I used to go to Reno often about fifteen years ago. After the recession hit, those trips abruptly stopped. We never stayed in Marriott properties, instead staying in the casino property hosting our event. My favorite was Johnny Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks. At the time, it was owned by the Ascuaga family and run by Mr. A and his adult daughter and son. Mr A would be seen on the floor all the time. They have since sold it. The casino was fun. The rooms were big and gaudy, and not the cleanest. The outstanding thing was the food. The meat was raised near the hotel and was extraordinary. Desserts were baked onsite and were phenomenal. Doughnuts were a specialty; light fluffy and wonderful. Their buffet may have been the best casino buffet in Nevada; not the fanciest but the best. On Thursday nights in the summer the Sparks Rodeo across the street was a fun street festival. Not only did I see Don Rickles perform there, but I ran into him in the hallway and we chatted for a few minutes...

The reason I bring this up is if you are looking for something to do one night while you are there, you may want to check the place out. I don't know if everything is still as good, but even if it's half as good it will surely still be great.