Thunderbird Lodge
Condo-style resort in Reno offering spacious units with kitchens, conveniently located near casinos and attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother check-in
Thunderbird Lodge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother check-in
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Condo-style resort in Reno offering spacious units with kitchens, conveniently located near casinos and attractions.
"Great price for a 2 level, 3 bed place. Super clean, early check in was accommodated, check in was a breeze."
📞 Prepare for Video Check-in
Expect to check in via video call. Have your confirmation ready and be patient if issues arise.
🍽️ Utilize Your Kitchen
Units have kitchens, so stock up on groceries for meals to save money and enjoy more space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Convenient Reno Location
Reno, Nevada
Ideally situated near casinos and downtown attractions, offering easy access to entertainment and dining options.
Condo-Style Accommodations
Individual Units
Spacious, multi-level condos with kitchens provide a home-away-from-home feel, great for longer stays.
Courtyard with BBQ Grills
Resort Courtyard
Enjoy outdoor cooking and relaxation in the central courtyard, a nice perk for self-catering guests.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check-in Hassles & Room Condition
Location & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Prepare for Video Check-in
Expect to check in via video call. Have your confirmation ready and be patient if issues arise.
🍽️ Utilize Your Kitchen
Units have kitchens, so stock up on groceries for meals to save money and enjoy more space.
🚗 Gated Access
The resort is gated, offering a sense of security for your vehicle and belongings.
🛠️ Manage Expectations
It's a converted apartment building, not a luxury resort. Focus on the location and condo amenities.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Prepare for Video Check-in
Expect to check in via video call. Have your confirmation ready and be patient if issues arise.
🍽️ Utilize Your Kitchen
Units have kitchens, so stock up on groceries for meals to save money and enjoy more space.
🚗 Gated Access
The resort is gated, offering a sense of security for your vehicle and belongings.
🛠️ Manage Expectations
It's a converted apartment building, not a luxury resort. Focus on the location and condo amenities.
💧 Pool & BBQ Check
Check the condition of the pool and BBQ grills upon arrival; some may require maintenance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thunderbird Lodge offers condo-style accommodations in a convenient Reno location, praised for its spacious units and kitchens. However, guests frequently cite issues with the impersonal video check-in process, dated decor, and variable maintenance of amenities like the pool and BBQ grills. It's a functional, budget-friendly option for those prioritizing location and self-catering over traditional resort services.
"We booked into Thunderbird Resort via Interval International. This is the 2nd worse II booking of our many many many bookings. Our check-in was via a phone and TV in a small room. There were no materials in the room such as basic information about the resort. There was no service desk besides the phone. No one on hand. No pool towels. The pool area dirty. Asked for extra pillows 3 times via phone as no one is here. Never received them. The rooms were worn but clean, except for the dead bugs and dirt in the shower exhaust fan/light. This is our first time to the Reno Lake Tahoe area and feel Thunderbird is in a great location. But we cannot consider it a Resort."
Dave Bartlett
"The rooms were pretty clean, the beds very short.
Customer service, what customer service? Had to check in over a video feed, never saw a real person, the video person's attitude was very bad. It seems that our room was given to someone else. And at one point we were told they felt oppressed and we could leave.
The location was only ok not in an appealing part of town at all.
Half the bbqs did not work and one that did, I would not eat anything cooked on it."
Parker Irey
"This resort is not fancy. It is a converted apartment building. The resort has sold off some of the units to private parties, leaving few units to reserve. The accommodations are fairly clean, quiet, and safe. I say fairly quiet because it is bounded on one side by the freeway and on the other side by condominiums with owners who have several dogs that bark all day and night. I say fairly safe because the resort is gated. The decor inside the units is very dark, dismal, and depressing. It is necessary to open all the drapes and keep all the lights on to keep the units from being so depressing. Honestly, the resort should fire its interior decorator. The resort 's office which was richly decorated and had amenities like a fireplace, room to play games and relax, and a sauna caught on fire and burned down several years and was never fully rebuilt. There is a park-like setting in the center of the resort, a pool, and parking is included. This resort is a time share; however, the owner passed away and the current owners (family?) take minimal care of the property and are slow to make repairs, in my opinion. This time share used to consist of three properties. Significant parts of two of the properties have been sold off/closed. The resort's remaining property is the least desirable with no ADA accommodations but is in a great location near casinos."
S Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thunderbird Lodge is conveniently located in Reno, Nevada, with easy access to major freeways like I-5, Hwy 44, Hwy 299, and Hwy 273. It's also close to downtown Reno and its attractions.
Yes, parking is included with your stay at Thunderbird Lodge, and it's within a gated resort for added security.
While not directly adjacent, Thunderbird Lodge is accessible from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), typically a short drive away.
The lodge is situated with easy access to I-5 and other major highways, making it straightforward to reach by car from various directions.
