We are planning a trip for October or early November. We know both places have gambling (which we want to do) and we do not expect a Las Vegas type trip. However which would have more interesting side trips? We do NOT ski and also do not want to be anyplace which has nothing to offer because it's not prime ski time.

I've been to both. Once in December and once in May or June (it was NOT ski time). And I think there is no comparison, as I like Lake Tahoe, much better- for tourism and for dining etc.

I love lakes and like the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, and the ride there from Reno airport is always a treat for this flatland girl too.

They are not that far apart, and you could daytrip other places from either one. But I totally prefer Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe, hands down. Lake Tahoe is just beautiful, clean, wonderful views and good food. We hated Reno, found it to be sooty and dingy.

Thanks for the opinions thus far. Now here's another question. We may be interested in using a time share exchange. The map shows many places in Stateline, NV. Is that actually Lake Tahoe or how far away from the casinos is it?

I don't ski either but I would also choose Lake Tahoe hands down over Reno. It is really a beautiful area. Also good hotels and restaurants. Stateline is right where Harrah's, Harveys and the other casinos are on the south shore.

In South Tahoe area, along the lake shore, South Tahoe city is on the California side, Stateline is on the Nevada side.

Google Harrahs, east of it the casino area, very small, maybe 2 blocks. Put in "directions" both addresses - your hotel and harrah's and you'll see how far.

Many of the timeshares in south lake Tahoe are up off the Kingsbury grade. It's still near the lake though. It will depend on what timeshare you get. What are your choices? Even a timeshsare in a gully near Lake Tahoe would be better than staying in Reno. JMHO.

Here are some of the timeshare choices for Stateline:
Perennial Vacation club at Eagles' Nest/Tahoe Village
Tahoe Summit Village
Taranova-Tahoe Summit
The Ridge Tahoe
Vacation Internationale Kingsbury of Tahoe
WorldMark Tahoe III


Any comments or recommendations?

Of the those you listed, we have stayed at the Ridge Tahoe, which is up off the Kingsbury Grade. We like it for skiing, because it is right off the Stagecoach Lodge on the Nevada side of Heavenly, which is usually less crowded than the CA side. It is not right in the middle of the village "action", but that's why we like it. They have a free shuttle that takes you down to the village (casinos and restaurants) area, so you don't always have to make that drive (or find parking) yourself.

The RT also has a couple of restaurants on site, along with a spa, indoor/outdoor pool, indoor tennis court and other amenities. The Cascade building is the newest, but the Naegle building has been most recently renovated. Both the Tower and Naegle building have decks/balconies, the others don't.

Worldmark has another place at Zepher Cove in Tahoe. Friends have stayed there and liked it much better than the TahoeIII. Better layout and newer. Zepher Cove is on the Nevada side and just a short drive to big casinos. I think it is a much lovelier location and away from the chaos. Hyatt on the North Shore, Incline Village also has timeshares.

Good luck,

MY

All the places you list are up off the Kingsbury Grade. Do a google map with teh addresses so you can see how far they are from plces you want to be. Then youcan decide if it's ok with you to be that far.

I thought the same thing Suzie posted but thought that you want something else, which I myself can't visualize.

If you want to be near the casinos, be near the casinos. Restaurants and much else are all near Heavenly's gondola- not a drive away.

We stayed at Harvey's but there are more upscale and closer. Those Marriott suite clubs with the skating rink are close walking distance.

To me, having to drive whereever you want to go would oftentimes defeat the purpose.

Well we decided on the Lake Tahoe area and have booked a week in the Tahoe Summit Village for the third week in June. We don't mind having to drive to dinner as we did just that last year in Durango Colorado.

Now are there any restaurant suggestions? We like Italian, Mexican, seafood and Chinese. Hopefully there will be some to sample. We are NOT interested in really fancy places .. husband does NOT want to wear a jacket.

Also are there boats trips on the lake that you'd recommend or float (NOT rapids)?

Well Tahoe is pretty casual. Can't recall DH ever wearing a jacket so not to worry, especially in June.

On Kingsbury Grade (you’d take a right as you come down the hill) there is the Chart House.

Mexican at the Cantina is good. It’s located north of the Y so that may be too far, I don’t know.

Right at Zephyr Cove you can take a lake cruise on the Thape Queen. It’s very nice, goes to Emerald Bay.

There is also the Tahoe Star, which I believe is owned by Harrah's. Not sure if it is only for Harrah's guests. I have taken it twice and enjoyed it. Whichever you decide on, I would recommend taking the tour that goes through Emerald Bay.

Great suggestions thus far. Any other restaurants or activities? Thanks in advance.