Searching for exceptional **Reno lodging** options for an unforgettable family vacation or a romantic escape for two? Look no further! Join us as we share our incredible experience at the luxurious **Peppermill Resort & Spa**, a premier destination offering unparalleled comfort and amenities in the heart of Reno, Nevada.

Our recent Thanksgiving break saw us embark on another exciting road trip, with a planned visit to Grandma near the picturesque Lake Tahoe. Before reaching our final destination, we decided to indulge in a bit of pampering and explore the vibrant city of Reno. Our chosen haven was the magnificent **Peppermill Resort and Spa**, a standout among **Reno lodging** choices, and we can’t wait to show you around! This memorable stay was sponsored, allowing us to delve into every facet of this spectacular resort.
Peppermill Reno: The Grand Arrival and First Impressions
From the moment you approach the **Peppermill Reno**, its grandeur is immediately apparent. The architecture itself is a sight to behold, hinting at the luxury that awaits within. We were captivated by the stunning facade, especially as evening approached when the resort transforms into a dazzling display of lights – a truly enchanting spectacle. We quickly discovered Biscotti’s, a highly-regarded dining spot right inside the resort, though we saved that delightful experience for later.
The drop-off and valet area at the Peppermill is not just functional, but beautifully designed. I couldn’t resist capturing a photo of its elegant daytime appearance. What truly delighted us was the complimentary valet service, a thoughtful amenity that adds significant convenience to your stay, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival.

Yes, during our visit, the Peppermill Reno did feature a buffet. We took a peek, and it looked absolutely fabulous, boasting a wide array of delicious options. However, our family’s craving for sushi led us to choose the resort’s acclaimed sushi restaurant, Oceano. We found the quality and experience at Oceano to be exceptional, and for our family’s appetite, the price point was quite comparable to what we might have spent at the buffet.

Peppermill Reno Spa: Unrivaled Comfort and Culinary Delights
The **Peppermill Resort and Spa** is an ideal **Reno lodging** choice, strategically located approximately 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe. This proximity allows guests to effortlessly combine the excitement of Reno with the serene beauty of the lake, depending on which side you plan to explore.
Our first day was dedicated to soaking in the resort’s luxurious atmosphere. A major highlight was dining at Oceano, the resort’s exquisite sushi restaurant. The sushi was, in a word, AMAZING! With a diverse menu, everyone in our family, especially our girls who are avid sushi lovers, found their favorite rolls. While sushi is often our top pick, the Peppermill boasts an impressive selection of diverse restaurants, catering to every palate, from casual eateries to upscale fine dining experiences.
Spacious and Luxurious Accommodations
Upon entering our rooms, we were genuinely impressed by their generous size and sophisticated design. The beds offered supreme comfort, promising a restful night’s sleep, complemented by breathtaking views of the city lights or surrounding landscapes. A standout feature was the incredibly spacious bathrooms, each equipped with a television strategically placed to face the tub. For me, that’s the ultimate definition of relaxation – a long, warm soak while catching up on a favorite show. The attention to detail in the room’s decor and amenities truly enhanced our stay at this premier **Reno spa resort**.


A Unique and Family-Friendly Room Setup
Traveling with three girls often means that a single hotel room isn’t comfortable enough, typically requiring someone to sleep on a rollaway bed or pull-out couch. This time, we opted for two rooms, and the Peppermill offered a truly innovative and family-friendly arrangement. Our rooms were designed to be somewhat connected, yet distinctly separate, providing an ideal balance of togetherness and individual space.
Here’s how this brilliant setup works:
- A single main entrance door opens into a small private hallway area, which then leads to two separate, lockable room doors.
- One room featured two comfortable queen beds, a private bathroom, and a television, providing ample space for our girls.
- The second room was equipped with a luxurious king bed, its own private bathroom, and a television, serving as a tranquil retreat for the adults.
- Crucially, each of these individual room doors could be securely locked, offering complete privacy. However, unlike traditional adjoining rooms, there was no direct internal connecting door between the two rooms.
- The main entrance door, securing the entire private hallway leading to both rooms, locked automatically just like a standard hotel room, enhancing security.
Lodging in Reno: Enhanced Security and Flexibility
This unique **lodging in Reno** configuration offers several advantages, especially for families:
- You benefit from an extra layer of security, knowing that only guests with one of your two hotel room keys can access the private area where both of your rooms are located.
- For families, this setup allows you to keep the main outside door locked for security, while leaving your individual room doors ajar. This enables children to move freely and safely between the two rooms without needing to go into a public hallway.
Having stayed in countless hotels, we can confidently say we’ve never encountered such a thoughtful and practical room arrangement. Typically, adjoining rooms are simply next to each other with a single connecting door that can be locked or left open. This Peppermill setup felt more like a private suite, providing both privacy and a shared family space, which we thoroughly appreciated for our family of five.


