Debating between Marriott Timber Lodge (Tahoe) and Newport Villas

[SusanBee]

We are debating which of these resorts to take the extended family (grandparents, children, grandchildren) for a week next summer. The family consists of 1 younger child (6 years) 2 tweens, 2 teenagers, 2 young adults (21+) 3 older adults (75-80) and 6 adults under 55.

My immediate family has stayed at Newport and loved it. We have not been to Timber Lodge yet.

The draw to Newport- beautiful beaches, access to lots of activities
The con to Newport- California freeways needed to get to many activities

Since we've not been to Tahoe we are leaning toward it. As we understand it, there's the lake itself, the resort, and gambling near by (something the grandmas will love). Also the room configurations allow a lot of flexibility for our group.

Asking for advice for anyone who's been been to both - is there any reason you would advise AGAINST the Timber Lodge? Any suggestions on things to do, places to eat etc. gladly welcomed! Thanks in advance.

 

[VacationForever]

We have been to both countless times. In my opinion, Timber Lodge is not as well built as Newport Coast. Between Timber Lodge and the Residence, the development is sprawling. One of the times at Timber Lodge when we were placed close to the elevator and we could hear the elevator the entire time and noise was quite unbearable. Since you have not been to Lake Tahoe, it is worth going one time, so that you can say you have done it. The old Lake Tahoe was more rustic, with lots of small family run restaurants (sweet potato pies...) and quaint little shops. We were not impressed by any of the new restaurants in the area. The old shops are all gone in the way of building the Marriotts and other commercial shops (fishing/ski shops/timeshare resale realtors). My son used to ski and now he is grown up and no longer wants to ski, Lake Tahoe just does not hold attraction for us anymore. Newport Coast is very urban and we go there to get away from the heat of summer and a less stressful drive for us. Some of us find that driving up the mountains can be a little intimidating. We just don't get excited about either area.

 

[fleming4]

We've stayed at Newport Coast and own at Grand Residence Club at Tahoe. There is more to do around Newport, but everything will involve driving, often a significant distance away. There is plenty to do for all age groups at Tahoe, including lots of lake activities (swimming [in coldwater], boating, kayaking, fishing), hiking, walking, bicycling, shopping, gambling, movies, shows at the casinos, shopping, eating, etc. Many of the activities are walking distance from Heavenly Village, and others are easily accessible by car. If you decide on Lake Tahoe, look at options at the Grand Residence Club as well as Timber Lodge. While I'm a bit biased, as an owner there, it is a beautiful property, very well built, with some very large units available.

 

[LisaH]

I have been to both and considering the diverse ages in the group, I would also recommend Tahoe. There are more to do for everyone in summer. However, you can't go wrong with either. Which is is easier to get to for everyone?

 

[Bill4728]

Getting the number of rooms you'll need at NCV in the summer will be a huge challenge therefore I'd suggest Tahoe.

 

[taxare]

We did a family vacation at Timber Lodge earlier this month (3BR) and Newport Coast last year. One advantage for us this year is that the kids live in the Bay Area so they were able to drive up. We are really pleased that we tried Tahoe this year. There were lots of activities for children of all ages, and as indicated above much is within walking distance including a terrific Raley's supermarket. We did a boat ride on the Lake going to Emerald Bay, went on the gondola and did activities at the top of the mountain (what a view!), went to the pool, went to a couple of shows, ate at a wide range of restaurants. I found the restaurant reviews on Trip Advisor to be fairly accurate. The staff were wonderful. One minor item if expenses are a consideration, with a 3BR you park 2 cars for free and 2BR you get 1. Anything over that is $29/day and you must use their valet parking. Overall it was a winner. However.... we feel like we now did that and are going back to Newport Coast next summer. Even though you have to drive everywhere, we enjoy the ambience more at Newport, we believe the units are a little nice and we really enjoy Laguna Beach and the Laguna art festival. The variety and range of restaurants IMO is much broader near Newport. The children's activities were good there as well and we enjoyed walking down to and on the beach. They are both terrific resorts to enjoy a family vacation. As an aside, I think its great to have such a variety of choices. In the last few years we have done Tahoe, Oahu, Newport Coast, Hilton Head and Park City. Everyone has had a great time and No meltdowns