Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

Like a resort lifted out of Tuscany and passed through an American strip mall or office park, the Peppermill rises from the desert around Reno. A bubbling fountain, marble statues, and tall topiaries decorate the entryway, while a terra cotta-tiled dome towers over the entrance. Inside, marble floors and sparkling chandeliers create a Renaissance-by-way-of-Reno vibe that can feel a bit over-the-top at times. Rooms are divided among separate towers and wings, with classically inspired artwork hanging throughout the hallways. Video installations also play scenes from around the world on loop. There are a variety of upscale and casual dining spots at the hotel, including the Island Buffet with its vibrant carpeting and palm trees. There are also several dimly lit lounges and bars, where guests can grab a drink. The pool area is lined with charming lampposts and features a mermaid statue and a fountain spilling off of a high terrace into a small pool. Guests can relax on red lounge chairs, while cocktail servers in bikinis deliver drinks. The majority of guests here are couples and families, though plenty of business travelers pass through as well.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is on the outskirts of town, and not within walking distance to other attractions. It’s about a 10-minute drive to downtown Reno, which has an abundance of casinos, restaurants, and shops. There’s a free airport shuttle, and it's less than 10 minutes to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Lake Tahoe is about a 45-minute drive away.

There are several towers and wings at this massive resort, all containing rooms of varying size and configurations, some of which are as large as 800 square feet (74 square meters). Themed suites, like the ostentatious Roman Opulence Suite, or the kid-friendly Safari Adventure Suite with wild animal sculpture, are also available. Most of the rooms, though, have a similar style, drawing heavily on Americanized interpretations of classic Italian design motifs, like heavy mahogany furniture and gilded crown molding. Beds are lovely, with handsome textured duvets and poster beds in some rooms, while wall art borrows from the Renaissance and hangs on cream colored walls. All rooms are carpeted in bold patterns. Some rooms have mountain views, and each comes with air-conditioning, a 42-inch LCD TV, and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include coffeemakers, minibars, and iPod docks. Bathroom styles vary, but many are marble bathrooms with double basin vanities and separate showers and tubs, though this isn't uniform across the resort. There are a variety of suites available, and the suite we saw had a walk-in shower in the bathroom and a whirlpool near the bed. Several rooms offer separate bedrooms or multiple bathrooms, as well as generous seating areas with overstuff couches and chairs.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino has a casino with slot machines, card tables, video poker machines, Keno, and a race and sports book. The casino also has a high-limit table games area, as well as a high-limit slot area. There’s a seasonal outdoor pool with a bar and upscale cabanas for rent, which are curtained rooms with paintings on the walls. The hotel has a  24-hour fitness center with modern equipment and LCD screens plus Toscana Spa with hot and cold pools, saunas, and a variety of massage and body treatments available. There are several upscale and casual dining options, including a steakhouse, buffet, and seafood restaurant and several bars and lounges, including a nightclub with DJs and dancing. Twenty-four-hour room service is also available, but breakfasts are not included. Of course like any good Nevada mega-hotel, there is space for meetings and conventions here and the hotel has a 24-hour business center. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and free parking is also available. The hotel also has a dedicated concierge to help guests with any travel arrangements and needs. The airport shuttle is free.