The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is like all the Ritz Properties we have enjoyed. It’s beautiful and well maintained. The restaurant staff was exceptionally friendly and professional. We stayed in a Ritz Carlton Suite. It was a lot of real estate for two people and I would have rather had an elliptical trainer than a Peloton bike but it was also beautiful. The suite has a full kitchen with bottled water and coffee but no mini bar. I can’t remember the last time I stayed in any hotel, let alone a luxury one, that did not have a stocked mini bar. We had to order diet cokes from room service which took time and incurred extra fees. Silly, really. We are here for a wedding and unfortunately, starting Oct 1 the resort goes in to ski season preparation mode. We heard loud cranes installing Christmas lights from the early morning throughout the day. It does interfere with the tranquility of the property. In addition, the nearby village of Northstar is almost completely shut down. However in the winter, this Ritz Carlton would be a terrific ski in/ski out family resort for intermediate and beginning skiers. One last but important comment. It is almost negligent the way the Sawmill Lake trail is described on RC website and by hotel employees. Two employees (including one at the front desk) told us just to walk around the pool and follow the trial. It is about a mile from the pool to the start of the trail ( in addition to the 2.3 mile description) and none of the way is marked. Our first day here, we gave up trying to find the trail head. The next day the concierge gave us directions with photos and arrows showing how to wind around the ski lifts and other buildings (give these to the front desk staff too) but we still had to ask some maintenance people for directions. The beginning of the trail is a tiny path off the service road and not marked at all. When we came off the trail we found several other guests wandering around trying to find the trail head. The trail is of moderate difficulty but very vertical over uneven rocks and dirt. It’s only “family friendly” if your family is in moderately good shape and not affected by the altitude. Finally the trail, once on it, is not well marked either. The couple of signs they have are too few and far between. We found our way and enjoyed the experience, but it was unnecessarily harder than it had to be.

Our two night stay got off to an awkward start. As we were checking in a woman was trying to get the other reception representative to address her concerns. While she was talking a second woman joined in amplifying the concerns…inaccurate information, poor service, requests unfulfilled etc. We chalked it up to a busy Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, we had the same experience. The receptionist finally confirmed our upgrade after we had to directly ask as a Titanium Bonvoy member booking through Amex FHR both offering upgrades. She explained the room wasn’t ready but she would call us when it was and make a reservation at the main restaurant for dinner that night for us. After waiting for 90 minutes around 415 we checked and the women left for the day and didn’t transition our pending room notification to a colleague. I wonder how long we would have waited had we not checked. The restaurant was actually closed for the day so we were left with no arrangements at 6:30 when we checked again. Throughout the hotel dogs are allowed. The hotel should make this much better known. It went as far as dogs sitting on the couches while the owner was eating. Most of the tables in the Living Room Lounge had one if not two dogs. I understand people love their dogs but not everyone does nor do I want to smell dogs while enjoying dinner which is what happened to us. The room was clean and well appointed as one would expect from RC. Bell staff and valets were friendly and efficient. We enjoyed the spa but again the service was lacking as we arrived and were settled in. I tried to address our many concerns as I checked out but same as what we saw at check-in…an insincere “sorry that happened” was all the response. No offer of getting a manager or any real interest in pursuing. Basic hospitality training would go a long way along with clear and accurate communication about restaurant, gondolas, hours etc. provide to staff.

Staying at the Ritz in North Tahoe was a first rate experience. Everything was on point and it made for a great stay. The restaurant is top of the line.

Avoid this location. Check in at 5 pm and waited 20 mins in lobby for key. Coffee gone by 8 am and no tea. Staff very young and totally inexperienced. Hotel is disorganized and couldn’t even get gift bags right. Pretty location but wildly expensive. $65 for hamburger. I love the Ritz usually but this one was a total miss.

Wow we loved it!! This is a beautiful property with amazing service!! The rooms were large and decorated beautifully. The service was exceptional- everyone went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. The head of concierge treated us so well and sat us down and asked what we were looking to do. She then went on to make sure we were well taken care of for our trip. She even went above and got us some special Indian treats to take home with us. We did have access to the concierge level which was nice - the food selection was not great but the drinks made up for it. Highly recommend this resort !! You will not be disappointed