Half billion dollar revitalization at Tahoe South revives national and natural treasure

The south shore at Lake Tahoe is continuing its revitalization to the tune of $500-plus million with new accommodations, retail space, restaurants, and area attractions that reinforce authentic experiences.

The investments, improvements and a confident, singular vibe from locals and adventure seekers has coalesced with the spectacular natural beauty and outdoor recreation to create one of the country’s most desirable destinations, with Lake Tahoe at its center.

“The Lake has always been our greatest asset and the secret sauce for Tahoe South’s ability to attract and engage visitors in a variety of unique experiences,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “That’s why our new marketing campaign, ‘There Must Be Something in the Water’ resonates with our active adventurers who desire to leave their comfort zones and try something new.”

New visitor amenities and business ventures exemplifying the transformation include:

The Coachman Hotel offers a new experience that embraces a modern style utilizing American artisans and locally-made goods to showcase Tahoe’s connection to the great outdoors. Located near the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort the renovated 1960s motel offers adventurers approachable and comfortable features including the finest beds and Frette linens, dedicated areas for storing personal outdoor equipment, an innovative text messaging platform, Apple TVs, and adaptable meeting spaces centered around shared fire pits and gathering spaces.

968 Park Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, will expand to 168 rooms from 58 with the addition and renovation of an adjacent building. The combined properties will feature a new restaurant and an expansive outdoor terrace all within walking distance of the Heavenly Gondola, shopping and entertainment at Heavenly Village, Stateline casino nightlife and the scenic Lake Tahoe shoreline. Designed for eco-friendly sustainability the boutique hotel features a modern rustic décor highlighted by natural patinas and recycled glass. Hand-made furnishings crafted of reclaimed wood from an old Nevada mine add to the ambiance.

The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe broke ground Oct. 1, 2015 and when completed in summer 2017, the LEED-designed 169,000 square-foot, $100 million project will increase local overnight lodging with 154 new hotel rooms, a centerpiece lodge reminiscent of the great national parks, health spa, bistro style restaurant and bar, plus conference and event center. Plans also include 40 fractional residences, golf course enhancements, and expansion of the existing clubhouse.

The $25-30 million Zalanta Resort at the Village, in California next door to Harveys, located within the Château at the Village is set to open in 2017 and will feature 19,571 square-feet of retail shops and restaurants on the ground level, and 30 two, three and four bedroom condominiums with full service amenities on the upper two floors.

Tahoe Beach Club, a 20 acre, 143 luxury condominium development, is the first whole ownership project on the lake in more than 30 years. Located adjacent to the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, the development will feature a private pier, lakefront clubhouse, health club, spa, pool, and food and beverage. Phase 1 of this gated community is scheduled for occupancy fall 2017.

Ridge Tahoe Resort, overlooking the Carson Valley at 8,000 feet, has invested $2 million for an expanded 2,000 square-foot (total 3,685 square-foot) on-site clubhouse meeting and wedding space that will be completed late June. Features consist of new rustic décor architecture, natural lighting with 16 foot vaulted ceilings, and flexible space to allow privacy for groups/events up to 175 people.

Beach Retreat’s new $2.7 million, 3,054 square-foot flexible conference center with lake view deck is located adjacent to the property’s 262 rooms. In addition, the property has two beachfront tents, two restaurants the Tavern and Boathouse along with marina activities.

7 Seas Inn, located walking distance to the casinos and Heavenly Village, has invested $1.2 million and transformed the 16 room, two-star motel to a three-star boutique bed and breakfast. Improvements include new lighting, electrical, vinyl floors, sinks, showers and all new furniture.

Tahoe South also added a number of new restaurants, bars and eateries including Sidellis Brewery, Dough Pizza, Neighborhood Burger, Chimayo Grill, California Burger Co., Lotus Pho, Bear Moon Bar & Grill, Izabella and Fortune inside MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa.

Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Epic Discovery will offer several new attractions this season including the Canopy Tour, Alpine Coaster and Guided 4x4 Mountain Tours to complement the existing gondola, ropes course, tubing, rock climbing, hiking, and dining.

Set amongst the pines surrounding the mid-station observation deck of Heavenly’s Gondola, this guided Canopy Tour immerses guests in the forest habitat with an array of zip lines and aerial bridges featuring an unfiltered view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The gravity-based Alpine Coaster allows guests on individual sleds to descend on a raised track through the forest and natural rock formations, with scenic views of Lake Tahoe. Guided 4x4 Mountain Tours in all-mountain vehicles offer the best of an alpine summer with views of Lake Tahoe, the Carson Valley and Desolation Wilderness.

The Loft Theatre located in the Heavenly Village is a first for the California side as it combines an intimate 107-seat theater, with nightly live entertainment, and a comfortable lounge and restaurant for families and adults. “Magic Fusion,” features award winning sleight-of-hand magicians who perform parlor-style tricks six nights a week.

The 2014-15 Tahoe South resort renaissance featured the opening of the $60 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe; $24 million remodel of MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa; $12 million in hotel renovations at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe; $8 million in rooms, balcony suites, lobby, and meeting/wedding space at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel; $2 million at Postmarc Hotel & Spa Suites; and $2 million in remodeled rooms as well as exterior improvements at Inn by the Lake.