If you’ve ever wanted to sip a Grand Margarita while watching snow fall through towering atrium windows, this place is for you. And if you’ve never wanted that before? You might now. Because Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe isn’t just a themed hotel — it’s a weirdly perfect mashup of Heavenly Valley mountain-town escape and barefoot-in-paradise fantasy.
It’s 9 a.m. in South Lake Tahoe, and the gondola just started humming. The lake’s shimmering under the late summer sun, its surface barely rippling in the breeze. Outside: light jackets, iced coffees, and early hikers headed for the trails. Inside? Sand-hued couches, real tropical orchids, and a breakfast buffet fit for King Kamehameha, himself! Welcome to the most unlikely tropical destination at 6,200 feet.
The $72 Million Glow-Up: From Embassy Suites to Island Icon
Originally built in 1990 as an Embassy Suites, the property recently underwent a full $72 million renovation — and it shows. Kind of. The bones are still there (atrium-style layout, some older HVAC units humming in the background), but now they’re dressed in Margaritaville Resorts flair: think palm-printed wallpaper, surfboard signage, dual-sided fireplaces, and elevator buttons that somehow feel nostalgic.
The energy here isn’t sleek or hyper-modern. It’s warm, a little kitschy, and completely intentional. You’ll find the Margaritaville logo in the most unexpected places — on coffee cups, lobby fireplaces, even the napkins. The real surprise? It works.
Suites Made for Sinking In
There are no tiny hotel rooms here. Every Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe guest space is a suite — even the standard ones come with separate bedrooms, wet bars, and living rooms outfitted with two TVs. The Still in Paradise Suite sleeps six and includes two full bathrooms, a balcony, and plenty of room for snow boots and wine.
If you’re lucky enough to snag one of only six Balcony Suites, you’ll get a front-row view of the lake or mountains (your choice). One wedding group booked the balcony for a 10-person ceremony — small, simple, unforgettable.
Prices swing depending on the season and corporate bookings. Winter weekends can hit $900/night; midweek spring rates? Closer to $500. For South Lake Tahoe hotels, this lands somewhere between splurge and smart.
Oh, and yes — it’s pet-friendly. You’ll probably spot a couple of well-behaved dogs in the hallway. Just enough to make you smile, not sneeze.
Tropical Eats at 6,200 Feet
Food here isn’t an afterthought. It’s a storyline — and you’ll eat well through every chapter of a Margaritaville Resorts restaurant.
Come Monday Cafe
Start your morning at Come Monday Cafe, where Luis Ubaldo has been steering the breakfast ship since 1997. No, he’s not a chef — but he’s the engine behind a surprisingly expansive full-service buffet that feels equal parts cozy and over-the-top. Picture a station-based layout: made-to-order eggs sizzling under warm pendant lights, a waffle bar with fruit and whipped cream, crispy bacon stacked in silver chafing dishes, and an ever-rotating pastry table that will ruin your carb discipline within seconds. Coffee flows freely, and there’s always fresh juice, parfaits, and even a gluten-free nook if you’re watching your wheat.
Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions
Need something faster? Head to Joe Merchant’s, the resort’s grab-and-go cafe with a menu that could honestly stand alone. We’re talking handcrafted espresso drinks — oat milk lattes, dirty chais, seasonal mochas — and a lineup of specialty pizzas, pressed sandwiches, and hearty lunch bowls. Think Margherita 10″ pizzas with fresh basil, turkey pesto paninis, and those Instagrammable caramel macchiatos that somehow taste even better after a gondola ride. The vibe here is part coffee shop, part general store — stocked with local snacks, sunscreen, travel-size toiletries, and pre-packed picnic baskets complete with lawn chairs and umbrellas for beach days.
Nicole Stewart, the lead barista, will remember your name (and your order) by Day 2, and Salvador works the espresso machine like it’s performance art. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a local — even if you’re only staying for a weekend.
LandShark Bar & Grill
You’ll wander into LandShark Bar & Grill around 1 p.m. and accidentally stay until happy hour. With its indoor-outdoor layout, bar seating that faces the street, and TVs tuned to every sport imaginable, it’s a Margaritaville Resorts hangout, not just a restaurant. The menu is unexpectedly deep, curated by Executive Chef Victor Corea — from fresh fish tacos and shrimp baskets to loaded nachos and double-stack burgers that require a strategy to eat. The sleeper hit? House-made potato chips, still warm and perfectly salted, served with a tangy, addictive secret sauce that tastes like ranch met chipotle and fell in love.
