Alta Vista Reviews and Guestbook Entries

Below find reviews and a selection from many guest book entries by satisfied renters of Alta Vista Chalet, giving valuable hints what one can do and experience in the Tahoe Donner mountain resort. In early 2018 we started simply copying indiscriminately every review we receive.

The pictures with which we illustrated this page were taken by ourselves.
… 73 REVIEWS TO DATE

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SEPARATE STAR RATINGS (for Airbnb bookings):

Starting in June 2020, Airbnb guests can give optional Separate Star Ratings:
1: check-in; 2: cleanliness; 3: communication; 4: location; 5: value; 6: accuracy.

(VRBO and ACViews do not provide additional star ratings).

Review title: … a great stay for the price and location …
”Overall, this was a great stay for the price and location. The location is phenomenal, and we very much enjoyed their peaceful home with great views. Klaus has lots of specific instructions for his home that he sent ahead of time, but none were out of the ordinary. Additionally, Klaus is available to answer any questions and/or provide clarification. We were easily able to meet all requirements prior and during our stay. The only reason I am not leaving 5 stars is because upon arrival, we found a severe water leak in the main bathroom. There was standing water on the floor and the toilet was unusable. This was unfortunate to have to handle after a long day of travel. Thankfully, Klaus responded right away and the issue was fixed by morning. We understand accidents happen, and are grateful for Klaus' promptness.”
The guest added: “Thank you so so much for promptly fixing the leak. We did end up able to use that bathroom. Your home has beautiful views, and my older relatives are so grateful for your quiet space.”
Our response: “Actually, the guests notified us at 4:14 PM (4:00 PM check-in time), and after extensive help from a neighbor, two handymen, a water company technician, and a premium service plumber, the last repair person left the premises at 6:52 PM on the same day -- 2 1/2 hours later. We thank all involved for their responsiveness, especially given the after-hour timing in a remote resort location.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
(Separate Star Ratings by this guest : 1*****, 2****, 3*****, 4*****, 5*****, 6*****)
— E.D., July 2024 (renting 4 nights, Airbnb)

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Review title: … beautiful views -driveway and roads were plowed expeditiously …
”Great house overall with beautiful views. We were there during a snow storm and the driveway and roads were plowed expeditiously allowing us to get out skiing.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
— T.P., February 2024 (renting 7 nights, VRBO)

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Review title: … hard to stop looking [views] …
”Outstanding views. Hard to stop looking. Love the area and recommend it to others.”
★ ★ ★★
(Separate Star Ratings by this guest : 1****, 2**, 3****, 4*****, 5*****, 6***)
Our Comment: Very unusual for us, this valued guest found fault with stains which, for a mountain cabin in snow country, may be difficult to deal with for housekeepers preparing the home between rentals. We try doing our best. We provide contracted driveway snow removal, but a bit of shoveling may be needed upon guests’ arrival after a snow storm to open the garage doors; and even the owner’s best intended information communication may not guarantee that guests will understand the intricacies of a private vacation home.
— E.dG., February 2024  (renting 7 nights, Airbnb)

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Review title: … Would stay again …
”Would stay again”
★ ★ ★★ ★
(Separate Star Ratings: 1*****, 2*****, 3*****, 4*****, 5*****, 6*****)
— J.G., December 2023  (renting 4 nights, Airbnb)

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Review title: … great time with family …
”Had a great time with family at Alta Vista. Property was clean and comfortable, Klaus was very responsive when I had questions.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
— E.E., December 2023  (renting 5 nights, VRBO)

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Review title: … breathtaking views …
”Breathtaking views from the highest point of the Tahoe Donner area..”
★ ★ ★★ ★
— R.T., December 2022  (renting 6 nights, VRBO)

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Review title: … spectacular panoramic view; comfortable beds and jacuzzi with a view …
”The panoramic view was spectacular. So high that there were days the clouds were floating below us. 30 stairs from the lower bedroom to main. Great if you want to lose weight! Loved the comfortable beds and the jacuzzi with a view was so pampering after a day of hiking. This house is the perfect place to just CHILL! Read a book or 2 , sit on one of the patios and sip some wine. It feels like you are on top of the world - because you are! You can feel the calming spirit of nature in the homey surroundings. One of the best Airbnbs/VRBOs we have stayed.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
(Separate Star Ratings: 1*****, 2****, 3*****, 4*****, 5*****, 6****)
— P.P., August 2022  (renting a week, Airbnb)

