It was five years in the making but the $300 million world-class Ritz-Carlton Highlands resort is now open in Lake Tahoe. We first reported on this ultra-luxury resort in an article from last year.

The opening of the Ritz-Carlton Highlands gives Lake Tahoe its first five-star luxury hotel. The luxury resort also has a burden to carry by hoping to bring millions of dollars to the Tahoe region, which has been hurt by the current recession.

Ritz-Carlton Highlands hotel offers guests 170-rooms at Northstar, near Truckee, with prices ranging $249 to a pricey $4,000 per night.

The opening of of the ritzy Ritz-Carlton Highlands also is a direct attempt to allure the elite travelers from other luxury resorts such as Aspen and Vail Colorado.

Executive director of the San Francisco-based California Ski Industry Association, Bob Roberts states that Lake Tahoe skiing “caters to all levels. What we’ve done is buffed up the high end.”

Not only will the Highlands draw more local customers from the Bay Area, Sacramento and Reno, the Bay Area and elsewhere in California – than nationally or globally.

The luxury hotel’s first registered guest, Caroline Beteta, president and chief executive officer of the California Travel and Tourism Commission, promised that part of the state’s $50 million marketing campaign “will get the word out about this.”

“We have up-leveled our game globally with this world-class Ritz-Carlton,” she said at the opening event.

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, appears and disappears repeatedly as four miles of road rise and wind through pine trees and beneath ski chairlifts.

The anticipation builds. A glimpse here, a glimpse there. At last, it comes into full view high on a Sierra Nevada slope, in all its mountain lodge magnificence.

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands is located about halfway up the mountain from the Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort. The resort’s architecture was inspired by several well-known mountain resorts – Yosemite’s Ahwahnee Hotel, Timberline Lodge in Oregon and the long-gone Tahoe Tavern.

The Highlands has a look that can be described as rustic, but also carries the polished tradition of all Ritz-Carlton properties.

The main attraction of the hotel is the tree’s “trunk.” It’s a towering, 55-foot-tall granite fireplace that rises two stories inside the mighty hotel. The wooden “branches” that radiate from the high, high ceiling are an abstraction of a leafless tree canopy.

Hotel spokesman Steven Holt says, “Literally, it is a part of the forest.”

The resort’s prominent floor-to-ceiling windows provide striking views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, snow covered ski runs and countless century-old pine trees.

About three-fourths of the Ritz-Carlton Highlands hotel is bathed with natural light. This provides an environment that highlights the impressive cedar-plank and slate floors. The resort’s decor includes a color scheme consisting of the red of Indian paintbrushes, the yellow of wild roses, as well as the green of pine.

the hotel offers fine dining at Manzanita, an upscale restaurant created by San Francisco chef Traci Des Jardins. The Manzanita menu features a variety of tasty entrees including – rotisserie Wolfe Ranch quail ($26), pork belly and housemade sausage with white beans ($34.), and short ribs braised in red wine ($29).

If you are looking to be pampered, try the hotel spa. There’s a 45-minute organic marine algae mineralizing envelopment and rain shower for $145. Other spa treatment packages are priced from $345-$420. The treatment rooms all are named for native wildflowers.

For more information and reservations, go to the Ritz-Carlton Highlands or call (530) 562-3000

Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe
13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court
Truckee, CA 96161

Casinos are a big deal in American culture—and even world culture today—and have been for quite some time. In the early 1900s, most gaming venues were mere humble saloons and broken-down houses where gamblers went to play cards and basic slot machines.

Over the years, emphasis was put on lavishness, and today’s casinos are true modern marvels, offering up luxurious resorts, fine cuisine, and exquisite scenery and, of course, the best gambling you can hope for.

One of Nevada’s premier casinos doesn’t find its home in Las Vegas. Harrah’s in South Lake Tahoe is an abundant monument to lavish excess that millions of people have stayed and played in. This 540-room high-rise hotel and casino has a pristine setting.

Although it’s situated in the “casino strip,” the lakefront placement between the border and the Heavenly Valley ski area makes Harrah’s pop against the backdrop of the illustrious mountain range and a clear, blue sky.

For the parched traveler looking to quench their thirst for luxury with a stay in a world-class casino resort, Harrah’s offers up the over-indulgence with room to spare. The casino-resort is home to several restaurants, a shopping mall, various entertainment venues, and a world-class health club and spa among other attractions.

Lake Tahoe has long been a tourist attraction due to its pure beauty—if nothing else—and visitors from far and wide make the trek to this prime location to take part in everything from sightseeing to skiing. Harrah’s adds another dimension to this already-flush deck of entertainment with their big, Vegas-style casino.

