Cal Neva Resort, Spa & Casino

Looking forward to the reopening and maybe giving it another try… but as of 5÷2013…
The only good thing was the front desk reps, Riley & «Jersey», who were so nice. Also the view from our 6^th floor was very nice. Other than that, awful. No casino as of May 2013, there are a handful of slot machines, literally a handful, and they are either out of order or turned off at some point… who does that? Turns OFF slot machines in a CASINO? No bueno. Also, the gift shop is open upon request from the front desk, when they have time. No bueno. The suite was ok with the view and they do have cable… but they also had pieces missing from décor, screen halfway off the bedroom window, bathroom tub had nailpolish stains… or ???, sliding door to sketchy balcony was very hard to open and close… I was so disappointed. I was expecting dated décor, wasn’t expecting to feel like I needed to bathe in bleach after our stay… just dirty and gross and so disappointed!

This is my second review of a place with history. And Boy, does the Cal-​Neva HAVE it: connections to the Mob, Hollywood’s elte, the Rat Pack, and even Presidential royalty in the Kennedys.
The resort was founded in 1926 by San Francisco business magnate Robert P. Sherman, and was known for its opulence. Its Hollywood fame started nearly a decade later.
Way back in ’35, the Cal-​Neva featured an act by 11 year old Frances Gumm. She was scouted by MGM, and would go on to be better known as the girl who played Dorothy: Judy Garland. Yes, THIS is where Hollywood’s Yellow Brick Road REALLY began. Without the Cal-​Neva, Garland would never have been Dorothy.
Two decades later would see its ties to the Presidency. ‘50s owner Wingy Gruber was close friends with Joseph Kennedy, the father of Jack, Bobby and Ted. In fact, BOTH JFK and RFK visited this resort MANY times to escape the public… and both were later assassinated sadly. To this day, I STILL say the CIA did it. *Crazy Juice off*
In 1960 the resort was purchased by Ol’ Blue-​Eyes himself, and for the first half of the ‘60s, you could spot Frank, Dean, and Sammy at the resort performing. Other stars who vacationed there included: Marilyn Monroe (Cabin #3), Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, Will Rogers (sans Trigger), and even Jimmy Hoffa. Marilyn herself stayed just one week before her tragic death.
Sinatra himself did the first renovation, adding a helipad on the roof and the famous Sinatra showroom. HE also used the casino’s existing tunnels so the famous… and infamous… would elude the eyes of the public. These tunnels actually date to the opening of the resort in ’26, and were originally used to smuggle in hooch during Prohibition.
The hotel also has mob ties: known mobster Sam Giancana was spotted there, and several scenes from the Coppola classic «The Godfather» were filmed at the resort… and some say the stars loved it there. Talk about «an offer he can’t refuse»!
After a half-​century long decline, the resort needed a facelift BADLY, so it closed to renovate. Sadly it is not due to reopen until next year. I just hope that in the end, the owners realize how much history the property has and will work to preserve its heritage, Hollywood-​linked history, and help bring the classic look to a younger generation.
If you get the chance to see the new Cal-​Neva, please review… but when you do, look at mine, and look back in time, to what it was, and who was there. Remeber what came before you, and do think of the stars we once saw…

I’m not sure I have anything good to say about my experience. My review is based on a one night stay in a chalet. Based upon conversations I had with front desk representatives (who were all very nice), they said we’d love the Chalet. A small 2 bedroom cabin behind the hotel. Ummm no! The shower door was broken, none of the doors closed all the way, the heater only half worked, nothing seems to have been fixed or touched up since it was built. Parking was up the hill and completely out of the way. I found 3 spiders on me in a 30 minute time frame and ants in the bathroom. I layered in about 3 layers to sleep cuz it was cold! I have cancer and have be one so scared of germs — I freaked out all night that I was gonna get sick from bugs and just about slept in my truck. Trust me — don’t stay there!

Absolutely qualifies as a dump. What has happened to this place? They are just CLINGING on to the whole Rat Pack theme and it’s quite pathetic. The rooms haven’t been updated since the Rat Pack stopped playing here. The furniture is so nasty. This is not a casino. They have no dice. Frank wouldn’t approve. They have no card games. The place is smoky.
What this place does have is a location. That’s it. Oh and it’s easy to park here because no one stays here.
The suite I occupied had what I needed a bathroom and a king bed. That’s it.
The view from my suite was beautiful. What a shame that the owners would let such a beautiful location go to crap. Clearly it’s owned by someone who doesn’t care about maximizing their income.
There’s no reason to stay here. There’s not a decent bar, coffee spot or restaurant. I’d actually give it zero stars.

