Martis Valley Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

This hotel is highly regarded for its convenient location near Northstar and the broader Tahoe area, making it an excellent choice for skiers, winter sports enthusiasts, and families seeking easy access to outdoor activities. Its proximity to local amenities also appeals to travelers with pets and those looking for nearby dining and shopping options. While many guests appreciate the friendly staff and complimentary breakfast, the hotel's aging appearance and certain policies, particularly regarding parking, are frequent points of contention. To ensure a smooth stay, guests should be aware of the hotel's specific parking fees and confirm housekeeping schedules upon arrival, as these aspects can significantly impact the overall experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several amenities that enhance guest stays, including a well-maintained hot tub that is often praised for being clean and accessible year-round, providing a relaxing option after a day of activities. A gym is available, equipped with various machines, including a Peloton, treadmill, elliptical, and dumbbells, catering to guests' fitness needs. Laundry facilities are also on-site, adding convenience for longer stays. However, feedback on the outdoor pool is mixed, with some noting it can be cold or lacks privacy as it faces the parking lot, and it is sometimes closed. The single elevator is occasionally described as slow, leading to wait times during busy periods.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is highly varied. Many rooms are consistently described as dated, old, worn, and in need of renovation, with common complaints about stained carpets, stained furniture, and peeling wallpaper. Some guests have reported significant issues such as mold in bathrooms, bugs, and unpleasant odors like musty or urine smells. While some guests find the rooms clean and the beds comfortable despite the age, others report saggy mattresses or squeaky beds. Noise can also be an issue, with mentions of loud AC/heater units, refrigerator hum, and hallway noise impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast generally receives positive reviews, with many guests describing it as good, excellent, and substantial, providing a solid start to the day. The hot breakfast typically includes options like eggs, bacon, and sausage, alongside waffles, yogurt, muffins, and cereal. The dining area is frequently noted for being clean, fresh, and inviting. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the quality of the eggs, finding them overcooked or crumbly, and the coffee is occasionally described as tepid or weak. Despite these minor criticisms, the breakfast is widely considered a valuable inclusion.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, offering super convenient access to Northstar ski resort, typically just a 10-minute drive away, making it ideal for skiing and other winter sports. It is also well-situated near the town of Truckee, providing easy reach to a Raley's supermarket, various dining options, and a gas station/mini-mart, many within walking distance. While the location itself is highly praised, the hotel's parking fee of $15 per night is a major point of contention for many guests. This charge is widely perceived as a money grab or hidden fee, despite the availability of ample parking space.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff and service is notably polarized. Many guests commend the staff as friendly, helpful, attentive, welcoming, and professional, with several individuals receiving specific praise for going "above and beyond" to resolve issues or assist with requests. The check-in process is sometimes described as quick and efficient. Conversely, a significant number of reviews report negative experiences, citing some front desk staff as rude, lacking customer service skills, or being unresponsive to guest concerns, such as requests for clean towels or room issues. A recurring complaint is the housekeeping policy, where rooms are often not cleaned daily unless specifically requested, and even then, requests are sometimes ignored, leading to frustration over unemptied trash and unreplaced towels.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's cancellation policy may differ from standard brand policies, potentially resulting in charges for the entire stay even if a no-show occurs after the free cancellation period. The hotel is pet-friendly, though some guests note challenges in finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby. There are indications that the property is undergoing or planning renovations, with some reviews mentioning a future change from its current brand to a "higher-end Tapestry" hotel, which many believe is much needed given the current dated appearance. The hotel also provides free coffee in the lobby, though its quality can vary, and it is situated near bike and walking paths for outdoor recreation.