Located about a half hour south of Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Carson City, Nevada makes a fantastic base camp for exploring this region. First time traveler to non-Las Vegas Nevada? Prepare to be wowed by its distinctive combo of historic attractions, unique Western vibe and rich array of outdoor recreation opportunities.In Carson City check out the Nevada State Capitol, the Nevada State Museum and these local gems:
SheBuysTravel Tip: Headed to Carson City in late October? Don’t miss the grand annual Nevada Day Parade!
Ready for some outdoor recreation? Biking and hiking opportunities abound:
- Carson Canyon Railbike Tours
- Local bike consortium Muscle Powered has great resources for scouting out Carson City by bike
- Hiking trails for all levels of experience!
- Looking for nearby single track action? The Ash to Kings Trail is a local option.
- Fishing at nearby Washoe Lake
Day Trips from Carson City
But the best is yet to come – in addition to great local attractions, Carson City gives you access to fabulous day trips:
- Lake Tahoe! You can’t come this far without checking out this NV/CA beauty. Staying in Carson City gets you more bang for you hotel buck while avoiding the traffic of the lake’s main road. Zephyr Cove, Sand Harbor, Incline Village and other gorgeous spots on the east side of the lake make great days trips from Carson City.
- Want to mix up scenic lake beauty with a roll of the dice? Carson City is a 35-45 minute drive from the casinos at Stateline, Nevada and South Lake Tahoe.
- Step back in time to the mining heyday of northern Nevada with a visit to nearby Virginia City.
- Here in winter? Hop over to one of the ski resorts perched above Lake Tahoe!
- Willing to get up a bit early? In about 2.5 hours you could be in Yosemite National Park’s eastern, less-crowded wonderland, Tuolumne Meadows. Be sure to check out local legendary eatery/gas station The Tioga Gas Mart/Whoa Nellie Deli with views of Mono Lake.
Hotel Overview
In Carson City you’re going to find primarily cheap hotels and solid 3-star hotel options. If luxury accommodations are important to you, you’ll need to pony up for the resorts on Lake Tahoe.
If you’re cool with great value, and heading into and out of Tahoe for the day, hold on to your dollars and give Carson City a try as your base camp.
Unless noted, all hotels include amenity basics like free wifi, free parking and free cancellation with advance notice (check each hotel for how much advance notice is required).
I-580 Corridor
North to south along Interstate 580 you’ll find familiar chain hotel options offering great value and location for your Carson City stay. You can’t go too wrong with any of these options – make sure your favored amenities are covered and think about where you want to redeem or build points.
Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City
10 Hospitality Way
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 885-8800
Ok readers, full transparency: I stayed at this hotel during a weekend cross-country ski getaway in Tahoe with my partner at the time. I still remember the lofty, open air lobby and being so glad we’d decided not to skimp with something really cheap. I can’t say the relationship worked out, but the hotel sure did, and I’ve been a fan of Hampton ever since! Amenities include:
- EV charging
- Pet-friendly, with $75 fee
- Indoor pool and hot tub (so needed after all those Tahoe outdoor hikes & biking!)
- Fitness center
- Free hot breakfast
- Refreshed room decors
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carson City, An IHG Hotel
4055 N Carson St
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 283-4055
I’m a big fan of the minifridge amenity, especially when traveling to locations where I’ll be doing a lot of outdoor recreation. So my eyes lit up when I saw the hotel’s room pic featuring the minifridge and microwave wall niche. Other standard Holiday Inn Express amenities include:
- Free Express Start Breakfast
- Signature hot cinnamon rolls
- Free wifi
- Indoor pool and hot tub
- Fitness center (but, really, just get outside and do some area hikes or biking or walking tours!)
- Pet-friendly, with $75 fee
My Place Hotel
17 Hospitality Way
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 885-2900
If you enjoy or need the ability to cook for yourself while traveling, My Place might be the chain for you. A bit of a catch: You supply the pots, pans, utensils, etc. to make the great end-of-day meal after strolling the Kit Carson historic building trail through town, or biking and swimming at Lake Tahoe.
