The following post is submitted by Diane’s Executive Assistant, Miss Trudi. When not coordinating the details of Diane’s clients’ real estate transactions Miss Trudi enjoys sampling the nightlife that Reno has to offer. – Guy
Greetings Readers!
When Diane asked me to post about the night life and social events happening in the biggest little city I was ecstatic. I love people and I love people watching so such a request was totally up my alley.
For those of you who don’t know me I am Diane’s Executive Assistant, but you can call me Miss Trudi. One of the perks of being Diane’s assistant is getting invited to attend various soirees around town. Such was the case Friday evening when my name was placed on the VIP list for the grand opening party for Nikki Beach at the Grand Sierra Resort.
After a long Friday of wrapping up a busy work week, I left the office to prep for the evening’s festivities. I had done my homework and learned that white was the preferred color of dress for Nikki Beach openings, so I choose my attire appropriately. After putting together my outfit I took off to meet Diane, Guy and respective spouses at The Reserve at the GSR.
For anyone who has not been in the GSR lately you really must visit. Completely renovated, it looks nothing like the old Reno Hilton. The people, the color scheme, the lighting, the furniture, the walls, everything is different. It even has its own zip code now (seriously, it’s 89595).
After meeting up at The Reserve, GSR’s wine lounge, we headed to Dolce, GSR’s newest restaurant. In my opinion this classic Italian restaurant is among the top ten restaurants in Reno. The tab may not be the easiest on the wallet, but when the boss is picking up the check you can’t complain.
From the moment we entered Dolce we were surrounded by what I’ll describe as contemporary medieval elegance – a water wall gracing the entrance, castle-like brick covering the walls and ceiling, an open fireplace near the bar, and subdued lighting throughout.
I began with the gorgonzola pear salad with a light balsamic dressing. D-lish! Next I moved on to tuna tar tare, which was presented as an avocado-tomato stack, crisp wontons and sesame oil, with double soy reduction. Not sure about the double soy reduction, but it was a delight to the palate. The wine flowed easily and before long it was time to head to the beach.
After flashing our VIP credentials to security at the gate we entered the fairy tale-like setting of Nikki Beach. Tiki torches were aglow; 62 tons of cool white sand covered everything but the sidewalk; beds with over-sized pillows were set up like lawn chairs all over the beach; and the bar area resembled a Polynesian village. Private four-poster beds with curtains to draw (ooh la la, I wonder what happened behind some of those curtains, naughty, naughty), fire dancers, go-go dancers, and all of the wait staff dressed smartly in white…this was the kind of pool party we had been anticipating.
DJ Vice was laying down a nice ambient groove; everyone was dressed in their best (okay, there were a few questionables, but not many); and our group was on fire. The paparazzo was snapping one shot only of parties in attendance, but somehow we managed to get two. Probably because of my famous boss.
Not a whole lot of people were dancing…yet, but maybe the crowd was shy? I wasn’t. I was running into people I knew left and right, people who I used to work with, worked for, my brother’s ex g/f, other local realtors, the usual suspects. All in all, good times.
Guy went a little crazy with the camera. His wife and I hogged the spotlight, and then my camera battery started to die. FYI, if you are going out for a night on the town, and you want to capture those memories, make sure your batteries are charged. What a bummer. I managed to get 40 pictures, but that’s nothing for me. I am a picture fanatic. One of my friends refers to me as an old romantic because of how many photos I have around my place.
Time flew too quickly. At some point late in the evening I saw Diane and her man heading towards the exit, but wasn’t able to catch up with them. Later, Guy and his woman were bringing my things to me, saying they were headed home. This was a few hours too early for me. I was determined to close the place, and I did.
Everything about the night was magical. I felt like a princess all night and enjoyed great company, good food, good drink and good music. What more could a girl ask for? Well, this one would’ve liked a coach to drive her home afterwards, but maybe at the next party?