Even the best blackjack casino you’ll find online doesn’t compare to being on-location and actually soaking up the ambiance. Tahoe offers a lot to its numerous tourists, but Harrah’s adds an entire new way to spend your scenic vacation in style.

Situated on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, is the Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort. Mourelatos is one of the newest resorts in the Lake Tahoe area.

This absolutely beautiful and romantic getaway is located about 45 miles from the Reno Airport, and 3 miles from the North Shore Casinos.

The Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort is within short walking distance of several restaurants, and just minutes away from skiing and golf.

The property features 32 studios, each enjoying a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Each Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort suite includes a covered patio seating area overlooking a private 275 ft. wide sandy Lake Tahoe beach.

The lakefront units have larger patios with incredible panoramic lake views. All suites are non-smoking. Some suites feature fireplaces.

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort
6834 North Lake Blvd.
PO Box 77
Tahoe Vista CA 96148
Telephone: (530) 546-9500
Fax: (530)546-2744

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe offers noteworthy restaurants, top name entertainment and the best of Broadway. Innovative theme parties are their specialty (18,000 sq. ft. Special Events Center). Glass dome covered pool.

Harrah’s is a great Lake Tahoe casino experience and home to the most exciting 24-hour casino action, entertainment and nightlife!

Since the acquisition of Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino in July 2001, the new combined casino hotel operation is now bigger and better than ever.

Due to the tireless effort of Harrah’s, this dedication to excellence has earned Harrah’s Lake Tahoe many of the hotel industry’s most prestigious honors and set the standards by which other hotel casinos are measured.

A timeless creation, the 18-story, 510-room hotel at Harrah’s reflects the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe. Its forest-coloredexterior blends with the surrounding mountain peaks.

Inside, the hotel lobby features an atmosphere complete with a variety of natural textures and wood accents. Just off the hotel lobby at Harrah’s is Starbucks, along with newly remodeled retail shops that offer sporting goods, men’s and women’s clothing, high-end jewelry, and everyday necessities for travelers.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe offers a wide variety of dining choices with seven restaurants serving everything from gourmet to buffet and delicatessen to contemporary American favorites, including: Gi Fu Lo, The Summit, Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill and The Forest Buffet.

There’s also a new a food court that includes the nationally famous chains Fat Burger, LA Italian Kitchen, and Manchu Wok.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
15 US Highway 50
Stateline, NV 89449
775-588-6606
800/HARRAHS

The Lake Tahoe Horizon hotel was formerly known as the Sahara Tahoe and High Sierra Resorts.

With world class entertainment, free live music and dancing, and eight first run movie theaters, the Horizon offers the most exciting and complete entertainment experience at the Lake.

Three great restaurants allow you to choose from buffet to gourmet, all at an affordable price. Nonstop entertainment, on over 43,000 sq. ft. of gaming space. 25,000 sq. ft. of convention, meeting and Lake Tahoe banquet facilities.

The upper floors of the two towers naturally open onto the best views of the Sierra mountains and scenic Lake Tahoe.

Elvis Presley performed at the hotel from 1971-1976, and his suite is still available for guests to book.

Lake Tahoe Horizon
50 US Highway 50
Lake Tahoe, NV 89449
775-588-6211
800-322-7723

Surrounded by the stately Sierra Nevada mountains, Harveys Resort & Casino is located on the pristine shores of America’s largest alpine lake.

Harveys Resort Casino offers two buildings on both sides of the street with fabulous accommodations, top entertainment and casino games.

Featuring six restaurants, a full-service health club, pool and convention center, cabaret theatre with the hottest entertainment, wedding chapel and arcade Harveys Lake Tahoe is the perfect vacation destination!

This premier resort is a gem for vacation-seekers looking for the perfect combination of active sports (foremost skiing and hiking), gambling, and relaxing.

Be sure to check out The Cabo Wabo Cantina Sammy Hagar’s popular hotspot, at Harveys and Lake Tahoe’s Hard Rock Cafe!

Harveys Resort and Casino
Highway 50 at Stateline Avenue
Lake Tahoe, NV 89449

MontBleu sits on a total of 21 acres and is set to create a new standard of luxury in Lake Tahoe, the 17-story MontBleu has 440 spacious rooms and suites featuring breathtaking views of the tranquil shores of Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.

MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa creates a new level of style and sophistication in South Shore and features a superstar lineup of entertainers. Patty LaBelle, Huey Lewis, Wynonna and Crosby, Stills & Nash appear often. Montbleu features the popular blu nightclub.

