Lakeside rooms are worth it
Written: Oct 28 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Views from the lakeside room. Private beach.
Cons: No locker rooms for swimmers. Sunday NYT paper delivery could be quieter.
The Bottom Line: Great place if you want some place romantic or a quiet place to relax with friends and family. Kid friendly.
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| Uncle_Tippet's Full Review: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe |
We truly enjoyed our stay at the Lake Tahoe Hyatt this fall (Oct 2005). Even though we only spent one night there -- it felt like a world away. I can't stop raving about the experience. Here's why:
The Lake Tahoe Hyatt is one of only several hotels on the quieter "North Shore" of the Lake and is located in Incline Village, Nevada. The hotel is really split up into two by Lakeshore Drive. The restaurant and cottages are right by the lake while the main lobby, casino and the rest of the rooms are on the other side of the road.
The hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar reservation in 2004 so all the rooms should be new and comfortable. A new "spa" wing was added and you have a choice of 3 locations: The main building, the spa wing and the lakeside cottages. The lakeside cottages seem like they all have at least some "lake" views. The spa wing comes with a choice of either a mountain view or a pool/spa view.
We had booked a regular room but asked for an upgrade when we checked in. They offered us a corner "suite" without a balcony. When we asked for a room with a balcony -- they upgraded us to a double room in a lakeside cottage at no extra charge. We were excited because we had 2 kids and didn't look forward to have to walk across the street (2 minutes) each time we wanted to go to the beach.
The lakeside cabins were wonderful. They had ski closets on the ground floor and firewood stacked by the door for the suites which come with a fireplace. Our room on the second floor had a balcony with a wonderful view of the lake. It was heavenly. Within minutes, we had unpacked and taken a quick stroll to the beach about a stone's throw away from our room. The beach was private and secluded and the water was crystal clear. Perfect. There were cabanas with umbrellas available and soon I was lying back with a drink in my hand -- watching the kids play in the lake. It was not very crowded in October so there were only a few other people on the beach.
After an hour, it was back to the room -- where they had comfortable beds, a mini-TV in the bathroom, massage shower heads, CD-click radio and adirondack chairs on the balcony. It was the standard "Hyatt" room. We then unloaded the bikes from the minivan and rode the bikes down the bike path down Lakeshore between the hotel. The bike path continued for over 2 miles but we had to turn around when the kids got tired. The hotel also had bikes for rent if we needed it.
Next up -- the pool. The water was very warm (seems like it keep it over 80 degrees) and they had a "changing" area which was kept heated where we could drop into a small waterway passage that led out to the rest of the pool. This way -- we could keep warm in the winter. There was also a small kiddie pool and two spas (one which was meant for adults). There was a little kiddie play area but I think it was reserved for the Camp Hyatt (aka childcare) program. The rates were reasonable ($10/ hour with a 4 hour minimum). The only drawback about the pool was the lack of good shower facilities. They had a full locker room in the spa but that was restricted to spa customers only and not linked to the pool. It would have been nice to be able to swim and then come out straight into the steam room. But no such luck. The fitness area was also rinky-dink. Only 4-5 exercise machines.
The main restaurant (Lone Eagle Grill) by the lake was supposed to be superb but it was booked for a wedding when we were there. The hotel also had 2 restaurants in the main building (Sierra Cafe and the Ciao Mein Trattoria). There was also the Cuttroat Saloon. With 2 young kids, the saloon was out and the Trattoria seemed to romantic. So we paid $24 per adult and $12 per child for the Prime Rib buffet. The food selection was great and there was lamb, halibut and pasta in addition to the Prime Rib. The highlight was the caramel apples dipped in nuts for desert.
Later that night -- we walked over the beach, stretched back on the deck chairs and looked up at the stars. Beautiful.
The only problem was the Sunday New York Times being delivered at 5 am in the morning. Someone should tell the bell captain that 10 pounds of newspaper being dropped makes quite a racket.
Checkout was quick and efficient and soon, we were missing the tranquil mist of the lake. All in all, a great trip in a great hotel.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Uncle_Tippet
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Member: Avon Leong
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Reviews written: 78
Trusted by: 10 members
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