A non-gaming boutique hotel in downtown Reno featuring the world's tallest artificial climbing wall.
Whitney Peak Hotel stands as a bold departure from Reno's traditional casino landscape, occupying a prominent 16-story tower adjacent to the historic Reno Arch. Originally opened in May 1976 as Fitzgeralds Reno, a classic casino hotel built by Lincoln Fitzgerald, the property underwent a radical transformation after closing in 2008. Following a brief stint as the CommRow entertainment complex, the building was reimagined and officially opened in 2014 as the city's first entirely non-gaming, non-smoking boutique hotel. Owned by DRW Holdings LLC, the property completed a comprehensive renovation in 2023, joining Hilton's Tapestry Collection. The redesign modernized all 310 guest rooms, which include 18 luxury suites on the 16th floor featuring panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, warm golden hues, natural wood accents, and local landscape photography.
The defining architectural feature of the property is BaseCamp, a massive climbing facility that includes the world's tallest artificial climbing wall, certified by Guinness World Records. Reaching 163 feet and 6.5 inches (commonly referred to as 164 feet), the multi-pitch outdoor wall is bolted directly onto the exterior facade of the hotel tower. Climbers begin their ascent from the second-floor deck, meaning those who reach the summit dangle a dizzying 184 feet above the streets of downtown Reno, looking down directly at the neon lights of the Reno Arch. Indoors, BaseCamp features a 7,000-square-foot bouldering park with 2,900 square feet of climbable Baltic birchwood structures, a dedicated kids' climbing area, and a full fitness center equipped with a sauna and steam room.
Beyond the climbing walls, the hotel serves as a cultural hub for downtown Reno through its dedicated entertainment and dining venues. Cargo Concert Hall, a 5,000-square-foot live music venue located within the hotel, accommodates up to 1,100 guests and hosts a diverse lineup of touring artists, electronic acts, and indie bands. The venue recently upgraded its acoustics with a state-of-the-art sound system designed by StarSound Audio. For dining, Café Whitney serves as the hotel's culinary anchor, offering a menu of elevated comfort foods, seasonal local dishes, and craft cocktails. The restaurant is popular with locals and guests alike, offering free valet parking for diners. The hotel is also exceptionally pet-friendly, welcoming dogs with a specialized check-in kit containing treats and toys, ensuring that the adventure-forward spirit of the property extends to four-legged travelers.
Climbers must register at the second-floor BaseCamp desk to tackle the 164-foot outdoor wall. If you are staying at the hotel, take advantage of the complimentary access to the indoor bouldering gym, steam room, and sauna.
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