Reno Travel Forum

Hi,

I'm planning a ski trip to Squaw Valley this Dec, and I'm flying into Reno with 2 other girlfriends. The problem is, our flight lands at 1.15 AM. A friend that I'm staying with in Squaw is willing to drive to Reno to pick us up, but seeing that it is in the middle of the night, and there would probably be snow, I told him to pick us up the next morning.
I'm wondering how the airport is like - if it's small, quiet, no security guards etc - safe for 3 girls to wait out for 6 hours? or should I pay for a hotel in town, make my way there from the airport and catch a few hours of sleep and wait for my friend?

Hope someone can help! Thanks!

The airport is quite small--I don't know if it is open all night. If it is, it would be quite safe. Lots of slot machines--so you know there is going to be security.

But if you want to stay up all night--why not just take a taxi to one of the real casinos. At least there you can get a drink and people watch if gambling is not your thing.

The airport would be safe enough, but I think you would be bored out of your mind. Everything would be closed and the place would be deserted.
I agree you should get a cab and go to the Reno Hilton (closest casino) and hang out there. They probably have a 24-hour diner of some kind, and you can always sit at the gaming tables and drink coffee.
I would not recommend walking around the streets downtown Reno (casino hopping) at 2am, though.
Also, you don't have to just assume the roads will be snowblocked at night. Unless there is a big storm right before you get there, the interstate should be fine. The road crews are prepared for the snow and they do a good job of keeping the roads clear. If this winter is anything like the last, everything will be bone dry up to 7000 ft.

Are you arriving weeknight or weekend night?

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. =)
I'm arriving on a weeknight.

Unless its a holiday, weeknight rooms can be very economical in Reno, including the Hilton for $35.

Check with travelworm.com or hotelkingdom.com
You may find a hotel that will pick you up at the airport and offer a room at a very low price so that you can get a little sleep and enjoy the rest of your day skiing.