Grand Residences by Marriott, Lake Tahoe

This modern Marriott Vacation Club timeshare draws families and couples alike, many here for events such as weddings and reunions. The hotel is more adult-oriented than its sister property, Marriott’s Timber Lodge, where the pool is often filled with children. But it similarly stays busy year-round, and buzzes with activity on weekends in peak ski season. The large lobby is casual yet built to impress, with high ceilings and handsome wood trim. Rustic touches like tables hewn from huge tree trunks, distressed leather furniture, and a natural stone fireplace make for a cozy space to relax. There's also a shuffleboard court that adds an element of fun. 

This Marriott property is conveniently located on Lake Tahoe Boulevard in the heart of Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. It’s surrounded by a great choice of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, including a movie theater. The location can be a bit loud at times, with live music easily heard from the Village until late in the evening, though it typically settles well before midnight. It’s adjacent to the gondola at the Heavenly Ski Resort, which separates it from its sister property, Marriott’s Timber Lodge. It’s a five-minute walk to outdoor adventures at Van Sickle Bi-State Park, and a 10-minute walk to a private beach on Lake Tahoe (free passes are provided). Nevada’s casinos can be reached in about five minutes on foot. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is approximately a 70-minute drive.  

Guest rooms are decorated in a casual, contemporary style. Light-beige walls and gray carpeting that has subtle copper stripes is paired with espresso-finish furniture, which include leather armchairs. Lighter wood is used for cabinets and laminate floors in kitchens, which come standard, and all have small dining tables, stainless steel full-size fridges, conventional ranges, microwaves, and dishwashers, plus coffeemakers and kettles set on stovetops. The living areas have high ceilings that help compensate for the smallish windows, keeping spaces cheerful, and most guest rooms have balconies, sleeper sofas, and gas fireplaces. Bright and spacious bathrooms also have a contemporary look, and come with shower/tub combos, magnifying mirrors, and full-size hairdryers and toiletries. Studios are entry-level units, and the largest accommodations have three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Some past guests have complained about noise from the Village in the evening. Views overlooking the Village gondola and distant mountains are typical.

The hotel doesn't have a restaurant or bar—its biggest drawback—with vending machines providing the only food and drink on-site. On the flip-side, wellness facilities are a highlight at this residence-style property. Various massages and other body and beauty treatments are available at the full-service Serenity Spa, which also has sauna and steam room, though they're co-ed facilities. The adjacent fitness center is large and well-equipped with LifeFitness cardio and strength-training machines and free weights. Another top feature is the outdoor pool and two whirlpools, all heated and open year-round. They're surrounded by loungers set on a patio, and there's a fire pit and gas grills for guests to use. The area also has a huge, life-size chessboard and a foosball table. For guests who'd rather take a dip in the lake, free passes are available for a private beach.Other amenities include a business center with computer and printer, an event room that's more than 950 square feet, free guest laundry on each floor, valet dry cleaning and laundry, and a concierge to arrange organized group activities and other services. There's no resort fee, though daily housekeeping comes at an extra cost; fresh towels and other supplies are available upon request. DVDs can be rented for a small daily fee, there are free newspapers in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Parking is valet-only and costs extra.