Desolation Hotel, named after the Desolation Wilderness near which it is located, is officially open. The dog-friendly property in South Lake Tahoe, California offers views of the Sierra Nevadas and is inspired by preservationist John Muir.
The hotel offers 21 suites, each with al fresco soaking tubs on private balconies, in-room fireplaces and kitchenettes. Facilities include a Peloton-outfitted fitness center, saltwater pool, jacuzzi and Port Orford Cedar sauna, in addition dining destinations Velma’s and Maggie’s restaurant and bar. Guests will also have access to a private beach along Lake Tahoe; skiing, hiking and mountain biking trails; family snow play and sledding areas; and local shops.
Desolation Hotel’s signature restaurant takes its name from the Maggie’s Peaks hike, a challenging trail popular with locals and visitors alike for its rewarding views. This restaurant and bar sits atop the hotel’s third floor, offering near-360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and towering pines. It has a modern American menu with fresh pastas, a selection of ethically sourced game meats and a collection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. All produce is picked fresh from local farms. The bar program includes a selection of rare Scotch whiskeys and highlights local producers.
Named after the Velma Lakes in the Desolation Wilderness, Velma’s is flanked by the saltwater pool, multiple outdoor fire pits and is exclusively open to hotel guests. The menu has a rotating selection of seasonal light bites and a selection of cocktails and mocktails.
Desolation Hotel’s build and interiors prioritize sustainability. The color palette—muted forest greens, deep lake-hued blues and rich ambers—is complemented by natural textures and finishes such as walnut, white and smoked oak, linen and natural stone. The hotel makes use of original works by local Tahoe and regional California artists. Architectural choices such as strategically placed skylights allow the hotel to reduce its energy usage and maximize natural light, while engineering choices such as employing rooftop solar arrays help offset the hotel’s demand on the energy grid. Guests can also plug into any one of the 20 EV charging stations available—the highest concentration of electric chargers at any commercial property in the region.
For more details, visit desolationhotel.com.
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