We will be the FIRST to tell you, we are not outdoor adventure people. Hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, and camping? Nope. We are glampers and enjoyers of worldly comforts. That does NOT however mean we don’t enjoy nature. We absolutely LOVE nice walks along the beach as well as admiring landscapes and enjoying the weather. So, when we decided to go to Tahoe, we knew our hotel choices would be really important because our motivation for this trip was to get away and relax.
There are some trips where you already know you are going to spend more time outside exploring and going to major sites for most of the day. For those trips, we honestly feel you can have a hotel that is not super luxurious and save on the hotel to spend on activities (or shopping 😊.) We knew we would be exploring the lake and all the surrounding areas but again, since we are not avid hikers, we had already budgeted time in to relax and chill at the hotel of choice.
North Tahoe is one of those places. We could not contain our excitement as we were planning this mini vacation. After MONTHS of staying home courtesy of Covid, we were more than ready to get out and explore. We had been scouring the internet for activities and we would end up staring at the stunning landscapes and pristine waters instead. We decided to spend one night in North Tahoe and one night in South Tahoe (You can read about our South Tahoe stay here). Many friends and family had recommended both and we couldn’t decide.
SpringHill Suites Marriott Truckee
We wanted to stay within the Bonvoy family and there were not many options in North Tahoe. There was the Ritz-Carlton ($$$$) but to be honest, Aamir and I didn’t want to spend so much when many of the famed hotel amenities were closed due to Covid. We then came across SpringHill Suites. It falls under the Select Category which is mid-range. I was not super excited when the option came up. BUT then I saw the property. It opened it doors LESS THAN 2 months ago!! Everything was brand new. SOLD!
Covid Precautions
This was at the forefront of all of our bookings and planning. We wanted to do the most due diligence possible on our end so that we were comfortable staying in a hotel. That required us to look into what their current protocols were for the hotel and its’ guest. The Marriott Group has implemented a global company wide procedure that all properties use as a guideline for their specific locations. Some of the protocols vary based on the location of the property as well as the current Covid status in their respective area. For more information check out their official travel advisories here.
The Springhill Suites in Truckee had the following protocols in place
- Physical distance between the reception desk and guest
- Social Distancing signs throughout property
- Limit of one family per elevator
- Mask requirement for guest and employees while on property
- Gym access by reservation only
- Pool access by reservation only
- Minimal contact breakfast (more details below)
- Common areas closed for sitting
- Limited Housekeeping
With these measures put in place, we can confidently say that there was never a moment during our stay that we felt like our health might be compromised. It was great to see other guest also heeding the rules and generally speaking people were aware of the social distance even when passing by in the common areas.
What was Included in Our Room Rate
The great thing about this property is, as the name suggest, its all-suites. So you know you are already getting a large room. (Great for families) Our room had the following:
- King Bed
- Sofa bed + Trundle Bed
- Desk
- Mini fridge
- Microwave
- Flat screen TV with cable
- Standing shower (no tub)
- Single Serving Coffee Maker
The rate also included
- Hot breakfast (under normal circumstances, during Covid it was a pre-bagged breakfast)
- Basic Internet (Because we are Gold Members we upgraded to high speed at no extra cost)
- Free on-site parking (a big plus when you are in a town like Tahoe where everything is pricey)
The Room
You know how sometimes you see pictures and you get super excited about something and then in real like you’re like… nope. Well, I am happy to say this room LIVED up to the expectations we had. It was bright and there was plenty of room for us to move around and not get in each-others way. The bed was nice as soft and the linens were very comfortable.
I will say for a little person like me, the bed is a little high. It is actually higher than the side tables so just know that going in (I may. have dropped a few things while reaching or putting things down) We didn’t actually sit on the sofa so we cant tell you if they are comfortable or not, but they were by West Elm and from experience their furniture is well made.
The Bathroom
Nice and bright as well as bathrooms go, we wish there was a tub, but that’s because as you all know, Sophie is a Tub snob. Normally, within this tier of hotels a tub is not common so there was no major surprise. The mirrors were well lit and there was sufficient space. The bathroom also came with basic prepackaged hair toiletries and a hair dryer. Nothing fancy but if you forget your own and are in a pinch, you are covered. A dental kit however, was NOT included so make sure you pack your toothbrush.
