Marriott's Timber Lodge - A perfectly located resort at Lake Tahoe
Written: Oct 21 '09 (Updated Oct 21 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Location, comfort, location, access, location
Cons: Valet parking fees seem steep.
The Bottom Line: Location, comfort, activities and access make Timber Lodge a delightful resort at Lake Tahoe.
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| sweeper's Full Review: Marriott Vacation Club Timber Lodge |
If Lake Tahoe has a central location to highlight all of its vacation and recreational amenities it would be the town of South Lake Tahoe. If South Lake Tahoe had a core it would be embodied in the area centered around Marriott’s Timber Lodge.
Considering the world’s world-class ski destinations, few can compete with Lake Tahoe’s south shore. A huge ski resort, gaming, shows, restaurants, lodging and, mostly, knock-out scenery makes the area a draw for skiers internationally. Furthermore, going beyond the wintry ski months are three more seasons all with their own appeal. Few visitors to the region during anytime of the year are not taken with the experience Lake Tahoe has to offer. In the center of it all is a welcoming and comfortable accommodation that Marriott has built.
Recently, my wife and I spent a week at the Timber Lodge. October is a transitional month in the Sierra Nevada. It can be sunny and warm or snowy and brisk or both in any given week. During our time we enjoyed a blanket of new snow and short and shirtsleeve weather. The extremes allowed us to experience the resort in all conditions.
Access
While other Lake Tahoe hotels and resorts are located off the lake and in sometimes treacherous locations, it's important to note that the resort is located on a major roadway, Lake Tahoe Blvd., essentially State Route 50, so that snow removal is a high priority and ingress and egress is not normally a problem.
Check in
Our arrival on a Sunday was a swift and efficient process. Considering this is a timeshare resort with most guests arriving on Sunday afternoon, this is remarkable. Valet parking is about the only option since on-street, public parking is far away especially with snow removal restrictions posted all during snow season, usually October through April. Our check in was handled gracefully even as we tried to arrange for different types of accommodations because my brother and sister-in-law decided to join us. Arrangements were made to our satisfaction. The lobby and common areas reflect the generally subdued architecture of well-considered wood construction that welcomes with an airy but sheltering atmosphere. Indeed, judging from the appearance both from the outside and from within, Marriott has not skimped on construction detail which is consistent with its brand.
Accommodation Types
The spaces vary from one-room, hotel-like accommodation to multi-bedroom suites that include a bathroom per bedroom, a common area and fully equipped kitchen. In our case being that we are Marriott Vacation Resort timeshare owners, we had traded a week for a two-bedroom space similar to our “home” unit. We were not disappointed.
The unit was nicely furnished with comfortable furniture, a dining table that accommodates six, a kitchen that has all the common appliances including the necessary coffee maker. Dishes, glasses, mugs, flatware, and cooking ware are all found in the cupboards. A compact washer and dryer is a nice touch. Marriott even supplies paper towels, dish and laundry soap, coffee filters and a “starter kit” for coffee service. This is typical of Marriott timeshare resort amenities.
The master bedroom has a King-sized bed with a comfortably firm mattress and is made with crisp, high-end sheets. Several pillows are available. A down comforter makes for a cozy night’s rest. As with all the rooms, a large, flat-screen television is mounted on the wall. Each is connected to a DVD player. A large jetted tub lays adjacent to the bedroom. The bathroom is outfitted with a shower and plumbed in high-end hardware. There is little more to want.
The Location
Next to the timeshare units is Marriott’s Residence Club facility. These units belong to fractional owners who may stay for month’s rather than a week or two. The two facilities share some amenities and activities including the pools.
Between the two is the lower terminus of the only gondola that serves the Heavenly Ski Area located in the South Lake Tahoe village. It’s literally a few steps away from the Timber Lodge lobby. During ski season, obviously, the gondola whisks skiers up into the heart of the ski area. Heavenly ski resort is one of the largest in the country. It spans the border between California and Nevada and from its vantage points allows views of a huge portion of both states. Its runs range from easy beginner trails to some of the hairiest and scariest I’ve ever descended. And I used to teach the sport. Even after skiing the resort several times, I don’t think I’ve been on half the runs. It’s just huge. In the “off” season, the gondola transports riders to the observation deck nearly 3,000 feet above the lake level and affords one of the grandest views of the lake and environs. The gondola can also take riders to access the many hiking trails. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, the sometimes steep treks can leave one breathless and not just from the views.
Back at the lodge, its only on-site restaurant, Fire and Ice, serves what it calls an “interactive”, “improvisational” grill menu where guests choose ingredients that are cooked to order on a large flat grill. We eschewed the restaurant mostly for meals we prepared ourselves. A small market is located less than a block away and a major super market is located within two blocks. When we did go out to eat, we found a variety of establishments to which we could walk including fast food and chain restaurants, the buffets at the casinos, and some great independent restaurants.
Those who want to keep up on fitness will find a nicely equipped workout room with common aerobic machines, weight machines and free weights. The pool is sparkly and inviting.
Area Attractions
While Timber Lodge is located in California, the Nevada state line is but a couple hundred yards away and just beyond are the towering gaming casinos and hotels. Although they offered thousands of slot machines and card tables, we were more wooed by hiking and enjoying the sights. A treat for visitors on the south shore in October includes a stop along Taylor Creek and watching the Kokanee salmon swim upstream to spawn. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center provides information and viewing opportunities including a stream profile center in which visitors can watch the salmon in their underwater environment through a panel of windows.
Other highlights include riding the dedicated, paved bike path from the south shore area toward Camp Richardson and beyond. The trail to the peak of Mt. Tallac, the tallest in the basin, is thrilling even if you don’t make the summit. Stopping at the Emerald Bay view point is a must. Also a quick hike up the Eagle Falls trail is popular regardless how far you go before turning back.
Some things to know before making reservations
The Timber Lodge is a timeshare resort. Therefore, daily housekeeping service is not included. It can be arranged for a cost. For me, it’s daily housekeeping is something I can handle plus I feel more secure with fewer people accessing my room.
What I really like about Timber Lodge
Timber Lodge is certainly one of the most inviting lodging properties on the lake. It’s location is absolutely the best for those wanting access to all the southern portion of Lake Tahoe has to offer. It encourages walks and getting out to explore.
What I’m not excited about
Valet parking is steep at $22 per night. Unfortunately, they have you by the short hairs since there are few on-street options.
Summary
Marriott’s Timber Lodge is among the finest accommodations inTahoe. Its central location, level of comfort and amenities, and access to all of what the area offers puts it on the short list for a stay at the lake.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sweeper
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Member: David Burckhard
Location: San Jose, CA
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