I'm no fan of Reno, but attended a conference there a few months
ago - which happened to be held at the Eldorado Hotel/Casino.
I found it to be clean, well run and conveniently located - with
a big parking garage (free) next door. You can get good rates
by booking online (www.eldoradoreno.com). Good and reasonably
priced food in the numerous restaurants. If I were doing it I'd
fly into Minden (been there, but years ago), get a car from
Enterprise, and stay at the Eldo - but only because I know what
to expect there. No doubt you can get equally good deals at many
other places.

As for the air races, I went for a day a couple of years ago -
because I happened to be working temporarily in that neck of
the woods at the time. I found it more interesting to look over
all the exotic machinery in the pits and display area than to
watch the races themselves. I wouldn't make a special trip to
see it again, but would probably drop in for a day if I'm nearby.
YMMV. Hope you like it if you go.

David Johnson

I agree with David.
I'm not a gambler, but the casinos are kinda fun, especially if you've never
been before.
The El Dorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus are all adjoined, which is
kinda cool.
Circus Circus is a bit cheesy, but they have a live circus act and a midway.
Don't eat at the buffet there, though!
I'd stick to El Dorado or Silver Legacy. La Strada is a great restaurant
(mushroom ravioli).
If you book soon, you can probably get good rates, and as mentioned, the
parking is free when validated.
From downtown Reno, it's probably 15 minutes to the Stead Airport.

Also, as mentioned, there is nothing in Stead!
My Dad lives there. That's the only reason (besides the air races) I'd ever
go there!

Adam