Shrimp baskets arrive hot and crispy, the LandShark Lager flows easy, and every now and then you’ll hear a round of applause — someone just nailed karaoke, or maybe a touchdown. Arturo Madrid De La Vega, Restaurant GM, calls it “a party — and that’s the point.”
JWB Prime Steak & Seafood
At JWB, the lights dim, the music softens, and suddenly you’re in date-night territory — but without the stiff white tablecloths. This is upscale with soul. Guided by the diverse culinary experience of Executive Chef Fermin Roque Ramirez and newest team member, Chef Ryan Love. The menu leans heavily into surf-and-turf classics but with playful Margaritaville Resorts flair. Think buttery filet mignon alongside lobster bisque, lump crab cakes plated like artwork, and a seafood gumbo that’s rich, smoky, and filled with clams, muscles, and shrimp.
There’s also a rotating chef’s special — one night it might be a bone-in ribeye with garlic herb butter, the next a citrus-glazed halibut that feels like it swam here. Don’t skip the sides either: truffle fries, lobster mac, and grilled asparagus with lemon zest. And the cocktails? Let’s just say the wine list and margarita game are equally strong.
Chef Fermin calls it “Tahoe with a twist,” and once the bread hits the table, you’ll get it. Elevated, but not fussy. Memorable, but never pretentious.
License to Chill Bar
This is where the night slows down — or kicks off, depending on your mood. License to Chill Bar sits tucked near the lobby but feels like its own cozy escape. The vibe? Low lights, soft music, the crackle of the fireplace, and clinking glasses that say, “you made it.”
Derek Gilmore, the resident bartender, doesn’t just pour drinks — he curates them. You’ll see him behind the bar, moving with the kind of rhythm that only comes from passion and serious skill. His Grand Margarita is a house favorite: balanced, citrusy, and gone too fast. But don’t stop there — the drink menu is loaded with signature cocktails, like the Botanical Mule, the Jamaica Mistaica, and the Pirate King that packs just enough punch.
It’s the kind of bar where strangers start talking, someone might start strumming a guitar, and your evening unfolds without a schedule. Whether you’re ending the day or starting something spontaneous, License to Chill is exactly what it promises: chill — but elevated.
Meet the People Behind Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
What makes this Lake Tahoe resort sing is the staff. Really. As General Manager, Arturo oversees all five dining spots with a smile-first philosophy. “You sell more if you smile,” he says. “And if you’re not smiling, we figure out why.”
There’s Fernanda Castro, F&B Manager, his right-hand woman with eight years of trust. Nicole Stewart, Lead Barista and new recruit Salvador, the barista tag team who might be the happiest people in town. Derek, shaking cocktails like a magician. And Luis — 26 years strong — holding down breakfast like a boss.
There’s no hierarchy here. “Everyone rotates. No walls. That’s how we keep the energy strong,” De La Vega tells us. And it shows.
Poolside Movie Night
There’s no outdoor pool — but trust us, you won’t miss it. The indoor pool is enormous, warm, and surprisingly lively no matter the season. It feels like part spa, part playground. On one side, adults relax in the steamy jacuzzi, unwinding from the day’s ski runs or e-bike rides. Just across the water, kids float on pool noodles, half-submerged and fully locked in on the Disney movie projected on the wall. (Yes, Moana 2 was a hit, but Encanto is a favorite, too.)
The space is more than just a place to splash. It’s a nightly event. Families bring in pizza from Joe Merchant’s, or fish tacos and homemade potato chips from LandShark Bar & Grill, and settle in for a casual dinner-and-a-movie — pool edition. No need to dry off. It’s the kind of unexpected vacation magic that turns into a core memory for the kids and a low-effort win for parents.
E-Bike Adventures
Need to move? Rent an e-bike at the valet and cruise down to the shoreline. The bikes are fast enough to be fun, but chill enough that you can ride in snow gear. You’ll glide past the Heavenly Valley Gondola, maybe pause for a selfie against the lake’s glassy surface. Loop through tree-lined neighborhoods, ride past local art installations, and eventually coast toward the beach. Hours disappear this way — you return windblown, sun-touched, and slightly smug at how easy adventure can feel here.