Located a mere two blocks from the Heavenly Ski Resort and Lake Tahoe, the MontBleu Resort Casino features its own health spa and popular casino, right across from the Edgewood Golf Course.

Ideal for those looking for a fun-packed holiday – whether it be on the greens or the slopes – the hotel also offers guests a lagoon-style indoor swimming pool, in-house restaurants, a lounge, a theatre, and nightclubs.

Rooms and suites range from 424 sq. ft. to 1,250 sq. ft. All MontBleu rooms and suites feature the luxurious ‘Bleu Could Bed,’ wireless Internet access and a complete set of premier toiletries by Aveda.

MontBleu features 40,000 square feet of gaming space, including more than 900 slot machines and 50 table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and a variety of other popular games.

MontBleu recently opened a brand new poker room offering eight tables of the popular Texas Hold ‘Em at various buy-in levels. The newly remodeled race and sports book ‘The Zone’ features 40 large-screen TVs, projection screens and plasmas showcasing the day’s hottest action.

The Cal Neva Resort Spa Casino is a first-class resort located in North Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Set on the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Tahoe, this hotel offers guests gorgeous views of the Emerald Lake and snow-capped mountains surrounding the Area.

The Cal Neva European Health Spa has earned a renowned reputation. And deservedly so. It is a place where you will be pampered by gentle hands, attended to by a superb, caring staff, and rejuvenated with the finest European therapies.

As your body responds, your mind relaxes. A soothing massage out on the deck overlooking Lake Tahoe is the ultimate indulgence. Add to that the detoxifying and nurturing effects of our hydrotherapy tub, body masks, salt glow scrubs, hot rock treatments, and facial massage, and you have a truly luxurious experience.
Situated on Crystal Point, straddling the California/Nevada state line, the Cal Neva Resort offers magnificent views of Lake Tahoe from every beautiful guest room, European Health Spa, casino, lake-view dining room, and selected banquet areas.

The spa was voted Nevada’s “Best Getaway” by Condé Nast Traveler.  Cal Neva Resort is the perfect location to relax your body and rejuvenate your soul.

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is a deluxe resort located on Lake Tahoe’s tranquil North Shore, nestled in the High Sierra mountains. A true year-round destination, the resort features 500 feet of private beach just minutes from 16 downhill ski areas.

Located in the heart of the Sierra Mountain Range, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is a luxury hotel set in an alpine paradise. The hotel’s location puts it within a few miles of Mount Rose, Diamond Peak, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Kirkwood, and Heavenly Valley.

A shuttle bus can transport guests to a number of these ski areas. The resort provides security ski storage and a professional ski rental shop is located on the premises.

The hotel’s other recreational facilities include a heated pool and jet spa, as well as a fitness club and the new 20,000 sq.ft. Stillwater Spa.

The resort’s 6 restaurants offer an variety of dining options: Lone Eagle Grille on the Lake boasts an elegant lakeshore dining room; Ciao Mien Trattoria features a combination of Asian and Italian food; Sierra Cafe offering buffet and a la carte menus; Cutthroat’s Saloon offers a casual atmosphere and nightly entertainment.

There is also the Lakeside Bar and Grill and Stillwater Pool Bar and Grill.

The Village at Squaw Valley USA is an enchanting pedestrian village located at the base of Squaw Valley USA with approximately 300 condominium suites and a variety of boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries.

All accommodations are steps from the funitel and cable car on the mountain.

After enjoying the world-class skiing, plentiful shopping, fishing, golfing, or horseback riding, utilize the resorts fitness center, tennis court, or billiards lounge.

There are also hot tubs with heated walkways and change rooms. Wander into the events plaza and enjoy a drink at Starbucks, adjacent to the lobby.

Cruise the retail shops, have dinner at the Balboa Cafe, or grab a slice at Fireside Pizza, which is conveniently located next to the blazing outdoor fire pit.

Lodging at the Village is first class with 24-hour front desk, concierge service, grocery service, media room with big screen television, and laundry facilities in each building. Squaw Valley and the surrounding area offer unlimited possibilities – from skiing and snowboarding on one of the top mountains in the world – to ice skating, snowtubing, rock climbing, and more.

Of course there’s a lot to do that only requires hanging around, like sipping a hot chocolate and gazing at our spectacular views from High Camp and Gold Coast, or lazing in the sun on the Bar One sun deck or the infamous Charois deck.

For added convenience, guests can enjoy private access to heated underground parking.