Peppermill Reno Review: Beyond the Rooms – Exploring the Resort and Beyond
Indeed, a truly spacious bathroom is a luxury I deeply appreciate, and I’m certain many others do too. Our room featured an impressively large walk-in shower, complete with not one, but two shower heads – a delightful touch. This generous space allowed both of us to comfortably get ready in the mornings and evenings, with a convenient hairdryer readily available. The resort also boasts a sprawling casino, multiple pools (including a stunning geothermal pool), a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a variety of shops, ensuring there’s always something to do for every guest.
Reno Riverwalk: A Charming City Excursion
On our second day, we ventured out for some local sightseeing, starting with the picturesque **Riverwalk in Reno**. After easily finding parking, we were greeted by a stunning view of the Truckee River winding through the city. It was a beautiful day, perfect for leisurely strolls along the well-maintained paths, exploring the unique public art installations, charming boutiques, and inviting cafes that line the riverbanks. The atmosphere was vibrant yet relaxing, offering countless opportunities for capturing memorable photos.

For an added element of fun, we rented a Lime Bike near the Riverwalk. (Pro tip: if you download the app, use code R3N3F5X to get a $3 credit!) It was a novel and enjoyable experience, offering a unique way to explore the area. The girls and my husband took turns riding, and the cost was incredibly reasonable, just about $4 for the entire duration we had it. If you’ve never tried a Lime Bike, we highly recommend it for a spontaneous and active adventure. Just remember, you can typically only rent one bike per phone/app download – a lesson we learned when planning for each girl to have her own!

Lake Tahoe Adventure and Charming Truckee
Our journey continued towards Grandma’s house, with a captivating detour to **South Lake Tahoe**. Even in late November, the lake’s beauty was absolutely breathtaking. While the air was crisp and cold, as expected for the season, the serene blue waters against the snow-capped peaks were simply gorgeous. It’s easy to see why Lake Tahoe is a top-tier destination during the summer, but its charm and appeal certainly persist into the colder months, offering a different kind of magic for visitors.
The scenic drive to Lake Tahoe typically involves a two-lane, winding road, often enveloped by majestic trees – a journey where motion sickness medication might be a wise companion for some! Along the way, we made a delightful stop in Truckee, a charming historic town we had long wanted to explore. Truckee truly lived up to its reputation, with its quaint downtown area lined with super cute boutique-style shops and cozy cabins nestled in the hills. While we didn’t stay there, it struck us as a wonderfully inviting place for a year-round visit, blending history with modern charm.
Conclusion: Your Ultimate Reno and Lake Tahoe Itinerary
For anyone planning to travel and seeking top-tier **Reno lodging** combined with engaging activities in the stunning Lake Tahoe area, we wholeheartedly recommend the **Peppermill Resort and Spa**. Its luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining options, and prime location make it an ideal base for exploring both the vibrant city of Reno and the natural wonders of Lake Tahoe. Had our itinerary allowed for a longer stay, we would have undoubtedly explored the other sides of Tahoe as well, confident in the endless beauty and activities the region offers.
If your adventures are taking you further West, you might find inspiration in our other travel guides: discover fascinating places to go in Southern California, or plan things to do in Yosemite with Kids for an unforgettable national park experience.
- We cannot recommend road tripping with your children enough! It has profoundly enriched our family life, creating bonds and memories that are truly priceless.
- The countless adventures and shared experiences from our extensive list of U.S. road trips have shaped our family for the better. We continually add to these cherished memories, documenting them on our dedicated road trip blog throughout the year.
We’d love to hear from you! What other exciting **things to do in Lake Tahoe** or Reno have you discovered and enjoyed with your family? Share your experiences in the comments below!