**One thing to note- The water pressure was super slow. This is probably the ONE thing that was not amazing about this property. We have become spoiled when it comes to having showers with great water pressure. Even in the smallest room in Paris we never had this problem. There was plenty of hot water (which is important if you are going to a ski town during winter) We just wish the pressure of the water was better.
The Property
We knew when we were booking this location that this was not a resort and we chose this location due to its proximity to the beaches around the North Tahoe area. For our intents and purposes this location worked really well. We were able to get into town and back in no time at all. If you are looking for a place that has more on-site activities, look into a resort. As mentioned before, this property is brand new so everything was super super clean. The common areas were all spotless, even more so because of COVID SOP’s.
Breakfast
So, this was one of the aspects that we were interested in experiencing first-hand due to the changes in Covid. The pre-Covid hot breakfast was not an option and we wanted to know what was being done in lieu.
Breakfast was served from 6:30 AM- 9:30 AM near the reception area. The seating areas were all closed off for safety and there was a dedicated staff member in charge of handling the pre-packed bags.
We really appreciated that they have a system in place where you can choose your breakfast option:
- Bagel
- Cereal
- Pastry
Once you select your choice, they hand you all the parts of your chosen option. Obviously, this is not a lavish breakfast but again, for us, our priority was getting out to explore as soon as possible so this worked. All the items were individually packaged within the bag.
We ended up choosing the Bagel Option as well as the Pastry Option. There were plenty of items in each bag which was a welcome surprise for both of us and since we were anxious to get out and about, we ended up keeping the granola bars in the car for snacks (yay snacks)
All items inside the bag were fresh and were not bad at all taste-wise. The only bump in the road came in terms of the bagel. Totally personal preference, but we prefer our bagels toasted so without a toaster in the room it was one of the things we saved for later. No biggie, and also, we weren’t staying here for the breakfast, it was just an added bonus. There are PLENTY of great local cafes and food options to satisfy your foodie cravings.
The Pool/Spa and Gym
Not gonna lie, the pool at this location is small. Like a square. There was a reservation policy to book the pool but after seeing the size, we decided to pass, I was not about to get my blow dry messed up if I could avoid it.
Currently the spa was closed off due to Covid.
The Gym was well equipped and well lit. It was also on a reservation base to maintain social distancing. So, how much did we work out? We walked right by the gym (at a fast pace), lol. We were more focused on getting our steps in outdoors and enjoying walks along the lake shore.
Final Thoughts
We really enjoyed having a chance to get away and immerse ourselves into a little bit of nature, having a new hotel to enjoy was the icing on the cake. Would we go back? Absolutely. We are already day dreaming about how beautiful the lake and the surrounding mountains looks during the winters when there is snow!
For more information on this property and to book your stay please check out their official website
We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!
-xoxo Sophie and Aamir
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Looking for resort style stay in South Tahoe? Check out our stay at this great resort.
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72 Comments
Good choice of hotel! The room looks nice and I just want to jump on that bed! Will definitely shortlist it for when we go next.
The bed was soo soft!!! very jump-worthy for sure! This was a very family friendly location and because it was new we really felt safe with the pandemic situation 🙂
Thanks guys for posting another amazingly helpful review. Wish we read it before our last trip…but since that was not our last trip to beautiful Lake Tahoe, now we will be better equipped with info you shared!
We are glad you found the review helpful. Tahoe is a destination we would go back to again as well 🙂
This is super helpful!! I’ve been wanting to go there for the longest time, really good to know the precautions the hotels are taking. Def need to visit soon!!
Absolutely! It was a big relief on our end to know that the hotels were taking extra care during this time. After taking this trip we feel safer and more confident to plan our next getaway:)
Well done guys. Thanks for sharing. Def some great insight and useful info. Now I just gotta get some vacation time under my belt. Keep it up
We are soo glad you enjoyed the post! You 10000% need to get some vacation time! Much needed especially during this time
What a super great post! It must have been a little strange during covid times but it sounds & looks like this hotel did a great job of complying with the regulations and it looks like such a beautiful place too! I’d love to visit Tahoe and will definitely keep this review saved for a later time!
