Reno & TahoeOctober 17, 2022

Where Caesars Entertainment Offers Food, Fun and More By
October 17, 2022

Reno & Tahoe

Where Caesars Entertainment Offers Food, Fun and More
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harveys Lake Tahoe offer 1,200 rooms combined. Courtesy Photo

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harveys Lake Tahoe offer 1,200 rooms combined. Courtesy Photo

Reno, Nevada became America’s No. 1 best small city in the year of the great pandemic. This is unsurprising to Reno natives, as the self-proclaimed “Biggest Little City in the World” campaign was launched more than 100 years ago.

The reasons are plentiful as to why the passage to Nevada’s northwest corner recently has attracted the world’s most powerful tech executives and their followers.

Reno is a business-friendly place featuring THE ROW, by Caesars Entertainment Inc., where the most sophisticated wines, exquisite entrées and scrumptious desserts are prepared. THE ROW has a collective 4,000 rooms and suites, 25 restaurants, 180,000 sf of flexible meeting space and a world-class spa.

Based upon the artisan delicacies of THE ROW, which is three connected, but distinctive, casino resorts — Eldorado Resort Casino, Circus Circus Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino — one would likely think of this place as some quaint European seaside villa. It is also home to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, but far more than a gateway to world-class recreational adventures offered by nearby Lake Tahoe, it is an ideal location for the group experience. With almost 500,000 hotel rooms, lodging options are abundant, according to the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA).

“Today’s travelers are searching for immersive, technology-driven experiences to remember,” says Charles Harris, CDME, RSCVA president and CEO. “The Reno Tahoe team is working hard to inspire fresh perspectives on our destination, streamline the planning process, and elevate the attendee experience by making the destination’s urban and outdoor amenities more accessible.”

In 2020, when Reno was named as the No. 1 small city the U.S., perhaps more telling of its innovation than any other statistic is Reno’s claim of the coveted No. 2 ranking for Instagram hashtags among small U.S. cities. Speaking to its ability to attract young talent, the hashtag recognition alone is a testament to Reno’s renaissance, like other American cities that are also rebuilding post-COVID-19; yet, Reno’s journey started a decade ago.

The walkability of downtown Reno, coupled with abundant parking, is an open invitation to visit the Downtown-area restaurants, which consist of predominately privately owned concepts. Dreamed up by entrepreneurs who have invested in Downtown and MidTown Reno, dives and distilleries abound. Planners can also curate an experience at the Nevada Museum of Art, National Automobile Museum or the Discovery Museum.

While gaming is a huge part of the northwest Nevada landscape, there are so many other options besides gaming. In addition to the already-established brand they brought to the area, innovation is contagious in Reno, where Caesars is at the heart of it all.

Caesars Means Family

Perhaps before gaining a true understanding of just how deep the family emphasis is when it comes to THE ROW, a look back in time at the Caesar’s Entertainment tradition will explain why groups feel at home.

Since a mega merger with the Eldorado Resorts brand that was originally founded by entrepreneur Don Carano in the 1970s, the deep Reno roots he transferred to the current ownership are still evident in personal service. This is reflected when groups come into the world that Caesars creates at THE ROW, when guests feel the VIP customer care in every detail of their experience.

“You have to come and see what we have to really appreciate it,” says Ken Ostempowski, senior vice president/general manager of THE ROW. “Northern Nevada is really a special place.”

Today, Ostempowski is the first G.M. of the organization who has not been from the Carano family. He has made it his priority to be accessible to groups and all guests, overseeing the personal experience of THE ROW trickling down through his team.

Family is at the heart of the Caesars brand, so group excursions at THE ROW might include its indoor arcade, reminiscent of an old-fashioned county fair. It is sure to bring even the most reserved executives back to the pre-digital years of their youth.

THE ROW in Reno features the Eldorado Resort Casino, Circus Circus Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Courtesy Photo

THE ROW in Reno features the Eldorado Resort Casino, Circus Circus Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Courtesy Photo

Available for the group experience, Caesars is convention ready. Encompassing eight square blocks total, THE ROW offers a choice of venues for meeting and convention groups. NoVi restaurant can accommodate 300 for a reception with interactional serving stations for guests. Roxy is another one of the award-winning restaurants, with its lounge spilling over into upscale fare. The Spa at Silver Legacy can be reserved for group events with services such as a deep-tissue massage or a soak in the sauna.

Although THE ROW serves groups needing as few as 10 rooms to as many as 2,500 rooms, a sweet spot for THE ROW is 250 to 750 rooms. Additional options for private group events include 28 bars, 11 nightclubs and the aforementioned 25 restaurants.

Other family-oriented outings might also include group booking a baseball game with the Reno Aces, a Triple-A team for Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Just outside THE ROW, family fun is a theme of Reno’s Downtown, where fun activities await, such as climbing the tallest man-made rock wall in the U.S. Reno is also known for its art walk and festivals, and Downtown and MidTown Reno feature guided art walks to view giant internationally acclaimed murals that reflect free thought.

“With easy direct flights from both the East and West coasts, groups not only have few issues getting to Reno, but find 10% to 20% value over and above what is offered elsewhere,” says Don Goodman, executive director of sales, national meetings & events with Caesars Entertainment. “If someone is watching their bottom line, they should consider Reno.”

Goodman points out the reinvention of Reno over the last 10 years, which is due to corporate growth fueling the downtown corridor. This has made a huge impact on meeting and convention traffic. While the tech boom is certainly a contributor, northwest Nevada’s lure is undeniably underwritten by history, architectural wonders, landscapes and 300 days of annual sunshine.

