Friday, October 19, 2018

Overnight stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe - February 10-11, 2018



Finally the blog is into 2018! Let's get a move-on...

Our first planned trip for 2018 wasn't until April, but I received an unexpected free night certificate good for any Hyatt hotel and since it was to expire in a few months, we decided to redeem it for the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, within driving distance. It had been snowing on and off in the weeks prior to our visit, but fortunately the weather had been clear leading up to the trip. It was a beautiful ride along the western shores of Lake Tahoe, going through sleepy towns, then into Incline Village. The area had a woodsy resort feel to it, different than South Lake Tahoe.

The Hyatt Regency's exterior was a flashback to the 1980's, but the interior was charming like a chalet. We self-parked, then walked through the attached Grand Lodge Casino to get to the hotel lobby. Check-in was easy - we each received a welcome glass of champagne (apple cider was also a choice). Thanks to Hyatt Explorist status, resort fees were waived (though the $18/night self-parking wasn't), plus an upgraded room upon arrival, but there wasn't one available. However, the front desk agent offered a double upgrade to a balcony room for an additional $15, so we agreed. The room was located in the chalet-like portion of the resort, which we preferred anyway.

large entryway to store skis and gear
the brown hanging strip is a doorstopper
cozy chalet style
balcony
overlooking wooded areas
connect your personal devices to the TV
robes
Starbucks coffee, fridge
free water for elites
in case you forgot something
s'mores!
decent bathroom
earplugs?
KenetMD toiletries

The beach was across the street from the hotel. There was a covered pedestrian bridge accessible to hotel guests. The Hyatt also had lakeshore cottages that were located near the beach.


We walked along the shoreline, then had an early supper at Lone Eagle Grille. We opted for bar seating in the lounge since we didn't want a formal meal. The food was delicious. It got very crowded after 5:30pm so get here early if you want to eat in the lounge.

seared foie gras
cream of mushroom soup
dungeness crab fondue
apple bottom cocktail

After dinner, we watched the sun set, then headed back to the hotel as the temperature was quickly plummeting. On the way to our room, we stopped by Tahoe Provisions to pick up our complimentary s'mores kit. It wasn't pre-packaged; the cashier put it together in a take-out box. Kaleb braved the chilly night to make the s'mores and bring them back to the room. Fortunately the firepit was located not too far away. Ooey gooey s'mores are the best, bringing back memories of my friend Jennifer's birthday celebration at Carmel Valley Ranch.

before
after

The next morning, we enjoyed a Sunday brunch buffet at Sierra Cafe. It was a nice meal with a wonderful view out the window. If it was warmer, eating on the patio would be ideal.

buffet area
omelet menu
colorful breakfast
plus chicken-n-waffles

After brunch, we relaxed in the room until check-out time, then had an uneventful drive home.

Even though our stay was brief, we really enjoyed the North Lake Tahoe area as it was less crowded and felt more peaceful than South Lake Tahoe. Staying at one of Hyatt's lakeside cottages would be fantastic during the summer as it is adjacent to the beach. I highly recommend this destination if you are looking for rest and relaxation in woodsy surrounds.

Note: you can stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe using points from the World of Hyatt credit card, or by transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt from credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Chase Ink Business Preferred.

Where to next? Kaleb and I are headed to sunny Puerto Vallarta...stay tuned!



***

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Getting excited reading about these trips and want to go?  Contact me at yellowdogtravel at gmail d0t com with your ideas and I can help you plan it!  Or if you've already put a deposit on a cruise through the cruise line, contact me to get more information on transferring the reservation to me to get bonuses like extra onboard credit or gifts.  I have lots of happy returning clients - references always available.

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Another disclaimer:  The intention of this blog was to remind Future Me in full detail about where I went and what I did. I could have made it private, but I frequently get questions from family, friends and internet folks about how I planned things, got deals, etc., so instead of repeating the story over and over, I direct them here. If you are offended by anything I say or do, save yourself the discomfort and kindly click away from my blog. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!











Tuesday, October 16, 2018

A frozen Christmas in Pennsylvania - December 22-31, 2017



For Christmas 2017, we traveled to Pennsylvania to celebrate with Kaleb's family, as we swap holidays between our two sides every year. The weather had been mild in previous years, but not this time. Many days were below freezing.

Southwest Airlines was finally flying non-stop from our home airport to Baltimore - no more delays and missed connections like what happened during Christmas 2015. Southwest doesn't serve anything substantial during long-haul flights - you just get more snacks.


It was nice to spend time with all the relatives on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. (and eat lots of cookies)

Snapchat fun
more Snapchat fun

Kaleb, Gerry, and a group of others attended the Philadelphia Eagles game on Christmas night, versus the Oakland Raiders. The wind was blowing cold up in the nosebleed seats. The Eagles won, so everyone was happy.


The next day, Kate and Jarrett took us out for a day at Longwood Gardens. The main parking lot was full, so we were directed to an alternate lot, then rode a shuttle in.

great for playing Pokemon Go

Dinner at the on-site fine dining restaurant 1906 was exceptional as usual.

brioche in garden pot
the best mushroom soup ever
duck breast
short ribs
filled "candy" apple
complimentary peppermint bark

The gardens were beautifully lit up at night. The temperature plummeted to the 20's, so it was extremely brisk!


The next day, we visited Kaleb's friends and also got out of an "escape room".

meeting Meade IV
we did it!

The following night, we had another great dinner at John J Jeffries in Lancaster.

assortment of breads
complimentary amuse-bouche
cream soup
seasonal salad 
duck breast
grass-fed steak
chocolate cake
fruit sorbet

Even though it had been below freezing the whole week, there was no snow...until we woke up the next morning. The landscape was beautifully dusted in white. We drove to a friend's house to watch Penn State versus Washington. The Nittany Lions won, so everyone was happy.

backyard winter wonderland
spacious "man cave" basement

Kaleb and I flew home uneventfully on New Year's Eve, falling asleep quickly after watching the apple fall in Times Square on the TV.

Where to next? I am finally getting to our 2018 adventures! (while we are still in 2018, imagine that?) We head up to North Lake Tahoe...stay tuned...


***

If you came here from a Facebook or Twitter link, thanks for clicking the "Facebook Like" button at the top of this page or retweeting!

Don't miss a blog entry!  Sign up for updates direct to your inbox here or add the blog to your RSS feed.

Getting excited reading about these trips and want to go?  Contact me at yellowdogtravel at gmail d0t com with your ideas and I can help you plan it!  Or if you've already put a deposit on a cruise through the cruise line, contact me to get more information on transferring the reservation to me to get bonuses like extra onboard credit or gifts.  I have lots of happy returning clients - references always available.

Come check out my other blog "What in the world is Kat Kong doing now?", documenting things other than traveling...sign up for blog updates direct to your inbox here!

Another disclaimer:  The intention of this blog was to remind Future Me in full detail about where I went and what I did. I could have made it private, but I frequently get questions from family, friends and internet folks about how I planned things, got deals, etc., so instead of repeating the story over and over, I direct them here. If you are offended by anything I say or do, save yourself the discomfort and kindly click away from my blog. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!





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