Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Review by UntoldMiles

Note: I was not paid nor compensated for this review. The information I share here is solely based on my personal experience. The photos below may contain both photos and videos that I took or that are owned by Hyatt and or the property.

 

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino is located within Incline Village at the north of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side. It’s surrounded by gorgeous forests and the main property is only a short walk to the lake. Some parts of this property is even beachfront.

If you’re flying in, the closest airport is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and it’s about a 45 to 50 minute drive up to this Hyatt property.

About the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

This Hyatt Regency offers over 400 rooms, including a range of suites and cottages, to accommodate families of all sizes and ensure a memorable trip. The property is divided into two main sections. The main building features the resort, spa, pool, restaurants, and casino, while the lakeside area includes the cottages and one restaurant. Both sections can be accessed either by crossing a bridge or by crossing the street.

As for amenities, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe boasts a diverse range of offerings, including a spa, multiple restaurants, casino, fitness center, heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, firepits, and daily activities for guests' enjoyment. Additionally, the property provides a complimentary shuttle service within Incline Village from 10am to 10pm for added convenience. It's worth noting, however, that the property is not a ski-in/ski-out location if you're planning a winter trip for skiing or snowboarding.

Important Note: Major renovations will begin April 1, 2024. Access to the lake, pier, and lakeside activities may not be available after this time. If you have any questions about these renovations, please do contact the property at 1-888-848-9496.

Arrival and Parking

After picking up our rental car from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), we made a quick pit stop at the conveniently located Costco near the airport to stock up on supplies before embarking on our 45-50 minute drive up the mountain to the property. The drive was smooth and hassle-free as the roads were plowed and free of ice or snow.

However, upon arriving at the property, we noticed that there were no prominent signs indicating that we have arrived. Instead, we had to keep an eye out for a small "Entrance" sign that would lead us onto the property. Once we made the right turn, we had the option to turn left for valet/check-in or go straight for self-parking.

If you're considering using a rideshare service, a standard ride for up to four passengers from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to the Hyatt Regency typically starts at $60 to $70. Alternatively, there is a shuttle service provided by North Lake Tahoe Express, although it may be more expensive than a rideshare. Another option is arranging a taxi through the hotel's concierge, though prices and availability may vary.

The property provides self-parking options at a rate of $29 per day or valet parking at $50 per day. The self-parking lot is conveniently located right next to the hotel, near the casino, and is just a short walk away. Please note that all parking is outdoors, and the property is unable to accommodate vehicles larger than a full-sized van. For guests with electric cars, there are five charging stations available, including three specifically for Tesla vehicles, located by the front of the property. To utilize these charging stations, simply inquire with the valet or front desk for assistance.

As a Globalist member redeeming points for your stay, you will receive complimentary valet parking. However, if you're a Globalist member paying for your stay with cash, it's important to note that valet parking may not be included for free, as typically only points or award stays qualify for Globalist complimentary parking. Nevertheless, exceptions may apply, and it's best to check with the hotel to confirm the specific details of your booking.

Checking-in and First Impressions

Upon landing in Reno, I wasted no time in confirming my upgraded room (Beachfront Lower Cottage) by texting the hotel from the World of Hyatt app before hitting the road to the property.

As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I pulled up to the front where valet promptly took care of my car, and I made my way into the lobby. The lobby had a charming mountain lodge style with a grand fireplace, comfortable couches, an activity center, and the check-in desk.

Check-in was a breeze. Adriana at the front desk quickly verified my reservation, room, and she also informed me about the additional benefits I was entitled to during my stay as I had booked via American Express Fine Hotels and Resort (more on that later). She then went over a map of the property with me and offered me a welcome drink. The most popular choice was champagne, but they also had two beer options and sparkling cider for non-drinkers or kids.

At check-in, you’ll also receive a coupon to exchange for a free smores kit, a welcome letter with your American Express FHR benefits, a coupon for a free item at their store, and if you’re Globalist, a complimentary breakfast voucher. We found the best value for the free item voucher is the Canvas wine which goes for $44.

How I Booked - American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts

For this booking, I did two things I usually NEVER do. The first was that I paid cash for this stay instead of using points that I’ve earned through cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the The World of Hyatt Credit Card. The second thing is that I booked this trip through a third party, American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts travel portal.

