
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Best for travelers who want an all-in-one resort with gaming, nightlife, many restaurants, large event space and family-friendly pools and activities.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino is a large 4-star Reno resort built around an 80,000+ sq ft casino, multiple restaurants, a sizable pool complex and lots of on-site entertainment; read this if you want a full-service gaming-and-entertainment stay or a family-friendly resort. Element by Marriott Reno Experience District is a 3.5-star modern extended-stay hotel with wellness-oriented branding and practical rooms; read this if you prefer a quieter, non-casino base near Reno’s business district and convention center.
Updated · about 4.2 km (2.6 miles) apart

Best for travelers who want an all-in-one resort with gaming, nightlife, many restaurants, large event space and family-friendly pools and activities.

Best for travelers who want a newer, practical extended-stay room with free breakfast, a fitness focus, and an easy drive to Peppermill, Atlantis and the Reno convention area.
When Grand Sierra Resort & Casino wins: Choose Grand Sierra if you want on-site casino gaming, many dining and nightlife options, large meeting and event spaces, a full-service spa and a resort-sized pool complex with separate adults-only areas.
When Element wins: Choose Element if you prefer a quieter, practical extended-stay stay with complimentary breakfast, modern rooms, EV charging and a wellness-oriented feel — especially if you’re attending events at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center or want a non-casino hotel.
Bottom line: Grand Sierra is a destination resort for entertainment, dining and large groups; Element is a straightforward Marriott extended-stay option for travelers who want modern rooms and wellness-minded amenities without the casino atmosphere.
| Category | Grand Sierra Resort & Casino | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Big, busy casino resort with entertainment, shows and nightlife | Calmer modern extended-stay hotel focused on wellness and practicality |
| Location (to each other) | About 2.6 miles (4.2 km) from Element | |
| Size | 1,990 guest rooms across a large resort footprint and many entertainment venues | 170 rooms |
| Who it's for / age policy | Family-friendly resort (children welcome; primary registering guest must be 21+) | All-ages hotel; standard Marriott policies apply (min check-in age 18+ per Element listing) |
| Pools | Resort-sized Main Pool open to all ages plus an Infinity Pool Deck with VIP cabanas and a 21+ adults-only section | Wheelchair-accessible pool listed (details and size not published) |
| Restaurants & bars | Dozens of outlets including Charlie Palmer Steak Reno, The Grand Buffet, casual cafes and multiple bars/lounges | 1 restaurant and 1 bar/lounge on property plus a coffee shop/cafe; complimentary weekday buffet breakfast |
| Spa & fitness | The Spa at Grand Sierra Resort with massages, facials, sauna, steam rooms and a remodeled 24-hour fitness center (hotel guests 16+) | Wheelchair-accessible fitness center and rooftop garden; on-site spa: Not published |
| Known for | Large casino floor (80,000+ sq ft), entertainment and meeting/event spaces | Modern extended-stay rooms and wellness-oriented branding near Reno business/convention district |
| Meeting & event space | 200,000+ sq ft of flexible meeting space, ballrooms and large-capacity venues | Wheelchair-accessible meeting spaces/business center (smaller scale) |
| Parking & transit | Free self-parking and valet; complimentary hotel-only airport shuttle to Reno-Tahoe Intl. | Self parking (surcharge) and no accessible shuttle; about 3.5 km from Reno-Tahoe Intl (preferred airport) |
Grand Sierra sits on East Second Street a short drive from the airport and north of downtown Reno.
Good if you want quick airport access and to be slightly removed from downtown’s central strip while staying near attractions.
Element is in Reno’s business/experience district, convenient to the convention center and other midtown destinations.
A practical location for convention-goers and business travelers who want access to midtown Reno without the casino environment in-hotel.
Grand Sierra offers almost 2,000 rooms and many suite options across multiple towers.
Choose Grand Sierra if you want a wide range of room types and suite options within a large resort complex.
Element provides modern, extended-stay-style rooms in a smaller hotel of 170 rooms.
Element is better for longer stays and guests who want practical, modern rooms with some studio/suite layouts.
Grand Sierra has many on-site restaurants and bars across price points and styles.
A wide variety of dining suits groups, families and late-night guests; reservations recommended for signature venues.
Element is a single-restaurant hotel with a coffee shop/cafe and complimentary buffet breakfast on weekdays.
Element covers daily basics and breakfast well; for more dining variety you’ll need to walk or drive nearby.
Grand Sierra’s pool complex is a central resort feature with options for all ages and an adults-only section.
Grand Sierra is the pick for guests who prioritize a large resort pool scene and poolside entertainment.
Element lists a wheelchair-accessible pool among its amenities, but detailed pool features are not published in supplier data.
Element has simple pool access suitable for guests looking for a quiet swim; it’s not positioned as a resort pool destination.
Grand Sierra combines a full spa and 24-hour fitness center with an active nightlife and entertainment calendar.
If you want both spa services and lively evening entertainment in one place, Grand Sierra fits that mix.
Element highlights a wellness-oriented brand with fitness facilities and sustainable/healthy touches.
Element is aimed at wellness-conscious travelers who value fitness, healthy breakfast options and eco-minded operations rather than late-night entertainment.

Grand Sierra — large casino floor, multiple lounges, nightclub and evening entertainment options.

Element — studio and suite layouts, housekeeping on request, complimentary weekday breakfast and extended-stay design.

Grand Sierra — family-friendly pools, bowling center, movie theater, seasonal ice rink and many casual dining options.

Element — wellness-oriented branding, fitness center, rooftop garden and vegetarian/vegan menu options.
Element is closer — the supplier listing notes Element is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the Reno‑Sparks Convention Center.
Grand Sierra — it offers a dozen-plus restaurants and many bars, while Element has one restaurant, a bar/lounge and a coffee shop.
No — both properties accommodate guests of all ages, though Grand Sierra restricts some pool areas to guests 21+ and requires the primary registering guest to be at least 21.
Element — its extended-stay room types, on-site business/meeting spaces (smaller scale) and complimentary weekday breakfast suit longer business stays; Grand Sierra is better for large conferences and groups.
Explore how Grand Sierra Resort & Casino stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·