For those interested in experiencing that sunshine, there is plenty to see in Reno and the surrounding areas. Thirty miles in any direction of downtown Reno are many other fascinating finds, such as the tourist attractions of Truckee, Virginia City and other nooks off the beaten path.

The Reno family spirit extends to the surrounding area, but none so much as the region’s crown jewel, Lake Tahoe. That same family feel is why groups will never forget the moments of getting out of Zoom and into an outdoor setting that offers a rewarding mental break.

Caesars in Tahoe

Caesars locations around the world include popular destinations in the United States such as Atlantic City and New Orleans, as well as many international destinations. Caesars Entertainment is the largest casino company in the U.S., with more than 50 gaming properties in 16 states.

For the meeting and convention attendee experience, Caesars Entertainment ranks as one of the most experiential ready. Curating an adventure for groups seeking a location with a medley of excellence in its VIP convention support, the Caesars experience boasts incomparable offerings.

Two of Caesars’ properties in Reno’s neighboring South Tahoe include 1,200 rooms combined with Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harveys Lake Tahoe, just a 50-minute drive from THE ROW.

Within the South Tahoe area, Harveys has an outdoor event center utilized during summer months. Attendees can either be busy or serene with the multitude of hiking trails along the Tahoe rim.

When taking a cruise to Emerald Bay on vintage wooden vessels such as The Golden Rose, group charters can launch from the Tahoe Keys Marina. From there, groups will enjoy a bevy of beverages and beauty en route to see the Vikingsholm, with all of its storied tales. The Golden Rose is capable of towing a giant inflatable flamingo for those who are ready to take the plunge into the cool, clear alpine lake, while group charters can anchor near the beach for summertime swimming.

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Of the two South Tahoe properties, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe offers 512 rooms and suites sized at 500 sf, with 33 of those being Summit Suites. There are nine restaurants and 25,919 sf of flexible function space. With 59 suites for hospitality, any of the floors above the sixth floor offers views of Lake Tahoe. The 18,000-sf ballroom can be segmented into breakout space with direct indoor access from guest rooms and the lobby.

Unique to Harrah’s is the Cliché Cigar Lounge that may be reserved in advance, while on weekends it is open to the public. The South Shore Room is one of the most versatile offerings available due to the possibility of creating seating on a tiered flooring system that allows for 750 attendees. Known as PEEK Nightclub, this sets up nicely for a concert. The space can also be utilized to offer a meal or as a standing nightclub only for 1,100.

Harveys features 740 rooms and suites, seven restaurants and 26,669 sf of flexible function space, including a 15,000-sf ballroom. This makes dinner seating for 950, leaving six breakout rooms. Some of the meeting rooms, such as the Tallac room, are good for 140 attendants in a 2,000-sf space with natural light and excellent views. The Zephyr Room seats 100, connecting to standing cocktail space.

The backlash of the 2020 season has caused a high demand for these spaces, even throughout the value season, therefore meeting planners must plan accordingly.

Looking forward to group experiences, planners are eager to utilize the newly constructed Tahoe South events center, situated adjacent to the Caesars properties in South Tahoe. This will fill a need for the months when the outdoor theater is closed. The multipurpose arena is designed for sustainability, with a world-class view of the bordering mountains. Plans have been put into place to receive groups for corporate meetings and concerts and are currently available for sponsorships. Breakout rooms for breakfast meetings will be a staple of the daily event center schedule. Currently, the event center is being booked for fall 2023.

VisitLakeTahoe.com connects area visitors to activities and ideas about what to do and how to get there, as groups can shuttle between sister properties in Reno and Tahoe. Whether they are booked for excursions on beaches, mountains or trailheads, groups move with ease from one destination to another.

One innovative transportation option is the recently launched South Shore microtransit shuttle service, Lake Link, which was planned specifically in conjunction with South Tahoe’s newest gem, a 6,000-seat event center. The service may be accessed by a personal mobile app or through TahoeLakeLink.com and is free, unlike other familiar transportation apps.

The event center will be bringing in country and old rock ’n’ roll acts, as well as youth sports and all things to add to an already-friendly Tahoe mix. In addition, the fun in Tahoe also extends to the dining table, with Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen and The Sage Room’s bedazzled views. In season, an evening under the stars at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a must for groups.

Arnaud Robin, national sales manager, Harrah’s/Harveys Tahoe & THE ROW with Caesars Entertainment, has the inside scoop in Tahoe for visitors who want to experience the area without breaking a sweat. Overall, the group experience in Tahoe brings with it a time to play, rediscover personal roots, and capture plans and memories to take home.

“One of the coolest things to do at Lake Tahoe for the non-skier is to take a scenic gondola ride or play in the snow along the shores of the lake in winter. Imagine doing snow angels on the snow while you know it’s a beach in the summer,” Robin says.

An Excellent Attendee Experience

Caesars Entertainment has a bright future, recently having broken ground in Danville, Virginia, where the same friendly Caesars brand will be re-created. There is no doubt that it will be linked back to the roots of the people on the ground in a similar fashion as was successfully accomplished in northwest Nevada. This came naturally with a population surge that has ignited a demand for new ideas, drawn people from regions that are not indigenous to Reno, and garnered attention well beyond gaming to the offerings of the Reno-Tahoe region.

More than ever, tech inventors and entrepreneurs are buzzing with their new demands upon the residential real estate market, entertainment industry, as well as the F&B industry. Adding to the attendee experience is the regional history, architecture, art, sports, culinary excellence and business-friendly know how.

Altogether, the mindset of Reno city planners sets a collective tone of warm reception. Transcending into large corporations, small businesses, and most notably, the meetings industry, Reno’s visitors find that the value of its group experience will be more than just a gamble. It is a jackpot of surprises awaiting in America’s new favorite destination. C&IT

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