Anniversary Trip

[travelgirl8]

We are looking to use our holding points (expire in August) for an anniversary trip in August. I was looking at Lake Tahoe. I have never been to that part of the country so it will be exciting to see. I was looking at Timber Ridge and the Grand Residences. The Ritz not available. Are there any differences between the two resorts? We were looking at 1 bedrooms. Do any of the 1 bedrooms have balconies? I called the resorts and the Timber Ridge seems to only have balconies in 3 bedrooms. At the Grand Residence they said there were some, but they weren't specific. Are there any locations that are more advantageous at these resorts?
We were also interested in going on tours in the area to see the lake etc. We were thinking of going to Yosemite on a tour. It is a long day so I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has done this from Lake Tahoe. How is the weather in August? I have gotten from 70 to 90 degrees. I would appreciate any information from Tuggers that have been in this area and have recommendations. Thanks

 

[10spro]

Last we stayed at Timber Lodge there was a raging wildfire, but besides that, we asked for top floor thinking it would be quiet, which it was, but there is no balcony, and the dormers infringe into the room so much that it was uncomfortable. Tahoe can be very hot in summer, which is nice for beach activities, but it will be very crowded. There are many hiking and biking options if you drive over to North Shore and Truckee, which is a nice drive, but again those are very popular destinations. Even the area right around the Marriott's, they are next door to each other, there are a lot of activities that you can walk to, restaurants, shows, casinos, gambling, shopping, the gondola, etc. And beautiful pine trees. We rented a boat a few years ago, thinking we would boat from one side of the lake to the other, and it's a lot farther than you think it is, but being out on the water was really fun, not something I had done before. Also lots of options for jet skis. Tahoe to Yosemite in one day is really ambitious. I would not do it. Again, everyone and their brother are on vacation in August (I know this because it's also our anniversary and I'm from here so have tried it all), there will be traffic, lines to enter, etc. Actually you would want to get to Yosemite very early in the day to be sure you get in, and to beat the heat, as it can also be very hot there. It's all really beautiful country as long as you are prepared to share it with many other vacationers. Suggest you research things to do and places to see in those areas to be sure that you can get a reservation if needed. And if all you want to do is sit by the pool, gamble a few quarters, and smell the clean pine air (assuming no wildfires this year), then you'll love it. You'll probably love it anyway, especially if you've never been.

 

[Epsilon3]

We were thinking of going to Yosemite on a tour. It is a long day so I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has done this from Lake Tahoe. How is the weather in August? I have gotten from 70 to 90 degrees. I would appreciate any information from Tuggers that have been in this area and have recommendations. Thanks

Yeah, Yosemite would be hard. 3-5 hour drive, depending on where in the park you wanted to go. Yosemite also requires advanced reservations for entry in the summer. Most reservations are already done now (the window opened in March), but 30% were held back for reservations 7 days in advance. So it's possible, but you'd need to plan in advance and be on reservation.gov as soon as the day you want is released. The remaining reservations will go in a few minutes once they are released. If you really wanted to do Yosemite, I'd make it an overnight trip, not a day trip from Tahoe.

Weather is variable, but up near the lake you can get temps in the 90s, even 100+ during the day, and then 60s-70s in the night/early morning (could even get into the 50s, though that is unlikely). Smoke may or may not be an issue. You never know about that, depends on what the fire season looks like.

 

[travelgirl8]

I was thinking of taking a tour into Yosemite. Hoping for cooler weather then 100 degrees!! Will have to keep a watch for the wildfires. Even with crowds, fires and heat it seems like a wonderful bucket list choice.

 

[Epsilon3]

I was thinking of taking a tour into Yosemite. Hoping for cooler weather then 100 degrees!! Will have to keep a watch for the wildfires. Even with crowds, fires and heat it seems like a wonderful bucket list choice.

I would not worry too much about the temperature. To the extent it breaks 100 (if it does), it probably won't stay there very long, and it will still (likely) be very pleasant in the mornings and evenings even if there is a heat wave.

 

[gln60]

IMO…Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful,awe inspiring areas in the continental U.S…weather was beautiful when we visited in May,5 years ago.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

We go to Tahoe perhaps twice out of every three years. We've stayed at Welk Northstar twice, Lake Tahoe Vacation resort (Diamond) and the rest of the time at the Timberlodge.

