The Coachman Hotel
About a month ago, my husband and I embarked on a family road trip from Central Oregon down to Southern California for a friend’s wedding. With three kids and two pups in tow, I knew we needed the perfect midway point that would accommodate the many needs of a traveling family. As an avid traveler myself, I possess a peaked interest in unique design and family atmosphere. That being said, I took to researching some places that seemed to be the perfect fit for us this trip. With certain measures in mind, I immediately dialed in on things like location, nightly rates, and amenities. It became a no brainer that we had to see this hotel for ourselves when I saw it snagged the attention of some heavyweights in travel and architectural design. While some will say the nightly price to stay at this newly renovated motel might not be worth it, The Coachman Hotel will far exceed your expectations and should undoubtedly be on your bucket list of places to stay.
LOCATION
At the southern point of Lake Tahoe, the Coachman Hotel is situated on what used to be two separate motels built in the 1960s. Shortly after these hotels opened, tourism became endemic after a set of Olympic Games came to town. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the two motels merged together and became known as The Royal Coachman Motel. In the coming years, Lake Tahoe developed into Northern California’s premier vacation retreat. After years of painstaking remodeling, it was in early 2016 when the Coachman finally debuted as a revamped modern hotel.
Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel there is a plethora of walking trails, eateries, and the Heavenly Gondola and village where tourists from around the world flock to enjoy the world-class ski resorts and restaurants. Perhaps the biggest attraction in the local area is the awe-inspiring lake of Lake Tahoe. The lake is full of scenic wonder that offers miles of recreation in all seasons and is a magnet to tourists and locals alike.
RATES
Traveling expenses can add up fairly quickly, especially when you travel in a large group like mine. This was a huge consideration for us when deciding on a place to stay. Luckily, the rates here at the Coachman were fair, especially for such a popular place to stay. During peak seasons like mid-summer or mid-winter, you can expect to stay for around $200 a night. Prices can easily double if you are seeking more luxurious rooms, or simply need the extra space. Shoulder seasons have proven to be the best deal averaging about $119 per night. To compare, most other hotels in the region are right around the $189 mark year-round. Travel+ Leisure referred to the Coachman as one of the “hottest hotels” while Michaela Trimble, an editor for Jetsetter Magazine, weighed in by naming the hotel “quirky” and “hipster-chic”. The Coachman is gaining more attention as the years go by, and considering it’s been given the stamp of approval by some of the world’s most popular publications with respect to travel and design, I find the nightly price for the average size of families/groups to be more than reasonable.
AMENITIES
On-site amenities include sizeable rooms, a seasonal pool, year-round hot tub, and daily complimentary breakfast. While most of these things checked every box for me before the trip, it wasn't until we arrived that I fully understood the thoughtful details that went into each one of them. Upon arrival, we walked by a communal fire pit with a full s’mores bar, outfitted with warm Mexican blankets and anorak chairs. The overhead strung lights were a nice touch, as well as the corn hole games they placed nearby for guests to enjoy on a starry evening. We indulged in a beverage from the full bar located just a few feet away, which was priced well for a boutique hotel and conveniently located next to shared areas of the lobby. Outside of the thoughtful crafting of the hotel lobby, the actual hotel rooms are not to be overlooked. The rooms include high-end Frette linens, Malin + Goez organic shampoo/conditioners, a minibar, and finishes that match the overall woodsy aesthetic of the hotel. The rooms were generous in size and complimented the Tahoe lifestyle with rubber flooring that will withstand the wetness and wear and tear from ski and snowboard gear. With meetings and event spaces, a coffee/wine bar, ADA accommodations, unique rooms, free WiFi, outstanding service, and specially curated breakfasts, the Coachman amenities are nothing short of extraordinary.
CHALLENGES
With every rave, there inevitably seems to be a rant. You may say that the re-conceptualized and modernization of the hotel doesn’t justify staying in a part of Tahoe that is distant from the more popular areas, particularly for the price you pay. While it is true that there are hotels closer to the water and in-demand restaurants, you cannot beat the charm and tranquility the hotel provides outside of highly trafficked areas. Another complaint that is hard to ignore is there isn’t an onsite restaurant. Understandably, this can be inconvenient for families with hungry children, or for those who have been traveling the better part of the day. In the case of the Coachman, this seems to be a major downfall of this hotel. However, within a mile or two you can take your pick from some of the best meals Tahoe has to offer. These grievances can certainly deter future (and returning) guests, but I feel that the overall experience of our stay was not cast behind these shadows, and others should not miss out on a unique experience based on these factors alone.
All things considered, I would highly recommend this hotel for any traveler. From fairly priced rooms, a pet and family-friendly environment, and the great care they take in the products they use, there is something for everyone to appreciate. The attention to detail (for both furry and human guests) far exceeds what seems to be the industry standard. The Coachman Hotel is more than just a stay, it truly is a gratifying experience.
SOURCES
Ekstein, Nikki. “The Hottest Hotel Openings This Spring-At Every Price Point.” Travel+Leisure, Meridith Corporation,14 April. 2016, https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/new-hotels-opening-this-spring#coachman.
“History.” The Coachman Hotel, https://coachmantahoe.com.
“Lake Tahoe (California) Hotels and Places to Stay.” Tripadvisor, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g155987-Lake_Tahoe_California_California-Hotels.html.
Trimble, Michaela. “An Epic Road Trip Out West.” Jetsetter Magazine, 22 Sept. 2016, https://www.jetsetter.com/magazine/west-coast-road-trip/.