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Review title: … amazing spot with amazing views; immaculately kept up …
”What a great trip and stay!! The property was just advertised. Amazing spot with amazing views. Immaculately kept up, the home is in a quiet location on top of the mountain (Lots of stars at night!) with easy access to Truckee, Lake Donner and Lake Tahoe. Klaus was a great host. Communication was amazing and he provided 100% of everything we needed without asking. I'd highly recommend this property to anyone interested in visiting the Tahoe area. We will be back for sure!!”
The guests added this note: “...the home is spectacular; you were a great host; we had an amazing stay.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
(Separate Star Ratings: 1*****, 2*****, 3*****, 4*****, 5*****, 6*****)
— C.J., July 2022  (renting a month, Airbnb)

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Review title: … a large, clean, well-appointed house in a remarkable location with unrivaled views …
”Alta Vista is an amazing property in a most desirable location at the top of Tahoe-Donner. The house itself is spacious, clean and has a convenient layout, and it offers all the amenities one could hope for. The views are as spectacular as you will find anywhere in the Tahoe area. The owners' written and online resources are quite useful; I recommend taking ~10 minutes to read through the instructions and FAQs in advance or on arrival, in particular the information re snow removal. Overall, a unique combination of a large, clean, well-appointed house in a remarkable location with unrivaled views.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
(Separate Star Ratings: 1*****, 2*****, 3*****, 4*****, 5*****, 6*****)
— C.J., December 2021  (renting a week, Airbnb)

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Review title: … could not have been better … could not have asked for anything more …
”Experience could not have been better. This is an amazing place, in an amazing location with an amazing host. The views are stunning, there are hiking and mountain biking trailheads a 5 minute walk away. The Tahoe-Donner ski hill is across the street. The place is large, spacious and cozy. Klaus is super responsive. Could not have asked for anything more.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
(Separate Star Ratings: 1*****, 2*****, 3*****, 4*****, 5*****, 6*****)
— J.O., December 2021  (renting a month, Airbnb)

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Notes:

(1) Since the December, 2020, review (below), Alta Vista was privately long-term rented, hence no reviews and no STR Airbnb rentals

(2) From 2018 to 2020 Airbnb used optional special Compliment Tags:
1: Sparkling Clean; 2: Outstanding hospitality; 3: Thoughtful touches; 4: Quick responses; 5: Amazing amenities; 6: Stylish space; 7: Local tips.

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Review title: … We loved everything about the cabin … owner was a great superhost …
”My family and I had a wonderful time at the cabin. We loved everything about the cabin...the location, the layout, and the views. The views were quite speactacular. There was so much snow leftover. We spent our time relaxing in the cabin, playing in the snow, and sledding with the kids each day right next to the cabin. A short walk from the cabin will lead you to a great hiking trail..a must do. Klaus is a great superhost...he got back to us quickly and made us feel like at home. We will definitely be back.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
(Compliment Tag 5;
Separate Star Ratings by this guest : 1*****, 2****, 3*****, 4*****, 5****, 6*****)
— I.A., December 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … appreciated all of the touches …
”We very much enjoyed our stay. Lots of room, lots of amazing views! Really appreciated all of the touches, including kitchen tools, heaters, etc. thanks so much for sharing your space with us!”
★ ★ ★★ ★ K.M., November 2020  (VRBO)

