SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF.—What was once a tired Days Inn here has been transformed into a vibrant resort that blends modern architecture with a “Rustic-Zen” feel. Owned by G8 Partners, 968 Park Spa Resort features items such as organic linens, towels and duvets, organic food and wines, and a day spa that offers treatments heavy on homemade ingredients. Throughout the property, every attempt was made to use reclaimed materials from the old Days Inn or other sources to create a style unique to Tahoe. Standing outside the resort, one is struck by the rust-friendly sheet metal that accents the wood-dominant walls and trim. This theme is carried out inside the resort as well.
It took almost a year to renovate the structure that has been officially open since January 17. The property had its soft opening on December 19. According to Christopher Minnes, general manager of the resort, the local green contractors, Sierra Sustainable Builders, were given the flexibility to be creative with their work. The result, he says, is a property with “a lot of soul and personality.”
Workers first stripped the structure to studs and then rebuilt it from the ground up using sustainable materials and processes. The owner kept the radiant-heat system which still worked fine and added energy-saving windows. Ceiling fans will help keep guestrooms cool during the warmer months, and windows open to allow fresh air in. “A fair amount of the building is shaded,” Minnes says.
Combination of Modern, Classic Design
All furnishings are made from recycled materials. Minnes described the resort’s design as a unique combination of modern and classic Tahoe. The “new” resort features 58 rooms, including a standard suite and honeymoon suite.
To minimize its footprint on the shores of scenic Lake Tahoe, energy-saving light bulbs and appliances were purchased. Recycled blue jeans were used for wall insulation, wallcovering is made from recycled newspaper, toilets are dual-flush, showerheads are low-flow, mattresses feature replaceable components, and garbage cans are made from recycled plastic. Only green cleaning products are used. To further reduce waste, ceramic plates and metal forks and knives are used for the continental breakfast.
“Any time we buy something, it needs to be recycled, low energy or sustainable,” Minnes says.
A kitchen located inside the lobby makes it easy to serve continental breakfast (organic, of course) and also helps to create a warm gathering spot for socializing. Wine tastings are held there and naturally purified water is available to guests and staff. Outside the resort, a zen garden will give visitors a place to contemplate the area’s natural beauty.
Emphasis on Guest Education
To educate guests about the sustainable elements of the 100 percent nonsmoking resort, a brochure is being created. Placards placed around the property will further explain the green initiatives.
Minnes says they are trying to create a guest experience not found anywhere else in Tahoe.
“A lot of people seek out something like this,” he says. “It is a lot more than just saying you are green.”
With South Tahoe experiencing a renaissance, 968 Park Spa Resort is one business that is proving that revitalizing what was once old and tired is not only possible, but sustainable as well. Just ask the FedEx guy. He hardly recognizes the place. It is like night and day, he says.
Go to 968 Park Spa Resort.
