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North Lake Tahoe New Northstar condo or ?

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North Lake Tahoe New Northstar condo or ?

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Old Jun 10th, 2009, 10:46 PM
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North Lake Tahoe New Northstar condo or ?

We're hinking North Lake Tahoe would be a nice place for a multi-generation trip this July. There are 8 of us ranging from 12 to 72. The new condo's at the Northstar resort seem to be well-priced. And, there seems to be such a wide variety of activities. Has anyone stayed here? How long does it take to drive to the Lake from here? Is it beautiful?

How would you compare accommodations and location at Squaw Village to this? The Hyatt seems to have good deals, too. Thoughts?
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Old Jun 10th, 2009, 11:30 PM
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The Hyatt Resort is a great place for a summer stay where you can see the lake. They have a private beach with water activities desk, a catamaran for day or sunset sails, 3 fire pits spread out on their large property where you can enjoy the evenings around a fire, a Spa, pools, and a small casino. Many good restaurants in the area.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 12:05 AM
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Oh no. I just called and they have no availability. Any other suggestions?
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 06:46 AM
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ttt
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 07:05 AM
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We stayed at a condo at Squaw Valley Lodge, 530 583 5500, and liked it. It's at the base of the mountain, right near the village and the gondola. It has free covered parking, too.

Sue, at Squaw Valley Central Reservations, was very helpful: 530 583 5585.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 07:24 AM
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You do realize that Tahoe is not the easiest place to get too ? Right ? Grandma may not like taking the whole day w/3 lay-overs to get to her destination. Just a thought.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 07:55 AM
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Thanks for the name and number. I'll call. Yes, it seems like Tahoe will be hellish to get to. However, it seems to be the best US option that I can come up with in our budget. It seems to have everything from adventure to history to natural beauty, the arts etc. Am I right?
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 08:22 AM
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misha, which was sold out? And where are you coming from?
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 08:46 AM
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The Hyatt was sold out. We're coming from Nashville.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 09:29 AM
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So, how were you planning to get there? Fly into Reno? Sacramento? San Francisco? If you can fly into Reno, it's only 45 minutes to Northstar, Sacramento about an hour and a half to two hours.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 11:12 AM
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We're flying into Reno. I guess we'll rent a car. I think we'll go for a condo at Northstar. Any thoughts? Is it awful not be right by the Lake?
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 12:45 PM
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No it's not awful not being at the lake. Northstar is pretty close and it's also close to Truckee so you can get some meals and better prices on gas and groceries than right at the lake. Northstar is under 7 miles to Kings Beach which is right at the lake.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 12:58 PM
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We've stayed at the lake and at Northstar many many times. We often joke that the reason (stupid!) that we never bought a place in Tahoe was that we couldn't decide whether to buy on the lake or on the mountain!

Northstar is a great resort, and different from anything you'll find on the lake. Since you're talking about renting one of the new condos, be sure you ask questions -- most if not all of the new condos do not have access to the original Rec. Center and pools -- there is a new, but much smaller, rec ctr and pool for the new condos. Also, the new condos are in the village, not "in the woods" (that's where the original condos are, which are, as I said, more "woodsy", but also much less elegant!).

Since the Hyatt is sold out, if you want amenities (the village, restaurants, shops (I'm wearing a necklace today that I bought at one of the shops in Northstar), coffee, outdoor music, etc., Northstar is a great choice. Also, there are choices within the resort, so everyone doesn't always have to be/do together. There's a shuttle bus system, although if you stay in the village, you won't need it.

On the lake, there are a lot of condo developments, but they're just that -- residential, with pools and tennis courts....generally speaking, you have to drive to get anything like a latte.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 01:21 PM
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At Northstar there is the best sushi place, Mikuni. Order the Benjamin even if it's not on the menu.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 01:43 PM
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Let us know if you booked a Condo at Northstar . If so, Kings Beach is your closest access to the Lake. At their State Beach they have restrooms and a nice park area. They usually have a craft festival on weekends. There is a fee to park your car. There is a concession for kayaks water paddle boats, etc. I can give you a list of our favorite restaurants in the area if you let me know your tastes and price range.

From Reno, as you drive over Hwy. 431, the MT. Rose Hwy, you will get your first glimpse of Lake Tahoe at the turnout, above Incline Village. It will take your breathe away. Continue on 28 around the lake to Kings Beach, where you will turn up 267 to Northstar. I give you this route so that you can see some of the lake and the communities before heading to your condo inland.

When you leave to head back to Reno continue on the 267, to Interstate 80 at Truckee, to the airport. It would be a little faster.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 06:10 PM
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Thank you! I'm calling first thing in the morning to book the condos! Got home too late tonight. I am so much more excited after hearing all of your wonderful tips. We adore sushi and food of all types. Now, I just hope that the Northstar condo is still available.

On another note, do any of you know of a tween friendly cooking class that takes place in the area on a regular basis?
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 07:09 PM
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I don't, but if you're interested in cooking/kitchen equipment, there is a fantastic store in Truckee called "The Cooking Gallery".
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Old Jun 12th, 2009, 07:24 AM
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Thanks. Does anyone have opinions on One Village Place at Northstar versus the Hyat residences?

Thanks
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Old Jun 12th, 2009, 07:45 AM
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I actually toured the Hyatt Residences while they were under construction, and it looked like they would be fabulous when done. Friends own a unit in Catamount (another village building) and we looked at 5 or 6 of those units, too, and they are beautiful -- I would suspect One Village Place is similar, although I haven't seen the units. They're both right in the Village. Does the view matter to you - if so I would ask -- some overlook the village (pedestrian areas, people-watching) and some overlook the mountain (trees, snow in winter). Other than the view, I'd care about the size of the unit, how high or low it is in the building, and again, what access you have to what pools and other common areas.

by the way, if you're up for it, my DH and I took the gondola to the top last summer and walked down the mountain. Filthy, but a lot of fun. It's free if you're on "feet" (I think its $5.00 to take a bike up)
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Old Jun 12th, 2009, 07:58 AM
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Okay, I just booked a 3 bedroom unit at One Village Place. It looks beautiful on line. I did ask for a high floor with village view. The Hyatt seemed wonderful because of the daily breakfast and maid service but had no availabilty. However, the booking agent did try to console me by pointing out that One Village was closer to the action. We are allowed to use the Hyatt pool but not the other one big rec center. I think it should be fine though. A gonola ride up and walk down sounds great!!

Any recommendations are very welcome. I think we will try to go the Young Shakespeare one night and spend an evening in Reno, too. I'm getting more and more excited
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