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Review title: … wonderful week … owner was incredibly responsive …
”We had a wonderful week at Alta Vista! The views were magnificent. We loved being able to walk right out of the front door and hit the Glacier trail head (5 min walk). We ended every day by relaxing in the dry sauna. The home was very clean & comfortable. The owner is very particular about following the rules of the house, which we found to be very reasonable. I would want to ensure the same, if it were my property. The owner was incredibly responsive to email and graciously accommodated me when I accidentally left some belongings behind. If you're looking for a comfortable place to relax and unwind, this is it!.”
★ ★ ★★ ★
(Compliment Tag 3;
Separate Star Ratings: 1*****, 2*****, 3*****, 4*****, 5*****, 6*****)
— J.N., October 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … needs makeover …
”Carpets are horrible and appear to be beyond cleaning. Holes in wall covered with magazine page. Power was out for hours and the flashlight batteries were corroded and not working. Only 1 TV would work. Overall needs a makeover.”
Our response: “It looks like these renters reviewed a different house. We regularly have our carpets shampooed, cover no holes in the walls with newsprint, carry DirecTV programming for two 40” flat-screen TVs (in LR and upstairs MBR), provide a bright long-lasting LED emergency light always charged in an outlet in the kitchen for the extraordinarily rare occasions of a blackout, and know of no electricity outage during the time of the stay of these guests. Also, we had no communication with these guests during their entire 4-night stay and until 11 days after their departure, when this review was written (during which time we hosted other exceedingly satisfied guests [see review above].
★ ★ ★ — G.H., October 2020  (VRBO)

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Review title: … not disappointed …
”We were looking for a quiet place with a view. We were not disappointed. Thanks for everything. I appreciated all the great communication.”
★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tag 4;
Separate Star Ratings by this guest : 1****, 2*****, 3*****, 4****, 5****, 6*****)
— J.S., September 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … spectacular views…
”This is a special house with spectacular views of the area. N.B. The owner wants the house treated with care, and he's provided specific rules and requirements such as no shoes in the house - so don't rent if you are not ok with following some rules!”
The guests added: “Thanks for the quick resolution of the electrical issue!” [They had unknowingly accidentally touched the test button of a GFI]
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (Compliment Tags 4, 5, 6)
-- J.H., August 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … incredible views - unwelcoming reminder notes …
”The views are incredible but the reminder notes throughout the house are unwelcoming. The deck is peeling so watch out for splinters.”
Our Response: This guest was difficult to communicate with and resistant to consent to our rules. Our housekeepers gave him 2 out of 5 stars - the worst rating they had ever given. Most of our guests find our few notes useful and understand their intent as being a helpful gesture. Most of the few notes we post are actually imposed by the Tahoe Donner HOA, which is very apprehensive about short term vacation rentals and requires a myriad of information to be posted in vacation rental homes, concerning safety issues and nuisance abatement. We love to welcome guests who appreciate being able to stay in our private home and understand the difference to renting a hotel accommodation.
★ ★ ★ ★
(Separate Star Ratings: 1*****, 2*****, 3*****, 4*****, 5*****)
— P.S., August 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … even better than the photos…
”This house is even better than the photos. The area is very quiet but an easy and short ride to town. We absolutely loved the views and the comfort of this home. The internet connection was great as well. Thank you so much we had an amazing stay!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 2, 4, 5)
-- N.Y., July 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: We had a blast in Alta Vista!
”We had a blast in Alta Vista! Communication with Klaus was super smooth, he is very helpful and responsive. We also found the amenities in the kitchen beyond thoughtful. He has even thought about first aid box or post it notes and a pen or even tapes. I almost felt at home when cooking in the kitchen. The views are breathtaking. The decks all have spectacular views (definitely a Switzerland type of vibe!) and we ended up doing lots of yoga and meditation on the deck. My 5 year old also enjoyed doing lots of 'pretend plays' with so much free spirit on the deck. It was a true refreshing retreat indeed for us and we can't be more grateful!.
Thanks so much for being such a superb host! We had a very relaxing stay and explored the area in a way that we had never done before. It is by far one of our favorite trips with my daughter and is going to stay with us for a long time! We are very grateful to find Alta Vista and be able to refresh in this almost retreat like stay :)”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 2, 4, 5, 7)
-- P.A., July 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: We had a great time!
”Great house, very close to trailhead for hiking or mountain biking, quick 10 minute ride down the mountain to Donner Lake. Truckee River about 20 minutes away for mountain biking and bike park. Our family of 5 had a great time at Donner Lake.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 3, 4, 7)
-- M.R., July 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … lots of room and great communication …
“Very nice place. The drive could be tough in snow so make sure to have a good snow vehicle if needed. We didn’t need it (unfortunately)... Lots of room and great communication to help us with any questions. While the notes in the house and information overload during the booking process may seem excessive it turned out that everything was really helpful for us!”
Our response/Comment: “Unfortunately, there wasn’t a flake of new snow in February 2020 — very unusual. But even then, at the elevation of Alta Vista there was still plenty of “old" snow to enjoy, while at lower Tahoe Donner elevations essentially none was left. In February 2019, there were over ten feet of snow walls on the road sides, but the Town of Truckee kept the road open and passable nonetheless, so guests with regular 4WD or AWD vehicles had no problem, without chains. And indeed, the Tahoe Donner HOA now REQUIRES an overwhelming amount of nuisance prevention instructions to be communicated to all short term renters — but we feel it is better to “joyfully” put up with that than risk 4-digit penalties for non-compliance ....”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 4, 5, 7)
-- E.Y., February 2020  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … very cool place to stay at 7300’ …
”This property is literally at the top of the ski slopes. You can see the lifts from the kitchen! Very cool place to stay at 7300’. Don’t stay here if you are sensitive to altitude, but definitely do stay here if you want the best views and snow around..”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- D.G., January 2020  (HomeAway)

