South Lake Tahoe

We recently spent two nights at the Black Bear Inn, at South Lake Tahoe, CA.

The price was a little more than the next alternate I had, however when I considered the cost of breakfast, which was included with our rate and the fact that there is wine and cheese for guests every evening, I figured it was worth the difference to stay somewhere a little bit more special, compared to a standard chain hotel.

I booked on line via the Inns own website. There are five main rooms within the main building itself, and three log cabins. The website appears to be the main method of making a reservation, and they keep it right up to date availability wise. I picked a mid priced room at $220 US per night the Falling Leaf Room, rooms ranged from $200 to $240, depending on their size and features. We made the reservation, and it was confirmed back to us via email. Rates are discounted for stays of more than three nights, from between $25 and $50, depending on the stay length.

Location wise, the hotel was well situated, just a few blocks from the main drag at South Lake Tahoe, (Restaurants, Casinos, and therefore not very far from the Nevada State Line. Based on Ski Run Boulevard, there are also 3-4 restaurants to choose from locally, and the property is ideal for both winter and summer visitors, being close to the Ski slopes.

On arrival we were greeted by one of the Innkeepers, who showed us to our room, and also gave us a tour of the accommodation and passed on information about breakfast and the wine and cheese hour etc. The Great Room is the lounge area where everyone can sit and congregate over the wine, and the room is simply stunning, two storeys in height with the upstairs landings looking down into it. There is an ample seating area, including two wonderful sofas, completely adorned with cushions, as well as a variety of armchairs and the dining tables which are be used for breakfast. There is no shortage of reading matter either, great if you have had enough of the outdoor life for an hour or two. Neither is there a shortage of personal touches, the whole house being adorned with interesting artwork and artefacts.

Our room was wonderful, with a small balcony overlooking the back yard, which contained neat gardens working around the trees and the cabins, and there was also a hot tub for guest use. We soon decided that we had made a mistake spending only one night at Lake Tahoe and we opted for an additional night. This did mean a room change, as when you make the reservation you select the room you want as well, however while normally that might be a headache, in this case we got to stay in another of the wonderful rooms. (the Washoe room on the ground floor, and I believe the shower would be suitable for wheelchair users).

The bathroom itself both had huge showers, ample toiletries, including a very thoughtful lip balm (skiers especially), and Ralph Lauren towels.

Our first wine and cheese time, and a choice of red or white wine is offered, branded with the Black Bear Inn logo and served in their own engraved glasses. The wine and cheese is available from 5pm-6pm, and is quite a civilised way to meet other guests, after a days exploring or sporting activity.

Throughout our stay, I found it was the little touches that are the attention to detail in handling customers. For example, there is wireless internet available and a spare laptop if you dont have your own (again very useful for us, as we still had another nights accommodation to book!). There was an ample DVD collection, and I mean literally hundreds of latest title DVDs to choose from, for free, and available to watch in your room as all rooms are fitted with TV and DVD players.

But as for that BREAKFAST. Most accommodation is quoted Room Only in America and our findings were no exception. Typically, by the time we had eaten breakfast in a restaurant somewhere in California and had a glass or two of juice and coffee, we found we rarely had change from $20 a head (prices seem to have increased considerably since the last time I was there). I felt the $40 difference in cost between Black Bear Inn and our second choice was justified. And it certainly was.

You are never going to go hungry with the breakfasts here. I have to say the Breakfast on my second morning was probably the best breakfast I have ever eaten. Generally speaking, unless you have special dietary or other requests, breakfast is the same for all guests. On our second morning we therefore work up to: Bucks Fizz (to celebrate a win for another guest!), coffee, chilled fruit juices, Eggs Benedict, Tomato and Pesto, a Baked Cinnamon Pear and some ginger cake. It is different from a UK breakfast and you get used to the mix of sweet and savoury over breakfast, but it was the presentation that sets it apart. Firstly, the juices were not simply in jugs where you helped yourself, but they were in individual glass bottles, in a huge ice bucket. Wonderful. The cakes (including the HUGE blueberry muffin we had with our breakfast the day before), were homemade the night before, not shop bought. The best part about something like that for breakfast is you can always take it with you for a mid morning snack. I love Eggs Benedict but these were gently sprinkled with orange peel, which just gave it that intriguing kick. And that Pear was done to perfection. The two proprietors Jerry and Kevin had the whitest and best pressed whites I have ever seen (and I see a lot of hotels in my jobin the hotel trade!) . I asked Jerry if either of them had been a chef in their careers, and in fact he is a retired Defense Lawyer!

You could stay in a bigger hotel, and you could stay in a cheaper hotel in Lake Tahoe, however for a special experience, truly excellent customer service and attention to detail, and the best breakfast in California, then I recommend a stay at Black Bear Inn.