The Embassy Suites Hotel—Lake Tahoe Resort is an ideal place to stay in Lake Tahoe. The hotel is located on the state line between Nevada and California at South Lake Tahoe Boulevard & Rt. 50. Guests can walk to Harrah’s and other casinos on the Nevada side as well as the vast amount of restaurants and shops in the Heavenly Ski village on the California side. The Embassy Suites is smack in the middle of everything there is to see in South Lake Tahoe.

In addition to its great location, the Embassy Suites offers a great complimentary breakfast each morning, which consists of a buffet that includes a wide variety of fruit, pastries, waffles, pancakes, coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks. In addition, you can have your breakfast cooked to order, also free of charge. There is also a happy hour and manager’s reception with small appetizers from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Room service is also available and the Echo Restaurant is located inside the hotel. Check their website for recent schedules: http://www.embassytahoe.com/

The rooms are basic suites with a small living/dining room area with a refrigerator and the bedrooms contain a small minibar. Some of the rooms have a good view but will cost more money. The rooms are not as nice as what you would find at some newer Hilton resorts, but it is likely you won’t be there very much. The free amenities far outweigh the datedness of the rooms.

The only "official" parking at the Embassy Suites is valet which is $26 per day. To get around this, you can park next door at Harrah’s for free.

The Embassy Suites offers group packages, and even wedding and banquet packages and setups. They also offer a Tahoe Kids Camp (http://www.tahoekids.com/) which offers a variety of activities for children including babysitting services so adults can enjoy some free time. You can also visit the concierge desk for information on other activities, such as golf and hot air balloon rides.

Because the prices of activities and rooms vary seasonally I haven’t listed any prices in this review. See the website above for more information for the time you are going. However, based on my research you can safely plan on spending about $200 per night on a room at the Embassy Suites. Check other discount websites, such as Expedia, for deals. While the room price may be steep, the hotel’s strategic location and free amenities make a stay at the Embassy Suites well worth the money.

Best Things Nearby:
Emerald Bay Tahoe Queen lake cruise. Vikingsholm day hike - bring water - land view of Emerald Bay. Drive around the lake - great day trip. Prepare to stop a lot. Casinos and lots of entertaining things to do.

Best Things About the Resort:
Walking distance to grocery, shopping, activities. Go Blue shuttle bus - cheap transportation when you don't want a designated driver - staff is helpful, but biased!

Resort Experience:
Embassy itself is a typical vacation resort - amenities and activities were plentiful - with a great family vacation location. Lots of information is available from the concierge. Stay away from rooms 109, 209, 309, 409, or any other rooms located behind the elevators - they are noisy, and you hear the elevators all night. Overall, it's a good place to stay--make sure you get everything in writing if they make any adjustments for you, or you could end up with nothing.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good

Best Things Nearby:
Lake Tahoe (resort is right on lake); Heavenly Ski Lodge and Runs; Cold Stone Creamery (Ice Cream); Fire & Ice (Mongolian style restaurant); Boot & Bike (ski and boot repair and sizing--go at start of trip)

Best Things About the Resort:
1. Bear Moon Cafe (serves breakfast, lunch, dinner) with a quite atmosphere. A bit on the pricey side. 2. A single indoor/outdoor pool 3. Hot Tub is inside with the indoor section of the pool. 4. Rooms are clean 5. Shuttle services are available at the curb 6. Great location (not near cluster of motels but close to town-center) 7. The view of the lake and mountains

Resort Experience:
Great place to stay. The concierge is nice and polite but their help is sometimes questionable. Your ski's (only--no boots or poles) can be checked with the bellboys (very helpful); less than one mile from town-center and a sidewalk extends the whole distance. We stayed in the larger half ('A' Side of a lockoff) which contained a nice, large bathroom with Jacuzzi tub/shower. The room was kept clean and well kept. The only issue was with the bed which was *not* of superior quality and the fitted sheets came undone multiple times during the night--a few other people had the same issue.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Good

Best Things Nearby:
The resort is at the east end of South Lake Tahoe and approximately one mile from the California/Nevada border. There is a large variety of activities close by, as the resort is located on the lake shore and close to a golf course, the casinos, and many restaurants within walking distance.

Best Things About the Resort:
The 6-storey resort is situated on the Lake Tahoe. Some units have a beautiful view of the lake, but most face the Heavenly Ski Run mountain. Each 2 bedroom unit is spacious. The bathroom off the master bedroom is huge and has its own deep tub Jacuzzi. The resort is within walking distance to several restaurants and a discount dining card was provided on arrival. The resort has an indoor/outdoor pool, which is connected so one can swim from one to another. Resort staff were very friendly and helpful.

Resort Experience:
We rated the unit as 'fair' because we were in a unit in need of refurbishing -- carpet frayed, living room furniture badly worn and mattresses flat. However, units are in the process of being redone, and we saw a newly decorated condo with its bright new colours, rugs, furniture, drapes and bed. These we would rate as 'excellent'. While the units are spacious, the kitchen area is small. However, it is well-stocked with appliances, dishes and utensils, and all were in good working order. Instructions are provided on operation of many items in the condo manual. There are 3 televisions in each unit along with CD and VHF players. The master bedroom has a king-sized bed. The second bedroom has two queen-sized beds, a table, chairs and its own partial kitchen. Each unit has a small balcony, which, together with windows that open in each room, allowed us to get plenty of fresh air. Units are also air-conditioned. Laundry rooms with coin-operated washer and dryer are located on most floors. There are two elevators and these were always very fast.

The resort has many scheduled activities for all ages and an activity centre, which has been well-designed for children, leads outside to a central courtyard with grass, play equipment, etc. There is a fitness centre with several activity machines. A restaurant and a small bar are located on site. Another wing is planned for the resort.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Fair
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

Best Things Nearby:
Marina. Restaurant in the resort and in the shopping area across the street. Some units offer a up close and beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. Make sure you request a view when checking in. McDonalds is within walking distance, as well as Domino's Pizza. The lake is just outside the resort, so you can go on cruises or rent boating equipment.

Best Things About the Resort:
Clean, new, and spacious. Amenities include a jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom, large bathroom, and nice fully-stocked kitchen. The second bedroom is a really a second unit (studio) that is attached to the master unit. The studio has two double beds, a mini kitchen, and a large bathroom. A ski tip: I purchased lift tickets online at www.skiheavenly.com at at discount price. You must do in more than 30 days in advance to get the best discount. After arriving at the ski resort, you do not have to wait in ticket lines -- you go straight to moutain services and they will take your picture and give you a ski pass with your photo to use all week. It only takes minutes and you have a keepsake from your vacation. Ski rentals can also be reserved at a discount rate at ww.skiheavenly.com if you do not own your skis or board. Plan ahead and you will save!

Resort Experience:
This vacation is for those who looking for something athletic to do or to relax. Nightlife can be found at the casinos along the strip. We skied 6 out of 7 days and relaxed at night at a restaurant or at the resort. We really enjoyed all that Lake Tahoe has to offer.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent