Marriott’s Timber Lodge, part of The Marriott Vacation Clubs portfolio, sits just inside the California border in the quaint Western town of Heavenly Village on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. I visited in mid-August, just as the lake’s high summer season was winding down, to experience the property and its stunning surroundings for the first time.
Getting to the Marriott Timber Lodge
Many visitors to the Lodge drive from elsewhere in California, Nevada, or Colorado, but those coming from further away, like myself, can fly into the very maneagable Reno airport and drive (or ride-share) about an hour to the resort.
The property isn’t directly lakeside, but it sits at the bottom of Heavenly Ski Mountain, which draws visitors all year. For the 264 rooms, the hotel has nearly as many parking spots, though the valet-only garage can get crowded during the busy season, and retrieving your car from the valet takes some advance planning.
Dining in Heavenly Village
The hotel has no in-house restaurant, though there’s a Fire + Ice location on property. Each accommodation–from studios to three-bed villas that sleep 10–includes a kitchen. There are plenty of dining options within walking distance, including breakfast spots, several Mexican options, and a great pizza place, Basecamp.
Because Timber Lodge is so near the Nevada border, visitors can also walk to multiple casinos, including Harvey’s, where Lisa Vanderpump’s Wolf restaurant opened to much excitement last year. It’s still tough to get a reservation, but Gordan Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen in the same building is another great choice for quality bistro-style fare.
Timber Lodge Amenities
Marriott’s Timber Lodge has a large heated outdoor pool with several hot tubs, a splash pad for kids, and grills available on a first-come-first-serve basis. During my summertime visit, the pool was in full use from early morning until well past sundown.
There’s a fairly well-outfitted gym and a schedule of complimentary fitness classes, including a popular Aquafit water aerobics class. You can also catch a yoga practice or join a guided hike with the enthusiastic activities staff. The hike up Van Sickle Bi-State Park, just behind the hotel, is moderate and well worth the views of the lake. Our guides identified trees along the path and shared interesting stories about the land’s history as we climbed to a waterfall.
For little ones, the hotel recently renovated a space dedicated to kid’s activities, including arts and crafts and movie nights.
Exploring Lake Tahoe
Venturing off-property, the Tahoe area has a lot to offer in the summer. The lake, is, of course, a top attraction. My group chartered a pontoon boat for a ride across the lake to Gar Woods, a sceney lunch spot on the north shore. It was a bit choppy on the way back, so a refreshing cannonball off the back of the boat was divine. Emerald Bay is a must-visit for swimming with breathtaking views of the mountains.
Speaking of views, you can’t miss a ride up the Heavenly gondola, which boards just beside the hotel. It’s open year-round and offers a stunning look at the lake from an observation deck near the top. Just be prepared for wind!
If you fall in love with the year-round fun to be had at Lake Tahoe or you want to try other Marriott properties around the world, you may consider becoming an owner with Marriott Vacation Clubs at the end of your visit.
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