Grand Residences by Marriott, Lake Tahoe

Awarded the 2016 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, Grand Residences by Marriott Lake Tahoe is nestled inside Heavenly Village, within easy shop-browsing distance. The views are so amazing, you’ll wish you could bottle them and bring them home. (Instagram shots will have to suffice.) You’re steps from the Heavenly gondola so there’s no need to rush through breakfast – do it up right with the full, sit-down deal. After an epic day on the slopes and a leisurely après stop for sips and snacks, change into swimsuits, grab goggles and towels and brave the brisk temps on the walk to the outdoor heated pool. (Well worth the shivers, once you’re in.) Soak in either of the poolside hot tubs until you can feel your toes again, while still keeping an eye on the kids. Make plans to hit the fitness center on your non-mountain days, then stop by the sauna or steam room for some post-workout relaxation. Kick your escape plan up a notch with a massage treatment, body wrap or facial at the aptly named Serenity Spa. Guests have an all-access pass to the activities center at nearby Timber Lodge, buzzing with all-ages to-do’s. Get in on the bingo, family movie and s’mores action. Or join in on the adults-only morning power walk, Texas Hold ‘Em, and glass painting. There’s even a just-for-teens Comedy Hour, Arcade Night and Wii Hour. And younger kids will love face painting, Fun with Foam and Cartoons and Cereal.

Roomy studios sleep two guests, and even roomier one- and two-bedroom condos sleep four to eight guests. All residences feature full kitchens with spacious dining areas, because breakfast was meant to be eaten in PJs. The grocery store is right across the street. Bring the kids along to make sure no one gets the shaft on snacks (and to help carry bags!). The living area is movie-night-ready with a TV and DVD player. Dig through the freezer to see what’s left in terms of ice cream bars, and appoint a popcorn-master to keep the bowl full. Let a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors be the final decider between Toy Story or The Incredibles. (Who can argue with Rock, Paper, Scissors?)

During the summer, Heavenly is a haven for boating, hiking and mountain biking. Winter activities are all about the snow: sleigh riding, sledding, skiing and snowshoeing. Got a few shoppers (or mini shoppers-in-training) among you? Head to The Shops at Heavenly Village. Little Blue House by Hatley features daywear, pajamas, outerwear and swimsuits in cute prints. Hodge Podge is stuffed to the gills with souvenirs, games and toys. And Sock City lives up to its name. Hungry? Hit up Base Camp Pizza for gourmet pizza and pasta – although after that carb-fest you may want to come back another time for treats at the Nestle Toll House Cafe. Or get them to go.