Lodging

Lake Tahoe in winter.

The plan was to spend Christmas in Tahoe. But the 115 mph winds and 100 percent precipitation that dumped some two feet of powder on Christmas day put a stop to that.

Instead, we waited out the storm and packed up the kids, their new toys and a cooler full of juice boxes and sippy cups, and headed to South Lake Tahoe on Friday, under clear blue skies and sunshine that glittered off a blanket of pristine powder.

The roads were still iffy — the median along Emerald Bay Boulevard (89) was an impenetrable snowbank, but descending the grade into this wonderland felt like being sprinkled on top of a sugar-frosted confection, the sparkling blue lake surrounded by a generous layer of white icing.

We arrived at our rental in early afternoon, a cozy A-frame cabin a few blocks from the Tahoe Keys. Crystalline icicles clung heavily along the high-pitched roofline. I broke one off and handed it to my daughter Parker, who had never seen one. Delighted she chomped on it like a popsicle.

Our South Lake Tahoe cabin dripping with ice.

Cabin rentals are a popular, convenient and affordable way for families and groups to visit Lake Tahoe. Ours, a three-bedroom, two-bath, betrayed it’s ’70s vintage with wood paneling, an avocado-colored kitchen sink and glossy, framed posters of the lake. The spoon collection was a homey touch of Tahoe kitsch.

The large brick hearth dominated the living area and was instantly and often put to use. An upstairs closet was stocked with baby gear including a pack ‘n play, toys and a booster seat.

Our cabin was deceptively roomy and we shared it easily with husband’s parents without ever feeling like we were on top of one another.

The cost was a reasonable $150 per night.

Not exactly the White Christmas we’d imagined, but I’ll take the day after — drinking coffee in pjs in front of a crackling fire, kids romping in the snow outside.

Some cabin rental companies include Tahoe Cabin Rentals, Vacation Rentals by Owner, and First Accommodations.

Photos by Lisa Dion

Reflection of Mount Bachelor Photo by Dale McGrew

Ski season is rapidly approaching. We have a group of family and friends that likes to travel together. We’ve done Belize and the Yucatan. Now we’re getting ready for a ski trip. Let’s see…where shall we go?

Mount Bachelor in Oregon is a family friendly resort, and vacation rentals are plentiful and inexpensive. We found a vacation rental through Absolutely Bend Vacation Homes. A new house with six queen size beds and one king size bed. And three bathrooms, which will help keep things moving! All for only $195 a night!

Elk Horn, the house we chose, is located one mile from the Old Mill Shopping Center, the city park, and the Deschutes River Trail. Even for those who don’t ski, there will be plenty to do. 

The Old Mill District at Night Photo courtesy of Old Mill District

The 9,065 foot mountain has 12 lifts and three lodges with a long season, from late November until mid-May. Their rental department has a large selection of the newest equipment that will satisfy all of your needs. Snowboarders love the pipes, and experienced skiers whisk through the trees and fly over moguls.

But it’s not all about being experienced. This mountain is a beginner’s paradise. The people are friendly and helpful, and lessons for all levels are easy to come by. The day-care center is a comfort for first-time moms anxious about leaving their little ones, and offer lessons to young children while the parents enjoy some adult activity.

The ability to stay in Bend is a treat. Bend is chock-full of fabulous restaurants, and shopping and spas are ready and waiting for you when you’re finished on the mountain. Bend is one of the fastest growing communities in Oregon.

I can’t wait for our trip to Bend. I’ll be swooshing down the mountain before you know it. And thanks to Absolutely Bend Vacation Homes, I’ll be there with all of my favorite people.

Colorado’s Keystone ski resort is bustling in the wintertime, particularly over Christmas through spring break. Summertime in the Colorado mountains also brings vacationers who like to hike, mountain bike and otherwise enjoy glorious weather in the “high country.” In the autumn, however, the resort town of Keystone is closer to a ghost town, and that’s when you can find great deals on lodging.

View from the condo balcony of the ski mountain.