The reason for these choices was that The Platinum Card® from American Express provides us with a $200 Hotel Credit annually, but to claim this credit, we need to book through the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts travel portal. Our usual go-to for maximizing value is Las Vegas. Read our review of the Delano. However, since Vegas may not be as kid-friendly, we decided to explore a new destination, Lake Tahoe.

The cash cost for our hotel room was $339.87 plus another $56.50 resort fee, broken down below. When comparing this travel portal booking to booking directly through Hyatt, the cost was comparable with only a few dollars of difference. Considering the $200 Hotel Credit from The Platinum Card® from American Express, our total out-of-pocket cost was $139.87 per night.

Note: My resort fee was waived since I have Globalist status, per the hotel. This may not happen for you so your milage may vary.

Additional Benefits with American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts

Since I am a Globalist with Hyatt, some of the benefits I get are (when available):

  • Waived Resort Fees

  • Room Upgrades

  • 4pm Late Check-Out

  • Free Breakfast

  • Free Parking

With American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts travel portal, everyone can get the following benefits without holding any elite hotel status (when available):

  • 12pm Check-In

  • Room Upgrade

  • Complimentary Daily Breakfast ($70 credit per day)

  • $100 Property Credit (unique to each property)

  • Guaranteed 4pm Check-Out

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Note: Some hotels may not grant you elite hotel status benefits AND American Express FHR benefits. However, for us, this one did.

By booking through the American Express FHR portal, getting our $200 Hotel Credit from The Platinum Card® from American Express, a $100 property credit, free Globalist Breakfast, and the complimentary daily breakfast credit ($70 value)*, we came out ahead in terms of cost. If you do not hold elite hotel status, the American Express FHR travel portal may be the way to go when booking, especially since they offer price matching within 24 hours of booking.

*Update 2024: This property no longer allows you to double dip the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts Breakfast AND World of Hyatt Globalist Breakfast. You must choose one or the other. If you’re Globalist, the Globalist breakfast gives you more value as it covers one entree and drink for 2 adults and 2 kids (kids meals must be off the kids menu).

This property is very strict on what you can and can not get in terms of benefits mentioned above. I’ve been to many other Hyatt properties where they are very relaxed on what you can order for breakfast and how much you can order so beware of these changes. If you go on the weekends, the buffet will be the best value in terms of breakfast.

Our First Room - Beach Front Lower Cottage

We were lucky to be assigned the Beach Front Lower Cottage as our first room. Situated right by the lake, this cottage offered stunning views of Lake Tahoe and was just a stone's throw away from the sandy beaches. When we say "a few steps," we truly mean it. The picture below captures the breathtaking view from one of the back doors of our cottage. For those who may be interested, our room number was 161, located in the L building.

My family and I had an incredible experience staying at the Beach Front Lower Cottage. Tucked away from the main Hyatt Property, the cottage could be accessed via a bridge that connected the property or by driving over and parking in the private parking spaces provided for the cottages.

The cottage itself spans two floors and has an ice machine by the entrance. Our room was spacious, with a fully-equipped kitchen, a large dining table for family meals, a cozy living room complete with a fireplace and a private entrance, a comfortable bedroom with another private entrance, ample closet space, a spacious full bathroom that even had a TV embedded in the mirror, and a convenient vanity table for getting ready.

The attention to detail and prime location provided by the Beach Front Lower Cottage made our stay truly exceptional. It really felt like a vacation home with a private beach.

As you can see from the video above, our cottage is spacious and comfortable. The property has two types of cottages: "Upper" and "Lower". The Lower cottages, like the one we stayed in, come with a full kitchen, while the Upper cottages have a kitchenette. Our kitchen was fully stocked with all the essentials, including plates, mugs, bowls, baking sheets, utensils, knives, mixing bowls, pans, lids, and more. We also had a toaster, dishwasher, coffee machine, full-sized fridge and freezer, microwave, and other appliances.

