Story and Photos by Brianna Sullivan
The building that was once the Siena Hotel in downtown Reno has finally been renovated and is open for business. The hotel, now named the Renaissance Hotel, is a non-gaming, full-service hotel, joining more than 160 Renaissance properties in 35 countries around the world. It has 214 rooms, 28 of which are suites, that feature many business-friendly amenities such as moveable desks and modern plug-in technology.
The hotel features a fitness center, hot tub, and a rooftop outdoor pool. The lobby has an area for kids to play while parents check in, there are snacks for purchase, and farther down the hall a coffee bar, lounge area, and full-service bar.
Frente, the hotel’s main restaurant, serves Greek Mediterranean inspired cuisine with an American twist. The restaurant is to feature local meats and produce from farms in both Nevada and northern California. The restaurant deck, which overlooks the Truckee River, has been expanded by 15 feet giving guests the much-desired riverfront patio experience. With the expansion the deck can now hold up to 90 people, and once completed will include a wraparound fire pit.
The hotel has over 13,000 square feet of event and meeting space, making it the perfect corporate retreat and wedding venue. The largest of eight event rooms accommodates 650 people. Their Sky Room has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Sierra Nevadas and downtown Reno. They also have state-of-the-art audiovisual services and high-speed internet in all of the venues.
The 22,000 square foot casino space is now the Bundox Bocce, which has something for everyone. There are seven indoor bocce courts, skee ball games, two, 50-foot projection screens, shuffleboard tables, and a family friendly restaurant, perfect for both adults and kids alike. There is also a bar in the gaming area. The Bundox Bocce is brightly colored, open, and decorated with unique light fixtures and art work. There is also a second story space that overlooks the Bundox Bocce with lounge seating. Outside there is a large patio equipped with another full-service bar, an outdoor dining area, and a private event space.
The restaurant manager who helped craft the signature cocktails at the The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery is assisting in creating the cocktail menu for the recreation area bar and Frente; therefore, guests can expect similar types of cocktails.
There is also a bar in the basement and a cozy area for guests to relax and socialize. Across from the bar, there is a wine cellar with a large table and many wine bottles on display, which will likely serve as an area for private dinners and parties.
One of the many unique features in the Renaissance Hotel is the large wall of dog tags. Guests are allowed to take a dog tag, have it engraved, and bring it back to be placed on the wall. It’s a fun way for guests to leave their mark at the hotel. Managing partner and owner Fernando Leal’s dog, Ocho, had one of the first tags featured on the wall. Needless to say, the hotel is pet-friendly.
Currently only the hotel portion of the Renaissance is open, as is Frente. The grand opening for Bundox Bocce is May 17. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. and will include art exhibits, craft beer and cocktails, and live entertainment.
The opening date for the two additional restaurants hasn’t been set.
For more information visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rnobr-renaissance-reno-downtown-hotel/
Bri is a recent Reno transplant, originally from Montana, and excited to explore the city and highlight local businesses and events. She is a full-time pharmacist, but enjoys writing and photography. She also has a personal blog.
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