Whitney Peak is Reno's premier boutique hotel and the only major downtown property without a casino floor, making it a favorite for travelers seeking a quiet, upscale retreat. The hotel features the world's tallest indoor climbing wall (164 feet), the Basecamp climbing gym, and the excellent Pie Face pizza restaurant. The rooftop offers panoramic views of downtown Reno and the Sierra Nevada.
Whitney Peak Hotel at 255 N Virginia St is Reno's premier independent boutique property and the only major downtown hotel operating without a casino floor, occupying the converted former Sundowner Casino building in the heart of Reno's Virginia Street corridor. The hotel opened in 2011 and has built a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts, business travelers, and visitors seeking a quieter and more distinctive alternative to the casino-resort experience that dominates downtown Reno's accommodation landscape. The property's defining feature is the Basecamp Climbing gym on the lower levels, which includes the world's tallest outdoor artificial climbing wall — a 164-foot structure covering the hotel's exterior facade, visible from the street and recognized as a landmark in its own right. The wall accommodates climbers from beginner to advanced levels, with instruction and guided sessions available through the gym. Adjacent bouldering caves provide a full indoor climbing facility. The 310 guest rooms are designed with an outdoor-adventure aesthetic using natural wood tones, exposed stone textures, and mountain photography, with the superior Basecamp rooms including dedicated gear storage. Pie Face Pizza within the hotel produces wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies and is popular with both guests and locals as one of downtown's better late-night dining options. The rooftop bar and deck provides panoramic views of downtown Reno, the Truckee River corridor, and the Sierra Nevada on clear days. Whitney Peak's Virginia Street address places it two blocks from Silver Legacy and Eldorado, and within easy walking distance of the Riverwalk District, the Nevada Museum of Art, and the Arts District south of downtown.
Amenities
- climbing wall
- climbing gym
- restaurant
- bar
- rooftop
- wifi
- fitness center
Location
255 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
39.5272, -119.8153 View on map
Highlights
- World's tallest outdoor artificial climbing wall: 164-foot structure on the hotel exterior, open to all abilities
- Casino-free hotel: the only major downtown Reno property without on-site gaming
- Rooftop bar and deck with panoramic views of Reno and the Sierra Nevada
- Basecamp Climbing gym with indoor bouldering facilities and climbing instruction
- Prime Virginia Street address within walking distance of Reno's restaurant, arts, and cultural district
Tips for visiting
- The 164-foot outdoor climbing wall is open to the public, not just hotel guests — check the Basecamp gym schedule for open-climb sessions and beginner instruction times
- Reserve a rooftop table before sunset for the Sierra Nevada views; summer evenings are particularly popular and fill quickly
- The hotel runs promotions tied to local outdoor events; checking event calendars around the Sparks Balloon Race and Reno Aces games often reveals room deals
- Valet parking is available and competitive with downtown Reno rates; street parking is limited during major downtown events
- Pie Face Pizza serves until late and is one of the more reliable after-10pm dining options in downtown Reno
Accessibility
Whitney Peak Hotel has accessible entrances on Virginia Street, elevator access to all guest floors, and accessible rooms. The Basecamp Climbing gym has facilities for adaptive climbing; guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the gym in advance to confirm arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a casino at Whitney Peak Hotel?
No. Whitney Peak is deliberately casino-free, the only major downtown Reno hotel without on-site gaming. The hotel specifically caters to guests who prefer a quieter alternative to the casino-resort environment.
What is the climbing wall at Whitney Peak?
The Basecamp climbing wall rises 164 feet up the exterior of the hotel building and is recognized as the world's tallest outdoor artificial climbing structure. It is operated by the Basecamp Climbing gym and accessible to experienced climbers and beginners with instruction available.
How close is Whitney Peak to other downtown Reno properties?
Whitney Peak sits at 255 N Virginia St, two blocks south of Silver Legacy and Eldorado Reno. The Riverwalk District, Nevada Museum of Art, and a growing number of independent restaurants are all within easy walking distance.
What dining does Whitney Peak Hotel offer?
Pie Face Pizza is the primary hotel dining venue, serving Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza popular with guests and locals. The rooftop bar operates in the evenings with views across the city.