I'm confused by your comment of "Timber Ridge". There is the Marriott Timberlodge and about a half dozen various "Ridges". If you get a 1 BR at the Timber LODGE you'll have a washer and dryer. In the Grand Residence, I don't think that you have en-suite w/d. But I'm not positive. If you exchanged in, the parking is free at the TL, but I'm not entirely positive about the Grand residence. You'd want to call. Otherwise I suspect that the units are fairly comparable.

That area of South Lake Tahoe is fun and in August it is "humming" with activity. It is a fun time to be there.

Consider going on a paddlewheel boat trip. Very relaxing 2 hours. Or go on a Wine boat tour that leaves from the Keys. Very very relaxing.

August in Tahoe is a great time of year. Yes, it could be warm, but lower humidity. And also, it could be really nice weather. Or it could be cool. Who knows?

One year we drove up in early June and on the way up our car was boarderline overheating. The next morning we woke up to snow on the ground. It last 3 days.

 

[igopogo]

I’ll confirm, no w/d en suite in Grand Residence 1br. I think there are a very small number of larger units that have w/d.

 

[travelgirl8]

We go to Tahoe perhaps twice out of every three years. We've stayed at Welk Northstar twice, Lake Tahoe Vacation resort (Diamond) and the rest of the time at the Timberlodge.

I'm confused by your comment of "Timber Ridge". There is the Marriott Timberlodge and about a half dozen various "Ridges". If you get a 1 BR at the Timber LODGE you'll have a washer and dryer. In the Grand Residence, I don't think that you have en-suite w/d. But I'm not positive. If you exchanged in, the parking is free at the TL, but I'm not entirely positive about the Grand residence. You'd want to call. Otherwise I suspect that the units are fairly comparable.

That area of South Lake Tahoe is fun and in August it is "humming" with activity. It is a fun time to be there.

Consider going on a paddlewheel boat trip. Very relaxing 2 hours. Or go on a Wine boat tour that leaves from the Keys. Very very relaxing.

August in Tahoe is a great time of year. Yes, it could be warm, but lower humidity. And also, it could be really nice weather. Or it could be cool. Who knows?

One year we drove up in early June and on the way up our car was boarderline overheating. The next morning we woke up to snow on the ground. It last 3 days.

You are so right! It is Timber Lodge and not Ridge as I said. I have reservations at Marriott Timber Lodge with DP. I am so glad to hear they have w/d in the 1 bedrooms as that is what I booked. That will cut down on our luggage. Thanks for the activity suggestions..... sounds like a lot to do there and a very nice town to walk through. Thanks for your advice on the weather Epsilon 3.....There's always the ac and pool if it's too hot!!

Thanks for your comments gin60. A tour will be a long day but worth it to see such a beautiful area of the country.

Now I'm looking for transportation from the Reno airport. Timber Lodge recommended the South Lake Tahoe Airporter. That is great when we arrive but our flight back is at 7AM and there is no pickup that would get us to the airport on time. The last pickup the day before is 4:30. Anyone have advice on what to do for a return to airport? TIA for any help.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

You are so right! It is Timber Lodge and not Ridge as I said. I have reservations at Marriott Timber Lodge with DP. I am so glad to hear they have w/d in the 1 bedrooms as that is what I booked. That will cut down on our luggage. Thanks for the activity suggestions..... sounds like a lot to do there and a very nice town to walk through. Thanks for your advice on the weather Epsilon 3.....There's always the ac and pool if it's too hot!!

Thanks for your comments gin60. A tour will be a long day but worth it to see such a beautiful area of the country.

Now I'm looking for transportation from the Reno airport. Timber Lodge recommended the South Lake Tahoe Airporter. That is great when we arrive but our flight back is at 7AM and there is no pickup that would get us to the airport on time. The last pickup the day before is 4:30. Anyone have advice on what to do for a return to airport? TIA for any help.

BTW, there are some great area hikes. I enjoy going to the Van Sickle Bi-state park (walking directly from the Marriott), plus the Eagle Lake trail (over by Emerald Bay). I'm over 70 and can still take them. So, they are a bit strenuous but something that most can do.

Something that you may consider is extending your vacation by one day. Enjoy your stay at the Timberlodge, then take the shuttle to Reno and stay overnight.

 

[travelgirl8]

Thanks. Good to know they are close by. My husband walks every morning....me somtimes!!

 

[BJRSanDiego]

In the summer, including August, there is a lot of activity outside of the Timberlodge and Grand residence. They'll have bands, special events, etc. The "energy level" is very high. It is an enjoyable time to be there.