When in Reno, check out Nikki. She won’t disappoint.
Cheers!
Miss Trudi, Guy and Lorri
Grand Wazoo
Sorry – this has what to do with the local real estate scene?
Mike Van H
Nice! Someone who works there promised myself and Justin over at RenoVation VIP tickets, I plan on taking him up on it. Were there flair bartenders there? That’s all my contact there could not stop talkikng about were the extensive bartender flair training. I heard rumors they made over $70,000 in VIP wine/spirits. I just think it’s amazing somebody actually made a brand out of partying (Nikki Beach). I wish the best for GSR, according to their marketing department (I built http://www.grandsierracondos.com) the next 8 to 10 weeks include even more changes. I think word will spread rapidly this is the place to stay. And before everyone starts bitching about their expensive room rates, don’t forget that Reno is severely under par reagrding room rates, and GSR had the balls to be the first to raise their rates, and raise the standard of hotel/casinos in this town. What’s up with the hideous monstrocity that is the Peppermill? The half modern/half Tuscan thing ain’t workin for me. Do one or the other!
Mike Van H
Oops sorry for the typos in that post, it’s 6:40 a.m. and my brain isn’t awake yet.
SkrapGuy
I agree Grand Wazoo. A few more posts like this and I think we can all say goodbye. It appears Diane and Guy may, after all, be more interested in “improving their ratings” than keeping to the topic of the blog. If I want to find out where to drink and party in Reno, I think I will look elsewhere than the Reno Realty Blog, however.
Ken
I think this story is relevant. Amenities ilke this only help bolster the appeal of a place. If it sells houses or condos that’s good for everyone interested in real estate in the end. Lighten up!
BanteringBear
I’m going to have to go with the completely irrelevant crowd. This is nothing but a puff piece for Grand Sierra resort; a thank you for some free VIP tickets to a wild night. C’mon Miss Trudi, throw us a bone.
NVMojo
OK, it’s a puff piece for the GSR but I enjoyed reading it because I haven’t made it up there yet. Cute picture of some brave party-ers.
Now I’m off to read The Housing Bubble Blog!
donna
This piece is a real turn-off to the blog. This won’t win me any fans, but I think it is important that you know how at least one reader here thinks…that picture really is tacky. I can’t help but think they are all sleeping together(sorry, it looks bad). Think gigolo….
I almost didn’t want to come here anymore because of the direction this blog is taking.
GuyJohnson
If one googles “define:gigolo” the definition returned reads: “a man who has sex with and is supported by a woman.” I submit that this definition portrays the majority of married, male real estate agents in this market. Good call, Donna.
Rory
Are people actually complaining about one measly post that is slightly off-topic? You people are whiners. What is happening at the GSR is going to indirectly help or hurt real estate prices in Reno. If you can’t see the correlation, you’re not looking!
I enjoyed the post and I appreciate it when this blog does different things than just posting numbers on medians etc. There is more to real estate than statistics.
BanteringBear
Rory posted:
“What is happening at the GSR is going to indirectly help or hurt real estate prices in Reno. If you can’t see the correlation, you’re not looking!”
Hah! Forgive me, but that’s a load of balderdash. Go ahead, explain the correlation Rory. I’m all ears.
Rory
BanteringBear:
When major businesses do well, do they not directly bolster the economies from which they do business? So in turn, if the GSR succeeds in it’s mission, would that have a negative impact on the local real estate market? I doubt that. Would it have no effect on the real estate market? That’s doubtful as well!
My thoughts are that if the GSR thrives, so to will the economy of the Reno area. This is a major property we are talking about after all. Much in the same way as IGT’s stock has grown, the local real estate market has followed. Granted, this is not a direct correlation but a loose correlation does exist.
Strong job growth, strong salary growth, stable tax climate, low rates = strong real estate market
As it stands, Reno has all the above going for it!
Tell me where I’m wrong….
