Olympic Village Inn Lake Tahoe

Olympic Village Inn is THE most historic hotel at Palisades Tahoe. Originally constructed for the 1960 Winter Olympics, it has a rich and profound history. It was specifically created to house athletes from around the world during the Games. This launched a tradition that now brings the world closer together during competition.

Olympic Village Inn Tahoe

Prior to the 1960 Olympics, athletes stayed in hotels or dormitories spread throughout the host city. For the 1960 Games, organizers wanted to centralize accommodations. Their goal was to foster a sense of community and convenience for the athletes. The village they created consisted of a series of chalet-style buildings, designed to blend with the picturesque alpine environment. For the first time, olympic athletes from around the world were provided with community, comfort and easy access to the competition venues. The concept of an athletes’ village started here. It has since become a standard aspect of both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games.

Olympic Village Inn Review

My wife and I were fortunate to stay at Olympic Village Inn, and we loved it. It is now a vacation ownership hotel and resort. The staff and the residents were all incredibly friendly. Since I usually get up super early to snowboard and take photos, it was great to be so close to the mountain. Plus my wife loves to do extensive walking. However, she prefers easier trails than me. She was able to do early nearby hikes as well as stroll over to the village at Palisades Tahoe. While we were there, an arts festival called Made in Tahoe was held at the village on Memorial Day weekend. Kathy loves talking to all the artists and had a great time doing her thing while I did mine. – CLICK HERE to read her review.

The historic value of this property was a welcome contrast to some of the newer resorts we have visited. As a skier and snowboarder myself, I am constantly awed by the superhuman achievements of the olympians. To think that they actually stayed here while competing for gold was something I personally valued. It was nice to contemplate and connect with this history.

The hotel retains a nostalgic charm, with many original architectural elements still intact. Old posters, advertisements, magazine covers, as well as news stories from 1960 are proudly displayed on the hallway and sitting area/library walls.

The Location of Olympic Village Inn

Olympic Village Inn’s proximity to Palisades Tahoe ski resort makes it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, as you can imagine. Every time we left our room, I stopped and looked at the dramatic mountain peaks before moving on. I loved to watch the aerial tram carry visitors up and into the gorgeous mountains. In late spring through summer guests enjoy hiking, biking, and the stunning alpine scenery. Access to the wilderness could not be more convenient. A Shirley Lake trailhead is about 2 minutes away from the lobby. Bicycles and e-bikes are available. The village shops, restaurants, gondolas and aerial tram are all a short walk away, which my wife took advantage of.

These days, Olympic Village Inn is considered one of the best places to stay for anyone who wants to enjoy Palisades Tahoe. Yes, it is “dated,” however, it is also historic. While there are other accommodations right in the village, this property is the only one that carries the spirit of the 1960’s winter olympics. It is also likely to be a better value than staying right in the village.

The Accomodations

Olympic Village Inn features a collection of suites from 375 to 650 square feet in size with very comfortable beds, kitchenettes, separate seating areas and balconies. Common areas include a heated swimming pool, three jacuzzis, fire pits, BBQs, and a large indoor space for cooking and relaxing. There are views of the mountains and ski runs as well as lovely well-kept grounds. Plus, the management is made up of the friendliest and most dedicated staff imaginable. There was always someone at the front desk to help, except when I got up at 4:30am to catch the sunrise at Emerald Bay.

Our Kitzbuhel suite had one bedroom, a full bathroom and a separate living room with a balcony. It was perfect for my wife and I, since we had different schedules. Kathy could stay up late and watch tv, as there was a tv in both rooms. She enjoyed her coffee each morning on the balcony, while she marveled at the snow capped mountains. I could wake up early, close the doors and not bother her. We were both happy with the bed which was firm but comfortable. Our suite came with a kitchenette that came in very handy. Although we did not use the stove top, we took advantage of the refrigerator. We reviewed several restaurants, so we always had lots of tasty leftovers.

Relaxing by the Pool

Kathy loved the pool area, where she relaxed during the day writing as she lounged. Two robes came with the room, and we utilized them to and from our walks to the pool. Plus, the three jacuzzis came in handy for my aching back. Each night I indulged in a long soak.

Olympic Village Inn sits near the base of Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley. You may hear locals calling it Squaw Valley, but they are referring to the same place. This is a world-class year-round destination resort for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the website to find out more – https://www.olympicvillageinn.com

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Lake Tahoe area. ETG recommends visiting the official Lake Tahoe website at https://visitlaketahoe.com