River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant

So many fond memories from here that I really was hopeful. I gave 3 stars as I try to be a positive force in the world but it’s really more of a 2++ stay. The location is tops. Just a little bit of TLC and customer service can do wonders for this beloved inn. This was such a special dinner place in the 70’s (yes, I’m that old). The timber ceiling in the main room is unique & lovely and the upstairs inn is quaint and has potential. Our room was spotless and adequately appointed with toiletries and linens, although the beds were lumpy. It was disappointing to walk up the stairs and hallway to room, which had not been vacuumed and frankly, was pretty scuzzy. So easy to remedy. The decor is quaint and evokes nostalgia high I appreciated. At first the staff was quite grumpy and not customer service oriented so I pushed back, w my friendly cheer and to be fair, they corrected their manners, so that upped my rating. Great unexpected bonus of being able to buy lift tix at check in. Staff came around and upped their game as evening progressed. Really want to stay here again as this is a great location for skiing at Alpine and the river is beautiful. I get it was a tough winter if digging out but staff needs to remember why they’re here, to make guests feel comfortable. Why do I need to be the one saying this? Manager?

The only thing good about this small hotel is the river flowing outside. Rooms are outdated and uncomfortable with a smell of room deodorants and mold. The restaurant food is hash house quality as well as very expensive. Even at “happy hour” a martini costs $18.00 each. If you chose this hotel don’t book it on-line as they will say that you booked two night and charge you a cancellation fee for the first or second night. Very dishonest management.

I received very poor service from the bartender.... he was too busy chatting with his friend to pay attention to me, my cocktails or my satisfaction. The place needs a makeover or at least a deep clean. Everything is overpriced. The tables and chairs are in disrepair.... some are broken, yet not taken out of service. It appears as if management and owner care little about maintenance. The only positive is location. Overall,very disappointing.

I have been to River Ranch for lunch and dinner numerous times. Overall, I’d say it is a 3 star place, but I’m giving it 2 Stars today because after a wonderful day of rafting on the Truckee River, we ate at the RR and my son (13) got violently ill from the food (which appeared to be an undercooked Burger). Great view, terrible food.

40 years ago this lodge may have been up to standards or really good, but now it's just horrendous. The rooms are bad the beds are uncomfortable, the furniture is out of date and damaged, the TV service is REALLY out of date, worst of all NO air conditioning, do not go to this place, ever unless you want to be desatissified totally.

As beautiful as the river is, it cannot compensate for the surly service and mediocre food. We dined on the patio, which was not at all crowded, and everyone's entrees came out at different times. When I asked a question of a server, his curt reply was: "You need to ask so-and-so." Both waitress and hostess acted bored, and could not be bothered to return pleasantries. Really a let-down.

We stopped in for lunch during Snowfest, surprisingly the restaurant was not crowded. I requested a table by the window so my daughter could watch Snowfest activities. We were seated promptly. Unfortunately, there was too much sun in her eyes, she asked if we could move to a different table. Her molars were coming in and I didn't want to add to her pain. So, I asked the hostess if we could move. As I was trying to find a table that would work, the hostess had an absolute fit, giving my husband an earful. Obviously she had no patience for children, wrong profession for someone in the hospitality industry. She later came by the table and asked if we needed anything else, husband said yes, more iced tea please. He was drinking out of a glass, his refill was brought back in a to go cup!!! Obviously, she didn't want us there. That was our first and last adventure there, a shame as we are Tahoe locals.

We had brunch here and found the food to be prepared very well with fresh flavorful ingredients. The portions were ample. We started with a very tasty potato leek soup. My wife had the calamari as a main course and couldn't finish it all. I had the Taos breakfast burrito which was filled with wonderful spicy flavors and topped off with sour cream. Too much to eat at one sitting. Just wonderful as were the virgin Bloody Mary's. We look forward to returning for dinner. Oh yes, the service was excellent and the views of the Truckee River surrounded with snow were gorgeous.

We made a lunch reservation but the server greeted us with "find a table in the bar". After we informed him that we made a reservation for a party of 8, we were shown three very small cocktail tables in the bar. We said we needed a table as we have children, then we were told that we would need to wait at least 30 minutes for a table. There was an another room of tables nicely set but we were told that was for NYE (it was 12pm). Needless to to say we were disappointed. We waited but it was obvious we were not going to be seated anytime soon. I haven't been here in awhile and unfortunately it has really gone downhill. The appointments and furnishings were not cared for and it looks like it has seen better days. We will return but in the summer to sit on the deck for very casual cocktails and pass on the restaurant.