Reno
- The Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (775.827.7750; www.visitrenotahoe.com), along with its resort and tourism partners, recently launched a campaign in which meeting planners can visit the destination free of charge. Planners who qualify for "Come See, Fly Free" will receive a free trip to the destination and multiple site visits. Interested planners can find out more at www.comeseeflyfree.com.
- A recent $100 million upgrade and expansion of the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa (775.829.9814; www.atlantiscasino.com) incorporated several additions, including a spa, steakhouse, deli, sports book and sports lounge, and executive boardroom.
- At the Peppermill Resort (775.826.2121; peppermillreno.com), a $400 million makeover included the greening of the property with geothermal energy, a new hotel tower, a new two-story executive boardroom and a new spa and salon, among numerous other improvements.
- The Silver Legacy Resort Casino (775.325.7401; www.silverlegacyreno.com) recently spent $15 million renovating its 1,700 guest rooms and suites. The property also implemented a new LED system that saves substantial energy and had its website honored with a "Best in Class" ranking from the Interactive Media Council.
- Harrah's Reno (775.786.3232; www.harrahsreno.com) added a new restaurant, the Hash House A Go Go, a creative take on the traditional greasy spoon diner. Open 24/7, the establishment puts its own twist on standard breakfast fare—such as a Sage Fried Chicken Benedict with a maple reduction.
Lake Tahoe
- Environmental regulators at Lake Tahoe recently cleared the way for construction of a substantial new hotel-casino at the North Shore site of the Tahoe Biltmore. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's governing board gave the go-ahead to the Boulder Bay Resort project (www.boulderbayresort.com), a four-story, 275-room hotel with a 10,000-square-foot casino. The property is slated to be built over three years beginning as early as spring 2012, and it is expected help reduce erosion and improve Lake Tahoe's clarity.
- The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe (775.832.1234; www.laketahoe.hyatt.com) recently wrapped up a $700,000 upgrade that made improvements to its popular Lone Eagle Grille and Lakeside Ballroom—the only one of its kind in Tahoe. Upcoming plans include the renovation of the property's guest rooms, set for completion sometime in 2012.
Carson Valley
- The Carson Valley Inn (775.782.9711; www.carsonvalleyinn.com) has undergone more than $12 million in improvements since being purchased by new ownership in January 2010. The inn features 227 guest rooms, a large casino and approximately 5,000 square feet of function space.