GM Blog

Are you going to have a White Christmas?

2010-12-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

In case you did not notice, many moons have passed (some of them full ones) since my last Blog posting. Sorry about that, but we have been very busy getting ready for your holiday visit.

Have you read on TripAdvisor that Inn by the Lake now ranks #8 out of 62 Lake Tahoe lodging properties? One motel, hotel and/or Inn can’t be all things to all guests so we recommend reading what guests are saying and then make your choice. Please check out the specific comments and the dialog, which takes place. Click on the link below or paste this link onto your browser.

www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1798615-d209448-Reviews-Inn_by_the_Lake-South_Lake_Tahoe_Lake_Tahoe_California_California.html

We typically utilize the slower fall shoulder period to complete projects, maintenance tasks and heavy cleaning. This year was no exception. In addition, several months ago we had our property surveyed by a Certified Access Specialist to determine if there were any areas where we could improve accessibility. Sure enough, the CASp provided us with a list of recommendations that we have been busy implementing. Built in 1982, Inn by the Lake has a long tradition of accommodating a broad cross section of visitors including those with disabilities.

Recently our family fun center, Tahoe Bowl, was updated with new synthetic lanes. Regrettably, this rather costly improvement has not had a positive impact upon my average score. However, they sure look great and the traveling pros that frequent Tahoe Bowl say very positive things. Tahoe Bowl is the largest south shore private indoor venue featuring Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza, Lane 17 Sports Bar, pool, video games and much more. Scoring on our 16 lanes is fully automated and all you have to do is type in your name.

Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra at Tahoe and Kirkwood all have opened with near record snow fall. More powder is on the way this week. This will make for a fabulous White Christmas!

We hope to see you in Lake Tahoe over the Holiday Season!

Best Regards,
Dan

We Have the Best....

2010-06-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Regular readers may be surprised by the title of this post. Typically we do not boast, humility is the norm. If you had a nose like mine you would also be modest.

However, the fact is we typically serve the Best Clientele one could ever imagine. Whether it is individual couples, family reunions or business retreats, some of the nicest people pass through our lake view setting. While it is true that they may occasionally arrive on edge or even stressed, a good nights rest and a look outside relieves and refreshes.

Yesterday afternoon we held our Team Member summer kick-off picnic. Rich our Director of Sales, barbequed carne asada and it was great! Families of our staff members enjoyed breaking-in the new lanes in our Tahoe Bowl. Watching one and all have a good time, I was reminded of what a great staff we have. No boast, just fact.

Summer business has picked-up and is pacing ahead of last year. However, like many of you we still feel the impact of the recession and realize that the new normal is to offer great value. Historically, we do not discount during July & August, the busiest months of the year. We want to encourage as many visitors as possible to take that much needed summer break at Inn by the Lake. In addition, we want to keep our Team very busy and fully employed. Thus, you will note on this website that we are offering mid-week (Sunday through Thursday) discounts this summer. Please take advantage of these offers while they last.

We hope to see you in Lake Tahoe soon.
Best Regards,
Dan

Thank you Mother Nature!

2010-04-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you Mother Nature for turning Lake Tahoe into a winter wonderland this season! Did you see the white lights on the Jeffery Pines that run the length of our lake view frontage? Inn by the Lake won the Best Lights on the Lake Award from our Chamber this year. Storms, while frequent, came at mid-week, were relatively mild but managed to dump plenty of white stuff for visitors and locals to enjoy! Spring has sprung but Heavenly Mountain Resort will be open until April 25th for those families that enjoy great conditions but milder weather.

Inn by the Lake’s spring-cleaning projects are now well underway as Old Man Winter does take his toll on our facilities. As locals know, this is a beautiful time of year to visit the Tahoe Basin. Visitor traffic is typically light in April and May, with this year being no exception. Bargains abound to include significant discounts on the Inn’s already low Value Season room rates and many restaurants are offering two for one and other specials. An insider’s tip, you need not book too far in advance. Check the weather (which is usually great) and feel confident in your ability to reserve with little notice.

Things change in June where our advance reservation counts are running ahead of the same month last year. Currently for a limited time, we are still offering specials during June. So take advantage while space remains available.

