Which side of Tahoe?...and just some basics, please

My fiance gets to take a break from his job in Iraq, and we are planning to spend some time in Tahoe around July 22-27. After combing through the posts and reviews...I think I%26#39;m less educated and more confused! So, just some basics would be much appreciated. We%26#39;re looking to: relax, spend quality time together, enjoy refreshing views [ie: NOT the desert]; activities might include: river rafting, fishing, boat rides, a few nice meals, possibly a show or club for dancing one evening. Don%26#39;t mind casinos...but don%26#39;t like the smoke and the reviews have made me leary. So - main question is, where to stay? (not even sure which %26#39;side%26#39; is best)... $$ isn%26#39;t a big issue, but would rather not be overly exorbitant, if possible. Any input is greatly appreciated! THANKS!

Which side of Tahoe?...and just some basics, please

I love the last two weeks of July in Tahoe. It%26#39;s when we always go. Great weather, lots to do.

Where to stay....

I guess my first choice would be the Hyatt at Incline. The recent remodel made it a really nice place. Kinda luxury lodgy. There is also a small casino in it and a beach with chairside service in the event you just want to lounge around. The pool and spa have been remodeled and they are so nice.

You can take the drive to Tahoe city but not on a weekend please, and raft down the truckee. Take a picnic lunch and ice chest full of your favorite beverage.

When we stayed at the Hyatt we took their catamaran sail. It was so much fun. If you do go on a sail make sure it is in the late afternoon as that side of the lake gets windy and choppy around 2:30 and doesn%26#39;t settle down till later.

If you%26#39;d rather be in south shore then try Black Bear Inn for romantic or Marriott grand for really nice. Grand has spa services and when we were there they had a poolside cabana for massage.

In south shore you can take the Paddle Boat out of Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay or take a sail on the Windjammer which is what we did. Can you tell we like to sail? Zephyr Cove also has water craft rental if that interests you but then so does the Hyatt. Actually the Hyatt has an activity desk for all that stuff.

Good Place to eat on north shore in Carnelian Bay is Garwoods.

Romantic/delicious restaurants at south shore Evans and Cafe Fiore.

Here are links:

http://www.cafefiore.com/

http://www.evanstahoe.com/

http://www.garwoods.com/

http://www.tahoeblackbear.com/

Which side of Tahoe?...and just some basics, please

To suzie-travels - thanks so much! I hadn%26#39;t even thought of sailing - just a riverboat ride (hey, we don%26#39;t sail on the Missisippi)!! They should put you on retainer, you%26#39;re such a wonderful source of info! Some of these places should at least give you special discounts...maybe we%26#39;ll see you in July at one of these wonderful spots you suggested!

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