I’ll start by saying I wouldn’t give this place 1 star. This is the worst hotel I’ve ever stayed in, in my life. my wife it went down to complain about something to the front desk, the representative at the desk was rude and disrespectful to my wife then when I came down that kid disrespected me and taunted to me into a fight, remember this is a hotel employee. we were square back to our rooms and told to leave the hotel. The manager came up to ask what all happened and when we told him he called us liars. with the Tahoe sheriffs department escorting us out of the hotel. This all happened on our very first day here. If you read these reviews, do not stay in this hotel, it’s rundown, beat up and with a horrible staff and management crew…
#worseplaceever

If you are looking for an upscale Hotel-​Casino atmosphere you have come to the wrong joint. If you are a traveler on a tight budget who just wants to enjoy the beauty and recreation of Lake Tahoe then Cal Neva may be the spot for you. It is very casual and doesn’t require any fancy attire. I chose Cal Neva to celebrate our 3^rd Wedding Anniversary. I’m perfectly satisfied, because we didn’t want to spend a fortune and we were only concerned about sleeping in a comfortable bed, having a great view and a decent bathroom. We got what we wanted.
Pros — The resort boasts a spectacular view of the lake. You are in close proximity to
King’s Beach and much of the night life of the North side of the lake. The fare
is reasonable. Interesting history with a bit of cool mob noir.
Cons — Seriously run-​down. The overall décor is declining and in need of repairs and
upgrades. The service is so-​so. There isn’t any entertainment or gambling.

They say this place is closing on September 5^th for an entire year to refurbish it. I just stayed here for the last three nights and for an $ 80 a night place directly on the North Shore it was a BARGAIN.
ALSO the fridge was on the house for the entire stay. Probably saved me $ 50 in beer and soda money right there.
The kids left on this staff are as attentive and nice as I have ever encountered at any hotel. Front desk clerk was also the bell-​hop on check in and earned a $ 20 tip. Bartenders are tour guides effectively shutting down the bar every hour or two for 20 minutes at a shot.
There’s a HUGE arcade in the back for kids. There’s only a few gambling machines. For the time being there are plenty of unused ballrooms and wedding reception areas. What THAT meant for me was some MUCH needed peace and quiet.
Going to be interesting to see if they keep the hidden charms of the Sinatra era as they rebuild the place. I hope they do.

Plain and simple the hotel needs a huge face lift. It’s disgusting. We would never willingly stay here due to my fellow Unilocalers reviews but, we had to for a softball tournament.
The pictures are not exaggerations. I hear its been bought and the owners will be remodeling. Thank god. But first lets talk about the cleanliness, or lack there of. Our first room had boogers on the walls and two finger prints that looked like they were printed in blood. It smelled– the ceiling looked like it was caving in near the windows and the carpets, well I made my kids keep there shoes on.
Stains everywhere– needless to say, we requested to switch rooms.
The second– same. No bloody finger prints but yup, boogers! And stains, and musty smell. Be careful taking a shower, hot– then cold– then hot– then cold! Wow. It was insanity!
The staff is nice. I didn’t have issues with any of them. I rather felt bad they had to work in that nasty place!
I would say the other half stayed at the Billtmore up the street– they had no issues with cleanliness. But as for me– I will check out condos next time! Yikes.

This place is a prime candidate for «Hotel Rescue». The lobby looks like they moved out. The furniture, walls, floors, ceilings, etc. are stained and in disrepair (this included the lobby, the bar, the restaurant, hallways, elevators, and our room).
The staff all act like they hate their lives; I don’t think any one of them cracked a smile in the 3 days and 2 nights that we were there. The man working the front desk named Riley was outwardly very rude and angry. I still can’t believe how awful he was.
Our room didn’t have a door on the bathroom! When I asked to be moved to another room I was told «That is the room you were assigned and the computer will not let us change it». Also, our room keys didn’t work most of the time and I had to go get someone to let us in.
While we were there, the 2^nd and 3^rd floor guest rooms water was all scalding hot. Several guests said they had been burned trying to shower or brush their teeth.
Don’t let their website fool you. This place is a sad, broken down dump.

Went there for a wedding. Tunnel tour is interesting and fun. Hotel itself is just okay. But we all had fun. For the first time, got stuck in an elevator while there as well, that was interesting… I spent as much time as I could outside. You can’t go wrong when in the beautiful outdoors to find in that area, great views from the rooms.

