For decades, Reno’s hospitality was defined by three iconic downtown hotels: the , the Mapes , and the Golden .
Once Nevada’s largest hotel, the Golden met a tragic end on April 3, 1962, when an acetylene tank explosion in the basement ignited the building. The fire claimed six lives and destroyed a lifetime of work for its owners. Motel Culture and "The Motel Life" reno hotels
Reno's hotel history is a rich collection of grand ambition, tragic loss, and urban transformation. From the mid-20th-century luxury "Big Three" to gritty motels that served as the final sanctuary for those seeking a fresh start, these buildings are central to the city's identity. The Rise and Fall of the "Big Three" For decades, Reno’s hospitality was defined by three