Lake Tahoe Help!
Feb 1st, 2010, 04:33 AM
#1
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Lake Tahoe Help!
We are a couple in our early 50's and will be traveling to Lake Tahoe in mid September, 2010. We are most interested in viewing the scenery and would like to take advantage of a boat excursion while there. We don't gamble, but we do like to stay in areas where there is a little "action". We love pub food and different beers. Can you help us decide on the best place to stay? We are open to north, south, east or west.....Thanks in advance!!
May 12th, 2010, 08:18 PM
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Hopefully you didn't give up waiting for replies! I just got back from Europe and got so much helpful advice. Let me try to assist you.
You need to decide North Shore or South Shore. I don't recommend the Northstar or Squaw Valley Villages for a non-ski trip. North Shore in some eyes, is a little more upscale. It is less developed and slower paced. The nicest hotel would be the Hyatt in Incline Village - The only resort actually on the lake. The beaches are not the greatest. I am sure you could rent a boat. I think the Hyatt is the only casino. things are kinds spread out and laid back. I think of North Shore as seperate skiing villages. Other than the Hyatt, there is no nightlife.
The South Shore place to be is Stateline. That area has many beaches, including nice public beaches near the Marina where you could rent a boat and go to the castle in Emerald Bay, perhaps. My favorite place to stay is the Marriott timeshares that have plenty of rooms to rent from the hotel because they are sold back. A studio would be perfect. You can walk to the casinos to see the entertainment or the little shops or take the Gondola up at the Heavenly ski resort. They have really nice amenities. I think you could easily get a room for around $100 per night. Prepare to pay about $22 in parking. BUT, think of all the money you will save eating some meals in. South Shore is more developed and older so you can find a variety of restaurants and pubs.
Whichever shore you decide, if you have a car, it's fun to drive around the lake - it doesn't take very long. I recommend the hike down to Emerald Bay. If I can do it, anybody can do it. In South Shore, you can rent bikes at the Y and ride around on a nice (flat) path along the lake.
GOOD LUCK!
You need to decide North Shore or South Shore. I don't recommend the Northstar or Squaw Valley Villages for a non-ski trip. North Shore in some eyes, is a little more upscale. It is less developed and slower paced. The nicest hotel would be the Hyatt in Incline Village - The only resort actually on the lake. The beaches are not the greatest. I am sure you could rent a boat. I think the Hyatt is the only casino. things are kinds spread out and laid back. I think of North Shore as seperate skiing villages. Other than the Hyatt, there is no nightlife.
The South Shore place to be is Stateline. That area has many beaches, including nice public beaches near the Marina where you could rent a boat and go to the castle in Emerald Bay, perhaps. My favorite place to stay is the Marriott timeshares that have plenty of rooms to rent from the hotel because they are sold back. A studio would be perfect. You can walk to the casinos to see the entertainment or the little shops or take the Gondola up at the Heavenly ski resort. They have really nice amenities. I think you could easily get a room for around $100 per night. Prepare to pay about $22 in parking. BUT, think of all the money you will save eating some meals in. South Shore is more developed and older so you can find a variety of restaurants and pubs.
Whichever shore you decide, if you have a car, it's fun to drive around the lake - it doesn't take very long. I recommend the hike down to Emerald Bay. If I can do it, anybody can do it. In South Shore, you can rent bikes at the Y and ride around on a nice (flat) path along the lake.
GOOD LUCK!
May 13th, 2010, 09:20 AM
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Actually, the lake is VERY scenic, even on the South Shore. The problem is that you can't SEE the lake from most of the main road, which is lined with strip centers, supermarkets, motels, hotels, casinos, etc, whereas, when you're driving along Lake Shore Blvd on the north shore, you can see the lake most of the time.
May 13th, 2010, 09:26 AM
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Don't know if you're interested in renting a boat or just want a cruise on the lake. Here's the website for a paddle boat cruise: http://www.tahoegal.com/ If you prefer renting a boat, you might want to visit Vikingsholm: http://www.vikingsholm.com/ Here are some other historic houses you might be interested in: http://www.igougo.com/attractions-re...oric_Site.html
It's a beautiful area. I don't think you would be disappointed in either side of the lake as far as scenery is concerned.
It's a beautiful area. I don't think you would be disappointed in either side of the lake as far as scenery is concerned.
May 13th, 2010, 11:49 AM
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My favorite boat ride is the Safari Rose which takes you on a west shore tour. Not only will you see an up close view of Emerald Bay but you will see the gold coast of the lake which is not viewable form the road. The homes along the lake here enjoy some great privacy and the water is a gorgeous green due to being shallower than other areas. You can get a real feel for the way Tahoe used to be. Very nice.
September is a great time to go to Tahoe – we always go then but later in the month. It’s the only month that I prefer to stay on the south shore rather than our usual summer vacation on the west side or winter on the north.
