Unwinding in Incline: A Weekend at the Hyatt

I had the kind of staycation this weekend that dreams are made of. Living in Reno means Lake Tahoe is just a short 45-minute drive away, but it’s gotten so popular lately that it can be hard to motivate myself to deal with traffic and parking. That’s what made our weekend at the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village feel like such a win. It was the perfect way to get that Tahoe experience without the stress.

Kicking Off the Weekend

We pulled up on a busy Friday afternoon and were greeted by a super energetic valet team. The bellhops were totally on top of it, moving through a long line of arrivals without missing a beat. We barely had to wait before we were checked in and heading up to our room to start the weekend.

Our room was on the 12th floor and felt immediately welcoming. Clean, spacious, and cozy. I don’t know what it is about the Hyatt, but they always have the most comfortable bedding. After tossing our bags down, we changed into swimsuits and robes and headed straight to the pool. It was just before sunset, and the light was that perfect golden Tahoe glow. For how many people we saw in the lobby, the pool area never felt crowded. It’s a huge space with lots of seating, so it’s easy to carve out your own little spot. The servers at the pool were also super attentive and friendly, and it didn’t take long before we had drinks in hand and were settling into full vacation mode.

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Osteria Sierra Breakfast

Saturday morning started with breakfast at Osteria Sierra, their newly opened restaurant. I was already obsessed the second I walked in. The alpine-cabin vibe is so well done. Think wood accents, warm lighting, cozy but classy. I’m a sucker for anything cabin-themed, so I was in heaven.

You can order from their menu or go for the buffet, which is what we did. It’s honestly hard to resist when you can have a fresh waffle, bacon, eggs, and fruit all at once. The quality of everything stood out, and I loved that they source ingredients through Tahoe Food Hub, which connects local farmers with restaurants in the area. Everything tasted fresh and intentional. The bacon was cooked just right, the fruit was peak-season perfect, and the waffles were golden and fluffy.

Beach Day Adventure

After breakfast, we packed up for a lake day. If you’ve never been to Lake Tahoe, stop what you’re doing and add it to your bucket list. It’s the largest alpine lake in North America by volume and the second deepest in the U.S. The water is insanely clear, with visibility down to about 70 feet, and it glows that tropical turquoise color you’d expect to see in the Caribbean. It’s surrounded by mountains, hiking and biking trails, and ski resorts. Tahoe really is an outdoor playground all year long.

The Hyatt is currently renovating their lakefront area, so the usual beach right outside the hotel wasn’t accessible. They do offer a shuttle to a private Incline Village beach, though, which is a great option if you want easy access to the lake. But we wanted a little more adventure, so we decided to get a short hike in and head to Hidden Beach, which is about two miles from the hotel.

We walked the Tunnel Creek Trail, a paved, multi-use trail that’s great for all skill levels. It’s shaded in some parts but definitely still sunny enough to work up a sweat. The trail drops you right at Hidden Beach, which, while no longer much of a secret, is still one of the best spots to spend the day. It’s worth getting there early if you want a good spot, but the water is incredible and the views are unbeatable. We spent the rest of the day there, swimming, lounging, and just soaking it all in.

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Never Get Bored

There were a bunch of things at the Hyatt we didn’t get a chance to try this time around, but I definitely want to next time. They have the Cutthroat Saloon, which looked like a great spot for watching sports and grabbing a casual bite. They also have a really nice casino with table games and slot machines, which adds to the fun since it’s on the Nevada side.

The pool is open year-round and has an indoor entrance to the outdoor area, which is awesome if you’re visiting in the winter. They also have one of the best hotel gyms I’ve seen. There’s a full traditional workout room with cardio and weight machines, plus a separate area with weights and a screen for virtual classes. Whether you want to stay active or just hang by the pool, they’ve got you covered.

They also offer free paddleboard and kayak rentals, as well as speedboats and bikes. It really makes the Hyatt feel like a full adventure basecamp.

