Lawlar
TUG Member
I’m back from my second yearly vacation at Marriott’s Timber Lodge. Before Marriott gets nervous, I’ll start off by saying that I really like the resort and I had a great time. The place is beautiful - great location next to the Gondola/casinos/shops. Everything was clean/newish/and very pleasant. The pool and Jacuzzis are wonderful. The staff are very friendly. Next to Maui, this is my favorite Marriott timeshare resort (ahead of NCV and Phoenix, though I really like Phoenix).
I stayed away from the sales staff except I did talk to them briefly as I walked by and learned, after I mentioned that I had heard that unemployment in Tahoe is at 70 percent, that one of them was “lucky” to have recently found a night job as a security guard (my, how times have changed).
Several worrisome things I saw or learned on my trip:
1. The Chateau at Heavenly Village – directly across from Timber Lodge – is a high-end condo/timeshare complex that was being built when I was there last year. They were just finishing the foundation. They had a sales office that was accepting deposits for preconstruction sales. Well, the foundation is there but nothing else has happened. It is a big hole that takes up a city block of prime land. Vail Resorts (dba RockResorts) has withdrawn from the project. I have a bad feeling that those who made deposits may find they are out of luck.
2. The Casinos were virtually empty. I saw a $2 bet limit at one of the blackjack tables. Last year I had to stand in a long line to eat at the Buffet at Harrah’s. This year there were only a few couples eating when I dined (and no line).
3. During my drive to Tahoe, I saw a few homes boarded up in Sacramento (foreclosures) and a closed GM dealership. There were lots of callers on the radio talk shows discussing whether they should stop making their house payments and just walk away.
A Few Hints for Those Headed to Tahoe:
The Timber Lodge units that overlook the pool give you a nice view (and I didn’t hear any noise from the pool area because I kept my windows closed – that would change during the summer).
If you reserve a one-bedroom unit try and get a unit that is a dedicated one-bedroom. Otherwise you will get a lock-off studio adjacent to your unit and you may pick-up some noise from the adjoining room through the locked door.
Take binoculars up the Gondola if you are going there to sightsee (and dress really warm).
The Heavenly Flyer is an interesting experience if you want to try something different. But it costs $40 (plus $30 for the gondola trip) and the ride last only 90 seconds. But it was a rather intense 90 seconds.
I stayed away from the sales staff except I did talk to them briefly as I walked by and learned, after I mentioned that I had heard that unemployment in Tahoe is at 70 percent, that one of them was “lucky” to have recently found a night job as a security guard (my, how times have changed).
Several worrisome things I saw or learned on my trip:
1. The Chateau at Heavenly Village – directly across from Timber Lodge – is a high-end condo/timeshare complex that was being built when I was there last year. They were just finishing the foundation. They had a sales office that was accepting deposits for preconstruction sales. Well, the foundation is there but nothing else has happened. It is a big hole that takes up a city block of prime land. Vail Resorts (dba RockResorts) has withdrawn from the project. I have a bad feeling that those who made deposits may find they are out of luck.
2. The Casinos were virtually empty. I saw a $2 bet limit at one of the blackjack tables. Last year I had to stand in a long line to eat at the Buffet at Harrah’s. This year there were only a few couples eating when I dined (and no line).
3. During my drive to Tahoe, I saw a few homes boarded up in Sacramento (foreclosures) and a closed GM dealership. There were lots of callers on the radio talk shows discussing whether they should stop making their house payments and just walk away.
A Few Hints for Those Headed to Tahoe:
The Timber Lodge units that overlook the pool give you a nice view (and I didn’t hear any noise from the pool area because I kept my windows closed – that would change during the summer).
If you reserve a one-bedroom unit try and get a unit that is a dedicated one-bedroom. Otherwise you will get a lock-off studio adjacent to your unit and you may pick-up some noise from the adjoining room through the locked door.
Take binoculars up the Gondola if you are going there to sightsee (and dress really warm).
The Heavenly Flyer is an interesting experience if you want to try something different. But it costs $40 (plus $30 for the gondola trip) and the ride last only 90 seconds. But it was a rather intense 90 seconds.