Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

We stayed at the Hyatt Incline Village for the 4th of July. The hotel was a madhouse. Lines were long for overpriced snacks and coffee Tahoe Provisions, and restaurant reservations were sparse or completely unavailable, depending on the venue, for the duration of our stay. When we did go to the restaurant (empty at the time) to inquire, we were kicked out because they had "102 covers" later that night and thus couldn't possibly talk to us. The hotel was out of self-park spaces, so we were forced to valet the car. The valet attendant told us we would only be charged for the self park, and the check-in clerk thankfully made the adjustment at check-in. But we were indeed billed for valet, so we had to go through the whole process again at checkout. The one thing that really did annoy me was being forced to wear my room key as a non-removal wristband. The staff was so protective of these bands that they outright refused to give me the second wristband for my wife and I had to go through the entire check-in procedure twice. I understand perhaps some guests might have abused these wristbands in the past, but it sure made me feel like an inmate and not a guest as my first impression. These wristbands are not waterproof and became waterlogged during our stay. We had to cut ours off for hygienic reasons. These are appropriate for concerts or waterparks but not an multi-day resort. Despite all this, this was generally a good stay. The room was comfy and everything worked properly. The service was prompt and well meaning. (We asked for a clothes steamer and they promptly brought us a humidifier, but that's something right?). Nevertheless we received good information about the activities and celebration of the fourth. The resort was decorated and the staff was into the festivities. The spa, if expensive, provided very good treatments and was professional throughout. When we finally did get into Osteria Sierra for dessert, our server (Eric) was quite friendly and provided a top-notch experience. The valet was prompt and polite. The pool was actually heated as were the hot-tubs during the summer making swimming more enjoyable, and the beach was beautiful if small and very crowded. All-in-all, I wouldn't recommend staying here during peak times especially when nightly rates soar. The resort just can't properly accommodate the crowds--especially in its dining facilities. You'll pay three times as much for a worse experience. But if you can stay off-peak or for points, and you are looking for a full-service hotel to stay in North Lake Tahoe, this is one of the best if few available options. Read less