Information on direct public transport routes to Thunderbird Lodge can be limited. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is often the most convenient option for reaching the resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Thunderbird Lodge operates as a condo resort, often booked through timeshare exchanges or direct reservations. You'll need to book your accommodation in advance.
Check-in is typically handled via a video call on a TV in a small room, as there is no traditional in-person service desk.
Specific operating hours for amenities like the pool can vary and are not always clearly communicated. It's best to inquire upon arrival or check any provided materials.
As with most accommodations, you will likely need to be of legal age (typically 18 or 21) to check in and be responsible for the unit.
Some guests have reported successful early check-ins, but it's not guaranteed. It's advisable to contact the lodge in advance to request such arrangements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Amenities include a pool, BBQ grills in a courtyard, and condo-style units with kitchens. Some units are two-level with multiple bedrooms.
Rooms are generally described as clean but worn, with some dated decor and occasional maintenance issues like dead bugs in exhaust fans.
There is no on-site restaurant or cafeteria. Guests are expected to utilize their unit's kitchen or dine at nearby restaurants.
Information on Wi-Fi availability and quality can be inconsistent. It's recommended to confirm with the lodge or be prepared with your own mobile hotspot if reliable internet is crucial.
The condo-style units with kitchens can be convenient for families. However, the lack of on-site services and potential maintenance issues might be a consideration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Thunderbird Lodge does not have an on-site restaurant or cafeteria. Guests can use their unit's kitchen or explore the many restaurants within walking distance.
Yes, all units at Thunderbird Lodge are equipped with kitchens, making it easy to prepare your own meals.
The lodge is located near numerous restaurants catering to various tastes, and is a short drive from downtown Reno's extensive dining scene.
Yes, you can find grocery stores and convenience stores nearby to stock up on supplies for your unit's kitchen.
Given the lack of on-site dining, exploring the local restaurants is recommended. Reno offers a wide variety of culinary experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The courtyard with BBQ grills and the general condo-style architecture can offer some visual interest. The surrounding Reno area provides more diverse photographic subjects.
Yes, the exterior of the lodge and its grounds are available for photography. The architecture is functional rather than ornate.
While not a primary feature, the lodge is situated in Reno, offering access to nearby parks and the Truckee River for potential scenic shots.
Some guests have used the lodge for events like rehearsal dinners, suggesting it can serve as a backdrop, though it's not a primary tourist attraction for photography.
Photography focusing on lifestyle, condo living, or casual get-togethers would best suit the Thunderbird Lodge's offerings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, families should be aware of the potential downsides. The lack of on-site dining means all meals will need to be prepared in the unit or eaten out. While there's a pool, its condition can be variable, and there are no dedicated children's play areas. The dated decor might not be as engaging for younger children, and the overall atmosphere is more functional than resort-like. It's best suited for families who prioritize space and self-catering over resort amenities and services.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the lodge may not offer luxury amenities, it provides essential comforts and a convenient base for exploring Reno. The gated community aspect adds a sense of security. Travelers who are willing to overlook dated decor and a less-than-perfect service experience in exchange for affordability and a prime location will find Thunderbird Lodge to be a suitable option.
💍 Couples & Small Groups
While not a romantic resort, the condo setup can offer a more private and relaxed atmosphere compared to a standard hotel room. The courtyard with BBQ grills could be a pleasant spot for a casual evening. It's a practical choice for those who plan to spend most of their time out exploring and simply need a comfortable place to rest and refuel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Thunderbird Lodge Experience
While the lodge is in a great location near Reno's casinos and attractions, the resort grounds themselves are not always meticulously maintained. Reports of dirty pools and non-functional BBQ grills are not uncommon. The overall impression is that the property is functional and offers value due to its location and condo setup, but it lacks the polish and service of a traditional resort. It's important to manage expectations and understand that you're getting a condo with basic amenities in a convenient spot, rather than a luxury experience.
Despite the criticisms, some guests appreciate the value for money and the convenience of having a kitchen and more space. The gated nature of the resort also adds a layer of perceived security. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, self-catering option in a prime Reno location and don't mind a less-than-perfect aesthetic or service, Thunderbird Lodge might be suitable. However, if you prioritize modern amenities, attentive service, and a resort atmosphere, you may want to consider other options.
Navigating Check-in and Service
This lack of in-person customer service extends beyond check-in. Requests for amenities like extra pillows have gone unfulfilled, and the pool area has been described as dirty, with no readily available pool towels. The absence of a dedicated service desk means that resolving issues can be challenging and time-consuming. It's crucial to be prepared for this hands-off approach and to have patience when dealing with any on-site concerns.
For those who are tech-savvy and patient, the video check-in might be a minor inconvenience. However, for travelers who value direct human interaction and prompt service, this aspect of Thunderbird Lodge can be a significant drawback. It's advisable to confirm your booking details thoroughly before arrival and to be prepared to advocate for yourself if any issues arise during your stay.
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