July and August will once again be the busiest months of the year, suggest you reserve early. Another tip, the last 10 days of August are not as busy as they once were. Schools going back in session early may be the reason. Benefit from this trend and come up for another visit before summer turns to fall.

Working with local activity partners we will be offering more things to do throughout the year. So keep an eye on our website or subscribe to our e-newsletter to keep current.

Best regards,
Dan

2010 New Year's Resolutions for the INN

2010-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

New Years Day 2010. We have nearly completed a very successful holiday season with a safe and sane New Years. Successful in that guests, who blessed us with their presence, have had a really fine time in Lake Tahoe. Children squealing as they played in the fresh snow, ski/boarders returning from the slopes red-checked & smiling and those visitors who simply wish to chill appearing very relaxed. Almost makes you forget what a crummy year 2009 was due to the economy.

We subscribe to the theory that the “new normal” will continue to prevail in 2010. Those visitors fortunate enough to travel will be very discerning and value conscious. Our over all goal at Inn by the Lake will be to meet and exceed expectations.

Everyone these days strives to offer value. Especially, those in the travel business. Once again this year we will not be increasing our seasonal rates. In fact, we will continue to offer special discounts on a seasonal basis as demand and the economy dictate. Revenue from the sale of our guest rooms is our primary source of income, while most of the amenities we offer come free of charge. Not only do we plan to increase these complimentary offerings but also we hope to convey more clearly the low cost recreational opportunities that abound in our neighborhood.

We have learned this past year how to be very efficient without compromising the guest experience. While lean in administration, we are extremely fortunate to have a compliment of seasoned front line team members who willingly multitask and cater ever so well to the needs of our guests. While no one runs the risk of getting rich, we will continue to reward and nurture this, our most valuable asset, with competitive wages & benefits (which include health insurance). Perhaps more importantly, we will continue to maintain a pleasant workplace based upon mutual respect.

Inn by the Lake is entering its 28th year of operation. Tahoe Bowl celebrated its 50th anniversary this past year. In Europe these facilities would be considered relatively new. Many in the US might consider our architecture dated, we refer to it as vintage alpine. Fortunately, our buildings and grounds have been consistently upgraded and maintained and offer a level of comfort unsurpassed by the vast majority of our Lake Tahoe competitors. We promise to continue to maintain the highest level of care and will not compromise comfort, convenience, sanitation or security.

In order to maintain attractive pricing and specials, our capital budget will be limited this coming year. Guess we will have to postpone those new flat screen LCD TVs for another year. We will continue to offer expanded cable and HBO on our classic color receivers. If you come to the Lake Tahoe basin, one of nature’s wonders, primarily to watch TV you may wish to reconsider your priorities anyway.

Wishing all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!
Best Regards,
Dan

A word to the warm to be wise....

2009-07-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Typically, summer temperature on the south side of Lake Tahoe run 10 to 15 degrees below what is being experienced “off the hill” in Sacramento and Reno. While this spread is holding true this year its been warmer than usual at The Lake. Temperature this week will average 85 degrees!

Like the great blue lake, the INN remains cool as one of the few centrally air-conditioned properties in South Lake. Our family fun center, Tahoe Bowl, was also air conditioned last summer. Trust me, this is not a cheap marketing ploy but a public service announcement. See other sections of our website for cheap marketing ploys.

As you have no doubt read and we have experienced, travel plans are being made at the last minute. Inn by the Lake’s reservation counts rise sharply one to two weeks out. We have some attractive weekend/mid-week discounts and packages available on this site or via our 800 number. While there are a finite number of packages and room types available, we endeavor to honor these percentage discounts to the last day possible, We not only want your initial business but hope to earn your repeat patronage with our value offerings.

Quite candidly, it is not a good idea to drive into the Tahoe basin (especially on a weekend) without a room reservation. When the room supply is tight, rates can escalate at some lodging establishments beyond what you may consider fair and reasonable.

These are just suggestions, as we want you to enjoy your Lake Tahoe experience regardless of where you bed down for the night.

Happy Trails,
Dan

We're ready when you are!