So, if you’re on a road trip and have these things with you – or plan to be in the area for an extended stay and can purchase them – it’s hard to beat what this hotel offers in terms of cost-saving on meals.
- Pet-friendly (with fee)
- Laundry facilities onsite
- Free wifi
- Signature “Breakfast in Bed:” Select your breakfast from the menu at check-in, and pre-packaged breakfast will be delivered to your refrigerator the previous day.
- Note: no pool on site
Staybridge Suites Carson City, an IHG Hotel
972 Retail Ct
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 350-7339
Staybridge describes itself as offering “upscale extended stay” accommodations and I can’t argue with that. Next time I get to Carson City with family or friends, this is where I’m headed!
- Outdoor pool and hot tub
- Spacious, beautiful outdoor patio with fire pit, seating areas and grills
- Laundry facilities for guests
- Fitness center
- Free wifi
- Spacious, contemporary rooms with fully-equipped kitchens
- Knowledgeable front desk staff can offer great recommendations for day excursions in the area.
The hotel representative at Staybridge Suites reminded me about this gem, which has been restored and updated since I last traveled through Carson City. Looking for some R&R? Carson City Hot Springs, now with onsite brewery and restaurant makes for a fabulous day trip.
Gold Dust West Carson City
2171 E William St
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 885-9000
If you’d like an old-school stay-and-play experience for your Carson City trip, then the Gold Dust West can’t be beat! With onsite dining and casino, you can play indoors to your heart’s content.
- Outdoor pool
- Onsite casino
- Onsite restaurant
- Note: no pets
- Just down the road from Empire Ranch Golf course
Hotels in the I-395/City Center Corridor
These hotels offer easy access to day-trip locations too, but they also get you closer to historic downtown Carson City. Stroll along the Kit Carson Walking Tour route, or hang out at McFadden Plaza. Other nearby “only in Carson City” attractions include the Nevada State Capitol and historic Fox Hotel.
Days Inn by Wyndham Carson City
3103 N Carson St
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 297-4690
If you’d like to save your dollars for the slots and need a cheap place to stay with your dog, then Days Inn might be your best pick. Great location, consistent value.
Rodeway Inn at Nevada State Capitol
1300 N Carson St
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 883-7300
“Affordable convenience in the state capital” is how Rodeway describes itself and in this case they’re right on the money. Oh, and money is what you’ll save for other experiences and outings on your Carson City vacation.
- Pets welcome
- Outdoor pool
- Mini fridge in rooms (check on this; photos vary in kind and location of fridge)
Hardman House
917 N Carson St
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 882-7744
Need a break from the chain hotels but also need a low price? Check out downtown’s Hardman House, a multi-generationally owned hotel in the city center.
- Evening wine and cookies
- Free continental breakfast
- Free underground parking
Carson City Plaza Hotel & Event Center
801 S Carson St
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 883-9500
Another centrally-located, non-chain option, the Plaza Hotel has the advantage of offering full-suite accommodations, complete with equipped kitchens and living/sitting areas. Onsite business center and event facilities should you need to combine work and leisure.
The Federal Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
900 S Carson St
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 883-0900
Another stay-and-play option for your Carson City adventure, The Federal Hotel has an onsite casino, bar/lounge and restaurant. If you’ve never stayed somewhere like this before – and you aren’t with your kids and/or dog – roll the dice and try something new!
Courtyard by Marriott Carson City & Casino Fandango
3870 S Carson St
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 887-9900
Want to stay-and-play but with an upgrade in amenities and decor? The Courtyard by Marriott at the south end of town, near the road which takes you up to Lake Tahoe, is a great option. Inviting guest rooms and fresh contemporary decor won’t feel like you’re at a casino hotel, even though you are.
- Indoor swimming pool
- Laundry facilities on site
- Note: no pets, no guests under 21
- Casino Fandango next door
Need some cheap hotel options in the city center area, and don’t care about star rating? You can also try these tried-and-true national chain options, all conveniently located in central Carson City:
- America’s Best Value Inn
- Super 8 by Wyndham
- Motel 6
Looking for extended stay options, or wanting to relocate to this amazing area? Check out the extended stay suites options above, or search for local rentals.
Leave a Reply