Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Review

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has been in our USA best family hotels portfolio for a few years now. It was originally reviewed as a Community Recommended property. Although I know the Hyatt is wonderfully located in Incline Village, I never considered staying there over our usual haunts in and around Tahoe City.

I jumped on the chance to stay there a few weeks ago; as Dana just reaffirmed, fall is a tremendous time in Lake Tahoe with gorgeous weather and few crowds. Incline Village is home to the Diamond Peak ski area, as well as some of the most expensive real estate in the country. I was not disappointed. My concluding thought is this: why didn’t we experience this beautiful resort and stunning part of the lake sooner?!

Wide private sandy beach and pier immediate access to boating and water activities

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Family-Friendly Highlights

Position

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is the only upscale resort property perched right on the shores of the lake with a private beach. The main hotel is in the woods across the road from the water, while their beach, bars, the Lone Eagle Grill, and their lakeside rooms and multi-room cottage accommodations on the beach.

The views from this side of the lake are insane as you have a clear shot of the west shore and south shore peaks. Sunset is the best I’ve experienced anywhere in Tahoe.

The property has a huge summer following given their wide sandy beach and lounge chair services. Water sports rentals are offered here too; the cordoned off swimming and wading area means parents can relax while kids play. The set-up is absolutely ideal for families.

Cottage rooms are lakeside

Guest Rooms and Facilities

The main tower of this 422-room hotel is green and no so attractive. You expect to experience more of the same once you enter the building but this is most definitely not the case. Every inch of the main hotel has been renovated. It feels fresh, modern, and cozy.

Alpine elements and local historic photography provide a sense of place. Guest rooms are well-appointed and designed by someone with a practical eye. The automatic nightlights in the room were my favorite feature — no more stubbing toes during that midnight trip to the bathroom.

Recently renovated guest rooms are modern, comfortable, and well-appointed

Room options for families include Family Suites, connecting rooms, and the cottage category rooms which include full kitchens and private living areas.

The lobby is mountain-style with a big fireplace. It’s Nevada, so there is gambling here, but the lobby is cleanly separated in two so the gambling room is on its own. Although our son asked questions about “what was going on in there” … we never felt like we were unwilling participants in the gambling scene.

Kids’ club central for ages 5-12

Camp Hyatt Kids’ Club

Without a doubt one of the huge standout features for families is the Camp Hyatt kids’ club for ages 5 to 12. Options include the day program from 9a to 4p and the night program from 5p to 11p for parents who want date night at one of their fantastic onsite restaurants.

The beach was so appealing that our 9-year-old decided to pass on the kids’ club for the day, but we toured the facilities and it includes crafts, games, and plenty of pint-size lounge opportunities.

Over the summer months, the program includes age-appropriate special activities and excursions. Book early because this property is very popular with families from June through August (with good reason).

Coffee, simple meals, and snacks are accessible at Lake Tahoe Provisions in the lobby

Restaurants

Sierra Café: The newly designed Sierra Café is in the main building and offers casual fare in a lively space overlooking the mountains. There’s a big heated deck as well as cozy booths inside.

Lone Eagle Grill: I’ll do a separate post on the Lone Eagle Grill, the Hyatt’s fine dining restaurant. Our experience here was absolutely fantastic at every level with amazing service, interesting, high-quality food, and an award-winning wine list.

The view here is quite simply to die for as the restaurant is positioned at the end of the sand. Hawaii meets Tahoe. It’s glorious and a must-visit venue, I don’t care where you are staying on the lake!

Lake Tahoe Provisions: There’s a gourmet store serving coffee drinks, light fare, and refreshments in the lobby. This is a terrific spot to pick up quick meals and snacks.

The hotel also offers additional food and beverage services at both the pool and beach. There’s also the fantastic Pier 111 Bar set right on the lake.

Stillwater Spa and Gym

They have a full spa with an array of treatments and services. This is a soothing and relaxing place. I didn’t have time to give a treatment a go, but like everything at this hotel, it’s well done and appealing. There’s also a gym that’s open 24 hours a day.

Perfect swimming set up for families

Year-Round Swimming Pool

The year-round outdoor swimming pool with indoor access for colder periods is a huge hit with families. It’s near the main hotel in the woods versus at the beach, but it’s spacious and a lovely place to relax with kids.

Skiing in and around Lake Tahoe

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offers a free shuttle every 30 minutes to Diamond Peak. There’s even a shuttle to Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

Per my recent tips for skiing in Lake Tahoe with kids article, I like staying within a ski resort. Given the promixity to Diamond Peak, this qualifies. If you have young children who aren’t ready to ski, the extra bonus is the ability to leverage the Camp Hyatt kids’ club so you can get some parents-only ski time in.

I was blown away by how much we unexpectedly enjoyed this property. It will be a Lake Tahoe staple for the O’Shaughnessy family. Stay tuned for more information on things to do in and around Incline in the next few weeks.

Want More Information and Help Booking a Holiday at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe?

We can help! Our kid-friendly hotel review of Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has more information about why this property works so well for families. Use the Check Availability button to reach out for Best Available Rates and one of our Family Vacation Consultants will follow up with you to advise about any additional questions you may have regarding a stay here.

If you’d like comprehensive help planning a full beach vacation anywhere in the world, request assistance on our Connect with a Family Travel Advisor page.

Editorial Note: Complimentary lodging and dinner provided to Ciao Bambino to review the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. As always, our thoughts are our own. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino review of Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

Families fall in love with Lake Tahoe in the fall

Skiing Camp Hyatt Kids' Club Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe Provisions Lone Eagle Grill Sierra Café Stillwater Spa and Gym Year-Round Swimming Pool

Written By
By Amie O’Shaughnessy

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1 Comments

Shawn says:

12 years ago at 10:41 am

I’ve always wanted to visit Lake Tahoe as I believe that this was the setting for The Godfather II. It looks like a beautiful resort. Thanks for the information and the pictures.

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