The kitchen opens up to the living/dining room area. Our cottage had a large dining table with a bench seat at one end, perfect for enjoying meals together. The living room was equipped with a big TV, a cozy fireplace, and a queen-sized pullout couch. The back door led to a patio (or balcony if you're on the second floor), and there was a key for the back doors hung up on the wall by the door for easy access. The fireplace could be controlled with a remote located near the bookshelf.

As you enter the bedroom, you'll notice the king-sized bed as the centerpiece of the room. In the corner, there was a Mac computer available for guests to use during their stay. The bedroom was connected to a spacious bathroom that was fully stocked with essential amenities. In the video, you might have noticed a black square in the bathroom mirror, which is actually another TV for guests to enjoy while soaking in the extra-long tub.

On the other side of the bedroom, there was a dresser, a big TV, a comfortable lounger, two nightstands, an alarm clock with wireless charging capabilities, as well as another private entrance that led towards the lake.

This is the lakeside firepit outside our cottage. It's lit up from the early mornings until around 10pm, providing a cozy spot to gather and relax. The firepits are gas based so there is no smoke or ash to worry about. With plenty of seating options, you can comfortably roast marshmallows and make s'mores over the firepits. In the background of this photo, you can catch a glimpse of our lovely cottage on the left-hand side.

Although there is a pier on the beautiful beach of the Hyatt property, it was closed during our stay. However, I was informed that during the summer months, it's open for boats to dock. The water is incredibly clear, and the beach is pristine and well-maintained. There were plenty of activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and even swimming in the lake. For those who love beachcombing, there were some treasures like sea glass to collect, although no shells were found.

Our Second Room - Standard King Bed with Patio

We were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a standard room with a king bed for our second room, which included a patio with direct access to the pool. This room was situated on the side of the main Hyatt property, and although it was on the first floor, we had to go down only one floor from the lobby. However, it's worth noting that our room didn't connect to the main elevators, so we had to find and use a secondary elevator tucked away in a hallway.

This room is pretty standard in terms of what you’d come to expect from a standard room at a Hyatt. The king bed is comfortable, the room is clean, plenty of storage space, and even had room for a roll away bed ($25). The mini fridge is located inside the dresser area, next to the desk.

The bathroom provides all the necessities, plenty of towels, and has enough room for a few people to get ready at once. The toilet does not come with a bidet. I found the water pressure and temperature excellent, especially for a hotel.

Our room opens up to a patio with outdoor seating. Through the sliding glass door, you have direct access to the gated pool area.

Amenities and Facilities

Pool

The pool is a centerpiece at this property. It’s usable year-round since it is heated during the winter months. During our stay, the pool was heated to 90F and the hot tubs were heated to 102F. The kids only pool was not open during our stay. The pool is open from 8am to 10pm.

Photo by World of Hyatt

A unique feature of the pool is that there is a swim out and bathroom area on one side. There is also a water fountain and storage here for you to use. The door here leads out to the spa and fitness center.

Pool towels can be found in a storage area directly across from the main pool entrance, connected to the main Hyatt building. They do come out heated. Used towels can also be returned in this area, in a marked bin.

Firepits

There are two main firepits on this property. The first one was covered in the cottage review. It’s situated over by the beach. The second firepit is centrally located to the main building and is adjacent to the pool.

Fitness Center

The fitness center, located on the lower level, consists of two rooms - one for stretching and light weights, and the other with a comprehensive gym setup. The fitness center is open 24 hours and requires a room key for access. In the main room, you’ll find various cardio equipment such as Peloton bikes, treadmills, Stairmasters. By the front of the fitness center you can also find fresh towels, headphones, and a water station.

Towards the back of the fitness center, you’ll find two full set of dumbbells, curl bars, two cable stations, and various other fitness equipment.

Spa

Photo by World of Hyatt

The Stillwater Spa and Salon provides a comprehensive list of services and includes steam rooms and saunas for spa guests. The spa is located on the lower level, past the fitness center. The spa is open from 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Wednesday and 9:30am to 6pm Thursday to Sunday. You can find a full list of services and contact information here.

Laundry

There are no on site laundry services available.

Regency Club

The Regency Club was closed during Covid-19 and never re-opened. Unsure if this property plans on reopening this club in the future. You can find old memories of this club in the elevator by button 11 and an old wooden plaque and door which I assume leads to the old Regency Club.

