A restored 1958 motor court in Reno's Midtown district, featuring stylish retro rooms, a lobby bar, and an onsite sauna club.
The Midtown Motor Lodge, revitalized and operating as the Best Bet Motor Lodge, stands as a design-forward reimagining of a classic 1958 roadside motel. Located at 941 South Virginia Street in the heart of Reno's creative Midtown district, the property was brought back to life in May 2024 by hoteliers Piper Stremmel and Chris Reilly, the team behind local favorites like The Jesse Hotel and Abby's Highway 40. Rather than leaning too heavily into campy retro tropes, the owners collaborated with design firms to craft a sophisticated, contemporary space that honors Nevada's gaming heritage. The branding features subtle nods to the game of blackjack, incorporating hand-drawn spade symbols and a warm, earthy color palette of terracotta and forest green that mimics the felt of a vintage card table. The exterior retains its historic motor court layout, complete with a beautifully restored neon sign that proudly advertises its mid-century roots.
Inside the 21 individually decorated rooms, guests find a thoughtful blend of mid-century nostalgia and modern comfort. The accommodations range from standard rooms to spacious studio suites, each featuring memory foam mattresses, premium linens, custom-designed wallpapers, and sleek tiled bathrooms stocked with designer toiletries and plush bathrobes. Thoughtful touches like kitchenettes, mini-fridges, and flat-screen televisions with streaming access are standard across all rooms. Several ground-floor units are designated as dog-friendly and ADA-accessible, ensuring a welcoming environment for all travelers. The design-centric approach extends to the lobby, where visitors can browse the Best Mart, a curated retail space stocked with local merchandise and vintage souvenirs sourced from Kilroy Vintage, or enjoy a drink at the cozy lobby bar during weekend happy hours.
The true centerpiece of the property's backyard transformation is the Reno Sauna Club, a dedicated wellness sanctuary tucked discreetly behind the guest rooms. This contrast-therapy oasis features a built-in indoor sauna and a separate outdoor sauna creatively housed inside a refurbished 1950s teardrop trailer. Guests and local members can cycle through hot and cold therapy using the club's high-pressure cold plunge showers and a rainfall shower, then unwind on a heated daybed or the outdoor patio. The lodge also features a communal courtyard with a fire pit where guests can roast s'mores, offering a peaceful, social alternative to the smoky, neon-lit casino resorts that dominate the rest of the city. By omitting slot machines and gaming tables entirely, the property provides a restful, community-oriented retreat for road trippers and design lovers exploring northern Nevada.
Book a session at the onsite Reno Sauna Club to experience contrast therapy in the converted 1950s trailer, then grab a drink at the lobby bar.
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