This place is struggling. We had to call reception every time we wanted to shower because the hot water was lacking. They eventually sorted it out but it took an hour.
Décor has not been updated since the 70’s & parts of the hotel are falling apart.
Not worth the $ 120 a night. Support a bed & breakfast instead.

The tunnel tour is worth taking, if you haven’t already:
It’s $ 10, and you get a 2-​for-​1 coupon for the bar.
If you are lucky, your tunnel tour guide will be a Marylin Monroe impersonator:
They take you through the tunnels that Frank Sinatra didn’t get around to sealing off. There are apparently two versions of the tour: the regular version, with a graphic recounting of the mob’s artifice of disposal, and a «matinée» version, which is used if there are kids on the tour.
Here’s a tip: If people on the tour claim to have seen/​recorded paranormal glowing orbs, it’s just a reflection from their flash:
Also, don’t be surprised if some people on your tunnel tour come equipped with tool belts loaded with paranormal EVP sensor gear.

T’was not I that booked this hotel but the Boyfriend’s.
It was a random thought, but I wanted to get away for the weekend and briefly brought it up to the Boyfriend. The next day I receive an Email notification about a booking in Crystal Bay, NV. I thought to myself, «where is this Crystal Bay?» I ignored it and thought it maybe spam, but kept the EMail just in case it was not (I guess I was hoping it was a surprise trip from the Boyfriend). Sure enough, it was =)
This spot is located at the end of North Lake Tahoe. When we drove up (on a Friday evening), there was plenty of parking to spare for us. In front of the entrance of this Resort had a statue an Indian name Joseph. I did not have the chance to read it due to the cold. My nose was very frozen for it was under 45 degrees those 3 days that we were there. (During the day…) The place look like it needed someone to go over the place with a blower to blow all the tree stuff and plant around the area.
There is a small little fountain in the middle of drop off and pick up area. Unfortunately it was so cold that the fountain was completely frozen.
Old but sturdy brick steps lead us to the entrance and lobby. We checked in with this young later (that looked as if she’s the only person to work the front desk). I browsed around while the Boyfriend checked us in. A photo of Frank Sinatra is hung on the wall to my left. I skimmed through it and found out that Frank Sinatra use to own this place and had the Rat Pack perform here. I suddenly felt honored for staying at such a historic Resort. (I didn’t –because I was too tired– but wanted to pat the Boyfriend on the back for such a selection)
There were slots, pool table and black jack tables there; however scarce of people playing. Not surprising. Most places are pretty scarce nowadays; probably due to the economy.
We took the elevator up (which was surprisingly fast and headache-​free) and onto the 5^th floor. By the look at the carpet, wall paper, ceiling and doors; I thought it was beautiful. I felt like I went back in time of those Rat Pack days. I almost felt I wish I brought dresses to wear in that hotel. I felt so modernized –and I meant that as an accusation.
The room and the bathroom is a bit run down but was still in working order. The layout of the room wasn’t impressive. The King size bed on the left, TV in the dresser on the write, window across the room with a beautiful lake view (so you can imagine my mornings were gorgeous). As ordinary as it was, the design on the sheets, carpets, wall paper, antique dressers and heavy chairs and the hotel it self, I honestly felt honored being in that hotel. Like I said, it’s like being part of the past.
I had no complaints.
I wanted to do the whole «green thing» by not having them exchange my towels in for brand new (since at home I use my towels several times before throwing them in the hamper so doing it at a hotel was no problem), but they changed it anywhere so I was a little bummed about that.
Would I come back here again? Yes.

I can’t understand what the business model is here currently. There are no live gambling tables, just machines.
According to the bartender who was actually really cool and nice, the owners of Cal Neva are waiting to sell the place before any improvements are made. That may or may not be true but I wouldn’t recommend stopping in unless… I don’t know, you like walking around large empty spaces and staring at wood.

My honey and I have stayed here twice. The first time wasn’t too bad. We had a nice evening hanging out at the Circle Bar. The rooms were dated and kind of musty. The food was ok. The spa is pretty dated but very expensive too.
The second visit was a disaster. The service was TERRIBLE. We didn’t even want to waste any money at the spa so we skipped it that time. We sent an email complaining about the service and NEVER received a response or an acknowledgement. It was pretty disappointing because the place is not cheap. I will not be going there again.

Ok, this hotel has some decent things going for it, but also some issues as well.
Customer service = 1 Star, rude staff up front, no supervision
Views = 4 Stars, if you get a upper level room you can see pretty far over the lake and it’s a beautiful view to wake up to
Casino = Garbage, some video poker and blackjack and such, don’t expect much
Rooms = 3 Stars, clean, decent amenities but very dated décor. This place really has an opportunity to shine, the architecture is solid and interesting. Fix it up!!!
Location = Great. North Tahoe is the place to be. MUCH better than the tourist trap of South Tahoe. Stay here and drive up to Incline Village for places to eat, drive through there to find great places to take a dip (in the summer).