2009-07-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks for reading my last posting. More importantly thank those of you who came up to Lake Tahoe in June to take advantage of our value packages and special offers. We are delighted by your positive response to the improvements we made to the Inn this past spring.

Sorry, we are sold out over the 4th of July weekend. However, thanks to you Johnny & Jane come latelys space and special value deals remain available for many periods throughout the balance of the summer. As you may have read, airline pricing is now escalating. Those of you flying in may wish to consider booking flights sooner rather than later. Remember San Francisco International is roughly a four-hour drive to Tahoe. Reno/Tahoe Airport is only an hour and a half away. Sacramento Airport is about a two-hour drive. Highways are scenic and excellent in all directions.

Early last month we benefited from a series of afternoon showers that has turned the Tahoe Basin (and our grounds) greener than usual for this time of year. Allow some time for hiking during your next Tahoe visit. It is an activity that is good for you, beautiful and like many of our outdoor activities it’s free.

We have replenished our supply of lawn games and are just completing a new Club Room. This space has board games, cards and books for our guest’s complimentary use during their stay. Let us know what else you feel we should add to this space. Our Tahoe Bowl has turned up its new air condition system to offer the “coolest” in family fun.

Hope to see you soon! In any event have a great summer.
Best Regards,
Dan

Summer 2009 - A Travel Buyer's Dream!

2009-05-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

Just read an article titled as above. It’s very true, there are more deals out there than you can shake a “confirmation” at. By all means check them out. Take care to separate the so-called “deals” from True Travel Values.

Lodging establishments for instance are very capital and labor intensive. Inn by the Lake enjoyed a good winter season however; business has definitely been slower than usual, throughout Lake Tahoe, during the spring shoulder season. What did we do during this down time? Obviously, I did not update my Blog. We did update our facilities completing our three-year cycle of painting the interiors of our 100 guest units. Hope you will like our new contemporary Tahoe color scheme! We also updated areas like our bi-level spa, which can only be tended too during low occupancy periods. Our housekeeping & maintenance staffs were kept employed and busy executing spring heavy cleaning programs.

The point I am trying to make is that Inn by the Lake, while cost conscious, realizes the need to invest in our program of repairs, maintenance and capital improvements. We do our best to support and maintain, our greatest asset, the Inn by the Lake Team, through year round employment. The business reason for this is simple. The guest experience must meet or exceed expectations if we are to maintain and enhance our market share. There, now you know our secret to success!

Taking True Value a step further, Inn by the Lake is offering attractively priced packages and room discounts during this years prime summer season. Quite candidly, weekends are filling up as usual. Regardless, until May 31st we are offering a 15% off Early Booking Special on some Friday & Saturday nights. Currently, we have ample space available during the week. Traditionally, mid-week pricing (Sunday through Thursday) is approximately 20% less than weekend rates. We are presently offering a 25% discount off mid-week summer Seasonal pricing, subject to availability.

Packages include Bed & Breakfast, Family Value and an Emerald Bay Cruise. Click on our Specials & Package button to check availability and for more information. Should you prefer call 1-800 877-1466 to speak with one of our on-site knowledgeable team members 24/7.

In further support of Inn by the Lake’s value proposition, we offer FREE - wireless Internet access, lobby computer station, lake view fitness room, 2-hour use of bikes, BBQs and picnic areas. Safeway is a block away should you wish to fill the mini-refrigerator available in your room. We also have microwaves in each or our rooms. Beautiful lake and mountain views are also FREE from many parts of our spacious, attractively landscaped grounds.

Come up and see for yourself.

Best Regards,
Dan

We Are Ready for the Holidays. Are You?

2008-12-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

Tahoe and Inn by the Lake in particular are ready for your visit this Holiday Season. Are you one of the many who has delayed making travel arrangements? We forgive you! However, suggest you get with it and click on reservations or call our 800 number. Our holiday season rates remain unchanged from last year and special promotions are available, even during prime season. Availability is limited and diminishing with each passing day.