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Review title: … terrific jacuzzi tub and fireplace in master bedroom …
”Great place for a winter getaway. Incredible views. Terrific jacuzzi tub and fireplace in master bedroom. Wonderful stay for my family of 5.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 3, 5)
-- L.F., December 2019  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … comfortable and clean …
”Beautiful views! Comfortable and clean, we had a great time with our son and wife and grandsons.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- D.&B..S., December 2019  (HomeAway)

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Review title: … sparkling clean and awesome views …
”Perfect location, with lots of beautiful snow, and awesome views. When we walked in, the house not only looked clean but also smelled clean. At first, when I got the email regarding the rules of the house I thought it is too much to review, yet when I got there I really appreciate the details. Perfect place to ski and close to Reno, and Lake Tahoe.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-- B.K., December 2019  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … a "not to miss" vacation experience …
“Alta Vista, the property name, is extremely accurate. It sits at the top of Skislope Way. The sunset and morning views are spectacular! The property is well appointed and maintained. The multilevel structure provides a unique experience to each visitor. This is a "not to miss" vacation experience.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- T.P., September 2019  (HomeAway)

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Review title: … The view from the top of the mountain looking down was stunning …
“We had a wonderful stay. The property provided everything we needed and more. The view from the top of the mountain looking down was stunning.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- V.F., September 2019  (HomeAway)

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Review title: … as advertised and then some …
“Everything was as advertised and then some. Location to outdoor activities was superb for winter and summer visits. And the view is unsurpassed .”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- T.B., August 2019  (HomeAway)

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Review title: … enjoyed the amazing views — but too many sticky notes …
“Nice house and beautiful location. Enjoyed the amazing views from the deck. However, we were put off by the owner's sticky notes and rules literally EVERYWHERE in the house. Every amenity in the house seemed to come with some sort of threat, i.e., being charged $10.00 for using a robe and not washing AND drying it. The threats made us unable to fully enjoy the house because we were afraid of making some "tragic mistake" resulting in us being charged extra fees. There was literally a sticky note for EVERYTHING. It was incredibly off-putting. Having said that, the house was comfortable, and the owner did allow us a late check-out, although we ended up playing it safe and leaving at the appointed time.”
Our Comment: The vast majority of our guests find our few notes useful and understand their intent as being a helpful gesture. For example, it can be frustrating to activate someone else’s sound or TV system, or trying to locate certain local phone numbers, or find out about snow removal and garbage pick-up details, and alike. We have indeed a note dealing with costs: rather than not providing our bath robes for our guests to use, we ask for a $10 charge if they use them but do not find the time to put them in the washer and dryer before their departure. Most of the few notes we post are actually imposed by the Tahoe Donner HOA, which is very apprehensive about short term vacation rentals and requires a myriad of information to be posted in vacation rental homes, concerning safety issues and nuisance abatement. We love to welcome guests who appreciate being able to stay in our private home and understand the difference to renting a hotel accommodation.
★ ★ ★ ★
-- L.W., August 2019  (HomeAway)

