When traveling with kids, can staying in a casino hotel be a wise choice? There are definitely pros and cons, but if you’re visiting Reno, Nevada, I can absolutely recommend Boomtown Casino and Hotel.
In our pre-child life, my husband and I loved zipping down the Garden State Parkway to spend a few hours in the Atlantic City casinos. We loved the energy, gambled conservatively, and often earned a free buffet dinner after a few hours of table play. But having kids put an end to this particular hobby.
Now that our kids are older (10 and 16), we’ve started experimenting with visits to casinos. Many casinos today have an all-inclusive feel, with several restaurant choices on-site, entertainment options for all ages, and reasonable rates compared to other hotels.
Here’s why my family loved our visit to Boomtown.
1. The Boomtown Fun Center features over 30,000 square feet bursting with exciting games for kids of all ages and a redemption center that offers a huge array of fun prizes. There’s a flight simulator, antique carousel, covered-wagon ferris wheel and rodeo rider – plus over 200 video and arcade games, indoor mini-golf, a bounce house, a separate party room, and a snack bar. They specialize in birthday parties.
My daughter loved the beautiful antique carousel at Boomtown’s Fun Center
2. The casino looks well-appointed and feels comfortable, though it’s not humongous like the cavernous Atlantic City casinos. Some resorts will have you walking miles from your room to a restaurant, but Boomtown covers a manageable size, making it easy to find your way around.
The accommodations are large and luxurious. Our queen suite was incredibly spacious, with a large bedroom and bathroom and a comfortable living area. The kitchenette was almost a full kitchen, complete with a bar and stools.
Spacious living area in our suite.
3. It’s removed from the city. Boomtown is on the outskirts of Reno, Nevada. It’s not on a strip. It’s not even in a cluster of hotels. It’s just off Interstate 80, in a desert-like setting framed by the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountains. A fully-equipped KOA RV Park, located right next to Boomtown, overlooks the majestic Truckee River. It’s safe, laid-back, and convenient to Reno, Tahoe and Sacramento.
The view from the balcony of our room at Boomtown.
4. Boomtown’s “Famous All-You-Can-Eat Lobster Buffet” is just what families need. There’s something for everyone and I’d rate the food well above-average for a buffet. We also loved breakfast at Bistro 2100 – I had a decadent Brioche French Toast stuffed with cream cheese and orange marmalade.
The line can be an hour long to get into Boomtown’s Famous Lobster Buffet!
Because my kids are older, my husband and I were even able to slip out in the evening for a couple hours on the casino floor. The dealers were helpful and friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed. So if you enjoy casinos, you can have a wonderful getaway with the whole family at Boomtown Casino and Hotel.