The first major storm of the season is coming tonight and forecasted over the next five days to greatly enhance ski conditions. Tahoe’s major ski resorts made presentations at yesterday’s Lodging Association meeting and are offering some of the best deals in memory. Collectively, they have spent millions during the off-season enhancing the visitor experience. Specifics may be accessed via their web sites. The Inn receives special reseller pricing on lift tickets from certain resorts. We will be passing on these full discounts to guests of Inn by the Lake. Ski resort links are available by clicking on Winter Fun & Games on our home page. Check out the web cams for real time conditions.

October and November were not very busy months for visitors to Tahoe. I don’t watch much TV but heard rumors about a difficult economy or something like that. We did have to economize but took special pains to reduce costs where it would not impact guests. We kept our maintenance staff at full strength and augmented our painting and heavy cleaning efforts with members of our housekeeping team. The end result is that Inn by the Lake has never looked better. You have to see it for yourself!

Our bowling center continues to reign as Tahoe’s favorite family fun center. Take time to bowl a few games of 9 pin, which is fun for the whole family. Tahoe Bowl’s new web site should be up and running this week. For those of you who are unaware, the city’s Recreation Center is across the street and a block away from the Inn. The in-door Ice Arena is also a big hit with families.

We are delighted to announce the addition of Bear Beach Café to the array of amenities available at Inn by the Lake. This new lake view full service family restaurant will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We hope to open prior to the end of this month. Stay tuned for additional information.

Whether you spend your Holiday Season in Lake Tahoe (at the Inn of course) or at home, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Joyous Season. May the New Year bring you less stress, good health and much happiness!

Best Regards,
Dan

My Favorite Season - Is It Autumn or Fall?

2008-10-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Not sure of the exact difference between these two seasonal designations. This year it is definitely Fall. We had a cold snap to include a light snowfall this past weekend. This set in motion a rapid seasonal change. Leaves have turned and pine needles fall to blanket nightly our six plus acres.

Inspired by Mark (once a local resident) Twain’s classic Tom Sawyer, we’re considering offering an outdoor fitness package called pick up needles. Spend a few hours following our grounds person around bagging needles and you will be ready for ski season!

Can’t ignore what has happened on Wall Street and elsewhere around the World. However, gazing into the deep blue of Lake Tahoe tends to clear the senses and provides a more positive perspective. Yes, like many industries, travel is down and deals abound. Check our early booking and other specials on this website. Call our 800 number for further details.

Weather.com predicts Tahoe temperatures as far as 10 days out with a fair amount of accuracy. Looking ahead this season, daytime temperatures will frequently range in the 70’s and cool down into the 30’s at night. Check out what suits you and come up to see us during this less crowded and yet beautiful time of year.

Incidentally, if you have not experienced Thanksgiving in Tahoe, space remains available at Inn by the Lake. Special menus are offered at several neighboring restaurants or reserve one of our deluxe suites with a fully equipped kitchen. We will be continuing our tradition of placing pumpkin pies in each of our guest units for your enjoyment.

Online Travel Reviews - read between the lines...

2008-07-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month some of the smoke from California fires placed a haze over the Tahoe Basin. Conditions have been back to normal this past week and the skies are as deep blue as the Lake! Speaking of clearing matters up, I would like to share some thoughts on online travel reviews by our fellow travelers. They are GREAT!

That is to say, when travelers post them and not “others” interested in promoting a particular property or travel service. One of the reasons I think they are great is that a single lodging property or resort can’t be all things to all people. Legitimate user reviews go beyond the Inn’s photos and verbiage and typically speak more to the users actual “experience.” What excites one traveler, may turn-off another visitor. Case in point, I was interested in staying in a well-regarded boutique hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. Checking it out on TripAdvisor.com, a posting gave “rave” reviews including how “cool” it was to be able to hear the group performing in the lounge until 2:00 AM in their room. Not quite the experience I had envisioned.

