Ritz-Carlton Highlands at Lake Tahoe

It’s been three years since the Ritz-Carlton broke ground on a new $300 million Lake Tahoe Resort. Well, the new five-star Ritz-Carlton Highlands opened last week, taking in its first guests Dec. 9. If early indications can be used to predict future success then I think this ski resort will do very well.

“We have bookings. The holidays look good, the winter looks good,” said Steven Holt, spokesman for the Ritz at Tahoe. This hotel is not your typical mountain resort. You won’t walk in and have a log cabin, deer-antler chandelier feel to it. Everything is more modern and contemporary – from the furniture to the bathrooms. The resort features 170 hotel rooms, 23 private residences and 25 Destination Club lodging facilities (like a time-share).

This new resort has pretty much everything you could ask for on a ski trip to Lake Tahoe. It’s ski-in, ski-out with stunning views of the mountains and lake. There is a spa and fitness center, fine dining and impeccable service. They’re currently offering a bunch of great packages to bring in new guests. Ritz-Carlton is also hoping that once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. Basic rooms start at $249/night.

For additional photos and booking information, please visit the official Ritz-Carlton Highlands website.