By Ilona Kauremszky
Lakeshore Blvd and Country Club Drive – doesn’t it sound like a posh place?
High in Nevada’s forested Sierra mountains, a swanky zip code on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe has been the home of the pet-friendly Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino ever since 1975. That’s when the Hyatt Corporation took over this highly sought after spot to open an alpine getaway with its own private beach.
Situated in a compact mountain town known as Incline Village, the year-round nature lovers hideaway is popular with families, couples and even corporate types who appreciate the area’s natural luster of incentive travel accroutements. There is a full service spa, a lagoon heated pool plus seasonal activities to keep urbanite Mother Nature fantasies blissfully alive in the unblemished outdoors.
Enveloped by tall pine trees the deep woodsy nature of the setting trails into the lobby. Guests are welcomed by animated stuffed black bears propped on display with folksy leather rocking chairs ready for rocking. Rich leathers and massive granite are featured prominently by the fireplace.
The lodge theme carries into the recently renovated and refreshed casino. With wood-beamed high ceilings, the interior is accentuated by a huge stuffed stag head on display by the stone wall. Arriving guests won’t be distracted by the big gaming action taking place on the main floor either. The casino here is subdued, thanks to its location. A fabulous giant fireplace separates lobby traffic allowing families to freely hustle by without a thought given to the 250 slot machines or the 15 table games in the gambling den.
With North America’s largest alpine lake footsteps away, North Lake Tahoe is hands down the resort’s biggest draw. But there are other reasons too.
In winter, it’s the white powder. Resort guests staying at this magnificent grand lodge are shuttled to one of the five ski resorts like Diamond Peak during the ski season. Some of the other big white powder places nearby include Alpine Meadows, Northstar California Mt. Rose, and Heavenly Ski Resort.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino Highlights
Hang out at Lake Tahoe and snap selfies with Big Blue as it is referred to by many describing North America’s largest alpine lake and the jewel of the High Sierra. By night, star gaze and watch the constellations dance to the beat. And for sunsets, you will not be disappointed.
Book a spa day at the Stillwater Spa and Salon or get out and explore everything that Lake Tahoe has to offer steps from the resort’s front door.
Nestled on the north shore of glistening-still Lake Tahoe, this 422-room resort is surrounded by greenbelt. No urban sprawl here.
Suite Pluses
There are ample room categories to suit any need. Choose from guestrooms and suites to accessible rooms and plush Lakeside Cottages with fireplaces. Ask for either mountain or lake views to get the best experience. Accommodations blend modern with natural elements like oak headboards and motion sensor lighting that illuminate in the dark.
The AAA Four Diamond resort caters to guests who love spacious accommodations too. Look no further than the suites category of which there are six styles from which to choose. For instance, the 550 sq. ft Sugar Pine Junior Suite is a standard suite while the 756 sq. ft. Hospitality Suite, considered a premium suite, features separate sleeping and entertaining quarters.
My room which overlooked the heated outdoor pool was furnished in natural tones. The premise realizes the importance of hydrating at this high altitude and had a pair of complimentary bottled waters in my room upon arrival.
Hotel Perks
This stay-and-play property provides a rich menu of on-site attractions and activities. The Hyatt experience begins at check-in but be prepared to fork over a resort fee which is worth the splurge. Included is a welcome glass of sparkling wine, entrance to the hotel’s private beach, a match play coupon to the resort’s Grand Lodge Casino plus a local shuttle service to area shops and restaurants.
Hit the casino for 24 hour night life.
The recreation here also beats neighboring California thanks to the laid-back lifestyle of the Incline Village locals who like to describe themselves as “Tahoe People” who love to chill out in this high sierra paradise.
A Fitness Concierge at the Fitness Center is on hand to assist in any fitness gear issues. Say you forgot your gym outfit, swim goggles or aren’t familiar with the running trails. Just ask. For more health and wellness, inquire about the “Passionate Peeps,” a free daily activity program that could involve a 1-hour bootcamp suitable for all fitness levels or hang out with inhouse pelotonista Lulu74 whose stamina and high dose of spunk works fitness magic. Call the Spa to reserve a bike.
Diversions
Explore the second deepest alpine lake in America. Take a hot air balloon over Lake Tahoe. Hover 12,000 feet high in this area that already hovers 6,325 feet for no sound.
There are four pools. Dive into the heated pool open year-round or two over-sized jetted whirlpools. One is adults-only, the other is family-friendly. Another pool is a kiddie wading pool.
In winter, go snowshoeing and cross country skiing on the the beach or head to one of the ski hills. Diamond Peak Ski Resort is 5 minutes away.
Dining
How do eight dining venues sound?
You can go easy and be non-commital to a sit-down place and try the proverbial takeout or deep dive into fine dining. Next door to the check-in Tahoe To Go is the answer to the all-day coffee shop with healthy breakfasts and all-day good eats.
By the lake, enjoy award-winning cuisine at the Lone Eagle Grille. The restaurant which has a refined lodge atmosphere with a blazing two-story stone fireplace at the center is the highest grossing restaurant in the U.S. for the Hyatt Company.
Why? The impeccable views and culinary prowess that verges on sublime. Lunches are legendary. Imbibe on the Baked Tahoe, the Hyatt’s playful rendition on the Baked Alaska with its crispy pointed peaks of charred marshmallow. With a vanilla ice cream center and chocolate wafer smothered in chopped caramel it is sinfully decadent and worth every spoonful. On Wednesday through Saturday nights, live music entertains diners feting the High Sierra-inspired cuisine that’s easily washed back with a fine vintage wine from the award-winning cellar which has been awarded by Wine Spectator.
Overall Impression
This is the spot to decompress and unwind while enjoying the fresh outdoors in a magical spot that’s been pegged a posh playground for good reason.
Booking
You can make your reservations at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa and Casino website. You can also compare rates and book through Hotels.com.
Room rates vary based on categories, the day of week and the season. For a standard room with a king bed for two persons, nightly rates range between $239 (low season) to $629 (high season). For a bigger bang on the buck the presidential suite rates in low season averages $839. Resort fees and parking charges are extra.
Photography by Ilona Kauremszky and supplied.
Ilona Kauremszky attended the Nevada Governor’s Global Tourism Summit and was a guest of TravelNevada which did not approve this editorial.