by: Elizabeth Sedway, TahoeKidsGuide.com

This Summer our family of four, mom, dad and two kids (ages 5 and 8), enjoyed a mountain village getaway at Northstar-at-Tahoe. For two weekend nights we stayed in a condo managed by Tahoe Mountain Lodging over-looking The Village at Northstar.  Tahoe Mountain Lodging manages approximately 70 condos, from studio to three bedroom in size.  Each condo is separately owned.  Evaluating crtieria such as location, value, amenities and service, this review will give you and your family detailed information about the resort, to help you plan your own Summer visit.

Resort Location: These well-appointed condominiums are within 10 minutes of Lake Tahoe. If you're arriving by plane, Tahoe Mountain Lodging suggests you hire North Tahoe Express, or rent a car at the airport.  If you do drive a car, free underground parking is included with the condo rental.  One of the best features of these condos are their location immediately adjacent to The Village at Northstar and Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort.  The alpine views and bustling village activities are just at your doorstep. 

Value: Rates for these condos vary by individual unit.  The Tahoe Mountain Lodging website provides great pictures and rates for the dates you are interested in vacationing there.

Amenities:   The decor of the condo we stayed in was exceptional.  Brand-new looking and spotless decor, full-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, flat screen televisions in each bedroom and the livingroom, and a multitude of high-end amenities.  The swimming pool, game room and workout room were inviting, clean and relaxing.  This area had the feel of an owners' area, rather than that of an area frequented by 'one stay only' guests. The spas adjacent to the separate lodges offered the same exclusive homeowner environment. 

Our family enjoyed the activities offered in the village.  We made candles, bungee jumped, conquered the challenge course, went roller skating, relaxed in the sun as we ate lunch, and enjoyed the childrens' activities offered that particular weekend. (see slideshow)  We wish we'd had time for golfing, geocaching, fly fishing and horseback riding.

The Village at Northstar, immediately adjacent to Tahoe Mountain Lodging condominiums, has so much to offer. There is shopping and dining with a skating rink as the centerpiece. Cobblestone paths wind through the quaint village which includes a North Face store, Helly Hansen, Farrah Rale Bead Design Studio, Balance Holistic Health, Villager Candle Shop, Baxter's Bistro and Lounge, The Chocolate Bar, North of the Border, Grapes and Grounds, Earthly Delights, Rubicon Pizza Company, Starbucks Coffee, S'mores, Euro Gelato, The Cabana Bars, Olivier Napa Valley, Mikuni Sushi, The Chocolate Bar and trendy boutiques such as Oakley, Butterbox, True North, Shoe, Mine, Double Diamond Jewelry, Freckles Children's Boutique, Lather & Fizz, Ambassador Toys and Adaggio.

A favorite summer activity at Northstar-at-Tahoe in the Summer is the incredible Mountain Bike and Hiking Park. Bikes and gear are available for rent in the village. Free mountain bike storage is available at the resort. 

Service:  Upon check-in, we were greeted by a warm and helpful front desk staff.  They helped us get acquainted with the resort and village and explained the housekeeping offered with our condo.  In the Summer months, a full cleaning of your rented condo is included in the rental rate.  If you would like a 'trash and tidy' cleaning during your stay, there will be an additional $66 charge.  A full cleaning during your stay will be an additional $147 charge. 

Our family enjoyed living, playing and relaxing in our beautiful rented condo.  Our stay was filled with the delights and activities of an alpine village, designed for vacationing families.  Northstar-at-Tahoe and Tahoe Mountain Lodging offer an elegant and self-contained tahoe Summer vacation for families.  Check out this video from Northstar-at-Tahoe for more information.