Local Favorites and Exploring Incline Village

One of the best parts about staying at the Hyatt in Incline Village is that you’re not just close to the lake, you’re also right in the heart of a little town with a lot of charm. The hotel offers a shuttle service that makes it super easy to get around if you don’t feel like driving. Whether you want to explore shops, grab a bite, or find a hidden trailhead, it's easy to do without much planning.

For dinner one night, we walked over to T’s Mesquite Rotisserie, a local staple and absolute gem. It’s casual, affordable, and packed with flavor. This is where the locals go, and you can taste why. We were especially excited to spot Bohemia beer on the menu. We usually only see it on trips to Mexico, so it was such a fun surprise to find one of our favorite beers here in Tahoe.

If you're in the mood for something more modern and shareable, Bite is a great little tapas bar just a short drive or walk away. It has a cool vibe, a solid happy hour, and a menu full of small plates perfect for snacking and sharing. It definitely feels more like a night-out kind of place, but still totally relaxed.

For dessert, we skipped the restaurant scene entirely and walked across the street from T’s to Susie Scoops, a classic local ice cream shop that hits the spot after a beach day. If you're staying close to the hotel, though, the Hyatt has their own unbeatable dessert setup with s’mores by the fire pits. That was actually one of our favorite parts of Saturday night. After a long day of swimming and hiking, we ended the evening roasting marshmallows under the stars. It was simple and sweet and reminded us of childhood.

If you're more into hiking than lounging, Incline is full of trailheads and outdoor access points worth checking out. From mellow lakefront walks to challenging alpine climbs, there's something for everyone. The Adventure Desk at the Hyatt is a great resource that makes it easy to plan. They’ll help you figure out what kind of activity fits your group, whether you're with kids, friends, or just out on your own. It's one of those features that turns a quick weekend into a full-on Tahoe experience.

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Tips for Planning a Trip to Lake Tahoe

If you’ve never been to Lake Tahoe before, planning your first trip can feel a little overwhelming. The lake is huge, there are a bunch of different towns to choose from, and depending on when you go, it can feel like a totally different experience. Here are a few tips to make things a little easier and help you make the most of your time.

First off, work with Ski.com. Seriously. They’re experts at helping people plan ski and mountain vacations, and if you’ve never been to Tahoe before, having someone help you figure out all the logistics makes a huge difference. Getting from the Reno airport to Tahoe is a trip in itself, and Ski.com can help you figure out transportation, lodging, lift tickets, and even gear rentals if you need them. It’s one of those things that makes everything less stressful so you can just focus on having fun.

Next, decide what season you want to visit. Tahoe is absolutely beautiful year-round, but the vibe shifts depending on the time of year. Winter is ideal if you want to ski or snowboard, and the Hyatt in Incline makes a perfect home base. It’s an easy drive to Diamond Peak, Northstar, Palisades, or Alpine, and you’ll avoid a lot of the traffic that tends to build up around Truckee. Summer is all about the lake, hiking, beach days, and warm nights under the stars. Honestly, you can’t go wrong either way.

It’s also an amazing place for a wellness reset. The spa at the Hyatt is incredible, and a trip to Tahoe has a way of helping you slow down. The air is crisp, the views are stunning, and it just feels like a place where you can breathe again. If you’re looking for a quiet weekend to recharge, this is the place to do it.
Tahoe really does have something for everyone. Whether you're planning an adventure-filled ski trip or a relaxing long weekend with good food and lake views, a little planning goes a long way.

The Weekend That Delivered

This weekend hit every note I needed. Great food, perfect weather, zero stress, and that classic Tahoe magic. Thanks to everyone at the Hyatt and Ski.com who made this weekend happen! Whether you’re a local looking for a reset or coming in from out of town, the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village makes it easy to relax, explore, and enjoy the best of the area without trying too hard. I’ll be back—and next time, I might even try my luck at the blackjack table.