Heavenly Heights & South Shore Nights (Summer and Winter Playground)
Nestled just steps from the resort, the Heavenly Valley Gondola delivers you skyward — 2.4 miles up, to a staggering 9,100-foot elevation. On a crisp August morning, you glide above treetops, the world unfolding beneath you: Lake Tahoe’s deep blues, alpine ridge lines, and wildflower-splashed slopes. At the observation deck, you catch your breath (while charging your phone’s battery), as shimmering lake vistas and distant peaks parade across your view.
When winter returns, the Heavenly Valley Ski Resort is your launchpad into powdery terrain. With well-groomed runs and panoramic overlooks, it’s a quintessential Sierra ski escape. But in late August — during Millennial Magazine’s visit — you get the mountain in full summer glory: wildflower-bordered trails, the scent of pine and granite in your nostrils, and the quiet promise that tomorrow you’ll wake up aching in all the right places.
Trails, Peaks & Hidden Pathways
Summer in South Lake Tahoe means lace-up season. From your base at Margaritaville, you’re well positioned to explore some of Tahoe’s best hikes:
-
Mt. Tallac is a local legend. It looms at 9,739 feet and offers trails that vary from strenuous to somewhat kinder. From its summit, the lake stretches out in azure wonder.
-
Eagle Falls Trail leads you to tumbling cascades and vistas over Emerald Bay. The trailhead sits inside Emerald Bay State Park.
-
Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is mellow: moderate forest walking that hugs the shore, with picnic-ready spots along Taylor Creek.
-
For a more ambitious journey, parts of the Tahoe Rim Trail loop define a 165-mile backbone around the Tahoe basin — ideal for multi-day or section hikes.
-
Van Sickle Bi-State Park, straddling CA/NV a short stroll from the resort, gives you a quick, rugged escape with lake overlooks and trail options.
In winter, many of these same trails become snowshoe or cross-country routes. The forest hushes, snow muffles sounds, and the peaks feel sacred.
On (and In) the Water: Beaches, Boating & Kayaking
Tahoe’s south shore is lined with inviting beaches and water playgrounds. On summer days, plan a picnic or paddle adventure to round out your resort time.
-
Pope Beach / Baldwin Beach lie along the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path, a paved corridor running from South Lake Tahoe toward Emerald Bay. It’s a serene ride past shoreline, creeks, and forest edge.
-
Head west, and you’ll hit Emerald Bay — arguably Tahoe’s crown jewel. Kayak rentals or guided paddles depart in summer (e.g. via Kayak Tahoe) and let you float around Fannette Island or paddle beneath cliffside forests.
-
Boating is also permitted in Emerald Bay, though you must keep under 5 mph within 600 feet of shore — logs, swimmers, and bird life demand care.
-
If you’re into see-through water, clear kayak tours (transparent hulls) let you peer into Tahoe’s legendary depths as you glide.
-
Fishing? Bring your rod. Lake Tahoe holds trout, Mackinaw, and more — cast from a rented pontoon, shore, or kayak depending on the season.
For a quieter day, pack a picnic from Joe Merchant’s or order a pizza to-go, and find a shaded spot at Baldwin Beach or the Emerald Bay shore. In summer, dawn and dusk are prime: soft light, few crowds, and water that feels like glass.
Emerald Bay & the Mountain Crown
Emerald Bay is more than a bay — it’s a story. Framed by granite walls and dense pines, it holds Vikingsholm, a 1920s Scandinavian-style mansion perched on the edge of the shore. Hike down to the mansion (about 0.7 miles) and feel like you’ve slipped into another era.
Further, the Eagle Falls – Eagle Lake combo trail is a fan favorite: ascend from the road to the waterfalls, then climb to the alpine Eagle Lake itself. Views back toward the bay are unforgettable.
Emerald Bay’s pull is strong — but so is its traffic headache. In peak summer, parking fills early, and Highway 89 narrows. A shuttle program for visitors runs seasonally to ease congestion.
Above the bay, ridgelines continue toward the crest of the Sierras. You’ll glimpse peaks like Freel Peak, Crystal Range, and the spine of the Sierra backcountry. These mountains define the basin and reward the curious with vantage points year-round.