For example, Keystone’s Summit Cove Vacation Lodging rents a centrally located, three-bedroom condominium for a whopping $879/night (three-night minimum) over Christmas and New Year’s Eve; it goes for $609/night from February 15 to March 31.

But if you visit during the late spring, summer or fall — April 17 to November 6 — the price per night drops to $199! (I’m actually surprised it’s so cheap in the summertime, but Keystone — unlike Aspen, Breckenridge and Vail — must not attract as many summer travelers as these other mountain towns.) And now through November 25, SummitCove is offering an additional 50% off all lodging rates!

Earlier this month, two girlfriends and I spent two nights in the three-bedroom condo I referenced above: #8893 in the Springs condo complex. I’d highly recommend this particular unit in River Run Village. It’s on the 4th floor, overlooking the pretty outdoor pool (with slide!) and Jacuzzis. The full kitchen/dining/living area was huge, and we each had our own bedroom and bathroom! The decor was quintessential “rustic mountain lodge,” and I thought it was perfect — though Cheri, the friendly SummitCove owner tells me she’s having the condo redecorated soon.

Two Jacuzzis and freeform pool - with slide!

With so few fellow guests staying at the condo complex, walking down the quiet, empty hallways was a bit reminiscent of The Shining. (That said, when we tried to take a nap one afternoon, naturally, there was a family of loud kids frolicking in the pool below!) We passed just two other groups of hikers on our trek up the ski mountain — just steps away from our condo. And we only saw a few folks at the nearby Inxpot coffee shop!

We made the 15-mile drive to Breckenridge for dinner one night, eating at Relish, a restaurant I’d highly recommend. With its bistro-style dining, huge wine list and decadent desserts, it was perfect for three ladies out of the town. Plus, since it was off season, we enjoyed a discounted prix-fixe menu, and again, few crowds.

Our girlfriends getaway in Keystone was quiet and peaceful, and just what three tired moms needed to feel refreshed and recharged and ready to return home after a weekend away from the family.

Photos by Kara Williams.

Bedside table Photo/booleansplit

There are times when I want to go to a hotel to feel pampered. I can get room service if I want, send my clothes out to be cleaned, and have someone pick up my messes.

But there are other times I want to visit an area not as a tourist, but as a local, especially when I plan on being in the same area for a few days or more.

Condominiums

For many years, vacation rental companies have been renting beautiful condominiums in lovely resort areas, but the only real difference between a condo and a hotel is the amount of room and the ability to cook. Typically the kitchen supplies are sparse: salt, pepper, enough coffee and tea for the first morning, and a few pans and utensils for basic cooking. Very basic.

A few years ago we started searching for lodging through vacation rentals. These are private homes owned by families that actually use them as their own vacation homes. The kitchens are fully equipped, frequently with all of the staples and spices needed for everyday cooking. Games, music and movies line shelves in the livingroom, and cozy fireplaces, private hot-tubs, and beautiful courtyards are frequently the norm.

A peaceful place to spend two weeks

A Cottage in the Wine Country

We had a recent trip to Santa Rosa, California, where we needed a place to stay for two weeks. This was the perfect opportunity to find a private home. For the same amount of money we would have spent at a hotel, we ended up in a beautiful cottage in the Sonoma wine country. Our south-facing patio looked over a pasture to an old barn. Pruned grape vines lined the horizon, and the road leading to the cottage had several well-known wineries.

The selection to choose from was vast: small, older cottages for $100 a night to luxurious villas for $800 a night. But what a fun idea to rent a six-bedroom villa with a bunch of good friends for a weekend of wine tasting.

Where You can Find a Vacation Rental

One of my favorite sites to use is Vacation Rentals by Owner : www.VRBO.com but there are many others to choose from:

• www.vacationrentals.com
• www.homeaway.com
• www.beachhouse.com
• www.cyberrentals.com
• www.going2travel.com

And the list goes on. Next vacation feel like a local in the comfort of someone else’s home.