Getting back to bogus consumer postings, I make the following suggestions:
My father always told me “Don’t believe anything you hear and nothing that you read.” I always considered this one of my Dad’s most profound thoughts until I learned it came from Abraham Lincoln.
Read as many reviews as possible. Consider throwing out the best and the worst.
I recently read that out of the millions of people that visit TripAdvisor.com, less than 2% post comments. Be leery of properties that have 5 star postings each day of the month, week after week.
Some sites provide a summery of posting grades. They usually look like this.
Example:
5 Stars - 25
4 Stars - 20
3 Stars - 15
2 Stars - 5
1 Star - 2
Ran across a local property recently where they had 50 recent 5 Star ratings, a smattering of 3, 4 and 2 grades followed by 39 1 Star rankings. This, I consider questionable.
You know how you can tell the difference between a guest posted photo and a “plant?” If it is of a guestroom interior the guest photo is rarely flattering. Try this at home. Take a picture of your unmade bed in the morning. Would you pay to stay there again?

Hope some of this helps in your future online travel planning. Happy trails!

Best Regards,
Dan

Don't delay your travel plans too long...

2008-07-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Inn by the Lake is sold out over 4th of July. Promises to be a beautiful day at the lake. As many “regulars” know, our front lawn is one of the best vantage points in town to watch the fireworks. We will have chairs and blankets available for guest comfort. Ace, our landscaper, assures us that the lawn sprinkler system will not go off, like last year, in the middle of the display. Rooms remain available over Labor Day weekend when there will be a similar display, plus a soon to be announced special treat!

We have experienced a very short booking window this summer. This is industry terminology for the time frame between reservations being made and guest arrival. Our guess is that this is being caused by outrageous gas prices, worries over the economy and all the other negative “stuff” that are being reported and repeated on the news. Record oil prices seems to have impacted all of us personally and they have taken their toll on Inn by the Lake margins. Unlike other businesses, we do not feel it appropriate or prudent to raise prices. Thus, same room rates as last year prevail, enhanced with some attractive mid-week specials that you may check out on this site.

Visitor traffic from far and wide seems to be down this year. Fortunately, Tahoe and Inn by the Lake in particular qualifies as a “one tank holiday” for our primary Northern California and Nevada markets. So even at $4.19 per gallon the cost of many of your much deserved Tahoe Holiday is up roughly $20 to $40 over last year.

My “travel tip” this posting is to go for it! Whether you head for Tahoe or tin-buk-tu, these are depressing times and we all need a break to recharge. Check out the Internet for the best values. By all means, research the 3rd party sites like Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, etc but make it a point to also go directly to the supplier’s site for more detailed information. Call the 800# and speak to a real person with real knowledge. Read visitor reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor.com and others. Don’t let one review; good or bad overly influence you. Read as many as possible and determine if what is crucial to others is important to you.

Wherever, that full tank of gas takes you, have a restful holiday and a great summer!

Best Regards,
Dan

Great Time of Year to Visit Tahoe!

2008-04-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Blue skies and mild temperatures make this an ideal time to visit Lake Tahoe. While it is officially still spring it feels like summer around the lake. Only difference being there are fewer visitors this time of year. Wonderful time to visit for those of you who not only enjoy the natural beauty but peace and serenity of the Tahoe Basin.

Our landscaping crew has cleaned up our extensive grounds, turned on our sprinkler systems and will be planting soon. After being buried in several feet of snow, it is amazing how our lawns and gardens spring back to life. Guess that’s why they call it spring! We will hold off until June 1st before planting our more delicate flowers. Up here in the Great Blue, should you plant color before Memorial Day you run the risk of that one last snow flurry doing them in.

My “travel tip” for this posting is to watch the seasons when planning your vacation travel. Like most resorts, Inn by the Lake’s rates are seasonal. Thus, supply and demand are significant factors in pricing. We could sell 3 to 4 times as many rooms over holiday periods, winter weekends and the busy summer months. So, if your travel schedule is flexible take advantage of the lower rates & specials available mid-week, spring and fall.

We realize that high gas prices are of concern to you and the rest of us. Once you arrive at the Inn, take advantage of the city’s very reasonably priced BlueGo shuttle system. The Nifty Thrifty Trolley will also be running to points of interest soon. The Inns central location is conducive to some great hikes. We have placed into service early this year for guest use our small fleet of complimentary bicycles.

Incidentally, we did extend our online special through May 22, 2008. Click on CHECK AVAILIBILITY and then Promotional Rates and you will see what I mean!

Best Regards,
Dan

Spring Ski Conditions!

