#339 - Stardust Lodge in Tahoe

Best Sign

In the last decade, Don and I have stayed in quite a few South Lake Tahoe hotels. This past October, we finally spent a night at the lodge with the wonderful vintage sign.

It was the glowing sign that lured us in for a stay! I've admired it for years!

Lake Tahoe Boulevard

The lodge has been sitting right on Lake Tahoe Boulevard, for 58 years. 

It's located on the California end of the resort town, just steps away from restaurants and shops. It's just 50 feet from Heavenly Gondola. 

Nearby 
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The area around Stardust has changed over the years. New hotels and buildings surround the retro hotel, now. 

But the Stardust property hasn't really evolved much in all those years! The 1960s sign still attracts tourists as they walk and drive past.

1966

This old postcard shows Stardust, when there was aa yellow slide and green lawn. 

The 2-story office on the right, still welcomes guests.

2024

My photo taken from a second floor balcony, shows a few tiny changes.

There's a low wall around the pool area. A raised deck holding a hot tub. It looks like the upper floor of the office has a bay window, now.  Mostly it just looks like the motels I remember from childhood. I'm happy with that.

​Check In

We arrived on a Thursday in October.

We followed the arrow on the pavement and pulled up to the office door. I believe space above the drive was once an apartment for the owners. Where did I hear that? It's much requested suite now.

Flowers and Flags

There were plenty of flowers and flags to welcome us. 

We've seen snow during October visits to Tahoe, so this was a nice surprise.

Office

We stepped in the homey office and smelled popcorn. Free for guests! I read that they offer fresh cookies as well, but I didn't smell or see those.

I noticed a large collection of DVDs in a cabinet. Not needed on our short visit, but kind of fun that they still offer that.

Timeshare Since 1986

There were a number of families checking in around the same time, so maybe they would be making use. I sensed that they were all staying longer by the conversations I heard. Makes sense, because this is a timeshare property now.

I saw this printout displayed near the front desk. Mr. McCarthy was involved in turning the Stardust into a timeshare back in 1986. I didn't even know the term timeshare back then! I wonder if any of the young families we saw,  were the grandkids of original timeshare owners?

​Hotel History

The young woman at the front desk was extremely welcoming, but she didn't know a thing about the lodge's history. 

"Oh it's old!" She answered. "I mean really old. It might from the '90s or maybe even the '80s." I chuckled to myself and suddenly felt very old myself. The '90s was yesterday, wasn't it?

Pool

We were given our key and Don headed off to find a parking space. Free parking, near our first floor room! A first in Tahoe for us!  I walked past the pool and noticed 3 ladies getting ready to enter with their Styrofoam noodles. Nice that the pool is heated all year!

I noticed a sign, just steps away from a pingpong table. It had a picture of a kitty. "Our Beloved Little Friend, Dusty". I love hotel cats. Sadly, I think maybe Dusty is no longer with us.

​Room 110

Parking was a breeze and so was our room location. # 110 was the lower level room, on the corner. There was a huge collection of guest bikes just outside our door. No time for that, I'm afraid.

Our door had a  little netted screen, so we could let in fresh air. 
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The brick walkway created a tiny porch space between our rooms and some potted plants.

We seemed to be missing a chair, but figured something out.

Sweet Studio Suite

For about $135. (parking included) we had this pretty darn cute little set-up.

We hardly needed the kitchen for one night, but it was nicely redone. The room was narrow, but we had all we needed. Couch, TV, footstool/table.
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The window and door opened to the parking lot, but the air was pleasant and the netting kept bugs out. 

Do they have bugs in Tahoe?
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The bathroom was quite decent. No complaints. 

There was some nice wildlife artwork and a bear in the shower's stonework.
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​Before heading out to dinner, Don and I wanted to relax with a drink after our day of travel.

There was a little table by the bay window, plus 2 comfy chairs.

It was too pleasant to not sit outside. We took one of the cushioned back chairs outside.  

I grabbed some popcorn from the office and Don made the drinks. Cheers to The Stardust!

We probably looked like a pair of old geezers sittin' on the porch, watchin' the world go by. But honestly, we were happy as can be, watching a few cars pull up and unload... a few families and couples walking by and greeting. It was such a nice change from big resorts. Down to earth guests, carrying games and coolers to their rooms. Simple and appreciative. We'd read excellent reviews and it made sense. 
Roof View

Besides the parking lot, we looked across to this little building near the pool. I wish we could have enjoyed our drinks up there, but it was closed for repair.

There was a small gym below as well as an activity center that offered free continental breakfast in the morning. A lot of bang for your buck at Stardust.
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More Perks

The nicest perk was being able to walk to dinner. Just before heading off, we peeked around the lodge just a bit more.

We found a walkway (with quite the autumn mural!) to a back addition, with another pool.  We found the laundry room for guests. No need. It was the first day of our 3 week trip. But good to have.

Peaceful Bench

The lodge no longer has an ice rink, but I read that it once did. We did see a little outdoor path with a bench, not far from the neon sign.

Again, I was impressed to see so many pretty flowers in October.

Holiday Time?

It was dark when we returned from dinner. It was such a treat seeing the blue and white sign, against a dark sky.  

But it was extra fun seeing all the white lights in the trees. We've never stayed in Tahoe during the holidays, but I've seen this fun display when driving by on other visits.

Bedtime!

We had to do a little work before we could go to bed.

This would maybe be the third time that Don and I have dealt with a Murphy Bed at a hotel.

It was not a sofa-bed, but the sofa was part of the Murphy Bed! Odd! We pulled on the long handles and the sofa sort of got eaten up by the bed! Part of the bed's support.

Voila!

This was just funny! Thank goodness the bed was already made and ready for sleeping!

There was little room for moving about, once the bed was open. So good night!

All Night Long

Luckily Don and I were exhausted. We had just arrived from Texas so it felt 2 hours later.

That was helpful because the hotel's outdoor lighting was pouring into our windows all night long. That might be my only complaint.

​Morning

I woke before 6 and the window lighting was just the same. I threw on clothes and stepped out.

It was in the 40s but I braved it and wandered out to do a little pre-dawn exploring.
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No fellow guests were out and about. 

The sign did not disappoint me.

No Bear Photo

I'm not sure what possessed me, but I decided I needed to walk towards the lake. It was so dark that I actually had to use my cell flashlight.

It was just over a half mile, but it took a while to get there. I was pleased to reach the water before sunrise. My photo doesn't capture the stars at all, but there was a lovely dusting above the water! How perfect to go along with Stardust theme! I was cold  and ready to get back. I ended up getting back much faster than expected... after I spotted a bear getting into trash. I was pretty freaked out, being alone in the dark! Too scared to snap a photo.

Safe!
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I was huffing and no longer cold by the time I got back to the lodge.

Before I stepped back into our room, I noticed a trash can. Yikes.

It looks like the bear (or bears) had already visited our hotel! 

I shared my story with Don. We had breakfast and checked out by 11! I love a good adventure when all ends happily.

​What's Notable?

We finally stayed at the Stardust Lodge! I will always love this retro, space age looking sign from the 1960s! That may be what I always remember most.

But I must mention how welcoming and comfortable our stay was. It felt like a mom & pop motel from years ago and yet it's a timeshare property. The price was incredibly good for the location! The room was quaint and clean and quite memorable with our Murphy Bed. Glad we finally stayed!
Oh yeah. And then there was that bear...
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