Wednesday 30 March 2011

Are Lake Tahoe Hotels and Accommodations a Deal?

Lake Tahoe hotels are popular in North and South Lake Tahoe. The South shore of Tahoe is home to Harrah's and Harvey's, two of the most popular casino hotels on Lake Tahoe. The North shore of Tahoe is home to many smaller hotels along with a few bigger ones at Stateline, and of course the Hyatt located in Incline Village, Nevada.

After a recent South shore downtown redevelopment, which now includes many upgrades to the area's attractions, there is new accessibility to Heavenly Valley, a wider array of shopping, and also more dining options. The South shore hotels are located very close to the Lake and many rooms have great views..

On the North shore, you can enjoy two outdoor ice arenas, one on each end of North Shore (North Star and Squaw Valley). You will also find many specialty shops, boutiques and restaurants. There are plenty of opportunities for renting Ski-Doos, kayaks, and ski boats. Some hotels directly offer these rentals in addition to great nightlife in their casinos. No matter what, recreation opportunities are never far away in Lake Tahoe. Both North and South Lake Tahoe hotels are popular for couples looking for a top travel destination.

Why aren't Lake Tahoe Hotels the best choice for your family getaway?

If you are planning a vacation with family or friends, you may want to steer clear of the hotels and rent one of the thousands of rental homes or condos for your accommodations in order to benefit from the lower cost, much more space, views, kitchens and other amenities to feel all the comforts of home while enjoying your vacation.

There are many different types of vacation rentals, so you'll want to choose the right one for your needs and budget. Sharing the cost of a vacation house is usually more affordable than everyone staying separately in any of the Lake Tahoe hotels. Most people find vacation rental homes much more convenient and cost-effective for a family or two.

It's best to make reservations well in advance for both Lake Tahoe hotels and vacation rentals. Also, keep in mind that summer and winter are peak seasons, and quality hotels, lodging, vacation rentals and other resort accommodations can book up fast. Many websites offer a variety of Lake Tahoe hotels but Lake Tahoe Vacation rentals just may be the better deal for you and your family 's accommodations instead of a hotel room.

There is no doubt your vacation will certainly be centered around all of the outdoor activities you plan to participate in, stay close to everything you love about the area with a conveniently located vacation rental.

Vacation rentals can be found just steps away from the ski lifts or ideally situated on the blue waters in the basin for an exciting, entertaining vacation in some of the most beautiful surroundings possible. Start your vacation planning today for the perfect accommodations that offer an all-season retreat beyond the ordinary.

The difference between choosing one of the hotels in the area vs. a vacation home rental is simply a matter of choice when it comes to vacationing, no matter what time of year. This travel hot spot has all kinds of accommodations for even the most selective traveler, but remember, book your getaway early!

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Hotels,Lake Tahoe Accommodations,hotels


Wednesday 16 March 2011

Have a Taste of Hollywood on Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Who would ever have thought that you can have a taste of Hollywood on your Lake Tahoe vacation?

A lot of large screen films and television shows have attended various filming locations in the majestic Lake Tahoe, and who among Hollywood's biggest names in Tinseltown could resist the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Indeed, only to name some, the famous Ponderosa Ranch of the TV series Bonanza is actually located on the Nevada side of Tahoe.

And another bit of film trivia is that the opening sequence of the famed TV series was filmed at the McFaul Creek Meadow with the beautiful Mount Tallac in the backdrop.

In the highly acclaimed motion picture The Godfather Part II, the Corleone family lived in a compound on the shores of the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. In one of the famous scenes throughout final minutes of the film, Fredo Corleone is removed onto the lake for a fishing trip, on the orders of his brother Michael (Al Pacino) to be executed for treachery, where Michael stands by the shore watching the deed being done.

The house and grounds portrayed in the film are also located on the California side of Tahoe in the summertime estate of Henry Kaiser known as Fleur du Lac. The single structures used in the movie that still remain are the complex of old native stone boathouses with wrought iron gates. And although Fleur du Lac is private property and no one is allowed ashore there, the boathouses and multi-million dollar condominiums are easily viewed from the lake.

In the film Smoking Aces, most of the scenes were filmed in South Tahoe and Stateline.

Most the hotels and casinos are visible in the film with their older names. The climactic scenes of the 1987 Charles Bronson film Assassination were filmed around Tahoe.

Top Gear a British TV program on progressive cars and gadgetry filmed one entire episode at Lake Tahoe sometime this year.

Located between the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe boasts of over 300 days of warm sunshine, 396 inches of annual snowfall, 18 world-class ski and snowboarding resorts, incredible golf courses, fantastic hotels, casinos and many, more.

For a relaxing and romantic getaway, one can find many romantic destinations that boast of world-class service, elegant decors and scenery, superb cuisine and a wide array of alternatives to choose from. From five star to professional, standard and high-class, even economy accommodations, a large number of hotel and motel establishments are in addition to willing to give free information about Lake Tahoe and how it might be best enjoyed.

And this is how Lake Tahoe has indeed captivated filmmakers and movie buffs alike.

So now you can also have a taste of Hollywood in your Lake Tahoe vacation

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,Hollywood,Taste



Saturday 12 March 2011

Learn a Little History on Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Would it not be a fulfilling getaway when you get to find out a bit about of history during your Lake Tahoe vacation? It wouldn't hurt so much to dig in to the culture or know the history of where you are taking vacation in, since this will give you helpful key trivia items that you can boast about with friends when you return to school or work. Lake Tahoe's history is one for the storybooks.

It started out as a land mass of shifting, grinding, sliding earth with imperceptible, perpetual movement which later on became the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the massive water basin that came to be knows as Lake Tahoe.

Here are some more interesting information about Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe's elevation is 6,229 feet, arriving the highest lake of its size in the United States.

The water depth measures 1,645 feet at a portion of the lake in the Crystal Bay region, arriving the tenth deepest lake internationally and third deepest in North America.

Lake Tahoe also boasts of water clarity to a depth of 75-feet.

The lake covers a surface field of 191 square miles with 71-miles of exquisite shoreline, while the Nevada/California border traverses lengthwise with a greater portion being on the California side.

Average snowfall in a few areas is 300-600 inches and melting snow finds its way to the lake via 63 streams entering the basin.

But what would strike you as odd is the fact that there's just one outlet, the Truckee River.

Because of the enormous volume and constant movement of the water, Lake Tahoe never freezes despite the drastic winter temperature ranges.

Back in the old, old days summer vacationers began arriving to a greater extent 10,000 years ago when the US Indian Washoe tribe camped along the cool lakeshores.

One of their favorite places is known right now as Camp Richardson and the men of the tribe were skillful hunters and took advantage of the abundant wildlife.

The Washoe women were noted for their intricate and artistic basket weaving and this idyllic lifestyle spanned generations of the peaceful tribe, still, it wouldn't last.

The first European American to observe Lake Tahoe was John C. Fremont, whose exploration party was led by Kit Carson in 1844.

In 1859, the discovery of the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, changed the face of the lake would affect it forever.

With mines, cities and the railroad invading the territory, wood was of the many available the fuel source wand was also needed to supply building materials.

The east shore, from what is now Incline Village to Glenbrook, became a vast logging empire and the ravages of clear-cutting would remain evident for some time to come.

The Comstock silver lode made hundreds of people during the California and Comstock mining days and many were attracted to the pristine lake.

This was how tourism started and the resulting resorts soon to dot the lush landscape.

The Tahoe Basin managed to remain in relative obscurity with only a few people aware of its existence until the 1950s when Bill Harrah and Harvey Gross built the first casinos on the south shore.

With their gaming expertise they heard in recent times back in Reno, they knew how to attract business for their establishments and became mainstays up until right now, Referred to Harvey's and Harrah's

Back in 1960, the Winter Olympic Games were hosted at Squaw Valley on the west shore and with the resulting publicity, the location was soon accepted as a world-class winter playground, as well as the premier summer vacation venue.

