The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

It’s hard to believe it took almost 1.5 years of living in San Francisco for me to make it to Lake Tahoe. I’m actually quite embarrassed it took so long but it was definitely worth the wait. I was lucky enough to have a perfect excuse for a June Tahoe Visit. A belated Mother’s Day visit from my Mom. After looking into the Hotel options in Lake Tahoe I immediately decided on staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Their property is in North Tahoe, about 3.5 hours from San Francisco and is beautiful. It was 2009 so is in excellent condition and both the facilities and the service was spectacular.

Daytime Exterior_v4sSummer views of the property (what I experienced during my visit)

Hotel Winter Exterior_CroppedWinter view of the property

Slopeside Exterior- NightWinter view of the back patio

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe – If you’re looking for a spectacular property, the only AAA five diamond property in Lake Tahoe The Ritz-Carlton is the spot for you. It just opened in 2009 so it’s in excellent condition with amazing staff, wonderful facilities and a fabulous location; between Truckee (10 minutes drive) and Lake Tahoe (15 minute drive).

It’s hard to capture my fabulous stay in words but I’ll try. Starting with our arrival and wonderful greeting by the Doorman, Reception and Hotel Staff then arriving to a room with delicious Sweets to welcome us (yes I’m a sucker for fabulous desserts, especially upon an arrival to a Hotel). To try to capture what was so fabulous about my stay, find below a few of my FAVORITE experiences at the Ritz-Carlton North Tahoe.

The spectacular service – The moment you arrive to the Ritz-Carlton you feel as if everyone knows your name (which they do) and the staff is all super friendly, helpful and genuinely interested in making your stay as lovely as it can be. I was kindly welcomed to my room by the below sweets. Thanks Chef Martine & Robin for spoiling me!

North Tahoe/Truckee Ritz Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Boutique hotel feel – It’s amazing that this hotel only has 170 guest rooms (including 16 suites and 23 residences).   The beauty of the property is the large spread out feel you experience with the facilities (Ski on/off access, Two Pools, The fabulous Spa, The Gym, 4 Restaurants….), however, with only 170 guest rooms you feel as if you’re staying at a cozy Boutique Hotel that’s very intimate where everyone knows your name yet you have the amenities of a large luxury resort & spa to enjoy. Total WIN WIN!

Lobby_Exterior_v5sThe first floor Lobby Entrance

Living Room - Slopeside ViewLiving Room (upstairs lobby) views facing North Star Mountain

Living Room - Night VerticalThe cozy inviting Living Room (upstairs lobby) Fire Place

Fabulous Guest Rooms – Each of the Guest Rooms includes a Fire Place and fabulous views (either of the Mountain or looking out into the gorgeous Blue Skies and Forest area). The bathrooms are also quite spacious with a lovely Bathtub and Shower. I’m a sucker for a hotel bathtub with a glass of wine to relax!

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Room 1

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Bathroom

Dining at The Ritz Carlton, Lake TAhoe – There are extensive dining options to enjoy while visiting The Ritz Carlton North Tahoe. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Spa – This is hands down one of the BEST parts of the hotel. The fabulous Spa is 17000 square feet and is available to all hotel guests (even without a treatment). This includes an adults only pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and fabulous lounges and relaxation areas. I’ve stayed at many fabulous hotels and this is one of the few that shares such an amazing Spa with ALL hotel guests (without a treatment required). Yet another perk of the small Boutique Size of this Ritz Carlton property.

Spa relaxation loungeThe Spa Relaxation Room

Resort_Pool_v3sThe Spa Quiet Pool (adults only!) with spectacular North Star Mountain views

The fabulous activities and curated experiences/classes offered to hotel guests and non guests. See a sample of the amazing Summer activities offered during my visit and a prior Winter activities offering. My Mom did a “Behind the Scenes Kitchen Tour” (see below on the Experience sheet) with Pastry Chef Martine and enjoyed it tremendously. She learned a lot and found the hour tour and overall experience lovely. These are offered year round to hotel guests AND non hotel guests. Definitely something to take advantage during a visit to The Ritz-Carlton or if you’re near by and want a fun activity to try!

Chef cooking class

Marshmology “The Art of the S’more – This is offered DAILY from 5:00-5:30pm and is delicious. The Hotel provides Marshmallows, Graham Crackers and S’more Fixings on the back patio to roast. As if a regular S’more isn’t delicious enough, Pastry Chef Martine creates special flavored marshmallows in addition to the traditional Marshmallow Flavor. I had a Mint Chocolate Marshmallow which was divine. What a cute, delicious experience.

FirepitThe fire pit where Marshmology happens daily!

Lake Tahoe Truckee Where To Stay

Lake Tahoe Truckee Where To Stay

Me & My Mom on the back patio post “Marshmology

Close proximity to North Star Mountain – North Star Mountain is the  largest downhill “summer” hiking mountain in North America. This was a cool fact I learned from the Ritz-Carlton Communications Manager. I had no idea California would come close in size to some of Colorado or Utah’s large mountains. Good to know!

Skiing at Northstar California (5)

Skiing at Northstar California (3)

Pool cabanasThe Main Pool Cabanas

Fitness CenterThe Fitness Center

Bocci ball court (no people)Outdoor Bocce Court

select images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

1 Response
  • Linda Martin
    June 24, 2014

    Amazing staff, superior vistas, outstanding service. Better than a 10!!
    Look forward to a different seasonal experience in the future… Thank you,
    Linda Martin

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