New Design, Menus, and More Make The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Even Better Than Before
Located in the mountains in North lake Tahoe, the Ritz Carlton has long been the area’s most luxurious hotel choice. recently, it completed a refresh that goes beyond just the aesthetics—a new, more creative menu at manzanitas, additional seating in their bar and lounge area, and more.
Before moving part-time to Lake Tahoe in late 2024, I spent years hanging out in the area — especially around Northstar Ski Resort, where a good friend had a house. As a non-skier, my go-to spot was the Ritz-Carlton up the hill. Even if a few elements felt dated, it’s always been a comfortable place to hang out on a beautiful corner of the mountain. I’ve always loved taking the tram up, then lingering by the fire pits with a book and a drink on sunny winter days.
In May 2025, the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe completed a major two-year long refresh. I spent a couple nights in the newly renovated rooms, sampled Manzanita’s reimagined menu, and discovered several exciting additions across the property. For the first time, I’m genuinely excited to go out of my way to bring friends up for an afternoon or dinner here — and I feel confident recommending it as a place to stay. Here’s my honest review of the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe.
Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe: The Practical Stuff
BOOK HOTEL:
Hotel website | Expedia | Hotels.com
OVERVIEW
Top-notch hospitality and seriously comfortable, well-appointed rooms with rare ski-in ski-out access to North Star and a private Lake Tahoe Beach Club.
HIGHLIGHTS
Large, well-appointed rooms
Comfortable beds and turn down service
Improved menu at their main restaurant, Manzanita
Spa treatments and pool area
Access to ski slopes + mountain bike trails
The Lake House in the summertime
LOCATION
North Star Ski Resort, North Lake Tahoe
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Location of The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Most people tend to focus on how great the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe’s location is for skiing and winter activities, but during a summertime visit, I got a great sense of how well-situated it is for year-round adventures.
In the winter, it’s hard to beat skiing right off the slopes to your locker and heading straight to your room — no car or parking hassles involved. It’s one of the main reasons to choose a stay here instead of other nearby hotels or Airbnbs.
But don’t overlook it in warmer months either. Its mountainside setting is surrounded by little else, making it quiet and peaceful. The snowshoeing trails become hiking paths in summer, and the ski slopes transform into a downhill mountain biking course, so it’s just as easy to walk out the door and start your outdoor adventure during these months too. Add in the fact that it’s halfway between the charming small town of Truckee and lakeside Kings Beach, and you’re just a short drive from many of the area’s best restaurants and services.
During summer, the hotel provides shuttle rides to its private beach club (reservations required, as space is limited), where guests can rent a boat for the day or simply lounge on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
What are the rooms + suites like?
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe first opened in 2006. While it’s always been the most luxurious hotel to stay at in the North Lake Tahoe area, the recent refresh has given the guest rooms and suites a much-needed modern update.
Each of the 170 rooms and suites now feature a lighter, more contemporary design inspired by the surrounding pine forests and alpine views. Earth tones, natural textures, and panoramic windows give the spaces a calming, modern feel compared to the hotel’s older, heavier look.
Suites add fireplaces, private balconies, and separate living areas, while the multi-bedroom Residences come with full kitchens and expansive decks — ideal for families or groups who want more of a private mountain home vibe.
Like any Ritz Carlton property, each room is well appointed with all of the essentials — from bath products and cozy robes and slippers to coffee makers and mini fridges. Beds are super comfortable, rooms are spacious, and there’s plenty of closet space for all your adventure gear.
Food + Dining at Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe
The updates to the hotel go beyond just the decor. In January 2025, the team welcomed a new executive chef, Christopher Bean, to Manzanitas, their fine dining restaurant. With the change in leadership comes a welcome menu refresh. Input from the rest of the culinary team has led to a creative and elevated Mexican-American influence on the restaurant’s dishes. Think: brioche bread with cotija cheese or Alaskan halibut in a mole sauce.
The lounge area also has an updated menu but the biggest change repeat guests will notice is the larger, more central bar at the center of the space. Additionally, the hotel’s cafe and coffeeshop is being transformed into a casual Mexican taco shop in time for the winter season.
If you’re staying on property, don’t miss the decadent s’more service at one of their outdoor fire pits.
The Lake House at Ritz Carlton, Tahoe
Of course, a stay at the Ritz is more than just the rooms and world-class hospitality — the property offers a wide range of on-site amenities as well. In the winter, guests have access to a mountainside concierge and ski classes. There’s also a kids’ club for families and two outdoor pools (one located in the spa area). Spa treatments are excellent and include access to the spa’s sauna and steam room. But one of the most overlooked perks is the summertime Lake Club, set right on the shores of North Lake Tahoe near Kings Beach.
To avoid overcrowding, the resort limits the number of guests who can visit each day, so reservations are a must. Once there, guests can enjoy a breezy indoor-outdoor space centered around a beautiful mid-century-modern building. A full restaurant and bar serve beachy classics — burgers, grilled veggies, and spritzes — with plenty of seating and loungers. For those who want to get out on the water, the team can also arrange a private boat experience departing from the club’s dock. Overall, it’s an excellent way to give guests the summertime lakeside experience they came for, even though the hotel itself sits a few miles up the mountain.
Overall and price
Book now: Hotel website | Expedia | Hotels.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe has always been the region’s most luxurious hotel, but the recent refresh makes it feel more current, comfortable, and worth the splurge. Between the ski-in/ski-out access, upgraded rooms, amazing spa, and summertime Lake Club, it’s one of the few properties in Tahoe that delivers a true resort experience year-round.
Rooms typically start around $650–$750 per night in the off-season and climb well over $1,200+ during peak ski season or summer weekends—though you can often book with rewards or points too. Suites and Residences are significantly higher, especially if you’re booking multi-bedroom options. While it’s not the most budget-friendly stay, the location, amenities, and service put it in a league of its own for Tahoe travelers looking for luxury.
Even if you’re not able to make a stay here happen, I’m much more confident recommending a visit for lunch or dinner. Though, yes, still as expensive as you’d expect from a Ritz, the food is much better than it was a couple of years ago and worth it for a nice night out in the area or cocktail hour by their fire pits (still a fan fave!).
