Hilton plans first Sierra Nevada Waldorf Astoria

December 14, 2022 –

Hilton Worldwide has signed a brand and management agreement with EKN Development Group to welcome the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand to Nevada’s Crystal Bay and Incline Village community, USA.

Sierra Nevada Waldorf Astoria

The all-season Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe is expected to debut in 2027.

Mountain debut
Situated on a 15-acre site, the mixed-use development will introduce 76 guestrooms and 61 Waldorf Astoria branded residences to the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Managed by Hilton, the newbuild luxury hotel will mark Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ first property in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

The property will house distinctive restaurants and bars, including Waldorf Astoria’s signature Peacock Alley lounge paying tribute to the brand’s New York flagship, a signature poolside restaurant and brasserie with terrace. The resort will feature a community grove that provides a promenade and hub for guests, residents and locals. Paying homage to the popular gaming history of Nevada, Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe will offer an upscale casino with live entertainment and a speakeasy.

A Waldorf Astoria Spa and fitness facility will feature an outdoor terrace connecting to an expansive resort pool along with a dedicated pool for residents.

Responsible development
The property will embrace the characteristics of the region, with contemporary architecture utilising clean lines, varied pitched roofs, deep terraces and balconies. The resort will feature a material palette of warm wood tones accented by darker natural stone, with complementary metal tones capturing and mirroring the magnificence of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe and branded residences will sit atop a peninsula offering views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The construction is intended to represent a responsible approach to development with plans that include restoration of Lake Tahoe with an expected 90% reduction in sediment runoff into Lake Tahoe and a 38% reduction in total water and energy use.

Wider amenities
The resort will offer a three-acre lakefront beach club on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, a gondola-side mountain club at NorthStar Ski Resort, and transportation to nearby golf clubs, hiking trails, and the region’s slopes.

At the resort’s mountain club, guests will enjoy access to year-round mountain resort, NorthStar California, with a dedicated ski valet. As part of the beach club, guests will have access to a private beach and mooring, a pier for direct lake access with activities and a resort-access-only signature restaurant and event hall.

Engaged experiences
Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton, said: “Now more than ever, our guests are seeking engaging experiences, from embracing local culture to connecting with nature. With Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe, guests will enjoy one of the finest natural settings at one of the most luxurious hotels in the destination.

“Bringing Waldorf Astoria’s distinguished hospitality to an extraordinary location like Lake Tahoe provides the perfect opportunity for travellers and residents to immerse themselves in the incredible, serene beauty that the destination offers while indulging in the authentic and sophisticated experiences for which the brand is renowned.”

Fourth luxury
Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president, global development, Hilton, commented: “We are pleased to introduce our fourth luxury property in Nevada with the signing of Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe, which will join the 32 Waldorf Astoria hotels currently welcoming travellers and 26 more in development around the world.

“As we continue to grow our luxury portfolio, Hilton is always looking for the right opportunities to expand our presence in popular resort destinations. Lake Tahoe is a highly sought-after and year-round alpine destination making it an ideal location to provide guests, residents, outdoor enthusiasts and locals a haven to explore outdoor activities complemented by our brand’s luxurious amenities.”

Alpine-style village
Ebbie K. Nakhjavani, CEO, EKN Development Group, added: “A true idyllic Alpine village is born by bringing Waldorf Astoria to Lake Tahoe where our guests can find restoration and seek adventure. Our goal is to provide an immersive wellness philosophy to join with Tahoe’s natural beauty.

“By pairing the iconic brand of Waldorf Astoria with the nirvanic location of Lake Tahoe, these two world-class gems become that much more incredible – a truly unrivalled place to feel at home.

“A new luxury will be created with this project as we’re thinking about our clientele deeply. Those who appreciate the timeless, but truly live in the moment and those who crave raw adventure, but wish to come back to a sophisticated and elegant home base. We will offer a wide variety of choices, from gourmet meals paired with world-class wines to curated shops that tantalise the senses. The residences are a true connoisseur’s wonderland that will always continue to be a coveted place to live.”

Next in Nevada
Throughout Nevada, Hilton has more than 45 existing properties and nearly 15 hotels in the development pipeline.

Another project underway for the group within the state is the overhaul of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Las Vegas Airport. The property will undergo renovations, which include refurbishment of the 190 guestrooms and common areas, scheduled for completion in Q4 2023.

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