Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

The location beside the Gondola is hard to beat. The rooms are spacious and look recently remodeled, but the whole place echoes, and from our fifth-floor room we could hear kids and music through the doors constantly. The rooms were dirty, the shower tiles felt slimy, and staff generally weren't much help. It felt like a Holiday Inn with fresh paint. I also had to check the spending report carefully: we were charged for valet even though we had no car, which seemed sketchy. I can't see why it was included in Amex's Fine Hotels and Resorts; it was probably the worst hotel I've stayed at under that brand. If you're after a budget-friendly, kid-friendly stay, it might suit you, but I wouldn't call it a nice place.

We checked out at noon on Sunday after arriving Friday at 11 p.m. The hotel has two fountains with turtles, and the bubble-style dining area looked cute, though it was booked through the Wednesday after we left. We skipped the buffet since it looked ordinary. The room gets a $25 daily credit for food or drinks; we used ours on Saturday for a beer and a drink. The checkout service was genuinely helpful: they stored our luggage and car while we went to the nearby park. We also used the jacuzzi, where a sign gave a maximum occupancy. Kids kept coming and going unsupervised, with no guardian explaining the limit, so I can understand why chemicals are used to keep the pool clean. I'd seen someone complain there were too many chemicals, and wanted to point that out. At arrival they asked for a deposit. I believe the hidden fees were for parking, though I never got that bill, and I wouldn't count on getting the deposit back. My four stars reflect that I never received an invoice showing what it covered.

The view from our room over one of the mountains was lovely, and there was snow behind the hotel where we could play and sled. We stayed over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family, and came away with memories we'll never forget. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with modern furnishings and a large, very clean bathroom. There were lots of nice places around the hotel to take photos or sit and chat, plus several restaurants. Two things kept this from five stars. The in-room coffee maker was slow and didn't heat the water properly. I didn't raise it with the hotel, since I think they should switch to machines with water tanks. Also, one receptionist had a strong personality and spoke so loudly that it sounded like shouting, which I didn't enjoy. Still, I recommend the hotel. It was a special, emotional experience for us.

The heated pool and gym were highlights during my week at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe. My room was comfortable, with a small fridge but no microwave. There's a shared one on the second floor by the pool, which wasn't especially convenient, though it wasn't a deal-breaker. Staff were polite and helpful throughout. The hotel is right by the gondola, with shops and restaurants an easy walk away. Parking is valet only, and there's a resort fee that includes a dining credit. I ate at the hotel twice; the food was decent, nothing special. There are a lot of amenities and restaurants on site. I enjoyed my stay and would recommend it.