2008-03-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

After near record snowfall in January and February, spring ski conditions currently prevail here in Tahoe. Mild tempetures, blue sky’s and a snow base, recently rated at 126% of normal, seem to be keeping locals and visitors happy. However, another storm is forecasted in the next few days, so keep an eye on www.weather.com.

Still lots of things to do for non-skiers and boarders. Check out the numerous activities on this web site as well as our property map to give you an idea or our proximity to various venues.

I guess we are all a bit preoccupied with the economy. The bursting of the housing bubble, record oil prices and then there is the stock market! Seems to me the only safe investment is vacation travel. Guaranteed to refresh, inspire and if you shop, not cost you an arm and a leg.

Speaking of shopping, we are currently offering very attractive pricing through April 30, 2008. Click on CHECK AVAILIBILITY and then Promotional Rates and you will see what I mean!

Best Regards,
Dan

Have a Very Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T15:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a series of storms we did enjoy excellent skiing conditions over the holiday season. As they say “It’s not winter until the fat flakes fall.” Not sure who “they” are in this case but the High Sierras are expecting a major snow fall later this week. Great way to start 2008!

In addition to skiing/boarding and snowmobile riding a nearly full house of guests these past two weeks have been reminding us of the many things to do here in our own backyard. The regulation sized, indoor Ice Arena (across the street and up the block about 100 yards) has been very popular with both young and old this year. The City’s Recreation Center is located in this same complex, complete with an indoor Olympic sized pool. However, our outdoor pool (kept at 80 degrees) and bi-level spa (103) have been active, despite the cold evening temperatures. And of course our own Tahoe Bowl is a must do, featuring 16 lanes and the Lane 17 Sports Bar. Many have also enjoyed walks along the lakeshore to nearby restaurants such as Sprouts, Freshies and the Blue Water Bistro. The county library, across Rufus Allen from the Inn, is also a quiet place to sit down with a new book.

With what appears to be abundant snow fall this year, prime weekend periods are beginning to fill-up. We hope that Lake Tahoe and specifically Inn by the Lake will be part of your winter travel plans in 2008.

Please let me take this opportunity to wish you good health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year!

Autumn in Tahoe and Your Opinion, Please!

2007-11-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ask any Lake Tahoe local and chances are they will tell you that Autumn is their favorite season in the High Sierras. Pleasant sunny days with cooler tempetures common in the evening. The leaves have changed to a golden color, with more falling to the ground each day. More visitors from Europe and far less from our traditional US market. Business slows in general and Tahoe takes on a more tranquil atmosphere. Those able to visit during this period are greeted with pleasant smiles and great values throughout the Resort.

Some on our staff choose to take their well-deserved vacations during Autumn. We have several who have thoughtfully “scheduled” the delivery of new additions to their families in the weeks ahead. Others remain very busy with housekeeping and maintenance projects during what we call our “shoulder season.” The goal is to make the necessary seasonal changes and have the property in “top shape” for what we expect will be a very busy winter.

I would like to ask those interested a few questions.

As an independent property, we have taken great pains to make our web site (www.innbythelake.com) user friendly, especially for making reservations directly on line through what we call our booking engine. We strive to maintain rate parity, to insure that prices quoted on our site or an authorized 3rd party site (Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity etcetera) is consistent. Recently, without notice, one of our 3 party site partners has proposed raising their discount/commission rate by 25%. This is a high volume affiliation that we would like to retain. In order to do so we would have to increase our room rates proportionately. Should we? If we do not, would you take the time to reserve space through another 3rd party site, book online directly or call our 800 number?

Beginning in 2008 we will be replacing our televisions with HDTV’s. The technologies for cable and satellite providers to cost effectively provide High Definition programming to hotels is currently evolving. We want to be ready. Currently we offer, through an outside vendor, pay-per-view movies. Usage is limited and this technology is such that it creates frequent technical and reception problems with our normal basic cable service. After evaluating numerous alternatives, we are considering eliminating pay-per-view, expanding our cable offering from basic to basic/expanded and adding HBO. The Inn would absorb the cost associated with this change. Do you think this is a good idea?

