Coachman Hotel holds grand opening this weekend

Nothing is normal about the new Coachman Hotel in South Lake Tahoe, and that suites management just fine.

Gone is the stuffy front desk. Gone are plastic outdoor furniture and generic beds. What takes their place are locally made wooden furniture, fire pits, a bar that doubles as the check-in counter, and books, games and s'mores to make guests feel like they're just hanging out in someone's home.

Attracting the new type of traveler who likes to explore, recreate, and spread out and relax, its no wonder The Coachman has been full almost every weekend since opening their door in March.

On Saturday, they've invited some clients, friends and local dignitaries to a grand opening that will feature an Airstream wine tasting bar and ice cream along with the normal treats.

"We are providing an ideal Tahoe experience," said new manager Kathleen Bunnage of what the Coachman has to offer. "We have focused on communal spaces with the living room, games, fireplace, fire pits and Stumptown Coffee."

The Portland, Ore., native brings with her not only great hotel experiences, most recently with the Hotel Nico in San Francisco, but an excitement to be part of the community.

"The owners want to be focused on community," said Bunnage. She has taken that vision to heart and has already joined Tahoe Regional Young Professionals (TRYP) in her first month living in South Lake Tahoe.

They have embraced sustainable style and modern conveniences while returning to the simplicity of another era. Owners Peter and Justin Watzka combined and renovated the 1960s Green Lantern and Coachman motels, and created the Coachman Hotel.

This summer they'll finish up the large suites, then start on a meeting room space that will be able to hold 50-100 people. Bunnage says shes working with Tahoe Mountain Lab to try and get corporate retreats to stay a few extra days now that they can utilize the workspaces offered at the new lab.

For more information, visit their website: https://coachmantahoe.com/