Designer Destination | Coachman Hotel

We took advantage of the holiday last week and decided to get some snow fun in. Arden had ski week (the whole week off) so we packed our bags and headed off to Tahoe. This time we decided instead of hitting up our usual destination, we’d mix it up a bit and stay in South Lake Tahoe. I had heard of a gorgeous (yet reasonably priced!!!) hotel there called the Coachman. After seeing pics of it, I just new I had to stay there.

Can I just say that this place lives up to its reputation? It was listed on Vogue’s round up of the most instagrammable hotels. It’s the perfect balance of form and function. The design was a collaboration between the managing partner Justin Watzka and hospitality design firm, Studio Tack. I’ve always thought of Tahoe’s north shore as being more design-friendly, but I think the south-side is definitely making a come back! Bring it.

We had such a wonderful stay at the Coachman. Even though it’s touted as a perfect place to stay and work (which it definitely is!), I would say it’s perfect for families too. We had a room with two beds and there was plenty of room for the four us. The room was minimalist with everything you need an nothing you don’t. It was kind of genius really. The black rubber industrial floor is perfect for coming in with snowy/sandy feet and it just looks chic too. The white tiled bathroom was beautiful in its simplicity and let me not forget…The toilet had heated seats. So good, right?

The lobby was the perfect blend of coffee shop/bar with Stumptown coffee in the mornings and plenty of micro-brews on tap in the evenings. There are also plenty of nooks and crannies to spread out whether your focus was working on your laptop, eating scrumptious homemade waffles, or play a round of Jenga. While we were there the snow was pretty heavy for a couple of days, so we made the lobby our hangout for the day and played game after game. The kids loved Jenga (obviously), but Checkers and Pictionary were a big hit as well.

Outside they have a gorgeous courtyard with fire pits at the ready for s’more making every evening. There is also a year round heated pool and hot tub. Oh and the hot tub has a phone so that you can call the lobby and order more drinks. Sounds like a party to me!

As you can tell from the pictures, it was snowing pretty bad the whole time we were there! In fact, some family that we were staying with got stuck driving home during the storm. It took them 14 hours instead of 5 hours to get home! Yikes. Luckily we were able to weather the storm a the Coachman! We were also fortunate to be driving an AWD Lexus RX 350 F Sport. We really put this car to the test. The snow was pretty deep and we were driving around on uncleared streets, yet I always felt in control and safe. That is huge considering I don’t usually drive in a lot of snow. The RX 350 was an absolute champ and put my fear to rest. Oh and the F Sport package is my fave, so sporty, so fun.

It’s all about being prepared when you’re traveling to colder climes, especially with kids. After years of going to our cabin in Truckee, I have packing down to a science. I’ve gathered up all of my snow gear necessities for you at the bottom of the post, so be sure to scroll all the way to the end! I know, I know, it’s a lot of pictures, but I really just couldn’t help myself. The Coachman is a photographer/designer’s dream!

packing list

COFFEE
1. light snow jacket
This is a great lightweight and packable jacket that plenty warm enough for California ski weather.

2. SNOW pants
I need a good, water-proof pant for snow play and snowboarding.

3. Leggings – base layer
I prefer wearing regular leggings as a base, these have served me well. And I just take the snow pants off and wear these aprés ski!

4. Long sleeve base layer
A great base layer to wear under your jacket. Love that it’s made from merino wool.

5. JACKET
When I’m not playing around in the snow or on the slopes, I prefer a more stylish jacket to wear around town.

6. sweater
A versatile, cozy sweater is definitely a necessity.

7. warm beanie
This is similar to the asos beanie I have. Love the black with the pom, so cute.

8. SNOW boots
Good snow boots are worth their weight in gold. I’m a huge fan of Sorel.

9. ski socks
I’ve been a huge fan of these compression socks for years. I wear them in the rain or snow.

10. SNOW mittens
Waterproof mittens are where it’s at. Love mittens because they keep your fingers closer together which keeps them warmer.

11. SKI HELMET
Required piece of equipment. I’m seriously thinking the kids should wear these sledding too.

12. ski goggles
Great for skiing, boarding or even hardcore sledding 🙂

13. snow brick maker
Perfect for making igloos!

14.TOBOGGAN
I’m a big fan of this toboggan. Good quality, thick and fast.

15.SNOWBALL MAKER
After having the single snowball maker break on this, we upgraded to this guy. Love that it makes multiple at once.

16. saucer
Good for single riders and fast!

17. warm blanket
Lay this down on the snow and cop a squat when you need a break from snowman making.

18. a thermos for warm drinks
So good for hot tea, cider or cocoa!

19. foldable small shovel
This is a small, foldable, packable shovel that comes with its own pouch. Perfect size for the kids. Does have a couple of teeth on one side, so supervised shoveling is recommended 😉

20. SNOWman kit
Such a great idea and our snowmen always look so cute!

This post in partnership with the Coachman Hotel, Lexus and Sockwell. Thank you for supporting Copy Cat Chic the partners that make this blog possible!