It gives us the opportunity to eat at our most favorite spot which is Evans www.evanstahoe.com. Second favorite is Café Fiore www.cafefiore.com. Super romantic.
We stay at the Marriott Grand. Units are really fabulous. We have also stayed many times at the Embassy Suites and once at Tahoe Seasons.
We like to take plastic cups down to the private beach – that is not restricted after the summer is over – full of our favorite cocktail and a couple of beach chairs and watch the sunset. The Sunset paddlewheel out of the marina going by as the sun is preparing to set is cool to watch. Weather is fabulous.
One of my favorite hikes is the Rubicon trail out of Emerald Bay to DL Bliss. The views of the lake are spectacular. It’s also not a difficult hike.
Another hike is to Cascade Lake/Falls (in Sept not so much falls). Catch the trailhead out of Bayview Campground at Emerald Bay. Or hike to Eagle Falls out of Emerald Bay.
You can walk down to Vikingsholm Castle but it’s steep going down and steep going back up and won’t be open for tours in Sept.
You can reach Angora Lakes – stunning granite walls surround the lake – via Fallen Leaf Lake.
Also good food in SLT is Fresh Ketch, Blue Water Bistro (out on a dock on the lake) & Dory’s Oak & Tudor Pub is really good
http://thefreshketch.com/dining/
http://bluewaterbistrotahoe.com/
http://dorysoar.com/
September is a great time to go to Tahoe – we always go then but later in the month. It’s the only month that I prefer to stay on the south shore rather than our usual summer vacation on the west side or winter on the north.
It gives us the opportunity to eat at our most favorite spot which is Evans www.evanstahoe.com. Second favorite is Café Fiore www.cafefiore.com. Super romantic.
We stay at the Marriott Grand. Units are really fabulous. We have also stayed many times at the Embassy Suites and once at Tahoe Seasons.
We like to take plastic cups down to the private beach – that is not restricted after the summer is over – full of our favorite cocktail and a couple of beach chairs and watch the sunset. The Sunset paddlewheel out of the marina going by as the sun is preparing to set is cool to watch. Weather is fabulous.
One of my favorite hikes is the Rubicon trail out of Emerald Bay to DL Bliss. The views of the lake are spectacular. It’s also not a difficult hike.
Another hike is to Cascade Lake/Falls (in Sept not so much falls). Catch the trailhead out of Bayview Campground at Emerald Bay. Or hike to Eagle Falls out of Emerald Bay.
You can walk down to Vikingsholm Castle but it’s steep going down and steep going back up and won’t be open for tours in Sept.
You can reach Angora Lakes – stunning granite walls surround the lake – via Fallen Leaf Lake.
Also good food in SLT is Fresh Ketch, Blue Water Bistro (out on a dock on the lake) & Dory’s Oak & Tudor Pub is really good
http://thefreshketch.com/dining/
http://bluewaterbistrotahoe.com/
http://dorysoar.com/
May 14th, 2010, 10:33 AM
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The Marriott Timber Lodge in SLT is a fantastic property, I would check out The Dory's Oar for some good pub food. We also love Cafe Fiore and Evan's Gourmet Cafe in SLT. For a cool little locals diner, check out The Red Hut Waffle Shop, they have really yummy Banana Pancakes there. For the boat ride, we loved our ride on the MS Dixie II which goes around Emerald Bay. Have fun! ***kim*** 
May 27th, 2010, 04:58 PM
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So glad you saw all of the input! I was so bummed it took a while for you but it sounds like you did good! That resort is on the South Shore and you will love it. There is a pub nearby and across the street, Echo, the restaurant in the Embassy Suites is pub-like. You can walk to the Casinos. Harrah's has the best buffet every night - It's on the 18th floor. It's about $20 most nights but higher on the seafood night (around $30, I think). Check for these great green Harveys' Harrahs coupon books at the Marriott resort concierge - They have all sorts of 2 for 1 specials. Have fun!
May 28th, 2010, 11:41 AM
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The Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort is very nice and located at the marina. It has an outdoor pool that is really oddly located though. A walkway goes right by the fence so I always think that seems odd. Anyway it’s away form the main road.
The Riva Grill is right there at the marina and you can grab a happy hour table outdoors and have a view(ish).
I think the previous poster is thinking that this is the same at the regular Embassy Suites which is right next to the Harrah’s and the Heavenly village. I don’t think of the Vacation Resort as being exactly within walking distance to the casinos for a night visit since it’s a bit over 1 mile but there is probably a shuttle or bus you can take. At any rate there is free parking at the casinos.
The Riva Grill is right there at the marina and you can grab a happy hour table outdoors and have a view(ish).
I think the previous poster is thinking that this is the same at the regular Embassy Suites which is right next to the Harrah’s and the Heavenly village. I don’t think of the Vacation Resort as being exactly within walking distance to the casinos for a night visit since it’s a bit over 1 mile but there is probably a shuttle or bus you can take. At any rate there is free parking at the casinos.
