A new benefit was added to the Platinum Card from American Express (AMEX) around mid-year 2021 - an annual $200 credit towards a pre-paid stay at a property participating in AMEX's Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) or The Hotel Collection (THC) program. The credit would expire if not used by the end of each calendar year. Kaleb and I already had a lot of travel planned until the end of 2021, so we decided to use our two credits on a belated anniversary staycation at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, located on the north shore. We had stayed here before a few years ago on a free night certificate. The room rate off-season was low enough that it only cost a few dollars per night after the credit was applied. To sweeten the deal, FHR bookings at this hotel included breakfast for two and a $100 property credit per stay. Kaleb and I took full advantage of that by reserving one night under one person and the following night under the other to redeem the $200 credit on each of our cards, with each booking considered a "stay" per FHR's terms and conditions to receive the property credit for both nights. Since it was just the two of us, it wasn't a big deal to check out and back in to a second room, especially since FHR reservations usually allow a noon check-in and a late 4pm checkout, providing overlap to avoid storing our bags.
When I checked in, the front desk agent said "Welcome back", so it seems the hotel kept track of past guest stays. We were able to choose from two varieties of local Alibi Ale Works beer for our welcome drink. A letter detailing all of the FHR benefits was provided as well as a coupon towards two items in their sundries store, Tahoe Provisions. In addition, we received a coupon for a free s'mores kit, offered to everyone staying at the resort.
Our room was on the top floor of the main building, providing a bay window with a lovely view of the mountains. Not sure if this was an upgrade due to having Hyatt Explorist status.
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We headed to the Tahoe Provisions store to pick up the s'mores kit and complimentary gifts. The coupon stated that we could pick any two specially labeled items. Eligible choices ranged from a Snickers bar to bottles of wine priced up to $50. We verified with the cashier that the wine was indeed a valid selection, so we grabbed two bottles. The s'mores kit previously consisted of loose marshmallows and graham crackers hand-packed into a to-go box, but now, everything was pre-packed into a paper bag. The graham crackers were individually packaged and marshmallows were portioned into a stapled plastic bag, keeping everything fresh. The full-size Hershey's chocolate bar remained the same. We also received two long wooden dowels for roasting marshmallows over the fire pits.
Afterward, we explored the rest of the hotel to see what was new. MIRROR by lululemon workout displays had been installed in the fitness center. There was also a whole wall of Pelotons.
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| MIRROR |
21-second clip of MIRROR in action:
We found the Regency Club, but it was closed due to the pandemic. Normally, Hyatt Explorists booking non-Club rooms could redeem Club Access awards to gain entry into the club for complimentary snacks and drinks.
Kaleb and I headed across the street to dine at Lone Eagle Grille, right by the lake. The resort's cottages and private beach are also located here. During our last visit, we ate at the bar. This time, I made an advance reservation on their website. We were seated next to the fireplace, which provided a romantic fireside ambience, but in the end, was too toasty for comfort. The food was hearty. We didn't order dessert since we were going to make s'mores, but our server was kind to present us one to celebrate our anniversary.
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The next morning, we headed down to Sierra Cafe for breakfast. Due to the pandemic, the buffet wasn't open, but we had $60 credit to order anything off the menu.
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| eggs benedict, fruit plate and omelet |
At noon, Kaleb checked into his room. It wasn't on the top floor, but offered a larger bay window with mountain view, letting more light inside. He picked up another couple of beers plus more coupons for s'mores and wine from Tahoe Provisions.
I checked out of the first room after moving our belongings. Afterward, we headed out on foot towards the Tahoe East Shore Trail, heading to Monkey Rock. The climb was gradual with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. There was a self-pay station on the trail to collect a $2 per person cash entrance fee into the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park (honor system). Parts of the trail had snow as there was a freak storm a few days before we arrived.
360 spherical photo taken with Ricoh Theta S (Monkey Rock is pointed to by Kaleb's shadow):
Monkey Rock, pointed to by Kaleb's shadow - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Dinner was at Lone Eagle Grille again in order to use the second $100 property credit. This time, we were seated in the great room overlooking Lake Tahoe. If you had an earlier reservation, you could possibly get the tables right next to the windows. I enjoyed tonight's choices more than last night's.
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No dessert as we had s'mores to make at the resort fire pit.
On the morning of our departure, we went down to Sierra Cafe again for breakfast. There was a little bit of a wait, so we indulged in some apple cider from the display the hotel had set up in the corridor.
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| "Tahoe Tap" (water) and hot apple cider with fixings |
Breakfast was very filling. It was nice to have lots of variety on the menu.
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| pork carnitas tacos |
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| salmon bagel with side of bacon |
And that was the end of our belated anniversary trip! We enjoy Lake Tahoe a lot, with all the outdoor activities available, plenty of beautiful scenery, and not too far a drive from home. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort is a solid choice for lodging, especially at a low-season rate and utilizing the Platinum Card's $200 FHR credit and FHR benefits. It felt like we were being paid to go on vacation!
What's next? Another staycation, but in San Francisco...stay tuned...
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