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Review title: … spacious, well equipped place with incredible views …
“Great location above Truckee. Spacious, well equipped place with incredible views, close to trailheads and right next to Tahoe-Donner Ski. Has everything you need and more.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 4, 6)
-- S.K., June 2019  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … amazing property at the top of the mountain …
“We had a great experience at this amazing property at the top of the mountain. You really can’t ask for better views!.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- S.A., June 2019  (HomeAway)

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Review title: … beautiful views …
“Nice place. Beautiful views near the top of a mountain.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tag 4)
-- A.L., February 2019  (Airbnb)

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Review title: … absolutely incredible …
“This place is absolutely incredible, from the stunning vistas to the amenities provided. The home is in excellent condition and you’ll never find yourself needing anything. Klaus’s place is well laid out, and when in doubt, he has left a bounty of notes and tips. During our stay he regularly provided us snow and road condition updates. In addition, he responded promptly to any questions and emails. This is now my top booking for all future Truckee/Tahoe escapades.”
The guest added:
“Klaus you are absolutely incredible. Thank you for being so available and accommodating. Your home is a special place; from the FAQ to the little notes we never once felt lost in your home.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 2, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-- S.T., January 2019  (Airbnb)

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Review title: Breathtaking views, very convenient for Tahoe Donner
“Breathtaking views, very convenient for Tahoe Donner. We had a party of 7 people (3 kids) and found the property to be well appointed, clean and cozy and has breathtaking views across the valley. Very close to Tahoe Donner downhill ski area.”
★ ★ ★ ★
-- J.T., January 2019  (HomeAway)

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Review title: Beautiful View and Sparkling Clean!
“Alta Vista has a beautiful view and was an excellent place to relax and unwind. Guests can expect a sparkling clean place that’s 30 minutes away from Northstar and Squaw. A couple things to be aware of are that the hill to get up to the home can be difficult in the winter so be prepared and that the hosts take extremely good care of their place so the check-out / rental guide length matches that. Would definitely recommend!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 4)
-- D.E., December 2018  (Airbnb)

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Review title: Mountain Getaway
“The house was easy to find and very spacious! It was everything we wanted for our Christmas vacation. It was only a 10 minute walk to hiking/sledding and the views were amazing. We loved that there was a deck on each level so everyone can have their private view! Owners are very nice and responded quickly to questions. We would definitely stay here again!”
Our response:
”We proud ourselves with customer satisfaction, and over 30 five-star reviews of Alta Vista attest to the success of this operating principle. Very unfortunately, there was a housekeeping snafu, and when these guests arrived they found housekeeping only partially done. Such incidences are very rare indeed, and we immediately offered refund of the entire housekeeping fee they had been charged. We assume that this mishap was the reason why the 5th star was withheld.”  
★ ★ ★ ★
-- N.T., December 2018  (HomeAway)

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Review title: A really amazing place
“Alta Vista is a really amazing place that provided me and my girls with a wonderful escape from the hazardous Sacramento air caused by the Camp Fire. There are three decks where you can enjoy incredible views of the Sierra's at over 7,000 feet, a fully stocked kitchen and a sauna and jacuzzi for relaxation. The place is very clean and well maintained. There are great places to hike within walking distance that will give you views of Donner Lake. Truckee is only 15 minutes away which was really convenient for food and supplies. Also Donner Lake is only 20 minutes away. Klaus was super-host, responsive over email from the moment we booked the place. There are a number of rules and restrictions that must be followed but they are reasonable and Klaus does a great job of detailing them. I have never seen so many notes left in a rental home but they were all helpful in communicating expectations and instructions. We were also very grateful to get a Small Family Discount which made the trip much more affordable and were happy to learn that 75% of our rent will be donated to victims of the Camp Fire. My only suggestion would be for a Netflix account to help with the evening boredom. However there is a DVD player, so I'd recommend bringing some on your trip! I'd recommend Alta Vista to anyone looking for a truly special mountain escape.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 4)
-- J.F. November 2018  (Airbnb)

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Review title: Amazing Views!
“The photos of this home do not do it justice. Views are amazing.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- L.P., August 2018  (HomeAway)