Lindie
There is a correlation between the value of IGT’s stock and the Reno housing market?
I am just dumbfounded. Don’t know what to say in response to that.
I have noticed, however, that there does appear to be a correlation between the number of people riding in taxis in Fallon and the height of the grass in the pastures at Lake Tahoe. It is, of course, a loose correlation.
Reno Ignoramus
“a man who has sex with and is supported by a woman.”
Well, Gee, Guy, you have given a whole new meaning to being a male real estate agent these days.
Perhaps I have been missing something here…..:)
BanteringBear
Rory posted:
“Much in the same way as IGT’s stock has grown, the local real estate market has followed.”
Over the past 2 years, IGT stock has increased ~20% while real estate prices have fallen ~20%. So, I guess the correlation is, when IGT stock goes up, home prices fall. This means all of the flippers should avoid Nikki Beach like the plague, and pray for the Grand Sierra to fail miserably. Then, their flips might not flop. Yeah, mmmhmmm, riiiiight. NOT!
I’m going to put my ammo away before I really go off.
P.S. Nice observation Lindie. I’ve noticed a correlation between the number of homeless people urinating in public, and sales of Yoo-hoo. This is, of course, “loose” as well.
johnny
Seriously Miss Trudi, can I take you out?
YinReno
This is an awesome post, Trudi, keep up the good work. Tell us more about great restaurants and night spots you uncover. Ignore the whiners and complainers on the blog. This blog needs more lifestyle content, not just dry statistics and analysis (which have been great too). I hope to read your honest opinions, good or bad. Please stay above the fray of promotional-spin.
Rory
I made a mistake by using a stock price as an example. I get that. But don’t dismiss the greater point — when the local economy is healthy, the local real estate markets TENDS to follow.
Isn’t this partly why Reno’s market has been isolated from some of the huge losses being felt in other parts of the country? I’m sure BanteringBear will take issue with my generalization. That’s cool, I’m listening.
Diane Cohn
I agree with Rory.
A city offering an abundance of nightlife, cultural events, and other lively diversions will create greater real estate value than one that doesn’t.
When local businesses do well, reward employees and give back to the community, the money begins to flow, and the economy
improves.
As the value of IGT employee stock increases, eventually they may cash out and put their winnings into a better home, especially now that it’s a buyer’s market.
The Grand Sierra along with many others are making huge capital investments in this community to make it a more desirable, valuable place. These are smart people backed by professional investors taking huge risks who wouldn’t be here if they didn’t expect a reasonable return on investment.
Trudi’s post adds to the conversation by offering a street level view of some fun things happening around town which, piece-by-piece, add value and vibrancy to our cultural mix. Over time, these will contribute to greater real estate values.
An indirect correlation, but it’s there, nonetheless.
Rory
To spring board off of Diane’s comments….
When friends come in from the Bay Area and they see what is going on at places like the GSR, it piques their interest in Reno. Couple that with the revitalization going on Downtown and it’s not hard to see that when big things are happening in a town, people are more apt to want to come and be apart of the revival. Of course that effects real estate prices!
Raiders2007
As companies like IGT grow they will have to look outside Reno and Las Vegas to hire..the people who come up from the Bay Area would like some place other then Bully’s and Sparky’s..
People complain that Reno has no culture, someone opens something different and new and y’all go off the deep end..
People like to go out and have fun..you people should try it some day..
Many people who come into Reno only see the downtown and airport and think that is all the city has to offer..
Get off the soap box..
The people where just out on the town having fun..
GSR Employee
Nikki beach has been a great addition so far, and doing great business.
But they are making about 500-1000 hotel guests angry every Friday/Saturday night with the BOOMING music unti 3:30AM. Because the Nikki Beach is located at the base of the hotel, the sound travels up along the tower rattling the windows. They will not turn down the music, so those people paying $100-$219 a night get to listen to loud music in those posh rooms. NICE, taking care of the guests the GSR way.