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.

My wife and I have traveled extensively for the last 25 years. Not only was the Carta family the most hospitable hosts we have ever encountered, they were miles ahead of whoever was in second place. It made our annual visit to Fallen Leaf the most memorable of the last 20 years. Our dog Zoe did not want to leave. 5 stars isn't enough.

I stayed in the Bear's Den for 2 lovely nights the last week of May before Memorial Day. It was perfect in EVERY way. Steve, Tracy, Olivia and Nick are OUTSTANDING hosts. All the inclusions made the price point very, very affordable if you take advantage of all they offer. The bikes were great as you can bike to the popular beaches and not fight the traffic! Wine and cheese for 2 hours in the evening and a huge firepit with all the fixings for smores. The game room was great, free DVD's for your room and even board games to pay and a sauna after a long day of hiking. Peaceful and HOMEY is how I would describe it. You felt like you were visiting family and not staying in a hotel. Tracy will show you around to all the features and Steve is there is do the "manly" things, like replace light bulbs and turn on the fireplace, that he's trying to conserve electric and gas bills on, but will gladly turn it on if asked. Breakfast served by Olivia was wonderful as they pretty much don't say no to anything if they have it! I will be back and will send clients your way! I am a travel professional and this is truly one of my best finds ever and that is saying something as I have been doing this for 25 years.