Margaritaville Resort opens doors in old Embassy Suites Hotel in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Sat, 12/16/2023 - 2:34pm
The State of California and the City of South Lake Tahoe now have a new welcoming resort on their border with Nevada.
It has been exactly 32 years to the day since Embassy Suites held its grand opening party in the same location. Now, after a $85M renovation, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe has opened its doors after holding its own grand opening party on Thursday, December 14.
"This is a transformation we are so proud of," said Pete Sams, COO of Davidson Hospitality, the management company for the resort. "This is our fourth Margaritaville on the West Coast. Regardless of altitude, it's all about the attitude."
The Margaritaville Resort brand is evident throughout the property, and as Kate Farmer said, bringing a Margaritaville state of mind to iconic Lake Tahoe. Farmer is the Sr. VP of Margaritaville Hotel and Resorts.
Bill Cottrill has been the property's general manager since 1998 and said he is super excited about the new brand.
The first guest checking in Thursday was going to be surprised with an extra special welcome, said Cottrill.
"You only have a first guest once," he added.
"It's been a long journey," said Cottrill. He explained how they'd spend months until the opening date looking at it as the finish line. He said it's actually a starting line, starting today.
South Lake Tahoe City Manager Joe Irvin was on hand to welcome the Margaritaville Resort and Davidson Hospitality Group to the community, and welcome future guests.
"I look forward to welcoming the guests to our community and they should know that [with them] we can support transit, streets, maintenance, roads, and other services like police, fire, and snowplows," said Irvin of the support their visits will help.
There were excited people on hand for the grand opening who had been waiting for this moment.
One of them is David Miner of Sparks, Nev. The Parrot Head (A Parrot Head simply refers to someone who is a fan of Jimmy Buffett's music and lifestyle that he promotes....and they are everywhere!) Miner has been to 18 Jimmy Buffet concerts, attended Margaritaville Day at a Reno Aces game, has been to eight Margaritaville Resorts, and was excited to be in South Lake Tahoe for the grand opening, his first.
"This is more than I expected," said Miner, wearing his special opening day lanyard and lei.
There was also a couple on hand for the ribbon cutting who are starting a Tahoe Parrot Head group.
Jimmy Buffet, the founder of the Margaritaville concept and the name of his 1977 hit, passed away in September. He and his Coral Reefer Band were known for tropical rock and persona. Buffet often portrayed a lifestyle described as "island escapism" and promoted enjoying life and following passions.
That is evident throughout the Tahoe resort, with quotes, island colors, themed restaurants, and even a giant flip-flop.
Several of the Margaritaville Resort management team members and the Davidson Hospitality executive team were in South Lake Tahoe for the grand opening.
Bob Jensch, managing director of Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, was carrying the Jimmy Buffet hospitality and attitude throughout the opening party.
"The locals have embraced this," said Jensch, highlighting the fact that this Margaritaville is the first one in a ski area, and as many locals know, there is a strong connection to life on the beach and vacations to the islands.
Davidson told those gathered for the ribbon cutting in front of that flip-flop how much he appreciated the staff and highlighted the food and beverage team.
"It's the team members that will be the difference," said Davidson.
Those team members fill the bars and restaurants - JWB Prime, Land Shark Bar & Grill (indoor-outdoor in warmer months), Come Monday Cafe and the License to Chill Bar; the gift shop, the front desk, and maintaining the all-suite hotel rooms.
Cottrill said they've had no problems filling the staffing needs and will be adding more as needed.
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Buffett
For more information, visit https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-lake-tahoe.
