My wife, myself and our teenage son stayed at the Fireside Lodge n early June 2021. After 18 months of WFH and distance learning we all needed some time away from the house and the city. Tahoe was a perfect choice for that getaway. And upon arrival at the Fireside we felt immediately comfortable. Other families, back for another stay, were greeted as returning friends. Steve and Tracy greet their guests by first name. This is not like any hotel you've stayed at before. You can tell Steve & Tracy and family really love accommodating their guests, they are the most convivial hosts you will ever meet, and their guests love them. It's a cliche but the personal attention really does make you feel like family.

Tahoe is beautiful. That much sells itself. The lake, the mountains, the trails. What isn't so great is the over the top Vegas vibe one gets in downtown South Tahoe. Not the chill mountain town you might be looking for. Fireside Lodge is perfect if you are looking for somewhere away from all that madness. It's a short drive back into to town for dinner or groceries. Or there are a few restaurants within walking distance (if you like a walk). It's a much more pleasant location all thing considered.

Then take into consideration the proximity to the beaches and the activities on the West side of the lake. Pope Beach, Emerald Lake, Cascade Lake, Fallen Leaf are all just minutes away. The Fireside courtesy bikes make for a fun day out to the Kiva Beach, and be sure to stop at Camp Richardson General Store for sandwiches on the way. Delicious.

After a day of hiking or biking or beach lounging there is Happy Hour back at the Fireside to enjoy. Meet other guests, discuss the music selection of the day with Steve, enjoy the selection of wine and cheese & crackers. Later, enjoy complementary smores around the firepit. Steve is always doing the rounds to make sure the ship is running right and no one is without anything the need. The dogs are always around too, looking for some loving or mischief. It's a very dog friendly accommodation.

Breakfast is handled with military precision and guests are given all they need to get the day off to a good start. The waffles and french vanilla coffee are still missed around here. Tracy or Olivia are always available to offer recommendations for day activities, with local insider secrets the average tourist would not usually get to be aware of.

A lovely 30-40 minute drive from the Fireside is the Donner Pass Monument if you feel like a bit of historical culture day trip. We also had an audio tour guide on the phone and spent a day taking a slow lap around the lake. A beautiful drive with incredible views of the mountains and lake.

The worst thing about going on vacation is coming home. But we all hope to get back up to the Fireside Lodge one day. It's just too good to stay away for long.

Edit: I really hope the fires Tahoe is experiencing now do not get to the Fireside. I know the city has been evacuated and I feel dreadful for the family. After a year plus of struggling with Covid lockdowns, keeping the Lodge open and running, to have to deal with this now. Everyone there is in our thoughts.