Camp Hyatt

Camp Hyatt is available at some Hyatt properties. It’s purpose is a kids day camp where they do activities, movies, and lunch/snacks. Much like the Regency Club, Camp Hyatt is currently closed.

On-Site Eats and Drinks

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offers 7 different dining options (varies by season).

Lone Eagle Grill

This restaurant is located beachside by the cottages, overlooking the pier and lake. Here, you’ll find steaks, game meats, seafood, as well as vegetarian meals all using local ingredients. You can find more information here. Make a reservation here. Hours vary but you can find that here.

Sierra Café

This is the main breakfast eatery at the Hyatt. Since the Regency Club is closed, Globalists and those that booked through Amex FHR get their complimentary breakfast here. You can view the menu here. The Sierra Café is open from 7am to 11:30am daily. They also offer a kids menu for those under 12. They do not accept cash here so you must pay using card or billed to your room. On the weekends, they offer an amazing breakfast buffet for $35/person (I believe). If you are planning a trip here, I highly recommend staying here over the weekend to experience the breakfast buffet. Unsure if the buffet is offered during your stay? Contact the hotel directly.

Breakfast buffet review at the end of this dining section.

Cutthroat’s Saloon

From 5pm to 10pm, you can enjoy drinks and quality food at the Cutthroat’s Saloon. They do not offer room service but you can order for pick up and have it billed to your room. To view their menu and contact info, click here. If you’re looking for drinks, Mary at the bar will take good care of you.

We tried their:

  • Meat Lover’s Pizza

  • Steak and Shrimp

  • Simply Grilled Salmon

  • Grilled Angus Burger

  • Kid’s Cheeseburger

  • Loaded Saloon Nachos

  • Chicken Wings (Buffalo)

Overall, the food was decent. Everything was hot and seasoned well. The only con is that the food is expensive (much like anything on property/in the town of Incline Village). Note: They do have additional dessert items not found on their menu on the website. Ask for them at the bar.

Tahoe Provisions & Tahoe To Go

This is little spot is their market, coffee shop, and souvenir shop. You can find a wide variety of trinkets, clothing, frozen meals, salads, ice cream, drinks, alcohol, candy, chips, baked goods, and other light meal options. This is also where you go to pick up your free s’mores kit! Looking for a microwave? There is one here as well.

You can pick up or have the items/foods delivered to your room for a small charge. They are open from 7am to 10pm. To view their menu/place an online order, click here.

Sillwater Pool Bar and Grill

You can find poolside grill items, sides, and beverages here. It’s open daily.

Pier 111 Bar

Here, you’ll find handcrafted cocktails while you enjoy the views of the lake while on suspended over Lake Tahoe on the pier. It is not open during the winter season.

The Nest Bar & Grill and Beach Service

“Savor the breathtaking views of the High Sierra Mountains rising around the misty waters of magnificent, mystical Lake Tahoe. Spend the day, swimming, relaxing, boating, sailing and "getting away from it all" on our sandy beach, and then enjoy our special brand of casual dining in Lake Tahoe without having to leave the shore. Relish the fun, good times and the great food - fresh and piping hot off the grill! Barbeque favorites are served daily for lunch with frozen drinks on our outdoor picnic tables.”

This is not available during the winter season. You can view the Nest menu and hours here.

Weekend Breakfast Buffet

The breakfast buffet is offered on weekends at the Sierra Café. This is a quick review of the food items you can find there. The breakfast buffet is a really good value compared to their menu items purely based on variety and pricing.

The centerpiece of the buffet room consists of various baked goods. Here you can find different types of croissants, muffins, Danishes, loafs, Greek Yogurt, dry cereals, milk, and more.

On one side of the buffet, you'll discover an array of refreshing fruit juices, freshly-cut fruits, jams, whipped cream, and a medley of grilled vegetables including mushrooms, asparagus, peppers, and much more.

Continuing down the one side, you’ll find smoked salmon, deli meats, different cheeses, boiled eggs, and a few toppings such as onions, capers, different spreads, and more. Sorry for the poor quality photos, the lighting was very low in here.

