Reno air races 2016 where to stay?

kg6kct · #1 07-08-2016, 08:03 PM

My wife , I and our three boys are coming for Saturday's races maybe Friday's too. Looking for suggestions on where to stay for 3 nights.

flyingriki · #2 07-08-2016, 09:19 PM

Depends on how you're getting there and if you need shuttle rides to Stead. Looks like you'd be driving so look for a casino in your price range. We've stayed at many of the big ones with good experiences. Usually shop for the most economical of the biggies at the time of reservation. Dont forget Sparks in your search.

SHIPCHIEF · #3 07-21-2016, 11:07 PM

Timely topic!
This will be our fist year.
Can we fly in during certain times of the day, or is there a cut-off day, and were would I find the RV clan?

Mike S · #4 07-21-2016, 11:11 PM

Laura and I like to stay at the Nugget--------really like it.

We take the shuttle and just leave the car in the casino lot.

SHIPCHIEF · #5 07-21-2016, 11:27 PM

Thanks Mike;
I checked out the Reno Air race page:
http://airrace.org/
which I should have done before asking.
It looks like shuttle rides is the way to go, once in Reno. If flying in to an outlying airport, I'll need to figure out how to get to the hotel/casino.
I've been to Million Aire FBO in Alexandria LA. Best hospitality possible but can be expensive. So is Reno Tahoe airport the way to go or Carson City, Truckee or another?

Bevan · #6 07-21-2016, 11:41 PM

"Can we fly in during certain times of the day, or is there a cut-off day,"?

No. From their website,

quote "Every inch of the Reno-Stead Airport is occupied by participants and vendors during the week of the National Championship Air Races. All non-participating aircraft should choose Reno-Tahoe Airport, Carson City Airport, Truckee Airport, or other Northern Nevada/California airports as their destination, with surface transportation from your arrival airport to the Reno-Stead Airport. Those landing in Reno-Tahoe Airport can take a short cab ride to the Grand Sierra Resort and catch the shuttle bus from there. If you plan to drive to the Races, use Route 395 North from the Reno/Sparks area.

Contact information for Reno-Tahoe International Airport Fixed Base Operators [FBOs]:

■Atlantic Air: 775-858-7300
■Million Air: 775-825-6400" end quote

The air conditioned shuttle buses are great. Even if you don't stay at a hotel where the shuttle stops, other hotels have their own shuttle vans which would likely take you to the main shuttle bus stop. Mine always has.

Keep you eye open for me, I'll be wearing a bright orange shirt!

Bevan

flyboy1963 · #7 07-22-2016, 08:10 AM

so if you like a little subterfuge, slap a number on the side, park on the flightline, and take the cowling off!.....have someone stand around shaking their head from time to time, with a rag in their back pocket.....should be good for a couple days anyway!

...but seriously, just wanted to mention that we had good luck driving to the field at 7am, parking on street, and walking to one of the gates. The idea was that we could return to the car for a snack or cheap beverage....as you can't take much thru the gate.
In reality, it was just easier to shuttle and stay & eat on the field most days!
I have to say that Reno transit was pretty darn good....except the bus stop is quite a few 'blocks' from the gate. I wish they'd change the 'loop' during the races to get a bit closer. But there were extra buses added, transit supervisors with radios at the stop to ensure things ran smoothly, and you meet the nicest, most interesting folks at the bus stop!

We got off at a stop right across from our hotel...the Peppermill, which was a nice place to stay.

( pirep; if you aren't used to smoke, don't stay in the wing of a hotel with the casino below, all the a/c is connected, and I couldn't take it!)

airguy · #8 07-22-2016, 08:13 AM

I'm planning on flying into Carson City on Friday and having a rental car waiting for me there, I'm staying at the Grand Sierra. I've done the shuttle thing in years past and it leaves something to be desired, in my opinion. Maybe it's gotten better since then.

Aircraft parking at Reno/Tahoe can get very hectic, they will tow your airplane into the back 40 parking lot somewhere and you'll need to give them an expected arrival time at the FBO for your departure, and they'll pull it back up front for you.