Lake Tahoe, the crystal blue lake located at the California Nevada border, and it's surrounding cities are some of our favorite places to vacation. It is about 4:30 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, and is a pretty easy drive if there is no inclement weather.

South Lake Tahoe (also known as Stateline, NV and South Shore) is the most popular part because of the numerous tourist attractions including the casinos, world-class restaurants and ski resorts. During Summer this place is buzzing with water sports enthusiasts. Two large boats, resembling the old steam ships of the South serve the tourists.

We love to go to Lake Tahoe mainly during the non-ski season to enjoy some beach combing, hiking and biking. Usually we stay at the WorldMark South Shore resort located near Nevada Beach State Park, however we did not stay at this resort during this trip.

Trip Details:

We got a flexchange (discounted exchange) for Marriott's Timber Lodge in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. It was from the Friday before Thanksgiving to the Friday after. The casinos are just a few steps away and the gondola for Heavenly ski resort is right outside the resort. Marriott's Grand Residence is on the other side of the Heavenly gondola.

They have free valet parking, but for your guests, the parking costs $17 per day if you choose to park at the resort. This is a very busy place. The front lobby etc. are always buzzing with activities. Minimum 2 people manage the concierge desk.

The "Fire & Ice" restaurant is on-site, and looks like a really fun place.

The resort has a very large heated pool (open during Winter) and 3 or 4 hot tubs. Construction of the last of the buildings is being continued, but we didn't notice any construction noise even when we were at the pool, in direct view from the building being worked on.

We stayed in a 1BR unit that had a full kitchen. Our unit has the view of the driveway, and since we were on the 2nd floor, the over-hanging over the driveway blocked any view we might have of the lake. (Note to self, next time ask for a unit that is higher up!)

The unit is beautifully furnished, and had free WiFi in the unit. I think we may also have wired internet available in the unit.

Shopping (including Raley's super market) is available just outside the resort. Although it is just a few days to Thanksgiving Lake Tahoe are has no snow! We see minuscule amounts of snow on the higher peaks. It doesn't look like there would be any snow even for Thanksgiving.

Marriott has succeeded in creating an Alpine Village on the main road of South Lake Tahoe. There are many upscale stores in the area and a variety of restaurants. I would highly recommend exchanging to the Timber Lodge or Grand Residence, especially during snow season!

More pictures here.