On another side of the buffet, you’ll find the popular dish, eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce, cheese blitzes with strawberry preserve, chicken and pork sausages,

In the corner of the buffet you’ll find a toaster for the breads and bagels. Next to this is the classic scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes.

Not pictured above are additional dishes such as oatmeal with an array of toppings, pancakes and syrup, waffles with berry compote, ham and swiss frittata, and more.

We were lucky enough to have access to the breakfast buffet twice during our stay and enjoyed it each time! The variety of food is great for both kids and adults. The price is great versus the menu items. Dishes may vary daily.

Grand Lodge Casino

The Grand Lodge Casino is connected to the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe main building. You can enter the casino from the lobby of the Hyatt or from the guest parking lot. This casino is open 24 hours a day and is NOT non-smoking. You do need to be 21+ to be in the casino. Checking in at the Hyatt, you’ll get a promotional $5 coupon to use at the casino. The coupon terms are that if you put up $5 of your own money and win on select games, you’ll earn an additional $5 on top of your winnings.

The Grand Lodge Casino is a sprawling casino that caters to a diverse range of gamblers, offering an extensive selection of games to suit all preferences. With options ranging from penny slots to high-stakes tables, virtual card games to craps, poker to blackjack, there is something for everyone.

Half of the casino is made up of slot machines while the other half consists of an open space with various table games.

In the middle of the casino, you’ll find a bar with plenty of seats as well as gaming screens, and many TVs to watch the games or anything else.

Not pictured is an ATM machine by the casino’s cashier. The ATM has certain hours where you can’t pull cash out so be aware of that. During our stay, the casino wasn’t very busy.

Nearby

We made two stops during our short two day stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. The first stop we made was Costco which was only a short 7 minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). We grabbed some snacks, a light lunch, and also filled up our rental truck here on the way back to the hospital.

Our second stop was a local grocery store, Raley’s. It’s a 4 minute drive from the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe property (you can use the free hotel shuttle to here). It’s a huge grocery store with everything you can find (maybe even more) at your local store. The prices are pretty good for a lot of their products. We made sure to stock up on drinks, snacks, and went out of our way to purchase additional s’mores supplies since the s’mores kit from the hotel is very minimal. Graham crackers, marshmallows, and candy bars at Raley’s only cost us under $10.

Activities

At the entrance of the hotel, you’ll find an activities desk. Here, you’ll find a variety of paid activities as well as free activities which are available for you and your family to enjoy. Tahoe Adventure runs the activities and advance reservations are required to participate in any activity. Below is a QR code for more information. Their email is TahoeAdventures@hyatt.com.

The activities desk also provides a weather report during the winter season for those that ski or snowboard.

Throughout the year, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe may host themed events for their guests. During our stay, the hotel hosted an Easter event which included an Easter Egg Hunt, Disco, Snacks, Drinks, and Photos with the Easter Bunny. I think it’s nice that the hotel puts effort into events like this for their guests. Unfortunately, I found this event poorly managed which allowed selfish parents to ruin the event for the kids.

Final Thoughts

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino is a well-rounded property that caters to a wide range of guests, from leisure travelers to business travelers and families alike. As the property undergoes a remodel, I am eager to see the updates and will update my review accordingly. If you’re planning to visit, I highly recommend visiting before April 1, 2024 since that is when they’re scheduling the remodel.

One aspect that stood out to me was how family-friendly (and pet friendly) the property is, with plenty of activities for kids even during the winter months. There were MANY dogs here during our stay. I am already planning a return trip during the summer to explore more of what this property has to offer. This Hyatt provides a cozy and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, which was especially appealing to me as a city dweller.

When booking, I highly recommend using the Amex FHR travel portal to take advantage of additional benefits, and with their price match policy, it's a risk-free option. While some of the Globalist benefits were impacted due to the closure of the Regency Club, the property offers free Globalist Breakfast, has many dining options on-site, and a nearby grocery store for more affordable meal options.

Special mentions to Milda at the front desk who went above and beyond to help us out during our stay, Karen our server at the Sierra Café that took amazing care of us, and two people at the Cutthroat Saloon, Jason and Mary who went out of their way to resolve an issue for me and made me whole on a miscommunication/delayed order. If you see any of these people, know that you’re in good hands.

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