Tahoe City: Granlibakken Lodge Review

Now that Fall is upon us, the leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, but travel is still high on our list!  We typically head to Lake Tahoe during the summer, that’s the time of year best suited for our whole family for biking, swimming, and hiking.  But, a few weeks ago we got the chance to visit Tahoe City’s Granlibakken Lodge and had an amazing stay and weekend doing almost all of those summer activities and more!

Located about 5 hours from home in a picturesque valley minutes from the lake and south of Truckee, Granlibakken is a year-round spot for business or pleasure.  The resort encompasses 74 wooded acres with the sweet sugar pine scent filling your senses as your explore the grounds. 5 tennis courts, outdoor heated pools (wading pool for kids)/spa and saunas, nature trails, bike rentals, a ropes course, and a par course will keep your family active all year, with cross-country skiing, practice ski hills, and a snow play area in the winter.  With over a dozen ski areas within 30 minutes, this is a wonderful choice for your next vacation.

Lodging
With many choices such as bedrooms, studios, or suites, our family of 5 stayed in a Granlibakken’s townhouse with two bedrooms and loft that fit us all perfectly! 

With a full living room and comfortable seating, the family had the chance to enjoy a movie in, rest after a long day in the mountains, and feel the openness of the floorplan.  Just above the adjacent dining room and kitchen, the loft with a queen bed was a perfect spot for my near-teenage daughter.  Her own television, desk, and door (!) kept all her belongings in one spot and gave her just enough privacy that she needed.

The townhome had the most incredibly comfortable furniture.  The seats around the dinner table were soft leather and the couch was super cushy, with warm sherpa blankets in the closets, the 35 degree nights were snuggle time!  The view from the back patio (with table and chairs) is in the above bottom right picture.  The fall colors were amazing and the quiet about the resort made for peaceful evenings and great morning walks!

The townhome amenities were just like home, decor was beautiful for a mountain residence, art and modern touches surrounded us.  The granite countertops in the kitchen were gorgeous, I was happy to warm up to tea in the evening, during the summer fans are available in the closets.  Two full bathrooms were enough for 5 of us and bonus for the 3 flatscreen televisions, all were equipped with their own Blu-ray player!

Dining

Eating family style in the dining area reminding me of my college days, more especially this weekend because a group from UC Davis was holding a conference on the grounds and many had their UCD sweatshirts on!  The food was delicious and served buffet style in the morning, lucky for guests this meal is included in your stay!  Think bread pudding, quiche Lorraine, cheese blintzes, breads, pastries, cereals, eggs, pancakes, bacon, fruits, yogurts, and so much more!  I’ve never seen my kids eat so much!

Dinner was just as abundant and delicious.  The buffet is different each night, there are themes, Mexican (sometimes with Mariachis included!), Italian, BBQ, and more, salads are always available, vegetarian options too!  Prime rib, NY steaks, chicken, red pepper coulis, stuffed zucchini, baked potatoes, bread, soups, there is no need to leave the grounds during your stay with the offers on site!Lighthouse Spa
Remember when I said the resort area is quiet and peaceful, why not build on that thought with a spa treatment from Lighthouse Spa. The Spa at Granlibakken offers three relaxing treatment rooms, including an area for multiple treatments and parties, a cozy waiting area and a refreshing outdoor deck in the midst of the Sierra. You’ll love the experience of a blissful retreat for all of your special occasions, weddings, or wellness weekends.  I had the amazing opportunity to have a reflexology treatment on my feet.  Never done this in the past I swore I never would fall asleep and with the music so calming and low, the perfect temperature of the room and the view of the ski hill out my window, I admit my masseuse said I was OUT! After coming too, I felt the relaxation overflow, that light-headed feeling of being rested and calm.  We talked about the stressors my body expressed and ways to deal with them.  Why I haven’t treated myself more often to spa treatments is beyond me, everyone needs to do it at least every few months! The Spa offers:

• Massage Therapy
• Skin Care
• Manicures & Pedicures
• Body Waxing
• Body Therapy & Healing Treatments
• Ayurveda Health & Wellness

I asked my masseuse to tell me how much she loved her job and she says she especially loves it when another masseuse pays back in trade and she gets her turn!  I don’t blame her!

Our stay was hosted for two nights, including two breakfasts, one dinner, and a spa treatment (I did pay gratuities).  All opinions are our own.