We like to think of ourselves as customer driven and your thoughts would be very much appreciated. Let me also take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving whether you spend it with us here at the Inn, your home away from home, or at your Mother In-laws.

Best Regards,
Dan

What we are and what we are not!

2007-08-09T15:24:00.001-07:00

Today’s visitor is looking for a memorable holiday experience. Often, Inn by the Lake guest time is tighter than money. Many come to Tahoe not only to enjoy our facilities but also to participate in one of the numerous local events or perhaps a private social or business function. Most find the time to enjoy the natural “beauty and wonder” that surrounds our facilities here in the Tahoe Basin.

Inn by the Lake has always tried to present an accurate reflection of what we represent and offer. However, like most commercial enterprises we focus on the positive and on occasion could be accused of trying to be “all things to all people.”

Following are some thoughts that come to mind of what we are and what we are not:
Inn by the Lake
IS: A family resort catering to all ages.
IS NOT: A Casino Hotel – However, if compelled, feel free to toss your loose change in
the pond located off our lobby. Seriously, this form of adult entertainment is a short
shuttle ride away for those who feel “lucky.”

IS: An independently owned and operated hotel.
IS NOT: A chain hotel, condominium, fractional or timeshare establishment.

IS: Located on 6+ acres, across the street from the El Dorado Beach and THE Lake.
IS NOT: On the beach. Few lodging properties are and the vast majority of beaches are
public.

IS: A non-smoking hotel, featuring a fitness room, pool, bi-level spa, bikes/snowshoes (seasonal) 16-lane bowling center and a deluxe continental breakfast with a focus on healthier menu items.
IS NOT: “Fanatical” about our guests fitness preferences. To each his own! Smoking in not encouraged but allowed on our guest room balconies or patios as long as it does not infringe upon the “space” of a neighboring visitor.

IS: Now 25 years young! Our alpine architecture is circa 1982 and we are proud of it! Each year we upgrade another portion of our facilities and grounds, a never-ending process. With all interior corridors, we are the only “vintage” Tahoe property in South Lake featuring a four-pipe HVAC system (A/C & Heating available year around - outside temp. must be over 55 degrees).
IS NOT: An inexpensive, limited service motel. Nor are we one of the newer chain hotels offering fractional, timeshare or condominium ownership. Most of these are really quite nice but offer a different experience at Stateline.

Well I guess that is enough for now. Surely, I have alienated enough market segments for one posting. Those of you that are left, please come up to stay with us soon. The weather has been unbelievable this summer!
Best Regards,

Dan

Summer in Tahoe - How Sweet It Is!

2007-07-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to those of you who read and/or responded to my last Blog update. To those of you who did not, go to your room. Better yet come up to Tahoe and rent one of our rooms.

Thank goodness, things have returned to normal in Tahoe since this past weekend. We had a great 4th of July Holiday at Inn by the Lake. A big thanks to all of you who filled the Inn and enjoyed the best fireworks show in the west from our front lawn. Would you believe our sprinkler system went off durnig the middle of the show. If Ace our landscaper did not do such a great job with our grounds I would %^&$ him. Nudged him into the pool instead. Sorry to all, I should of double checked the timer.

Inn by the Lake is now very close to capacity on weekends through August. Few rooms left on some Fridays. Space continues to be available earlier in the week, Sunday through Wednesday.
Please come up and see us soon!
Regards,
Dan

Trouble in Paradise

2007-06-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Its 5:10 PM Wednesday, June 27, 2007.

As you have no doubt read, seen and heard the Angora Wildfire has been burning for just over three days now. This forest fire has scorched over 3,000 acres, destroyed more than 200 structures most of which were private homes. The fire was roughly 45% contained yesterday afternoon. Winds picked-up when a back-burn backfired and flames jumped the fire line. Thanks to the heroics of nearly 2,000 firefighters the fire was further contained last night and throughout today. The winds predicted for this afternoon have been milder than anticipated, greatly aiding the effort towards full containment. This allowed many of those evacuated yesterday to return to their homes.

