Since Alex Meruelo purchased Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno in 2011, he’s invested more than $200 million in upgrades. More enhancements are in store in 2021, including upgrades to the front entrance, hotel rooms, entertainment venues, dining options and common areas.
GSR President and General Manager Shannon Keel said, “Our owner Alex Meruelo has invested in making GSR the premier gaming-resort in Reno-Tahoe. We pride ourselves on delivering a premium guest experience offering the finest amenities in northern Nevada. No other resort in our region can equal our pool experience, entertainment options or lavish room finishings. These latest updates are simply a reflection of Mr. Meruelo’s commitment to excellence and his never-ending pursuit to deliver unequalled hospitality and guest experiences.”
The front porte cochere has been transformed with a new stone façade and column treatments, paver drive, enhanced overhead ceiling design, brass doors and a spectacular water feature showcasing color-changing lighting.
Inside, the 36-foot, 16,500-pound Blossom chandelier was inspired by the beauty and symbolism of the Sakura, or Japanese cherry blossom. Made of more than 600,000 Egyptian crystals in a brass frame, it features 480 spotlights plus 5,000 LED lights that glow with a total of 10,500 watts. Beneath the Blossom a mosaic tile floor is made up of more than 135,000 hand-laid tiles installed in 407 sections.
The casino features new flooring, fresh paint and dozens of new slots, including Scientific Games’ Duo Fu Duo Cai Coin Combo and Dancing Drums Prosperity, IGT’s Treasure Box and more. The casual eatery 2nd Street Café Express will be updated with new finishes, an expanded seating area and an enhanced menu.
The Pool at GSR will be updated with an expanded bar and an innovative new food court featuring food trucks. Millie the Duck, a 12-foot-tall duck sculpture recently was installed, a gift from GSR’s sister property, SAHARA Las Vegas.
The entertainment zone has been updated with a smoothie shop, Fun Quest video arcade updates and a multi-phase renovation at the bowling center, including a new bar and grill plus VIP lanes and a suite.
Rooms are being refreshed in the Summit Tower with new Italian curved furniture with stone tops, well-appointed headboards featuring custom sconces and connectivity outlets, updated seating areas including well-lit workspaces and custom closets. Bathroom updates include new fluted walnut vanities with custom-lit mirrors, cream stone flooring and walls with contrasting slab accents. Summit Tower guest corridors and elevator lobbies also will be renovated.
Past enhancements include renovations to GSR’s 2,000 hotel rooms and casino floor, 200,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, an all-new Infinity High Limit game room, renovation of the historic Grand Theatre, the LEX Nightclub and the addition of northern Nevada’s largest race and sports book.
