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November 2023 by Charles Little
My wife and I had a fantastic stay at the Lodge the last three days. Of course it helped that we were the only ones there and therefore had a large room to ourselves. But nevertheless, I've been staying here for many years, almost always in the winter when you can x-country out the door, but in the gorgeous fall weather it was a great place to be for hiking around and above Donner Summit. I would add that the food was excellent! A cut above what I was used to in previous stays--plenty of it but a bit utilitarian. This time we had a tasty pulled pork sandwich with mild peppers on it in a Brioche bun, with veggie sides, for one dinner and beautifully prepared white fish for next night with cucumber salad, rice, another veggie I forgot, and hand-made tartar sauce when I requested it. Desserts were exceptional and sandwiches for lunches made to order. Oh, and not to forget the bacon, sausage, eggs and hash browns for one breakfast and Shaksuka the next. I didn't even know what it was and then the recipe was in the Times the next morning! Great place to stay.Nearby activities: X-country our the door and downhill skiing very short drive.
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October 2023 by Charles L.
My wife and I had a fantastic stay at the Lodge the last three days. Of course it helped that we were the only ones there and therefore had a large room to ourselves. But nevertheless, I've been staying here for many years, almost always in the winter when you can x-country out the door, but in the gorgeous fall weather it was a great place to be for hiking around and above Donner Summit. I would add that the food was excellent! A cut above what I was used to in previous stays--plenty of it but a bit utilitarian. This time we had a tasty pulled pork sandwich with mild peppers on it in a Brioche bun, with veggie sides, for one dinner and beautifully prepared white fish for next night with cucumber salad, rice, another veggie I forgot, and hand-made tartar sauce when I requested it. Desserts were exceptional and sandwiches for lunches made to order. Oh, and not to forget the bacon, sausage, eggs and hash browns for one breakfast and Shaksuka the next. I didn't even know what it was and then the recipe was in the Times the next morning! Great place to stay, but bring your own sleeping bag and towel!
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May 2023 by Jennifer F.
I am a middle school teacher and we took our group of 45 students up with chaperones. We had a wonderful time in the snow and we were able to use their dining hall and conference room (Lewis Clark Room) for class times that we had organized about local history and nature/science learning for students. We also had game time, showed a movie in the dining hall (THANK YOU TIA FOR YOUR TECH SKILLS) and had a group fire in the Lewis Clark room. There is laundry - free! So if students needed something cleaned or dried, they could use it. There is a game room with ping pong or foosball. The cabins for students are located on two floors, so you can easily isolate (boys one floor, girls another floor) and there are bathrooms for boys on first floor, girls on second floor. The food was amazing! Food was abundant and tasted homemade. The thing that truly impressed us was this is the first place we have ever stayed where food for gluten-free students was cooked/ baked from scratch. We provided an allergy/dietary needs list a couple weeks prior and it was followed to a "T." Thank you chefs! We will be back, it was truly a wonderful time for everyone. Be prepared for a walk in from the road/parking area. It is about 150 yards...
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April 2023 by Linda Costa
I recently spent a week here working remotely and getting long lunch turns in at Sugar Bowl -- there was a huge storm that closed the highway a bunch so being a half mile from the resort made for pratically empty lift lines on the weekend and a foot of powder each day to ride! I was one of the only people staying at the lodge and felt like an absolute princess. I had read reviews about rooms being cold, so I was proactive and talked to the staff about my concerns being a cold sleeper and I had forgotten my 0 degree sleeping bag - they brought me five extra blankets, a sleeping bag, and put me in a warmer room that I had to myself! 10/10 can't wait to go back -- every single staff member was so kind and went out of their way for me (making sure the parking lot was plowed, lighting fires in the great room, etc.) DO NOT MISS DINNER! Because the dinner food was so amazing. My recommendation for others is to be communicative w/ the staff because it is a hostel situation so unless they're aware of something that's bothering you they can't really resolve it -- like how I approached my cold sleeping concerns. I was SO WARM each night as a result!
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March 2023 by Linda C.
