Lake Tahoe - Where to stay?
 

Our family consisting of 3 couples and a baby want to stay for a week in late August at Lake Tahoe. I know, I know, it is late but actually there are rentals still available. We have camped at Sugar Pine Point before and like that side of the lake. Agate Bay has been recommended to us as a family friendly place to stay and because there is "more to do" . Any suggestions? Our budget is between $1400 and $2400. Do not want to stay at South Shore or Nevada side - do not want to gamble. Peaceful would be good. Thanks for your suggestions.

Is that $1400-$2400 for all of you to share one place? 3 bedrooms or 4?

Agate Bay is a very nice area. I'm partial to Brockway Springs, which we went to when our kids were pre-school age, but it may be too far north for you. I think most of the units there are 2 bedrooms, but maybe there are larger ones. We loved the fact that it's walking distance to Kings Beach (public beach, shops, restaurants), loved the pool (great view of the lake, wading pool for little ones), and loved the grassy area in the center of the condo buildings where everyone would hang out in the evening - the parents with their drinks or coffee, the kids with their friends and their toys. There's also Tahoe Taverns, which is similar, but closer to Tahoe City. I'm not sure what developments there are in Agate Bay, but there's Chinquapin (condos and private homes some of which are for rent), Rocky Ridge (same, and very upscale), and others along the lake.

In King's Beach, check out Ferrari's Crown Motel. It's a grouping of several motels with connecting rooms, kitchens, decks, BBQs. Lake front and walking distance to shops and restaurants.

http://www.tahoecrown.com/lake-front-lodging

We were in Tahoe last summer in late July and stayed at the Hyatt. I was very happy with the choice. The room as very nice and the family atmosphere was stronger than the gambling although they did have a small casino. We were lucky to get a room with a walk out patio to the pool. I would ask for that upon reserving your room. It was great! Since I was there with my 2 children that was important to me that we enjoyed a family resort. The lake was beautiful! It was clean and refreshing and the resort has a great beach for kids of all ages :)! The pool area was wonderful for kids and there were sitting areas throughout the resort with several fire pits and outdoor activities.

We ate at 3 restaurants at the resort. The really pricey one on the lake side. I would NOT recommend it with or without kids. The food was not good and it was loud and filled with happy hour activities that was not separated very well from the dining. I was looking for a more relaxing experience. We had to send the **very expensive*** kids meal back to the kitchen. I tasted it and it was horrible. They ended up taking it off our bill. We also ate at the "saloon type" restaurant close to the lobby. It was just "OK" and looks like it is geared to the gamblers. The only good dining experience we had at the resort was breakfast which we able to get included as part of our stay. It was very good and the service was great. The outdoor seating was very nice with views of the mountain.

We did also eat at Garr Woods which was about 20 minutes drive. It is very popular with good food but make certain to make a reservation or you will not get in. Sunset was a photo opportunity from the patio... wait for a table on the patio!

Thanks for the tips. Yes, $1400-$2400 for all of us. Looking at some cabins in Agate Bay that are all in that range.

Will check out the hotel - could work. Hyatt?? Hmm, we have points. Bet they aren't good in August.

Hyatt is over budget unless you know of a site with discount rates??

After really trying to rent something in Agate Bay, I began looking at the west shore on VRBO and came across several rentals that looked really nice. I decided that the rentals left at Agate Bay were smaller although very nice, A frames. The bedrooms were on the second floor and if it is very hot in late August, the bedrooms could be really hot.

Finally committed to a really nice home in Tahoma that backs on Sugar Pine Campground. Lots of room, great kitchen, and the owner was willing to negotiate. So we are set! Sooo looking forward to it.

Love Tahoma. We stay there alot. Try breakfast at the Norfolk Woods Inn. Tahoma Market has really great sandwiches if you need something for a picnic. They are big enough to share. Good meat counter also if you need something to bbq witrhout haveing to head all the way back to Tahoe City.

We love going to Meeks Bay to hang out during the day. Great Beach, has a grill right on the beach.

The other direction - Homewood - stop in at Chambers for Chambers Punch half price happy hour out at the historic bar on the dock. Great fun!!!!

Another great beach is DL Bliss but you have to get there early or you won't get in.

Take a tour at the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion at Sugar Pine.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=991

On Wednesday they opened the dam gates in Tahoe City so they are rafting on the Truckee. Late opening but a fun time.

$5 off coupon:

http://www.truckeeriverrafting.com/t...5/0/direct?c=1

This company exits at River Ranch:

http://www.truckeeriverraft.com/truc...hoe-raft-trips

Our family always rent homes in Incline Village, a very calm, peaceful community. Many of the rental homes have rights to the Community pool and beach area. We don't gamble, and except for the Hyatt, there is no casino in Incline Village. I know it's on the Nevada side, but far from the madding crowds, IMO. It's also close to Sand Harbor State Beach (Nevada), arguably, one of the best beaches on the Lake.