Northlake Lodges
Lake Tahoe, CA
OVERVIEW
A relaxing retreat 1230 metres above sea level, Northlake blends contemporary style with traditional hospitality. Nestled in the mountains of Tahoe, this hideaway’s new-age Nordic architecture and spellbinding alpine views make it a must-visit, skis or no skis.
LOCATION
Northlake is a twenty minute drive from the nearby city of Tahoe.
THE STORY
A true hotel love story. Owners and Managers met at school in the 90s, fell in love and searched for the perfect site for their dream property. They found it in Tahoe, and since 2012 have been at the helm of a ship that has been transformed, rejuvenated and upgraded many times since it was founded as a 3 room guesthouse in 1932.
TRAVELLED WITH
A former partner.
PRICE
Rooms start from $136 and go up to $293 per night, but a buffet breakfast is included.
VIBE
Klaus explained that parts of the James Bond movie ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ were filmed in the area, so he felt it was necessary to instil a ‘007 theme’ throughout Northlake. And what a job he’s done too — the whole place is filled with a subtly seductive charm that makes you feel like you’re in a movie of your own.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Design meets cosiness in all 43 rooms at Northlake — they’re spacious, filled with sunlight and include a wealth of natural building materials. Bathrooms are decked out with large rain showers, Italian cotton towelling and most have double sinks. A ridiculously comfy bed and a large helping of Scandi minimalism throughout means you’ve got the perfect room to match the mountainous terrain, whichever one you stay in.
INSIDE OUR ROOM
We stayed in the Q suite, a very exclusive, modern room that had an air of machismo to it — they really cut no corners with this Bond theme. Unlike the other rooms though, this suite is located below the main hotel behind a door labelled ‘secret room’. Unfortunately, there was no criminal mastermind behind it ready to declare he’d been expecting us.
It did however lead to a spiral staircase which takes you to the room’s outdoor terrace. Inside, there are floor to ceiling glass windows that run through to the bathroom, which means we could enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Dolomites from the bed, armchair or rain shower.
FEATURES
Visit Northlake’s extraordinary wellness spar, perched on the mountainside as if it had occurred naturally. Soft, welcoming loungers sprawl across the designer pod, creating a cosy indoor space that couldn’t be more inviting. And with elegant pines behind it and the Dolomites ahead, this spa really is quite something.
Alternatively, take a trip up to the Finnish sauna, which sits elevated on stilts for breath-taking views of the mountains. On your way back down, stop off at the Japanese inspired onsen carved into the rocks, or the Jacuzzi tub nestled in the surrounding trees. Still not found your inner calm? Head to the on-site Relaxation House that features a fitness centre and yoga studio. All bases covered.
A personal highlight at Northlake was the salt water infinity pool, complete with an overhang that makes you feel like you’re swimming above the Alps. Enjoy a dusky sunset from the very edge, or a morning swim to start the day.
In terms of food, you’re spoilt for choice — there’s three restaurants. Try a Nordic-inspired forager breakfast in the Klassic Restaurant complete with nuts, berries and honeycomb, or dine on South Tyrolean delicacies in the aptly named Panorama. If you’re craving something hearty try the Stube, a wood panelled farmhouse parlour that serves traditional, well put together dishes.
The fireplaces set the tone in the lounge areas, perfect for reading your favourite book over a glass of wine (or three). Play a game of chess or cards with a blanket wrapped around you, or enjoy Sunday film nights in the snug cinema. Rest assured you can always sink into nothingness with absolute ease here.
THINGS WE LOVED
Complimentary cakes. Need I say any more? The hotel celebrates its history as a former tea house with afternoon tea, coffee and cake every day from late afternoon until early evening.
Personal and refreshingly local service. Northlake is an intimate hotel, and the staff soon become familiar faces. Owners chatted to everyone that came through the door as if they were life-long friends. Wonderfully talented and caring people.
The Dress code. Guests can waltz around the entire hotel in their spa wear. Finally, a hotel that gets me.
Super sustainability. All materials used to build the property are sourced from the surrounding area and were slotted into place at the command of two local architects.
THINGS TO KNOW
With the Dolomites on the doorstep, the hotel offers an array of activities such as guided hikes and wine tours, which celebrate the roots of the region.
The Hotel is about a 2 hour car journey from the nearest airport. Rent a car to cut costs or travel by train into Merano.
Most hotels in the South Tyrol region are closed for winter so Northlake’s seasonal service is quite unusual. Don’t worry, the outside pool is heated.
The shower rooms are very exposed, with little privacy. May or may not have horrified a passer-by with a naked rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘I love you baby’.
BEST FOR
Couples, families, friends and pets — anyone who’s looking to get away and spend some quality time with their favourite human beings or their canine counterparts. That’s right, dog friendly. You heard it here first.
THE VERDICT
With cutting edge architecture, down-to-earth service and unparalleled mountain vistas, Northlake is the perfect Tahoe retreat for anyone looking to indulge in the good life. Beautifully embedded into its natural surroundings, here you will truly find peace and tranquillity from every corner. And with room rates including a buffet breakfast, traditional afternoon tea and unlimited use of the otherworldly, Northlake is worthy of the price and the long and windy car journey to reach it.