The Olympic Rings still remain at Squaw Valley Resort and where and when is renowned for year-round sporting activities.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,Vacation



Wednesday 9 March 2011

Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

You only go around once in life (or so they say) so make sure Lake Tahoe, California is on your list of places to see and experience, at least once. The Sierra Nevada Mountains plays host to this resort town, which actually sits in both California and Nevada, only 45 miles from Reno. Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are abundant and amenity filled, plus the choice of style and location is varied as well. The region is quite a popular ski resort area, so make your plans early if you plan on visiting during the peak snow sports months. The prime locations within this resort area for great rental homes and condos include Agate Bay, Alpine Meadows, Brockway, Carnelian Bay, Cedar Flat, Dollar Point, Donner Lake, Juniper Hill, Kings Beach, Kingswood Estates, Lake Forest, Northstar, Squaw Valley (Olympic Valley), Tahoe City, Tahoe Donner, Tahoe Vista, and Truckee.

A Lake Tahoe rental home, condo or cabin makes for a great respite while vacationing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Consider the added privacy, space and freedom you will have over staying in a hotel room. Even the nicest of lodges and hotels will keep you uncomfortably close to all the other guests, and you may find yourself longing for some space to stretch out and relax, maybe make your self and the family some dinner. Look through the assortment of Lake Tahoe rental homes, villas and cabins on this site, and you will see that your choices are many. All rental properties come fully furnished, with functioning kitchens and linen service. The amenities are suited for a mountain getaway, and include, hot tubs, fireplaces, covered parking, mountain access, gourmet kitchens and designer decor, just to mention a few. The reputable rental management companies that show their properties on this site can guide you through all the choices, and help you makes the right decisions for you and your travel companions.

Snow is always falling in Lake Tahoe, however that doesn't mean Spring, Summer and Autumn don't offer up some non-skiing options for a great getaway. There are 46 golf courses in the area, for example, and with an average summer temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, your game just got a little better. Tahoe is the Washoe word for "Big Water", and the lake is why most people come here, whether they ski or not. The water activities are endless, along with cultural events that will keep interesting and make your Lake Tahoe trip memorable. Spring brings an international film festival to the area, shared with neighboring Reno, Nevada. Summer offers up Shakespeare on stage, and carved wooden boats at the Concours d'Elegance. During prime skiing time, there are 15 resorts from which to choose, seven ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe alone. 26,000 ski-able acres in all, with 200 for cross country pursuits.

Ski boarding, snowmobiling, and the art of snowman and snow angel making can be perfected here also. The casino scene in North Lake Tahoe is alive and well, with dozens of locales in which to make your bets, complete with all the live entertainment you expect in upscale gambling establishments. Great nightlife, abundant shopping, good eats and endless activities all year long make Lake Tahoe an ideal vacation location. Picking Lake Tahoe rentals like homes, villas or condos will make it even better, if that's possible. They say you only go around once in life, but no one ever said you couldn't go back to Lake Tahoe, the "Jewel of the Sierra" as many times as you want.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Rentals,Lake Tahoe Vacation

Sunday 6 March 2011

4 Great Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

Ready to take that next vacation in style? Lake Tahoe offers some super vacation spots, great activities, sweet shopping, and much more - all at an affordable price that won't break you. Want to know about some of the great things that you can do while on vacation here? Here are four activities that you don't want to miss when you are there:

#1: Ski resorts - Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area are known for some of the best ski resorts in the Southern US and there is good reason for that. Since the area has several superb mountains that line the lake, there are ample places for great slopes - from beginner to expert - for vacationers to enjoy. And, there are so many great ski resorts in the area that you actually might have a hard time finding only one to ski at. Here are some of the best ski resorts in the Tahoe area that you should look at when you are ready to visit: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak, Northstar at Tahoe, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort. At any of these wonderful ski resorts, you will find some of the best slopes around, as well as shopping and fun in the snow.

#2: Casinos - Although Nevada is famous for Las Vegas and gambling, there are some great casinos in the Lake Tahoe area as well. And, with all of the different casinos that run 24/7, you are sure to find one that suits your fancy. Some of the most popular casinos in the Tahoe and surrounding areas include: Harrahs', MontBleu Casino, Hyatt Regency Casino, and Crystal Bay Club. All of these offer casino gaming at it's best and you will find slots, poker, and plenty of table games to game the nights away while you're on vacation here.