As “regulars” know, Inn by the Lake is located in mid-town South Lake Tahoe, across the street from El Dorado Beach and still beautiful Lake Tahoe. We are about four miles from the northern most edge of the affected area. Our neighbor, the city’s recreation center, across Rufus Allen Blvd. has served as an evacuation center throughout this ordeal. On Sunday night the American Red Cross notified us of the need for evacuee housing. Inn by the Lake was one of the first to offer complementary rooms to evacuees. Many other South Lake Tahoe properties have extended this courtesy. Thus, we have had the privilege of serving some truly remarkable families these past few days. The fortunate ones have learned that their houses have been “spared” and are awaiting permission to return home. Those less fortunate, who have lost their homes, are coping as best as can be expected. I was initially amazed by how some of those who have lost everything appear to have accepted their material loss and are ready to move on. Puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s living in Tahoe. With some exceptions, locals tend to cherish the beauty of the Lake and the Tahoe Basin more than the interiors of their residences.

In addition to regular guests and evacuees we have had some of the heroic firefighters staying with us here at the INN. They arrive late and leave early. Can’t say enough good things about these amazing men and women who have worked so hard to save lives, homes and an American Treasure – Lake Tahoe.

Obviously, it will take sometime for those directly impacted by this tragedy to fully recover. However, the sky’s above Inn by the Lake and much of the basin are already beginning to clear. Today, air quality continues to be lousy but once the fire is further contained, the same afternoon breeze that spread the fire on Sunday will quickly clear the basin on another day.

Please wish us well and visit Tahoe soon.

Best Regards,

Dan

Spring-cleaning and projects...

2007-05-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

So, you think the annual spring-cleaning of your home is a lot of work. Consider what we have to go through at Inn by the Lake when “old man winter” bids adieu to spring. Business typically slows in April & May and we put our maintenance & housekeeping staffs to work going through each of our 100 rooms and suites performing heavy cleaning.

The Inn was built in stages, with the pool building opening in 1982. It’s not easy to develop or build anything in the environmentally sensitive Tahoe Basin. As a result there are only a few south shore lodging properties newer than Inn by the Lake. We have great owners and they allow us to reinvest the bulk of our excess cash flow back into the property. Alas, the only type of Tahoe lodging properties that have been build in recent years were either timeshare or condo hotels.

Projects this spring included replacing sinks and faucets in our Pool Building units. The 34 units in our Lake Building were painted to include the corridors. We currently have on order new soft goods for this building to include desk & lounge chairs, pictures, lamps and sleeper sofas (for the suites). The week of June 4th we will be taking delivery of new Serta Perfect Sleeper Concierge Suite Plush bed sets. This will complete the total property wide replacement of all box springs and mattresses started last year.

Ace Anderson and his crew came off the mountain in April (Ace does ski patrol for Heavenly Mountain Resort in the winter) to activate our sprinkler system and revive and enhance our extensive grounds. As I write, the lawns are already looking better. However, we typically do not plant flowers until the first week of June out of fear of a late snowstorm. Bob Alcorn will be patching, sealing and re-striping our parking lots beginning next week. This will be the 18th consecuitive year that Bob and his son have made our lots safe and pretty. Our signature bi-level spa will undergo a “face lift” beginning on June 4th. The interior will be completely refurbished to include new plaster, safety strips etcetera. Hope to have it back up to 103 degrees by Sunday June 9th.

Take a break from your spring-cleaning and come up to Tahoe and see the results of our efforts soon.

Best Regards,
Dan

Welcome to Inn by the Lake's updated web site!

2007-05-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

We just launched Inn by the Lake's updated web site. Quite candidly we still have some work to do. Please be patient with us as we add content and improve functionality. A primary goal of our new site is to foster more interaction with guests, potential guests and anyone else interested in our INN. We hope this blog will contribute to this dialog.

Moving forward we will share with you what Inn by the Lake and its Team represents. And what we are not. Travel is not only my profession but my family's favorite pastime. Thought you might be interested in some "insiders tips" on Inn by the Lake, Tahoe and travel in general.

From time to time we will also post blogs from other team members here at Inn by the Lake. Many know the secrets and pleasures of Lake Tahoe better than I.

Thank you for clicking -in. Please stay tuned!
Warm Regards,
Dan