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Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe: Traveler Reviews

2.0 of 5
4083 Cedar Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (Formerly Viking Motor Lodge)
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155 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
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    67
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Date Rating
Munich, Germany
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“Affordable even near Christmas”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed September 26, 2012

I stayed here on three different occasions in the Winter of 2011. I've never had a problem with the room, it was clean and the heater worked magically. We personally didn't have much interaction with the staff but things seemed to be running smoothly.Additionally the rooms were often full, yet we were never disturbed by loud guests.

The location is also great. Its steps from the Nevada border and the big Casinos and a short drive from both Heavenly Resort entrances. Heavenly Village right next to the casinos, on the California side, is a small shopping area that often has entertainment and a miniature outdoor iceskating rink. There is also a tiny taco stand right around the corner, open at unknown times, that I quite recommend.

The could improve is the breakfast. Only stale bagels and tasteless fruit were available(but it looks like the staff have been working on that). Big Pine usually has good rates available on their website and in addition there tend to be Groupon and/or Zozi deals active. I've always gotten good value for my money and I'd stay here again

  • Stayed December 2011, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask schmoy about Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ruben Z, Guest Relations Manager at Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe, responded to this review
September 28, 2012
Hi,

Thanks so much for your business and feedback!

We will keep improving our breakfast!

Please come back soon!

Thanks again!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Toronto
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“reasonable price, decent room and breakfast buffet - not far from lake”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed September 22, 2012

One of the first things that stood out was the long list of DOs and DON'Ts on signs and in the paperwork... I suspect they get their share of party people who need a reminder of the rules. There's a small outdoor pool aside the parking lot (we didn't swim there though). To use the beach they give you a private beach pass (the beach is private and the passes used by many motels) and it's a fairly quick walk (5 min drive) to get there. The motel's breakfast area is small and fills up very fast on the weekend. The buffet was basic but adequate. Overall decent value.

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask jay m about Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ruben Z, Guest Relations Manager at Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe, responded to this review
September 23, 2012
Hi Jay,

Thanks for your business and your feedback.

We are glad that you were here, we work very hard to make your stay nice and affordable. We will keep improving our breakfast.

Please come back soon!

Thanks again!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
San Jose, CA
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Clean and Quiet”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed September 9, 2012

We spent 5 days here just last month. I found this motel via the internet and it sounded pretty nice. We were not disappointed. The room was larger than several other places we have stayed, and the housekeeping was first rate. This motel must be doing something right; it was either full or very close to that each night we were there! And yet, it was amazingly quiet at night. There is a nice deck with tables, chairs and umbrellas - perfect for playing our continuous domino tournament and just enjoying the sunshine.

The only drawbacks are:
The 'breakfast; - it was really poor; after the first morning we fended for ourselves!
The towels - often VERY thin and stained, which we sure didn't expect!

All in all, the Big Pines is a nice place to stay, within walking distance of the shops, casinos, and private beach. Too bad the 'war zone', as we call it, is right across the street, but that is no fault of the motel. I guess it will be there forever, since the developers/backers have reportedly gone bankrupt.

We plan to stay at Big Pines again next summer on our annual sojourn to Tahoe.

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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See 2 more reviews by goldilocksSanJoseCA for South Lake Tahoe
Ask goldilocksSanJoseCA about Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ruben Z, Public Relations Manager at Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe, responded to this review
September 11, 2012
Hi,

We thank you very much for your review and feedback.

We work very hard to make your stay nice and affordable, thanks to customers like you we can improve and be motivated by this great review.

Please come back soon and tell a friend about us!

Thanks again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CA
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Uncommon Service”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 30, 2012

Great experience from check in to leaving, clean room, friendly staff. The uncommon extra mile effort was when Nicole assisted me to take care of an important, time sensitive business matter which required the use of the office computer and fax. I inquired where i might find a Kinko's and without hesitation Nicole offered her technology resources. This took place after i had already checked out! From time to time people need a helping hand but in my experience it is uncommon to find folks who will offer it. Big Pines Mountain House is the exception, thank you for a wonderful stay!

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask froiesman about Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ruben Z, Guest Relations Manager at Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe, responded to this review
September 14, 2012
Hi,

Thanks you, thank you, thank you. Your review and your business are truly appreciated.

Having friendly and helpful staff is always our goal, Nichole is one of our best clerks.

Thanks again.

Please come back soon!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GRANITE BAY
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
12 hotel reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
“Average old motel”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed August 26, 2012

We stayed at The Big Pines Mountain House for 3 nights in August to get away from the heat in the valley. Our room #131 had 2 queen beds and was of adequate size. The room had a microwave, a refrigerator, a safe an iron and ironing board and coffee maker. The sink was outside the bathroom which is always a plus. The beds were fine with plenty of pillows. We were on the first floor and as this is an old building the floor above squeaked every time a footstep was taken in the room above as it did from the hallways. The walls are very thin and every plumbing noise made in rooms above or adjacent was very loud. The pool was supposedly heated but even on the very warm days we were there the water was very cold.The beach which is shared with several motels is 5 blocks away and is very nice with rental equipment and food. The continental breakfast was very poor . The oatmeal cooked in a crockpot was terrible. There was no bread for toast,only bagels with no cream cheese and some granola. If you go the price is good, but stay on the top floor,plan breakfast out and go in the pool if you are a polar bear.

Room Tip: There is no elevator, but go for the top floor only
See more room tips
  • Stayed August 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Saturday8 about Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ruben Z, Public Relations Manager at Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe, responded to this review
August 28, 2012
Hi,

Thank you very much for your business and your feedback.

We are a family owned business that works very hard to make your stay nice and affordable.

Thanks for letting us know the areas we need to improve on, we promise we will make it better until we get it perfect for you.

Thanks again!

We hope to see you soon!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
 
 
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Additional Information about Big Pines Mountain House of Tahoe

Also Known As:
Big Pines Mountain House Of Tahoe Hotel
Big Pines Mountain House Of Tahoe Hotel South Lake Tahoe
Big Pines Mountain Lake Tahoe
Big Pines Mountain House
Address: 4083 Cedar Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (Formerly Viking Motor Lodge)
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > Lake Tahoe (California) > South Lake Tahoe
Amenities:
Business Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Kitchenette Pets Allowed Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #24 of 68 hotels in South Lake Tahoe
Price Range: $
Hotel Class:2 star (2*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Big Pines Mountain House is conveniently located in the center of South Lake Tahoe, within walking distance to major attractions - Heavenly Ski resort, the casinos and the Lake itself. We offer clean, comfortable and affordable rooms. Free wi-fi, complimentary breakfast, heated seasonal pool and the location make us the best value in town. Do not leave your pets behind, we will be happy to accept them in our hotel. Come visit us! Our friendly staff is always here to help you to make your Tahoe getaway simply fun! ... more   less 
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