After Dark — Heavenly Valley Village & South Shore Evenings
When the sun dips, Heavenly Village pulses with life: open-air bars, boutique shops, live music, and seasonal ice skating shows up during winter. August evenings might bring an outdoor DJ or local band, string lights overhead, and a stroll-worthy energy.
Walkable from Margaritaville Resorts, you can duck into cozy cafés, browse artisan goods, or grab an evening bite before slipping back to the atrium and the glow of your desert-meets-mountain haven.
Paws in Paradise: Pet-Friendly Stays
If your family includes four legs and a wagging tail, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe rolls out the welcome mat. Dogs up to 30 pounds are invited to join the adventure, with up to two per suite allowed. There’s a daily $50 fee per pet, plus a refundable deposit, but the payoff is big: your pup gets to vacation in style, right alongside you. From strolls around the atrium to walks down to the lake, it’s an easy, stress-free setup that makes traveling with dogs feel seamless.
There are a few ground rules, of course — pups can’t splash in the pool or dine in restaurants, and they can’t be left unattended in rooms. But with Heavenly Village just steps away and the lake trails nearby, there’s plenty of pet-approved territory to roam. Think of it as dog-friendly with structure: comfortable for owners, courteous for other guests, and still very much part of the Margaritaville spirit.
A Place That’s Oddly Perfect
Sure, not everything’s flawless. Some corners still whisper “Embassy Suites.” A dusty light fixture. An elevator button that needs a polish. You’ll notice. But you’ll also forget about it five minutes later when your toes are warm by the fire and you’re being handed a Grand Margarita.
So who’s this place for?
Couples? Absolutely. Families? Perfectly set up. Corporate groups? Already hosting weddings and events for hundreds. Pet parents? Welcome. Digital nomads? Plenty of desk space and strong Wi-Fi.
Not for you if you want minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics or absolute silence. But if you want the joy of a tropical vacation mixed with a snowy thrill ride, this is it.
Book It, Baby
Whether you’re planning a winter escape or a lakeside summer trip, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe hits that rare sweet spot: fun, functional, and just a little bit magical. It’s a Lake Tahoe resort that remembers you’re here to relax — not perform.
So grab your flip-flops and your snow boots. You’re going to need both.
FAQs
Do guests have access to parking, and what is the cost?
Valet parking is the only parking option, available 24/7 for a daily fee (around $35–$40) per day. Self-parking is not offered.
What are the resort amenities (pool, hot tub, fitness, events)?
The hotel offers a large indoor heated pool and hot tub, a fitness center, complimentary ski and golf storage, and a schedule of weekly events (movie nights, live music, fire pits, etc.).
What is the pet policy at Margaritaville Lake Tahoe?
Dogs (up to 30 lbs) are allowed — up to two per suite — with a daily pet fee and refund-able deposit. Pets must always be leashed, never left unattended, and are not permitted in the pool or water areas.
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Each Margaritaville Resort sets its own cancellation policy. Guests should check their booking confirmation or the property’s website for specific terms.
How close is Margaritaville to the Heavenly Gondola and beaches?
The resort is very conveniently located — reportedly a 5-minute walk to the Heavenly Gondola, and about 10 minutes to Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.
When is ski season, and what winter activities are available in South Lake Tahoe?
Ski season generally runs from late November (around Thanksgiving) through mid-April. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, tubing, and après-ski events.
What are the summer water conditions, and is Lake Tahoe swim-friendly?
In the summer, the upper 12 feet of water can warm to about 68°F. But the lake remains an alpine environment — refreshing, not tropical.
What can you do in Lake Tahoe beyond skiing — i.e. hiking, kayaking, scenic drives?
In summer, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, scenic drives (like around Emerald Bay), and beach picnics are all very popular.
What is Emerald Bay and how do I experience it?
Emerald Bay State Park is a stunning protected area featuring Fannette Island, the Vikingsholm mansion, Eagle Falls, and forested cliffs. It’s one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed spots.
How old is Lake Tahoe and what’s unique about its water quality?
Lake Tahoe is a natural alpine lake over 2 million years old, formed by faulting, volcanism, and glaciation. It holds about 39 trillion gallons of water and remains among the clearest large lakes in the world.