Thank you, glad you liked the post! The entire experience was unqiue during Covid and was a learning curve for us as guests as well. Tahoe is spectacular!
Thank you for sharing. We are definitely glampers as well haha. This is a spot I will have to keep in mind though – good note about the water pressure 👍
Yayyy more glampers ( we have to stick together ) and yes water pressure!!!! a pet peeve for both of us.
Wow so lovely, I would love to see the pool but as you say it’s small
so no need. The breakfast is lovely but seems it’s to carry out and go about your day
In hindsight we wish we would have taken a photo of the pool as well :(. The breakfast was for sure a grab and go process. Due to Covid they dont want people to linger.
Lol I am the complete opposite. I don’t mind camping (love glamping) so we hardly ever budget time just to relax at our hotel. Still, this hotel looks so lovely, even I’d be able to chill for a while here. 🙂
Nice! Sometimes its nice to be able to fully enjoy the outdoors. The bed was soo nice we wanted to just Veg out but the Lake managed to pull us out of the room 🙂
This seems like a lovely hotel. I’m glad to see places are continuing to be as safe as possible during Covid!
We were very satisfied with the precautions they were taking. It is hard in the hospitality industry so we appreciated all their efforts to keep everyone safe 🙂
It’s great that the hotel were so safe during this time and it looks like you had a beautiful trip and went outside of your comfort zone! Can’t wait to read more of your adventures!
Thank you Rachel, we were surprised at how much we enjoyed our experience outdoors. Fingers crossed we are able to safely go back soon!
This hotel looks pretty nice! I need to go on a vacation too. 🙂
It is a great new property and North Tahoe was super peaceful with some really stunning views 🙂
We are Bonvoy members as well and choose the brand every chance we get. We have never been disappointed with any of the categories. Great review of the Springhill!
Bonvoy has a lot of amazing properties. This was the first time we were staying in this category level and we were pleasantly surprised. We are glad you liked the review 🙂
This hotel looks lovely! And it’s great to learn about the COVID precautions they are taking. I have put off traveling so far this year because of the pandemic, so it’s reassuring to learn about how hotels are keeping visitors safe. Tgahnks for the great guide!
It was a very homey and comfortable space and we enjoyed our stay. There are tonss of people who are hesitating and honestly, we dont blame anyone, its a scary time and you and your families health should always come first. These precautions did go a long way in reassuring us. Fingers crossed we all get through this and can safely get back to exploring 🙂
Lake Tahoe is an amazing place to visit! So many great memories of staying there over the years for the great hiking, boating and just relaxing. The Springfield looks so nice and a bonus that it’s so new too. 😁
Next time we visit we want to go boating and maybe see some snow! Right now with Covid we were extra cautious and just relaxed. A new hotel is ALWAYS a win 🙂 we got really lucky
I have always wanted to visit Tahoe. This hotel looks amazing. Nice to hear they are taking safety precautions. Will be pinning so I remember where to book when I go. Awesome post and thanks for sharing your review on this hotel.
Tahoe was a great town and we are fans. We highly recommend visiting. Just keep an eye out for hotel rates because it can get $$$. We are glad you enjoyed the review 🙂
I am glad you had such a lovely time. This property is definitely a one to look out for. It’s great the hotel is taking all the precautions!
It was a much needed mini break. We had so many travel plans this year but Covid turned everything topsy turvy. This was a great relaxing trip.
Tahoe is such a gorgeous place! I’m glad you were able to go there to get away from everything for a while. I’d love to go back again.
We fell in LOVE! We cant wait to go during the winters to see the mountains with all the snowfall. NOW we get why everyone is in love with Tahoe.
I’ve been reluctant to stay at any hotel since the pandemic hit. So it’s reassuring to read about your experience and all the precautions Marriott is taking. And what a lovely place to stay in Tahoe!
We were super reluctant to even plan a trip, the other hotel we stayed at in South Tahoe was also a Marriott Family hotel and they really are on top of their safety and hygeine game. 🙂
Very cool that it’s brand new! I’d love to visit Lake Tahoe and will look into staying here!
New hotels are the BEST, especially with all the cleanliness and COVID precautions.