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Review title: You're not going to get a better Sierra view!
“The living space was perfect for us four old geezers having a reunion. Great living room to gather and hold long, relaxing discussions (while occasionally glancing out the view). Well-equipped kitchen. Bedrooms were clean and comfortable, also with spectacular views to wake up to. There were a lot of notes everywhere, but we chalked that up to an owner wanting to maintain a beautiful home, and he does!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- C.P., San Diego CA, September 2018  (HomeAway)

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“Beautiful view! Great communication from the host before the trip! Recommend to family and friends for weekend getaway short escape from busy city life! ”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tag 4)
-- K.S., September 2018  (Airbnb)

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“View is outstanding, location great, Klaus was very helpful and clear with all information needed for a good stay. House is spacious- we were two families of four and we had plenty of room. Thank you! ”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 4, 7)
-- R.W., August 2018  (Airbnb)

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"The property is beautiful and well-equipped. The views are unparalleled! In our interactions, owner Klaus was responsive, kind and considerate. Great hiking and biking and easy access to Donner Lake and the amenities of the Tahoe Donner Association. I'm so happy our family got to spend a vacation at Alta Vista."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- C.P., July 2018  (HomeAway)

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"We spent hours reading on We spent hours reading on the deck and enjoying the incredible viewthe deck and enjoying the incredible view."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 4, 6, 7)
-- O.A.P., June 2018  (Airbnb)

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"Lovely place with great views. Great location with downtown Truckee only a few minutes away."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- O.O., April 2018  (Airbnb)
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"Wow. We are avid snow lovers and it's hard to imagine a house better situated to enjoy snow in all its majestic, pristine beauty. We arrived here just after a March storm had dumped 4 feet the day before. The road and driveway had just been plowed the day we arrived. Klaus, the owner, informed us in advance to time our arrival to allow time for the plows to clear the road and driveway. Important advice. This is clearly a home that you could (happily) get snowed-in at, or (unhappily) not get to because of temp road closures. Thanks Klaus for keeping us posted in that regard! Tahoe Donner ski area and Cross Country skiing area are right down the road. 2 of our family members are learning to ski and the proximity to Tahoe Donner's well-maintained gentle, low key skiing is incredibly useful. As for the house itself, it is perched amongst other houses on a grand ridgeline high above the Truckee River Valley and you can see for miles and miles to the East, South and West. Mt. Rose, Truckee, Northstar, and Donner area all within view. Truly stunning views 24/7. The house is clean top to bottom. We love to cook and we noted the cookware was well cared for and of higher quality than we usually see in homes that are rented to vacationers. The tap water was delicious. No need to bring bottled. The beds were comfortable, bathrooms super clean. The whole house is very clean inside and out. We have learned to always bring our own paper towels and extra toilet paper when staying in rental homes. In this case the owners provide enough for a few days stay, and after that provide your own. Makes sense. If you prefer free & clear soap, laundy powder, shampoo and dish soap, as we do, bring your own. Otherwise the home is well stocked. Yes, the home does have notes of explanation, notification posted around the home. Personally, we appreciate these and found these helpful. It's not a hotel, it's a private home. We get it. The hosts - who live out of the area - are very helpful, thoughtful and clearly love their house. We can see why. We had a great stay and look forward to returning as soon as we can."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- P.R., March 2018  (Airbnb)

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"A great house! Plenty of space to unwind and spectacular views just like the photos. Klaus was so welcoming and prompt with his communication, especially when we needed him on a couple of things. Personally, I found all the helpful hints around the house incredibly useful, every house is different and has its own requirements."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-- H.J., February 2018  (Airbnb)

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"My friends and I visited the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area for the first time. The condition of house was perfect and the host gave us everything for our comfortable stay. Most of all, the views on the deck with coffee and sunrise were amazing.
The house is located in a great spot and managed well. I don't see anything which needs to be improved. Great location and management by the host. Perfect place to enjoy the Truckee and Tahoe areas."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(Compliment Tags 1, 5, 6)
-- 금련, South Korea, October 2017, Alexandria, VA (Airbnb)

