- Hotel Website: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
- Location: Google Maps
- Book: Check availability
- Room Type: Club Guest Room Lounge Access – Bedroom Suite, 1 King, fireplace
- Review Score: Results of our review
- Hotel Fact: A fun fact about The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is that it offers a unique, daily activity called “Marshmology.” Each day, the hotel’s pastry chef creates special flavored marshmallows to go along with the traditional s’mores fixings, which guests can enjoy roasting by the fire pits on the back patio.
Year-Round Appeal: This hotel is a premier destination in both the summer and winter, making it a great choice no matter the season.
A Grand Welcome: The main lobby, with its huge stone fireplace and cozy, cabin-like feel, creates a welcoming and memorable first impression.
Unique Après-Ski Experience: You can enjoy a cocktail at the outdoor bar and fireplaces while skiers are on the slopes right next to you, creating a lively and unique atmosphere.
Scenic Gondola Ride: A 12-minute gondola ride takes you directly to the Northstar California ski village, providing great views and access to a fun, celebratory atmosphere.
In-Room Fireplace: Many rooms come with their own fireplace, which is a fantastic feature for a cozy and luxurious night in.
Exceptional Club Lounge: The top-floor Club Lounge is a major highlight, offering panoramic views and a fantastic presentation of food and drinks, making it one of the best you’ll find.
It’s a great destination year-round. The hotel offers a fantastic experience in both the winter and summer seasons.
The atmosphere is a blend of luxury and rustic cabin charm. The main lobby’s large fireplace and the cozy bar areas create a warm and inviting feel.
The outdoor spaces are a highlight. You can enjoy drinks by the fire pits right next to the ski slopes, offering a unique après-ski experience.
There is a scenic gondola ride. A 12-minute gondola trip connects the hotel directly to the Northstar California ski village.
The Club Lounge is a recommended splurge. Located on the top floor with great views and culinary presentations, you consider it one of your favorite club experiences.
Rooms with fireplaces are available. The option to have your own in-room fireplace makes for a cozy and luxurious stay.
Dining is exceptional. You particularly enjoyed the steak at the main restaurant.
Location is on the North side of the lake. This is a key detail to know for planning activities, as it’s a drive to the south side.
🛎️ 24-hour room service
🍸 Bar
💪 Gym
🗣️ Meeting rooms
🏊 Outdoor pool
🍽️ Restaurants
🌺 Spa
The Luxe Atlas Rating
Design: 10/10
Vibe: 10/10
Romantic: 10/10
Air Conditioning: 10/10
Room: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Location: 8/10
Gym/Fitness: 10/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Wow Factor: 10/10
Overall Experience: 9.8/10
My Unforgettable Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
When it comes to luxury hotels in Lake Tahoe, The Ritz-Carlton stands head and shoulders above the rest, offering an experience that is nothing short of a dream. I’ve had the pleasure of staying here in both the snowy depths of winter and the sun-drenched days of summer, and I can say with certainty that it’s a premier destination no matter the season. The entire property perfectly blends the rustic charm of a mountain cabin with the sophisticated elegance you expect from a Ritz-Carlton resort.
A Grand Arrival in a Winter Wonderland
My first stay was a true test of this ski-in/ski-out resort’s mettle. A massive snowstorm had blanketed the entire area, making the final approach an epic quest. After what felt like an eternity navigating through a winter purgatory of deep powder, the sight of the luxury hotel’s grand entrance was a beacon of hope. The valet, somehow perfectly placed and unbothered by the blizzard, whisked away our car as if performing a magic trick.
Stepping inside, the entire ordeal was forgotten. The main lobby is a masterpiece of mountain architecture, anchored by a towering, central fireplace that makes you feel instantly warm and incredibly small. The crackling fire is a welcome hug from the cold, and the grand, open space is a breathtaking introduction to your luxurious stay.
Cozy Drinks, Fireplaces, and Après-Ski Vibes
One of the most unique and charming features of this Tahoe luxury getaway is the multiple bar and lounge areas. On each floor surrounding the lobby, you’ll find intimate little nooks with their own fireplaces. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a drink and a good book, or simply to get lost in the cozy ambiance.
But the real magic happens outside. The resort’s patio is an outdoor oasis of warmth, with large fire pits surrounded by comfortable seating. This is the ultimate après-ski spot, as you are literally right next to the slopes. You can sip a delicious cocktail and watch skiers zoom past, feeling a little bit like a celebrity in your own private mountain-side lounge. It’s an experience filled with nostalgia and is a must-do for anyone visiting.
Year-Round Elegance: From Slopes to Spa
While the winter is an obvious draw, the Ritz-Carlton offers an equally remarkable summer experience. The pace is a bit more tranquil and relaxed, but the charm remains. You can still enjoy the same cozy fireplaces inside or out, and a peaceful walk to or from the spa feels just as rejuvenating as it does in the winter. The transition from a chaotic ski resort to a serene summer retreat is seamless, proving the hotel’s year-round appeal for a Lake Tahoe vacation.
Gondolas, Ice Skating, and Culinary Excellence
The dining at the Ritz-Carlton is, as you would expect, exceptional. We particularly love the main restaurant off the lobby, Manzanita. The decor is stunning, the food is impeccable (I highly recommend the steak!), and the staff is wonderful. Whether you’re at a table or grabbing a seat at the bar, it’s a perfect dining experience. We always loved their bar vibes!
And then there’s the gondola down to Northstar. This isn’t your average ski lift; it’s a 12-minute scenic journey that connects the hotel directly to the Northstar California ski village. The ride offers incredible views of the mountain and slopes, making the trip down feel like a scenic tour. At the bottom, the village transforms into a lively social hub in the winter, complete with an ice-skating rink, outdoor bars serving hot chocolate and other delightful drinks, and more fire pits. It’s a total throwback to a classic outdoor winter party and is an absolute blast. There is not cost to the gondola but just keep in mind its hours for the ride back.
On-Site Dining Options and Hours
The resort boasts several incredible dining options to suit any mood or time of day. Here’s a quick rundown of the on-site restaurants and their typical operating hours:
Manzanita: The resort’s signature restaurant, featuring California cuisine. It’s open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Living Room Lodge: A perfect spot for a handcrafted cocktail or a light bite. It’s open Monday-Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM, and Friday-Saturday from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
The Backyard: A casual, seasonal outdoor dining spot by the poolside, serving dishes like brisket nachos and craft cocktails. It’s open daily for guest poolside service.
Topgolf Swing Suites: A fun, virtual gaming experience with a curated menu and drinks. Operating hours are Monday-Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM, and Friday-Saturday from 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM.
The Ultimate Indulgence: Rooms and Club Level
Our room was a sanctuary in itself. Equipped with its own in-room fireplace, it was the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Imagine sitting in bed, sipping a warm drink, with your very own fireplace crackling away—it’s the kind of luxury that makes a stay truly unforgettable.
Finally, a word on the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. Located on the top floor, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the entire property. The food and service are exactly what you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton club level, but the ambiance and presentation make it one of my favorite club lounges I’ve experienced anywhere. If your budget allows for it, I highly recommend this as a worthwhile splurge.
Final Thoughts on Your Lake Tahoe Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, especially to the North side, The Ritz-Carlton is a top contender. Its incredible amenities, stunning location, and luxurious feel make it the best choice. Just a quick tip: if you’re hoping to spend time on the South side of the lake, be aware that this resort is a bit of a drive, as it’s on the complete opposite end. But for anyone looking for the ultimate luxury mountain resort experience, there’s no better place.