Warning… this is neither a resort nor a casino! It is a poorly managed hotel that is quite run-​down.
There is no casino… there are 12 slot machines and a virtual blackjack machine (the local grocery store has 8 machines!). There are NO table games! There is no cashier… the payouts are paid directly by the bartender who actually pays you in cash! Thus, when the bar closes, the machines are shut down (usually between 2AM and 11AM)
The lobby mirror has a giant crack thru it that was repaired with tape. The gift shop is never open… if you want something you are told to go the the front desk and have it opened for you.
The furniture in the lobby feels old and dirty… much like thrift shop furniture. The Frank Sinatra Celebrity room has been trashed… graffiti. broken tables, and torn upholstery (see pix).
The place is now a venue for raves and DJ shows. There was a rave while we were there (the hotel denied it was a rave… but it was!) and all weekend four letter words were heard, marijuana was in the air, some kids were on drugs, and wine drinking straight from the bottle was quite popular.
The only reason to stay at this hotel is the view of Lake Tahoe… otherwise, stay away.
And one more thing… during our stay there was coughed up blood in the elevator next to the buttons… the hotel never cleaned it until we finally told them about it… the next day!

3.5
This review is for the Frank Sinatra Showroom only, since the hotel is apparently just barely open and the casino is really only just a handful of machines stuck forgotten in a corner. While the walls of the showroom are seriously butt ugly, the acoustics apparently are top form. More on that shortly.
Everything about this place screams RETRO!
But not RETRO! cool.
More like RETRO! Hey, this place hasn’t been really renovated in 20 years. As a local, I pretty much avoid it like the plague.
However, one of my favorite bands, English Beat, was playing here on a recent Saturday night in the Frank Sinatra Showroom. They were fantastic and lots of fun, as always, but the lead singer, Dave Wakeling, could not stop talking about how great the acoustics in the room were. Being British and a fan of the Rat Pack, he was in awe that he was performing in a small venue like this that had the ghosts of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., etc. wandering around here.
If Dave Wakeling says it’s good, it must be.

Whoa Nelly, this place was epically bad. I’m sure Sinatra and the Rat Pack had fun here about 80 years ago, probably the last time they vacuumed the carpets as well (I have another story about carpets). Anyways, pulling up to the Cal Neva, we were thinking pretty positive. All that died when we walked into the main entrance. It was kind of like the scene in Hot Tub Time Machine when the guys walked into the Lobby of their old stomping grounds. Disappointment :-(
It only got worse. When we got to our room, I naturally turned on the TV first. The t.v. looked like someone kicked it and the images on the screen was blurry at best. After taking off my shoes, I couldn’t help but notice a white stain next to my shoe. Check out the pic I took. Pretty awesome. Maybe it’s a historical landmark when JFK stayed there. Or maybe it’s some dirty ass people didn’t clean up after themselves. Either or. Anyways, after checking out, my sister Malyssa C. and I noticed a baggie on the ground that looked like it had a white powdery substance in it (i.e. Yayo). Needless to say, we got an awesome story and horrifying stay at the same time. Thanks for the memories Cal Neva.
P. S. As bad as our stay was, the people there were nice and pleasant. The view in the morning was pretty sweet too…

We were returning to the High Sierra Lodge in Incline Village after a day in the Tahoe City area. We thought we would stop for a drink and check out the Circle Bar. The Cal-​Neva parking lot was pretty empty and as we walked to the door, we noticed the flower beds were unkept and that there was peeling paint on the hotel. The whole place was in general disrepair.
Yes, the bar boasted a great chandelier, but several bar stools were missing and we didn’t feel like waiting around for a spot to open up. We could have sat in the adjoining room but the view was limited — and it missed the point of being under the great chandelier.
The Indian Room must have been fun at one point. Now quite empty except for several scattered sofas and chairs — all faded and worn. It was fun to take a picture on the Cal-​Neva line. Gold is best that’s why we live in the Golden State and only go to the Silver State to gamble — which by the way you can no longer do at the Cal-​Neva as the casino is closed.
Several of the cottages near the lake had tarps on their rooftops. Leaks?
Sad, sad, sad. What happened? Looks like it has had little attention in 40 or 50 years. This seems like a prime location. It must just be waiting for the right people with some money to fix it up – or maybe do a tear down and start all over.