Ritz Carlton Highlands in Lake Tahoe Opening December 9th, 2009 »

Filed under: Journeys

It was under construction when I visited last winter, but I have it on good authority that the Ritz Carlton Highlands in North Lake Tahoe will open on December 9th, and what’s more — there’s still availability over Christmas week. (Yes, I know we’ve not yet celebrated Columbus Day, but, for that peak week, Dan Sherman spokesperson of Ski.com has told me repeatedly that it’s never too soon to secure your accommodations.)

The hotel, which is a series of linked pavilions, will have 170 guest rooms, 16 suites, each room with a gas fireplace. A gondola connects you to the bustling and lively Northstar village. The hotel’s design, handled by Hornberger + Worstell, is meant to be a contemporary take on traditional great mountain lodges, like Oregon’s Timberline Lodge. It was also designed to blend into the hillside, and to that end, the site was not clear-cut — landmark trees were tagged, and worked around.

Gallery: Ritz Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe