One of the best things about living in LA is that it’s so close to a variety of different vacation spots. From beaches to deserts to mountains to oceans, we’re so lucky that there are so many gorgeous spots to visit just a short drive or flight away!

This week, the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe invited us to visit their hotel and experience the beautiful getaway up in the mountains of northern California. The best part? They’re dog friendly! So we took off from LAX with the two little ones in tow. And just less than an hour in the air got us to Reno, quick and painless. (Flying with dogs? Read this.)

• 

• 

The drive from the airport to the Ritz was absolutely stunning. We wound up and down the mountain roads which were lined with tall forest trees sitting under a clear blue sky, a sight that’s not available to us in the southern part of the state.

Like most other residences in the area, the Ritz had a cozy cabin/ski resort feel to it. Our room was on the back side of the hotel with a beautiful view of the walking path available to guests, both two-legged and four. Although the pups were not allowed in the dining areas, they were free to roam around most of the rest of the hotel. Even the lobby of the spa, which was my first stop after arriving.

Confession: I’m pretty much addicted to a good massage. Just two weeks ago, while we were in Bali, I was indulging in daily 90 minute massages at just $10.

• 

• 

The spa at the Ritz-Carlton doesn’t have spa treatments at those prices (to be fair, no one in the states really does), but their amenities are on a whole different level. As soon as you walk into the spa (which, by the way, is open to all guests of the hotel) you can immediately tell the attention to detail in all of the different elements of the spa come together to bring you the most relaxing environment possible. You know, like feng shui with elements of wood, stone, and frosted glass.

• 

• 

As for the room itself, it was clean, comfortable, and had an adorable little balcony the dogs could sit on to watch the birds outisde and catch some fresh air.

• 

• 

• 

• 

A good hotel has you covered with all your needs, including delicious food to indulge in at any time. The chefs at the Ritz are not just your ordinary hotel cooks. Too many times before have we been disappointed by the expensive food at hotels, there to make an extra buck off you if you’re too lazy or unable to get food elsewhere. The Ritz-Carlton chefs make restaurant-quality food that you’d actually crave instead of looking for a local restaurant to stop at.

We arrived on a Sunday morning, so luckily enough their weekly brunch buffet just opened as we finished checking in. I don’t usually do buffets because the food is typically mediocre, and I feel pressured to eat a TON to get my money’s worth. But the brunch buffet at this hotel was soooo good, rivaling some of the famous brunch buffets I’ve tried on the Las Vegas Strip!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The roasted duck breast was one of my absolute favorites. I kept going back to get more plates of the delicious dish. And the desserts… I could’ve filled up on JUST the desserts, they were so tasty! In room dining has you covered morning and night. Don’t forget to try their selection of delicious wines, some straight from Napa Valley!

Out in the back of the hotel are fun games like giant Connect 4 and a fire pit where they host Marshmology every night from 5-5:30pm, a.k.a. homemade s’mores! Kokoro and Chibi had a blast running around the open fields behind the hotel.

• 

• 

• 

We also had the chance to visit their newly opened Lake Club, just a short 15 minute drive from the main hotel. Situated on the northern most tip of Lake Tahoe, this sustainably built extension of the hotel offers amazing views of the lake from a gorgeous restaurant and patio.

• 

• 

• 

• 

The only downside is that the pups were not allowed at the Lake Club or its activities. But thankfully there are plenty of other dog-friendly options nearby, including kayaking or paddleboarding at Waterman’s Landing.

I think the photos speak for themselves… the views of the crystal clear lake and snowcapped mountains were unbeatable. They only made me jealous that we don’t have a mini Caribbean like this near Los Angeles.

Huge huge thanks to the team at Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe and Glodow Nead for inviting us to experience this amazing hotel! We will definitely be back soon.