain views. There’s also plenty of lively entertainment, including big-name musicians and comedians. Not surprisingly, in-house dining options are also in plenty. You’ll also find several shops on site, which also includes a kids’ sweet store.

Guest rooms are quite spacious with rich modern furniture and plush carpeting. Though they’re not the most spacious rooms in Reno, they don’t feel cramped. Larger families can opt for the more spacious Junior Suites that come with two queen beds. Cribs are also available on request. While the hotel has free parking and an airport shuttle, breakfast is not included in the room rate.

Grand Sierra Resort

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Boasting a wide range of amenities that caters to all ages, the Grand Sierra Resort is a favorite with families. It’s a little removed from downtown Reno and the other casinos, but once you step into the hotel, you’ll find more than enough to keep you and the family busy. With a bowling alley, a beach-style outdoor pool, a driving range, and a movie theater onsite, it stands out as one of the best family hotels in Reno.

Everything about the hotel has a modern feel to it. Guest rooms also have a modern vibe with stylish metal lamps, subtly patterned wallpaper, and white leather padded headboards over the beds. You can choose from various room types to suit your family’s needs, although the spacious suites would probably be ideal for larger families. Alternatively, you can select connecting rooms.

Outside the rooms, you’ll be quite taken with all that the hotel has to offer, starting with the outdoor pool. Cabanas and a beachy area make it more welcoming. Kids will also enjoy miniature golf as well as the arcade room and bumper cars. For older children, there’s the bowling alley and driving range with a lake. If you’re itching to try your luck at the tables, you can head to the hotel’s large casino with its slot machines, card tables, and video poker machines. When the hunger pangs kick in, there is a good variety of restaurants to cater to a wide range of tastes.

Whitney Peak Hotel

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Just two blocks from the beautiful Truckee River Walk, you’ll find the Whitney Peak Hotel. The reason why this luxurious hotel stands out as one of the best family hotels in Reno is the fact that it’s a non-gaming and non-smoking hotel. Also, with the World’s Tallest Artificial Climbing Wall on its premises, the kids will have a blast. The hotel also caters to pets, so you won’t have the leave the four-legged family member behind if you choose to stay here.

You can look forward to spacious, tastefully decorated rooms inspired by the beauty of the Sierras. All rooms come with standard amenities such as HD flat-screen TVs and high-speed wireless internet. Since the hotel is committed to doing its bit for the environment, you’ll find earth-friendly products in the bathrooms. Families usually prefer the Club Level Suites for the extras that come with them. Besides the spacious rooms, guests also enjoy complimentary breakfast and Club Level Happy Hour.

If you can tear yourself away from the kids for a bit of relaxation, guests have complimentary access to the sauna and steam rooms. There is also a myriad of group fitness classes offered at Basecamp. However, the biggest attraction for families is the 7,000 square foot indoor competition-level bouldering park. It comes complete with a separate kids’ room, so you won’t have to worry about the safety of your kids. For dining options, you can check out Cafe Whitney or dine-in.

Where to Stay in Reno

If you’re visiting Reno for the first time, one of the best areas to stay at is the Riverwalk District. This eclectic neighborhood on the western fringes of Downtown Reno will give you a small bite of everything that Reno has to offer. Casinos, shopping, and dining are all in the vicinity. You’ll also get to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk by the Truckee River.

Families looking for a quieter neighborhood will prefer the Midtown area on the other side of the river. The area has quite a few attractions such as museums, nature, or dining. It also has a better selection of family-friendly attractions. What’s also great about Midtown is the dynamic art scene where every blank wall is enlivened by colorful murals. Some of the best family hotels, such as The Whitney Peak Hotel and Reno Renaissance, are in the area.

Budget travelers will find some good accommodation in the upcoming Freight House District. The former industrial heart of the city has seen a major revival in recent years to emerge as one of the more vibrant neighborhoods, slowly catching up as a tourist destination.

Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Reno

• Murrieta’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina – You don’t have to miss out on your favorite Mexican cuisine if you’re with kids. Children aged 10 and under have their own menu at this restaurant. There’s a Kids’Special offer on Wednesday too where kids 10 years or younger enjoy a free meal from the kids menu with every adult purchase.
• Bully’s Sports Bar – You’d hardly think a sports bar with this name would be kid-friendly. However, it’s been known as the best family-friendly neighborhood sports bar ever since it opened in 1994. The full sit down restaurant and sports bar features a separate kids menu and a full arcade.
• Pinocchio’s Bar & Grill – This family-owned restaurant with locations in Sparks and Reno is a light-hearted family oriented place. It’s open for lunch and dinner five days a week. Kids love the decor of the restaurant as well as the food.

Recommended Family Activities in Reno

• Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary – About 30 minutes north of Reno you’ll find this wildlife sanctuary. It’s a safe haven for injured, abandoned wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild. It’s a great place for kids to get an insight into ecological principles and wildlife through educational tours.
• Kimmie Candy – Almost every kid loves candy and at this state of the art candy production facility they’ll feel they’ve stepped into a part of Willy Wonka’s world! The free tour of the facility will show kids how candy is made and of course allow sampling a few.
• The Great Reno Balloon Race – If you’re in Reno in early September, the entire family can be a part of this balloon race. The free hot-air balloon event will undoubtedly capture the imagination of the young minds.