#3: Lake Tahoe itself - Who can come to Lake Tahoe and not enjoy some of the great water sports. There are beautiful beaches that line Lake Tahoe that offer swimming and laid back tourist areas, boat rentals, sea doo rentals, plenty of great lakefront restaurants to enjoy all over the lake, as well as Scuba diving. Since Lake Tahoe is one of the deepest natural lakes in the world, it is a great place to Scuba dive - but it is considered an advanced area as there is a major risk of decompression sickness here since the lake is at a high altitude.

#4: Shopping - Who doesn't love to go shopping on vacation, even if it's just for souvenirs to bring home to the family? Lake Tahoe offers some great areas for shopping, from the ski resorts to the casinos and everything in between, you will always be able to find some great shopping to enjoy at any time of the year.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,Tahoe,Tahoe


Friday 4 March 2011

South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

South Lake Tahoe is a year-round vacation paradise that is perfect for any outdoor adventurer who loves breathtaking scenery. With the sparkling blue lake, the towering pines, and snow-covered mountain peaks, anyone with the urge to enjoy fresh mountain air and an abundance of activities can fulfill their wishes at this scenic playground. Make you way to South Lake Tahoe for your next summer or winter excursion and enjoy all this amazing city has to offer from the comforts of a vacation rental.

There are vacation rentals located throughout this gorgeous city so you can soak in the surroundings that mean the most to you while enjoying all the amenities of home. Many of the home rentals in South Lake Tahoe come complete with fully-stocked kitchens, numerous TVs and DVD players, and plenty of space so everyone in your family can spread out without feeling overcrowded. Throw in extras such as hot tubs and easy access to the lake, and you can truly begin to experience the relaxing nature of South Lake Tahoe.

If you love the towering pine trees that head outwards from the alpine lake, then a cozy and inviting cabin tucked away among pines, firs, and cedars would be a great lodging option for you. Imagine stepping out of your home away from home and relaxing on the deck, listening to the birds singing above as you sip a cold beverage. And when the urge to explore the woods become too much to ignore, head out along the trails and catch sight of the gorgeous mountains and the stunning lake, which is only one mile away.

Summer visitors who simply cannot get enough of Lake Tahoe and its numerous opportunities for recreation can stay in a home rental that rests along the shores of this expansive body of water. With a private dock you can pull your boat rental right up to your house so heading out for a day on the water is a quick and simple task, or you can take in the warm sunshine from the comforts of the private beach before waterskiing, tubing, or cruising around the lake with the family. Whatever water activity you can imagine, a waterfront home rental makes it easy to experience the fun and excitement of the clear blue water.

Staying directly on the lake is also great for visitors who need to unwind and escape from the stresses they have left behind. Waking up to the sun rising over the mountains and reflecting on the glassy surface of the lake is the perfect alarm clock, while watching the bright orange glow of the sun setting is the ideal serene sight for melting stress. All of your cares will slip away after you soak in the fresh air and the natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe that surrounds your vacation home rental.

Winter visitors head to South Lake Tahoe for the exceptional skiing at Heavenly Ski Resort so staying in a home or condo in the Heavenly area would be the ideal lodging choice. You can find homes that are located at the base of Heavenly and homes that are conveniently situated next to Heavenly's Boulder Lodge, meaning all you need to do is grab your skis and you are ready for a day of thrills and adrenaline. And when you are ready to retire into the warmth of your accommodations, you can curl up on your sofa near the fire as you thaw your fingers and toes after a long day on the slopes.

South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals are conveniently located on and around the stunning Lake Tahoe so you can experience the most relaxing and convenient vacation possible. Whether you are visiting in the summer for the numerous lake activities or venturing here in the winter for the amazing ski and snowboarding conditions, you can find a home or condo that makes it easy to take advantage of everything South Lake Tahoe offers to its visitors.

Tag : Lake Tahoe,South Lake Tahoe,Lake Tahoe Vacation,Vacation Rentals