River Walks, Goddess Rooms, and Homey Concert Venues — Exploring Reno, Nevada
“Shoddy casino-ville” was how I’d previously envisioned this city, but urban designers are taking steps to to change that reputation
Waking up in the Goddess Room of Reno’s Burner Hostel, I feel as if a mystical presence is watching over me.
A mural of a woman surrounds me on all four walls. Her purple and teal hair flows down from her head, becoming waves that blanket and soften the walls while enveloping the sleeper (me) in a calming aura.
Other “themed” rooms inside the hostel include the Cat Room, the Monsters Room, and the Mermaids Room.
Before visiting, “shoddy casino-ville” was how I’d envisioned Nevada’s capital (home to 247,000) to be like. A local explained to me, though, that city designers are trying to change that reputation.
“They want to shift how people see Reno. Make it more family-oriented. No more casinos. The only ones that will ever exist are the ones that exist now,” they said.
I set out to explore the city, strolling from the hostel past minimalist country-style homes until reaching downtown, where casino signs glitter and beep.
