Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village

While the Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Villages is a good value for the money, there is no mistaking the motel-like feel to some areas of the property. The hotel consists of long, two-story buildings covered in stucco or imitation-wood siding, though views of tall pines and the overhead gondola are definitely picturesque. An A frame porte cochere decorated with stones and pine wood is a nice touch. The centerpiece of the lobby is a huge stone fireplace with a cluster of handsome brown leather sofas in front of it, and an elaborate two-tiered iron chandelier overhead. The breakfast room is very plain (and beige), but bright and airy; the separate, family breakfast room has a flat-screen TV, larger tables, and floral and wood touches. The hotel is popular with large families seeking a slightly cheaper place to stay near tourist-heavy Heavenly Village.

Forest Suites is located directly below the Heavenly Ski Resort lift line and a block away from the main drag of Heavenly Village; it is, however, separated from the crowds by a large number of trees. The hotel is an hour drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Public transportation is too much of a hassle between the two locations to be worthwhile, though the hotel can arrange for a transfer with advance notice. The South Shore casinos and plenty of shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance of the property. The Driftwood Cafe across the street gets high marks, should the hotel breakfast buffet lose its appeal.

There are 119 guest rooms and apartment-style suites on two floors at this hotel. Brown leather couches, mustard-yellow walls, and drab carpeting combine for a somewhat '70s feel, which is nonetheless cozy and comfortable. Smaller rooms have stall showers -- some so small that bending down is nearly impossible; shower/tub combos are a vast improvement. The larger suites have a full kitchen with cooking gear and dated appliances. Most rooms have furnished patios and indoor fireplaces. All rooms have an LCD TV and a coffeemaker with a packet of coffee. Two-bedroom Suites are a good choice for families or larger groups while the Honeymoon Suite has a huge whirlpool tub for couples who took advantage of the on-site wedding chapel. Rooms overlooking the pine woods have the best views.

The hotel’s location is probably its biggest draw but it does offer a few fun amenities, including two small outdoor dipping pools (one with a hot tub) set in the center of the property’s buildings. There's a small game room for children with a TV, XBox, some arcade games, and a pool table. The small hotel bar is set in a room with a stone fireplace and simple tables and chairs. The business center consists of two computers and a printer facing the window. There's a cute wedding chapel on-site, as well. The daily resort fee covers parking, Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and a daily happy hour with cheese and wine. It may be worth comparing rates at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel at Heavenly for a restaurant and an indoor pool.