
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Best for travelers who want on-site gaming, nightlife, many dining choices and big-resort amenities in Reno.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino is a large Reno resort and casino with many on-site restaurants, entertainment venues and a resort-style pool complex; this guide helps travelers who want a high-energy, full-service stay. The Cottages at Old Greenwood is an upscale Truckee cottage community near Old Greenwood Golf Course—read this if you want a quieter mountain-resort cottage with golf and ski access.
Updated · about 32 miles (51 km) apart

Best for travelers who want on-site gaming, nightlife, many dining choices and big-resort amenities in Reno.

Best for travelers seeking an upscale, quieter Truckee base with cottage-style units, easy access to golf and Tahoe-area outdoor activities.
When Grand Sierra Resort & Casino wins: choose GSR if you want an all-in-one entertainment hub — a big casino floor, multiple restaurants and bars, bowling, shows, an extensive meetings/events program and a large resort pool complex with both family and adults-only areas.
When The Cottages at Old Greenwood wins: choose the Cottages for a low-density, upscale cottage experience close to Old Greenwood Golf Course, complimentary ski shuttle and easy access to Donner Lake and Northstar—good for families or groups who prefer self-contained kitchen-equipped cottages and outdoor recreation.
Bottom line: pick Grand Sierra for action, dining variety and built-in entertainment in Reno; pick The Cottages at Old Greenwood for a quieter mountain-stay near golf and Tahoe activities with cottage-style accommodations.
| Category | Grand Sierra Resort & Casino | The Cottages at Old Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, high-energy resort and casino with many entertainment options | Upscale, low-density cottage community focused on golf and mountain activities |
| Location | Reno city resort, ~2.5 miles from Reno–Tahoe Intl. Airport and a short drive to downtown Reno | Truckee mountain community near Old Greenwood Golf Course; ~34 mi from RNO |
| Size | Very large — 1,990 rooms, 80,000+ sq ft casino, extensive meeting space | Small — 13 air-conditioned rooms / cottages |
| Ages / audience | All ages (family-friendly) with some adults-only areas (Infinity Pool 21+) | All ages / family-friendly |
| Pools & pool access | Multiple pools: resort-sized Main Pool (all ages) plus Infinity Pool Deck (21+), hot tubs, cabanas, pool bars | Two outdoor pools, poolside bar; seasonal hours apply per property policies |
| Restaurants & bars | Dozens on-site including Charlie Palmer Steak, Rim Asian Bistro, The Grand Buffet, casual outlets and many bars | Wrap-up drink at the poolside bar; full on-site restaurants not listed |
| Spa & fitness | The Spa at Grand Sierra Resort with massages, Hydrafacial, sauna/steam and 24-hour fitness center for guests 16+ | Health or beauty spa nearby (not listed as an on-site full spa) |
| Known for | Casino, large entertainment options (bowling, theatre, nightclub), big meeting/conference facilities | Golf access (Old Greenwood Golf Course), cottage-style units with kitchens and fireplaces |
| Room types / signature units | Vista Room; Sierra Room; Sierra Tower Deluxe Room; Vista Tower Deluxe Room | Signature Cottage, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Mountainside; Signature Cottage, 3 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Mountain View |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking and valet, complimentary hotel shuttle to RNO for registered guests | Free self parking; complimentary ski shuttle and proximity to Truckee airport (TKF) |
Grand Sierra sits on East Second Street in Reno, close to the airport and a short drive from downtown attractions.
Choose GSR for easy airport access and proximity to Reno nightlife and city attractions.
The Cottages at Old Greenwood are in Truckee, immediately adjacent to Tahoe National Forest and Old Greenwood Golf Course.
Choose the Cottages when you want a quieter mountain base with direct access to golf and Tahoe-area outdoors.
GSR offers a wide range of rooms and many luxury suites across a very large property.
Choose GSR for variety of room and suite sizes and large-capacity groups.
The Cottages are cottage-style units with full kitchens and fireplaces in a small community.
Choose the Cottages for self-catered, home-style cottage units with mountain views and fireplaces.
Grand Sierra has a broad dining lineup from a celebrity-steakhouse to casual and grab-and-go outlets.
Choose GSR if you want many on-site dining styles and late-night options without leaving the property.
The Cottages listing highlights a poolside bar and does not list full on-site signature restaurants.
Choose the Cottages if you want cottage kitchens and nearby Truckee restaurants rather than a large on-site restaurant roster.
GSR’s Pool complex includes a large Main Pool open to all ages and an adults-only Infinity Pool Deck.
Pick GSR for a resort pool scene with both family and adults-only options and poolside programming.
The Cottages have two outdoor pools and a poolside bar as part of the cottage community experience.
Pick the Cottages for quieter pool time in a small community setting with accessible features.
Grand Sierra mixes a full-service spa and fitness center with large-scale nightlife and entertainment.
Choose GSR when you want spa services plus nightlife, shows and many activity options on-site.
The Cottages emphasize outdoor activities, golf privileges and proximity to ski areas rather than a large nightlife scene.
Choose the Cottages for outdoor-sports access and golf rather than on-site nightlife and big entertainment.

Grand Sierra — casino floor, nightclub, lounges, bowling, theater and frequent live entertainment.

The Cottages at Old Greenwood — cottage units next to Old Greenwood Golf Course and easy access to Tahoe outdoor activities.

Grand Sierra — dozen-plus restaurants and many bars from steakhouse to quick-service cafés.

The Cottages — 2- and 3-bedroom Signature Cottages with full kitchens and living space for longer or family stays.
Grand Sierra is much closer to RNO (about 2.5 miles); The Cottages are roughly 34 miles from RNO.
Grand Sierra — it has a large casino, nightclub, lounges and nightly entertainment; The Cottages are quiet and near outdoor activities instead.
Yes — The Cottages at Old Greenwood are family-friendly with kitchen-equipped 2- and 3-bedroom cottages and on-site pools; Grand Sierra is also family-friendly but geared to broader entertainment.
The supplier listing notes a free ski shuttle, ski storage and nearby downhill and cross-country skiing options, making it a practical base for ski access.
Explore how Grand Sierra Resort & Casino stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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