We love Lake Tahoe at any time of the year.
Even if our life would depend on it, we couldn’t decide which season to choose. But what we can decide on is that we have a new favorite hotel in South Lake Tahoe. The Coachman Hotel is where you will find us — no matter if summer, spring, fall or winter.
Opened in 2016, the Coachman Hotel is a cozy, stylish, hip ski cottage dream come true.
From the spacious layout of the lobby — which doubles as a bar, hang out/reading/working/board games playing spot — to carefully curated interior, The Coachman, is where you want to settle down when in South Lake Tahoe.
Many hotels are departing from the traditional reception and opt for more casual guest greeting approach.
So does the Coachman with its bar, which serves as check-in, too. Isn’t it great to get your room keys and at the same time order a nice hot cup of coffee or a glass of red wine to unwind after a long drive? It elevates the arrival situation onto a whole other level. Overall, the Coachman experience is set up to feel very social and connecting.
The breakfast area features a long communal table and communal bar on the wall.
In the morning, you stand in line to make your waffles with other guests, and inevitably a conversation starts. The room price includes continental breakfast, and we were very pleased with the section. Bagels, English muffins, different kind of cereal, fresh waffles, yogurt, jam, hard boiled eggs, orange juice and fresh coffee. More than enough to jump start your day. In the evening there are complimentary s’mores provided to treat yourself while sitting around the outdoor fireplace. And there is, of course, happy hour happening every evening.
And on hot summer days, you can cool off at the pool and on chilly winter evenings, warm up in the hot tub.
The rooms offer all the amenities you need for your stay, from Malin+Goetz products, to a well stocked mini bar, to cozy Pendleton blankets, Apple TV, and complimentary chapsticks.
And a special treat is the heated toilet. Just saying. And the location is unbeatable. Only a few minutes walk to the beach, the gondola to Heavenly and many restaurants.
We also wanted to know what actually locals love about Lake Tahoe and what are their favorites, so we talked to Coachman’s GM, Kathleen Bunnage, and Justin Watzka, Managing partner. Read on, and keep in mind the Coachman and their tips for your next Tahoe trip.
Where to brunch on a Sunday morning…
Cocktail Hour Go To…
Favorite Dinner Spot
The one must-do Lake Tahoe Activity
Justin: “Drive around the entire lake. It’s impossible to pick a single favorite activity, but doing a drive around Lake Tahoe gives you a chance to choose your own adventure. You can hop out at several scenic viewpoints, go for a short hike, walk through several small towns, and eat/drink as much as you can handle.”
Kathleen: “Go for a hike. This is what Tahoe is all about. The combination of granite peaks and stunning views of the lake is what makes this place so specials. In the summer take advantage of accessible jaunts to Cascade Falls or Eagle Lakes, or for a more challenging day tackle Mt Tallac or Lake Aloha. In the winter, strap on the skins or snowshoes and experience what it’s really like to be alone in the woods.”
If we only have 12 hours in Lake Tahoe, what should we do?
Justin: “Summer: Drive out to Emerald Bay and hike to Cascade Falls or Eagle Lake. Grab lunch at Freshies on their rooftop deck. Spend the afternoon doing some water sports and enjoying the beach at either Camp Richardson or Zephyr Cove. Hit up Sidellis for happy hour and then head to Heavenly Village for dinner (several places have live music outdoors too).
Winter: Fill up on breakfast at the Coachman and walk over to Heavenly Village to catch the Gondola. Ski or snowboard all day to work up an appetite/thirst and satisfy it at various apres ski spots. Grab a burger at The Lucky Beaver and then walk next door to one of the casinos and finish up your day with a few bets.”
Kathleen: “Get up early and kickstart your day with a Stumptown cappuccino. Hike Mt Tallac or take a few turns at Heavenly. Once you feel accomplished for the day, reward yourself with a beer at Sidellis or a glass of wine at Revive. Catch sunset down by the lake and then head over to Artemis for great cocktails and a delicious lamb gyro. End your day with some S’mores around the fire pits back at the Coachman.”
Best Kept Tahoe Secret
Justin: “Shoulder seasons. Fewer people, easy to get into most restaurants. And the mild weather for hiking and mountain biking.”
Kathleen: “The Tahoe Mountain Lab. Awesome coworking space situated in the iconic Tahoe Tribune building. Everything you need to bring your office to Tahoe. They have day passes available so you can get town a day early and beat the crowds.”
Summer or Winter in Tahoe
Justin: “WINTER. I grow up in Florida, so I’ve always had a thing for winter and snowboarding. I’m looking forward to getting into backcountry riding this winter.”
Kathleen: “SUMMER. It’s hard to beat sweating it out climbing a Tahoe peak and then relaxing by the lake with your hard earned beer.”
We would love to hear what are your Lake Tahoe favorites? And are you team summer or team winter? Let us now on Instagram!
★The Coachman
4100 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 545-6460
