South Lake Tahoe isn't known for its luxurious lodgings like its richer sibling in North Lake. That's changing with the new 77-room Landing Resort and Spa. The once-dated Royal Valhalla Motel in South Lake was purchased by Jim Demetriades in 2012 and converted into one of the South Shore's few upscale venues. Known as the more carefree, party friendly side, with plenty of casinos, a lively bar scene, and one of Business Insiders Best Ski Resorts in America, Heavenly, the South Shore is now looking to offer up a boutique luxury option to visitors.
With the opening of The Landing in December 2013, Demetriades has created a hotel that fills the much-needed luxury niche. High-end touches like marble bathrooms, custom stonework, private patios and decks, in-room fireplaces, and heated floors and toilet seats leave guests feeling pampered and well cared for. Well-appointed rooms have thoughtful decor like stone fireplaces and Euro-style walk-in rain showers, the comfy beds have sateen linens and down comforters, many of the rooms have leather seating areas and jetted tubs, and all rooms have full or partial lake and forest views. Let's not overlook the on-site dining, Jimmy's, billed as a Greek Seafood restaurant that has an enviable wine list and a tapas-like menu that matches the resort's modern vibe.
Though The Landing surely offers more class and modern charm than some other South Shore lodgings, calling it a "resort" might be a bit of a stretch. The converted motel doesn't have all of the typical amenities normally associated with the resort label or fee—$25/per night on top of the already pricey room rates (on an upcoming January weekend, regular rates for the lowest level Superior King Room are $229/night while the high-end Premium Lake Front King Suite goes for $549). The listed resort amenities include a use of the pool, fitness and business center, and high speed internet. While these are certainly nice, Curbed Ski is used to these being standard hotel amenities, not ones for which we have to pay extra. All that aside, special perks do include access to the on-site spa (though treatments are extra), valet parking, cruiser bikes, complimentary local transportation (in Mercedes vans), and the always-nice boot warmers. Guests do seem to find the boutique offering to be quite welcome to the revival of the South Shore scene.
What's your take, Curbediverse? Have you tried the Landing?
-By Tara Tubb · The Landing Resort & Spa [Official Site]
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