Operator News
US – Grand Sierra Resort invests $200m on resort transformation
By Phil - 31 March 2021
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino continues its ongoing quest to create ‘unparalleled guest experiences’ by embarking upon a number of resort enhancements in early 2021.
Developments to the resort experience include a transformation of the property’s front entrance, room upgrades, expanded entertainment and dining options, as well as updates to resort common areas.
“Since assuming ownership in 2011, our owner Alex Meruelo has invested in making GSR the premier gaming-resort in Reno-Tahoe,” said GSR President and General Manager Shannon Keel. “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 most visible of the new updates is a design transformation of the resort’s front porte cochere. As guests arrive at Reno’s premier gaming destination, they will notice a beautiful new stone façade and column treatments, a paver drive, enhanced overhead ceiling design, stunning brass doors and a spectacular water feature showcasing eye-catching, color-changing lighting.
Inside, guests are greeted by “The Blossom,” a one-of-a-kind chandelier that spans 36 feet, weighs over 16,500 pounds and features 480 spotlights plus 5,000 LED lights that utilise a total of 10,500 watts. With more than 600,000 Egyptian crystals hand-knit into the sculpted brass frame structure, the design was inspired by the beauty and symbolism of the Sakura, or Japanese cherry blossom. Accompanying “The Blossom” is a spectacular mosaic tile floor, made up of more than 135,000 hand-laid tiles which were installed in 407 sections.
Additionally, guests will notice an overall update to the casino with new flooring, fresh paint and a wealth of exciting new games including Scientific Games’ Duo Fu Duo Cai Coin Combo and Dancing Drums Prosperity, IGT’s Treasure Box and more. Additionally, the casual eatery 2nd Street Café Express will be updated with new finishes and an expanded seating area along with an enhanced menu offering including fresh baked pastries, power bowls, poke bowls, sushi rolls, charcuterie platter and more.
Just in time for summer, The Pool at GSR is receiving a major update with an expanded bar featuring new signature cocktails, such as Honey Mango Mule, Dragonfruit Lemonade and Watermelon Basil Margarita, as well as innovative new food court featuring food trucks with snack bite options including a Mexican menu and an Asian concept. Another recent addition to The Pool at GSR is Millie the Duck, a 12-foot-tall duck sculpture who recently arrived at GSR from the resort’s sister property, SAHARA Las Vegas. Millie was named after nearby Mill Street.
Just beyond Rendezvous Bar on the casino level, guests will find updates to the resort’s entertainment zone with the addition of a Jamba Juice smoothie shop, updates to the Fun Quest video arcade and entertainment center, and a multi-phase renovation to the GSR Bowling Center. Upgrades to the bowling center include a new bar and grill and the addition of eight VIP lanes, as well as a new VIP bowling suite which includes an attached private en suite.
Resort upgrades continue in the Summit Tower where rooms are receiving a refresh featuring a luxurious, yet comfortable design aesthetic. Room updates include 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. Room upgrades also include bathroom updates with new fluted walnut vanities with custom-lit mirrors, cream stone flooring and walls with contrasting slab accents. In addition to room updates, Summit Tower guest corridors and elevator lobbies will also be renovated to complement the room design.
Further public area enhancements include a renovation of the resort’s public restrooms which features large-scale travertine flooring and walls with contrasting accents and glass mosaics, new well-lit vanities – including make-up vanities and seating in women’s restrooms – as well as large custom murals and warm cove lighting.
Since assuming ownership of GSR in 2011, Alex Meruelo has invested more than $200 million in resort upgrades. Nearly every inch of the property has been enhanced, including renovations to GSR’s 2,000 hotel rooms and casino floor; a transformation of The Pool, a year-round outdoor oasis; renovations of its 200,000 square feet of meeting and convention space; an all-new Infinity High Limit game room; an applauded renovation of its historic Grand Theatre; the creation of the wildly popular LEX Nightclub; the addition of northern Nevada’s largest race and sports book; new restaurants and more.
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