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"Stunning Panoramic Vistas -- Superb Tahoe/Donner "Skislope" Location ”
Wonderful find; Spectacular views, very well appointed house."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- K.K., September 2017, Alexandria, VA (HomeAway)

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"Your home is amazing and we look forward to returning soon."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- H.H., July 2017 (Airbnb)
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“Beautiful house and awesome view. A home away from home. Highly recommended. Thanks, Klaus! We enjoyed our stay.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- C.J., September 2017 (Airbnb)
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“If you want peace and quiet with a view to die for in a clean and well cared for environment; AltaVista is the SPOT. Part of my requirement for an excursion with two other business associates, was a mountain retreat that had cell reception and wifi. (Hard to find) Both worked sufficiently for our needs and we were well rewarded with wildlife coming right to our door and beautiful horizons with some SUMMER thundershowers that were spectacular. A prefect name for the Chalet "Alta Vista." Definitely a view from above. IF you have a tough time with strict but common sense rules, then I'm sure there are other locations. I however, found the communications and instructions for EVERY amenity well defined. A split level home with three floors there is plenty of privacy in the various bedrooms, but the use of stairs is required. Klaus and his Wife took a chance on me and my party ( first time ABnB users) and from here on I can see future retreats in well maintained upscale homes rather than always defaulting to those seemingly overpriced Resorts, since we usually don't use all the features of these resorts anyway. - I would have no problem calling up Klaus again for this Mountain Retreat or his other Beach homes.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- P.K., August 2017 (Airbnb)

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“Stay at Alta Vista!! You won't be disappointed. Beautiful, welcoming home. Amazing amenities, full kitchen, great bedrooms. The view couldn't have been better- mountains, wildlife, fresh air! Thank you, again!! Looking forward to coming back!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- M.H., August 2017 (Airbnb)

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... “Klaus was a fantastic host and really went above and beyond to make sure my family and I had a wonderful time in Truckee. Weather was an issue just before we travelled to the listing, and Klaus was sending me multiple updates a day to make sure I understood the conditions before driving up. The listing itself was very much as described. My family of 4 found the space very expansive. We went for the snow and it was wonderful because the kids could sled around the property which made it very easy and they loved it. Very roomy yet cozy in its cabin-like furnishings. I would heartily recommend Klaus and his chalet for anyone looking to have a great time in Truckee!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- A.H., January 2017 (Airbnb)

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... "Beautiful and comfortable spacious cabin. The view is amazingly breathtaking! You will sleep like a baby in all the beds and feel extremely comfortable. We enjoyed our Thanksgiving here and highly recommend everyone to check out this amazing cabin! Thank you Klaus!!! "
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- M.F., November 2016 (Airbnb)

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... "Klaus provided our group with all the information we needed to ensure we had a great stay at Alta Vista. Their home was very welcoming and provided adequate space for everyone. We especially loved the views and sauna. Thank you!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- S.M., October 2016 (Airbnb)

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... "This is a very comfortable house with a fantastic view. We had a group of 7 that fit very nicely in the 3 levels, 4 bedrooms, and 3 full bathrooms. We were able to cook for ourselves in the roomy and fully equipped kitchen. This was very convenient after a full day of hiking and mountain biking, often starting from the front of the house. Klaus provided complete instructions for using the house. We had a great time."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- J.K., July 2016 (Airbnb)

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... "We had a very nice visit to Alta Vista Chalet. The house was comfortable, in a great location (steps from Tahoe Donner slopes), and had an unbelievable view. There was even a great sledding hill just out back, as shown in the photos. Klaus was friendly and thorough in his communications before, during and after our stay and was very quick at resolving any issues. It is clear he takes great pride in the house and wants guests to enjoy their stay."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- D.R., April 2016 (Airbnb)

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... "The house was clean, beautiful, and had the most amazing view. The host was friendly, and easy accessible. I would recommend the house to a friend, and would stay there again if I ever go back to Truckee. "
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- L.R., February 2016 (Airbnb)

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... "Couldn't find a place better than Alta Vista for our stay in Truckee-Tahoe. The chalet is perfectly located on top of a mountain which gives you amazing panoramic views. We spent our Christmas at Alta Vista Chalet. Everything was within few miles, cross country skiing, snowboarding, nice restaurants in Truckee less than 20min drive. Klaus was a great host, he provided us with all the details and information before our departure. Thank you Klaus, we will come back again."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- S.F., December 2015 (Airbnb)

