The Lake Tahoe ski season is nearing. And if you’re planning on an overnight trip to South Lake Tahoe, there are many new upgrades to area lodging.
With more than $100 million in revitalization efforts this year, a mountain of changes are underway at South Lake Tahoe, the “No. 1 Ski Destination,” according to USA Today. The region is offering more upscale lodging for the 2014-15 winter season (http://tahoesouth.com).
The resort-to-recreation renaissance includes the planned winter opening of the $60 million remodel of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, $24 million remodel of MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa, $3 million at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel and $15 million for the Château shopping center across from Heavenly Village.
“The major investments to our lodging, gaming and shopping landscapes are the necessary pieces that are coming together for our revitalization renaissance,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “The economic momentum has helped invigorate the town.”
Here’s a look at some of the lodging changes this winter season.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe: Formerly the Horizon, the Hard Rock’s features include 539 refurbished hotel rooms, several new restaurants and bars, and a 25,000 square foot casino – all designed to incorporate elements of the Hard Rock culture. With music at its core and recognized as a leader of live entertainment venues, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe offers guests a memorable experience. (www.hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com)
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa: Improvements include the casino floor, convention center and all 437-rooms from the 17th floor and down and begins in mid-October. The designers describe the overall look as “Scandinavian fantasy” with clean, contemporary aesthetics that combine beauty, functionality and efficiency.
The rooms will feature all new furniture, headboards, nightstands, HD flat screen TVs, and fully remodeled bathrooms with new shower fixtures, counter tops, and vanities. Room remodels will be conducted one floor at a time with buffer floors above and below to assure comfort and quiet during the transformation and are expected to be completed by May www.montbleuresort.com.
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel: Has begun work on a $3 million second phase that will add alpine mountain ambiance touches to its premium and balcony suites, lobby, banquet rooms and pool area in time for the holiday season. This follows an investment of $5 million in nine-story top to bottom renovations last April after the resort went independent.
The Château: Now open with more shops coming online winter 2014-15. The center mirrors the popular Heavenly Village shopping area on Lake Tahoe Boulevard in California near the Nevada border. McP’s Taproom (formerly McP’s Pub) has moved into the Chateau and is scheduled to open mid-November. The $15 million investment for the first phase includes 27,868-square-feet of boutique shops and restaurants. (http://www.condohotelcenter.com/alerts/chateau-at-heavenly-village.html)
Basecamp Hotel: Has purchased the adjacent Capri hotel, in order to expand their offerings this winter. The renovations include 24 additional guest rooms (74 total), a beer garden, meeting space for 40 people, a private event space in a vintage Air Stream trailer, 20 person hot tub, three more fire pits (total four) for roasting s’mores and two large rooftop decks with views of Heavenly Mountain Resort. (http://www.basecamphotels.com)
The Mellow Mountain Hostel: Appeals to international guests and backpackers who want to meet fellow travelers to share their worldly adventures. The lodging establishment features 11 dorm-style rooms and is located steps from Harveys Casino and the Heavenly Village. Mellow Mountain is billed as Lake Tahoe’s only traveler hostel. (www.mellowmountainhostel.com)
For Tahoe South information, visit www.tahoesouth.com or call 800 288-2463.