Looks like such a nice stay. And so good to se ether precautions they are taking across all their hotels!
oh for sure! the Covid procedures were the deciding factor for us to even THINK about traveling. It was very heartening and re assuring 🙂
Looks like a great stay! I want to visit Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas soon so I’ll be referring back to this post
yay! we are glad you enjoyed the post! We hope you get to go experience the Lake Tahoe Area first hand!
I’ve been contemplating if I want to visit Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Lakes next month. This hotel looks really nice….and clean!
It was great! the entire area is soo picturesque! We stayed at another hotel in south tahoe as and will be posting about that one this week. Check that out as well and we hope you have an AMAZING getaway 🙂
Looks like a great place to stay in! Lovely post, thanks for sharing your review – super helpful!
Thank you for appreciating the post, we enjoyed the experience 🙂
I love the way you preface with “we are not outdoor adventure people”. We aren’t either! I’m a hotel girl all the way. AND we live pretty close to Truckee, so…on the list this goes!
lol, we a like to be 1000% transparent, you will not catch us out and out camping so we figured its easier to share the experiences that are relatable and we are jealous of how close you are to Truckee, the entire area was STUNNING.
What great accommodations! Thanks so much for sharing. Next time we go on a California road trip we will definitely have to check out this locations! 🙂
Yass! It was super convenient and so so very near the stunning lake 🙂
I would love to visit Lake Tahoe! Thanks for the awesome review, now I know where to stay when finally make it there 🙂
You will LOVE Tahoe, we were very skeptical before going but we fell in love with the area. We are glad you enjoyed the review 🙂
I’ve never been to Tahoe but have always wanted to go! Thanks for this hotel review, it sounds like Springhill Suites would be a good choice for when I make the trip.
The property is a GREAT choice if you want to be close to nature and enjoy Tahoe. We hope you get a chance to make the trip soon.
I want to visit Tahoe so bad! I have never been and have lived in California all of my life. The Springhill Suites looks like a great place to stay and I like the measures they are taking. I like that you get some food as well!
You 100% must make a trip to Tahoe. You will fall in love with the lake and all the outdoor activities. North Tahoe was super zen and a much needed getaway during Covid.
Your workout is my type of workout on vacation! Haha. Looks like a great place to stay – and like they have their covid-19 policies well versed and practical which is super important.
yess!! lol we are VERRY hard workers on vacay, and the covid policies really were well executed and easy to follow 🙂
I wish we explored Lake Tahoe when we had the chance while living in CA. It looks so relaxing & beautiful! Similar to my home state of WA & nothing like what I was seeing in SoCal. 😀
Look at the bright side, now you have a reason to come back to Cali 🙂 It really was relaxing and a change from the beaches here.
This looks like a really nice place! That room looks plush – and glad to hear of their safety protocols. I understand the breakfast aspect but it’s nice to have something to go on before you head out for the day!
Plush is the PERFECT word!! (stealing the word for later use) it was all soft and fluffy and if there wasnt so much to do outdoors we would have loved to just languish in bed with the TV on. We can honestly overlook the breakfast because of the times we are in right now 🙂
Love when I see hotels taking precautions for Covid! It’s so relieving and makes it easier to get out and travel during this time.
YESSS, the hotels taking initiatives and being proactive really goes a loong way to make potential travelers comfortable 🙂
I am inspired to take a trip to Tahoe now! Which side is in California? The South side? The views in your photos were beautiful. 😍
The South side is California 🙂 We just posted about our south Tahoe Stay https://flyeatandrepeat.com/grand-residences-hotel-review-south-tahoe 🙂 have a look, and thank you soo much for the photo appreciation, we are always trying to get good shots
So envious that you’re back out there exploring again!
It took a minute for us to get there lol! but yes, we feel EVERYONE deserves a break. Hopefully you can join the wanderers soon!
I LOVE Lake Tahoe! I got married on the north shore a few years ago. This is a great guide! I’ll definitely be looking into this place for future trips back!
What a stunning location for a wedding! We hope you can go back soon and we appreicate that you found this post helpful 🙂
What a cute place! Definitely pinning for a future trip!
It is SUCH a peaceful and stunning location. You will have a great time!