johkar

Thinking about going to Lake Tahoe in June, with DH, to celebrate my 50th birthday. Hoping I can get some advice regarding where to stay. Here are the basics:
- We'll be flying in to Reno from Iowa. Will probably stay 4-5 nights, and will have a rental car.
- We are outdoor enthusiasts - love to hike and mountain bike. Would love to be close to trails, if possible.
- We are not gamblers at all, but are also not opposed to staying at a hotel/casino type resort. Since it is a special occasion, I would like some luxury in accomodations. Open to considering resorts, or condo-type rentals.
- Would also like to be somewhat near restaraunts / shopping to hit during the evenings, although, with a car, not as big of a deal.

Would appreciate any recommendations on accomodations, and also the pros/cons of South Tahoe vs North Tahoe.

Thanks much!

tomfuller

If the weather is nice, you should take day trip through Yosemite. I've driven through the area a few times, but usually stay in Sacramento or Midpines CA. Hotwire or Priceline can get you a good price on a 4 or 5 star hotel.

sf7307

South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe are very different from one another. SLT is where the casino hotels are. There's a strip a few blocks long just east of the California-Nevada state line with casinos and casino-hotels. On the California side (otherwise indistinguishable from the Nevada side) are a couple of Marriott timeshares (very nice, the Grand Residence being the more upscale of the two, but both, the GR and Timber Lodge are both very nice) and many many motels. Lots of shops, but nothing very interesting IMHO. The Marriott property is developed with hot tub, skating rink (in winter anyway), restaurants, etc. The main drag is NOT on the lake, but you will have views of the lake from the upper floors of the larger hotels (the lake is a couple of blocks away). South Lake Tahoe heading west from stateline is one strip mall after another. There are beaches at the lake.

North Lake Tahoe is less developed, although there are plenty of little towns on the lake - Tahoe City and Incline Village are the two largest, with a lot of little ones in between, the next largest probably being Kings Beach. Truckee is the best town in the area for poking around (restaurants, shops, plus its an old mining town) but it's not on the lake. The one luxury hotel property on the lake is the Hyatt at Incline Village. The only other luxury hotel in the area is the new Ritz-Carlton at Northstar ski resort, but it is not on the lake (about a 15-minute drive). The lake is dotted with condo developments, and there are many places to stay, both luxury and not, at the various ski areas, again, none of which is on the lake itself.

The west shore is more "old Tahoe". No fancy hotels, lots of private homes, ranging from cottages to mansions.

You can hike and mountain bike all over the lake (the Tahoe Rim Trail is one good example) and at the ski areas (Northstar).

For reference purposes, the road around the lake is 71 miles. You can bike it (my DH and friends have done it), but you are biking on the road, with cars.

This map will help you decipher what I've just written:

http://www.tahoecam.com/tahoeinfo/tahoemap.html

sf7307

Oh, I forgot to say that one of the most spectacular views of the lake is from the top of Heavenly Valley, which is the ski resort right in South Lake Tahoe (can be accessed via a gondola which embarks from the plaza between the two Marriott timeshares).

johkar

Great information, thank you!

cslater

I lived on the South Shore for 6 years before moving to Reno. We hike and mountain bike at the lake all the time. For a vacation, I would recommend the North/West Shore - Tahoe City area. Lots of trails for both hiking and mountain biking. You might check out the Tahoe Rim trail website for information on their trails. www.tahoerimtrail.org but there are lots of other options. There are great restaurants and shops in Tahoe City. For lodging I would recommend 1) Sunnyside Lodge & Restaurant www.sunnysidetahoe.com. One of our favorite restaurants and they have lakefront lodging. 2) The Cottage Inn for more of a rustic old Tahoe feel. It's just down the street from Sunnyside. www.thecottageinn.com. Be sure to visit Truckee for an afternoon too. Have a wonderful birthday!

Placename

Remember that Tahoe lake level is at 6250 feet, and many of the hikes may be 1000 ft higher.

johkar

We've finally decided on and have booked accomodations for this trip - two nights at the Resort at Squaw Creek, and then 4 mights at a condo in the south end, at the Tahoe Keys. Now I'm looking for advice on a place in the north Tahoe area for a special dinner on my birthday. Any suggestions?

MBnancy

The Lone Eagle Grille on the lake, at the Hyatt in Incline Village is as special as it gets. Go in time for sunset cocktails. They have a fire pit outside the lounge with chairs around.

sample menu:
http://loneeaglegrille.com/dinner/

Outdoor fire pit:
http://laketahoe.hyatt.com/hyatt/hot...d=2252&start=2

Lone Eagle:
http://laketahoe.hyatt.com/hyatt/hot...d=2252&start=4

MichelleY

Big Water Grille, is up the ski hill from Incline. Great food and great view.

GillsinEurope

How was your stay at Squaw Creek? Do you mind me asking what price you got on your room? We're looking to go to Tahoe for a one night anniversary trip next weekend (yes I know it's completely last minute) and wanted to know how you enjoyed your trip.