Marriott's Timber Lodge

This Marriott Vacation Club timeshare property is geared toward families, though it's a popular pick for couples, too. The handsome and spacious lobby has rustic touches, such as wood beam vaulted ceilings, wall paneling, and natural stone. A glass-enclosed gas fire pit framed by black granite and designer-quality furniture and rugs in vibrant colors and patterns elevates the look. Expect crowds at the Fire + Ice restaurant and bar, which has a festive atmosphere with chefs putting on shows while preparing dishes on a large Mongolian-style grill. It’s just as lively outside, with all of the entertainment offered in the Heavenly Village surrounding the property. 

All of the dining, shopping, and entertainment options of South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village surround Timber Lodge, which sits directly on Lake Tahoe Boulevard. It’s adjacent to the gondola at the Heavenly Ski Resort, and a 10-minute walk to a private beach on Lake Tahoe. Nevada’s casinos can be reached in less than five minutes on foot, and Van Sickle Bi-State Park, with hiking and horseback riding trails, is an eight-minute walk. It's roughly a 70-minute drive to Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Lodging options range from studio-style suites to one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. Units have high ceilings and start at a spacious 350 square feet, with a motley of traditional and contemporary decor that makes spaces feel a bit thrown together. Still, rooms are pleasant, with blue-and-gold patterned carpeting and bright red dressers, ottomans, and bed skirts. Unfortunately, they clash with busy prints used for sleeper sofas and drapes. Studios have kitchenettes with wet bars, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and cabinets stocked with dishes and cookware. Villas come with larger dining tables, washer/dryers, gas fireplaces, full kitchens with dishwashers, and some feature balconies. All have AC, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are basic but cheery, and come with standard shower/tub combos, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries, but fixtures and tiling could use a refresh. Two- and three-bedroom villas have multiple bathrooms, and some feature whirlpool tubs. Rooms are generally quiet, although some ambient noise can be heard on lower floors from the busy Village below. Some offer nice views of the mountains and Village gondola, while others simply overlook the pool or parking areas. 

Features are a highlight at Timber Lodge, with full range of amenities and activities aimed to please kids and adults alike. There's a heated outdoor pool and four whirlpools open year-round, plus a kids' splash area, gas grills, fire pit, and picnic tables. Free passes to a nearby private beach also are available, and skiers can take advantage of the free ski valet service. Another perk is the large and well-equipped fitness center, which has LifeFitness cardio machines with individual TV screens, free weights, strength-training machines, and a sauna. The activity center for teens has a foosball table and a large TV screen for video gaming, and there's a separate space with toys and games for younger children. Organized activities are offered throughout the year for youngsters, teens, and adults, ranging from art and crafts to gaming tournaments and yoga classes. For dining, Fire + Ice is the Lodge’s full-service restaurant, which serves breakfast for an additional charge, and turns out Mongolian-style grill entrees for lunch and dinner. The Lodge also has a 24-hour convenience store on-site that sells sundries, snacks, and Starbucks coffee.  There's laundry room with two washer/dryers that guests can use for free, and fees apply to valet dry cleaning and laundry and parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and the hotel doesn't have a resort fee.