I recently spent a week here working remotely and getting long lunch turns in at Sugar Bowl -- there was a huge storm that closed the highway a bunch so being a half mile from the resort made for pratically empty lift lines on the weekend and a foot of powder each day to ride! I was one of the only people staying at the lodge and felt like an absolute princess. I had read reviews about rooms being cold, so I was proactive and talked to the staff about my concerns being a cold sleeper and I forgot my sleeping bag- they brought me five extra blankets, a sleeping bag, and put me in a warmed bunk room that I had to myself! 10/10 can't wait to go back -- every single staff member was so kind and went out of their way for me (making sure the parking lot was plowed, lighting fires in the great room, etc.) DO NOT MISS DINNER! Because the dinner food was so amazing. My recommendation for others is to be communicative w/ the staff because it is a hostel situation so unless they're aware of something that's bothering you they can't really resolve it -- like how I approached my cold sleeping concerns. I was SO WARM each night as a result!
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February 2023 by Danielle Raynal
I hosted my 30th birthday party at the lodge with 20 friends over New Year's weekend, and it was the perfect place to celebrate together. The staff was incredibly accommodating, and went above and beyond to make it a special weekend. Everyone loved having immediate access to beautiful trails and outdoor activities. We got over 2 feet of snow on our second day, and Mark and JR were out in the parking lot with us helping dig out our cars. It was such a relief not needing to think about cooking for everyone, and we loved the family-style meals shared with all the lodge guests. I would book another trip in a heartbeat. One of the best weekends ever!
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January 2023 by Ellen Uhler
I'm not sure why Clair Tappaan is called a hostel when we were spoiled rotten during our recent 3 day visit. How many hostels do all the cooking for you, including scallops, their own bread, and freshly whipped cream with the morning pancakes? Breakfasts and dinners included many different gourmet dishes, despite the small number of visitors. The staff was more than welcoming, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and well-educated about recreational options (so many!). The library was very cozy (but not too small) and we loved dozing by the big fireplace in the living room. We don't have children, but we recommend Clair Tappaan to friends who do; it's very kid friendly! We have been guests at Clair Tappaan for many years, and think that the post-Covid resurrection is spectacular! While the sleeping quarters may be spartan, the rest of the experience more than makes up for it.
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January 2023 by david dandrès
An amazing place where we were welcomed in a very warm way! Ideal to enhance your walk in the beautiful surroundings. The building is historical and very well maintained.Thank you so much to the whole team for your kindness and for the impeccable service.And of course to Cheftorious and his buddies for the exceptional cuisine !!
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January 2023 by Danielle R.
I hosted my 30th birthday party at the lodge with 20 friends over New Year's weekend, and it was the perfect place to celebrate together. The staff was incredibly accommodating, and went above and beyond to make it a special weekend. Everyone loved having immediate access to beautiful trails and outdoor activities. We got over 2 feet of snow on our second day, and Mark and JR were out in the parking lot with us helping dig out our cars. It was such a relief not needing to think about cooking for everyone, and we loved the family-style meals shared with all the lodge guests. I would book another trip in a heartbeat. One of the best weekends ever!
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January 2022 by Patrick Ericksen
Still not open to the public yet, hoping for a midsummer opening. On site crew is making some improvements and upgrades to the lodge and surrounding property, this will be an excellent destination for those wishing to take advantage of local hiking and biking trails.
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January 2021 by Larry Murphy
Rustic but very pleasant when I am solo for the food, friendliness of staff and other guests, and the delightful quiet of the library as well as the conversations and even singing in the great room make this my favorite venue since 1950.
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January 2021 by Christopher Fetros
Nicest lodge I’ve ever stayed at. The food was only alright but the area and the lodge are beautiful.
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January 2021 by Winter Oller
Its so nice i brought my own tv because they don't have any the view is amazing
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January 2020 by David Hurley
Clair Tappaan Lodge is a wonderful place in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. About two hours from Sacramento, it has great views of snow capped mountains and the crystal clear lakes. The lodge is dedicated to the preservation of the Sierras and encourages this through its mission. Meals are family style and guests participate in meal preparation and clean up. This is an excellent lodge for youth organization activities and others who wish to experience nature. I highly recommend Clair Tappaan Lodge!
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January 2020 by Brett Pedley
Cool place to get some XC skiing in. Rustic digs, friendly staff, and nice dose of nature. Cool cross between hotel and hostel feel with amazing farmhouse food smells. All the staff, especially Pete, were super helpful and a pleasure to be around.
