Getaway to Lake Tahoe and the Inn by the Lake

Growing up my family used to go to Lake Tahoe annually in the winter.  I’d ski with my dad while my mom would cozy up by the fire in the lodge admiring the beautiful snow-capped mountains.  As I’ve gotten older, skiing gives me some fear and I generally want to be like my mom, somewhere cozy and warm while I watch others brave the chill on the slopes.  Apparently I’m easily swayed, as an opportunity to visit Tahoe again in December was too hard to pass up, great food, amazing resorts, and a Gondola ride without having to ski down the mountain sounded like bliss!  Bonus, it was a getaway for my husband and I to get some R&R before the holiday rush so we packed and headed north!

We arrived to the Inn by the Lake about 6pm, the moon up and the early evening sky already black from winter.  We didn’t get the infamous flash of the lake just around the bend on Lake Tahoe Boulevard, but at least we didn’t hit any bad weather or road closures!  The hotel sits directly across the street from the lake and in a great location close to restaurants, grocery stores, shops, activities, and a short 5 minute drive to Stateline. I get a good feeling about how our stay will be just minutes into checking in at the lobby.  The staff behind the desk were very nice and the lobby was decked out in holiday decor and I was immediately warmed by the roaring fire.  I was asked if I wanted a hot drink from their Keurig machine aside the fireplace and I soon obliged as it was a brisk 39 degrees outside, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa was abundant.

Grabbing the keys to the room we were immediately taken to the pool area and bi-level steaming hot tub, wine and a soak was first on our to do list after checking out the room!

Our King Great Room was just that…great!  It was so roomy, the bed was comfy after our traditional flop down on to the comforter.  I loved the extra seating areas, the modern love seat was unique and we appreciated the desk as my husband had some work to finish on his laptop (wireless internet is free and available throughout the property). 

Sometimes the little things are big for us, like the iHome clock/alarm/docking station.  With music playing from my new phone complete with bulky case, I was so happy it fit like a charm and charged my phone overnight as well.  Flat screen plus a bar area with coffee, microwave, fridge and sink round out the main area of the room.

The bathroom was enormous with a vanity, closet, and ironing station separated by a door to the toilet/shower/tub area. 

We donned the room robes and our swim suits (and our boots…did I mention it was 38 degrees?) and headed back to the hot tub with a bottle of wine!  I’m in love with the two levels in the year-round hot tub, it’s like a reason to party and I frankly would love one in my backyard.  Hooks are available nearby to hang your clothes and we wasted no time jumping in and relaxing after our 5 hour drive.  The waterfall from the top level to the bottom was just fabulous as I let it massage my back for about a half hour.Thoroughly sated, we dried off and made our way back to the room.  We stopped in to admire the game room which would be perfect for families.  Board games, foosball, air hockey, along with books and a mounted television make this room fabulous to keep kids busy as you work out in the room next door.The fitness center (seen during the day) has an amazing view of the lake for added inspiration!Even as we’re close to Lake Tahoe Boulevard, the room was quiet all night and in-room coffee, a newspaper delivered to our door, and a lovely view from our balcony had me at peace.

The weather was still about the same in the morning as we’d gone to bed too, but we had to venture across the street to see the lake and the views! Spectacular as expected.

We came back to the room, extended our check out for the latest hour and crawled back beneath the warmth of the sheets, it just felt right in this lovely mountain retreat on this cold wintery day.Yes, I also wanted to glide back into that hot tub, I still am thinking about it weeks later!

Albeit short, our stay was perfect and we will not hesitate to book this location again.  Bear Beach Cafe is right on property, our favorite family fun spot, Tahoe Bowl is literally next door behind the Inn, and we’re in such a perfect location by the lake! Activities included on site include renting Snowhoes or bikes (seasonal), there’s ski/board/bike storage available, and with Safeway just down the street consider the picnic and BBQ areas available seasonally.

This can’t be beat, how about Inn by the Lake’s Best Rate Guarantee:  If you find a rate lower than the rates shown on www.innbythelake.com that is viewable and bookable on another website for the same dates, same room category, length of stay and number of guests, contact  1-800-877-1466. If the claim can be verified, Inn by the Lake will honor the rate shown on the other website. Hard to resist right, I know you’re hooked on that hot tub too!  For more information or to get yourself to Tahoe, click on the link above to make your reservation!

Our stay was hosted, all opinions 100% our own.