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... "Klaus and Gundi have a beautiful home that we were very glad to visit. The house is well stocked (hot tub, jacuzzi AND sauna all in one house? definitely heaven), and the notes on how to use different features, like the sauna, were definitely helpful. We, and our friends, had a wonderful time hiking the snowy trails of the mountain, and loved going back inside to sit by the fireplace. The entire trip was a welcome get-away, made all the better by the setting. It was an event I would happily turn into a tradition. Thank you Klaus and Gundi!"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- L.T., November 2015 (Airbnb)

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... "The chalet was comfortable and well appointed, and the vistas from the balconies are gorgeous! We greatly enjoyed our stay there! "
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- A.C., August 2015 (Airbnb)

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... "We had a wonderful time at the Alta Vista Chalet!! The view from the deck is to die for and the location is perfectly located at a comfortable distance from amenities, Lake Tahoe, while giving us the secluded feeling as well. The chalet is very well equipped with anything you can think of. Klaus (the owner) was very responsive and accommodating to all our needs. We couldn’t have found a better place to spend memorial day weekend with our big group! We absolutely loved grilling on the deck with a view of the valley and mountains and clouds. There were plenty of deck chairs/furniture to accommodate all 7 of us and throws to keep us warm and cozy. We hope to be back again soon and will surely be passing on the word to our near ones!."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
-- S.R., May 2015 (Airbnb)

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Below are some guestbook entries entered before we joined Airbnb for hosting in 2015:

... "We had an amazing time at your mountain home. We arrived on Monday with a big snow fall. On Tuesday we took advantage of the the backyard slope. The snow was deep. At first we just sank. Once we'd gone down the same run several times, we created a fun sled run accompanied by a stairway for getting back up the hill. On Wednesday and Thursday we taught our kids how to ski at Tahoe/Donner, a perfect slope for beginners. They did great and skied the Green Mile many times. On Friday the snow was perfect for building a snow fort and carving new sledding runs down the hill behind the house. The skies were clear Wednesday - Friday and we saw some beautiful sunrises. The view is spectacular. We headed home early Sunday with the next snow storm. ....."
J.C.,

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... "This was our 2nd year in a row staying at the Alta Vista Chalet. We are extremely satisfied with this beautiful vacation home!! The owner is friendly, and easy to work with---plus, the home is well laid out with plenty of room, and it is fully stocked with everything you want while vacationing at a rental property. The master bedroom & bathroom are very comfortable, and the great room & kitchen are perfectly laid out for our family get togethers. There are three levels in this home--with comfy bedrooms, and nice bathrooms on each floor. There are decks on each level, and the view is one of the best in the Lake Tahoe Region. There is a nice two car garage, and a 3rd garage door for "extras". Plus, there is a sauna right off of the inside of the main garage, and a hot tub on the lower level deck. The bathtub on the lower level is large & it has "jets" in it. Both times we have rented here the home has been clean & well maintained. For guests that enjoy hiking--you can walk about 1/3rd of a mile up the street, and take off from a trailhead. We hiked every day, and really enjoyed that activity. We are so satisfied with the Alta Vista Chalet that we are planning to rent here every year!! This is a great value, and I strongly recommend the facility!!"

Recommended for: Families with Young Children,  Sightseeing,  Girls Getaway,  Adventure Seekers,  Age 55+,  Romantic Getaway,  Families with Teenagers

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... "Its hard to explain all the features of this home. The pictures give it no justice whatsoever. My wife and I just wanted to get away, not to a hotel, not to any home, we wanted seclusion, and that is just what we got. On top of the highest peak overlooking the valley is this home. It was snowing when we arrived and the house was warm, that was a definte plus. We were also thankful it had some baby proofing equipment since we had a 15 month old with us. We were easy to please just sitting in the family room gazing out over the deck for 2 days. The owners were fantastic, very easy to communicate with and very quick to return out deposit. I will never stay in a hotel again. Thanks again.

K. Family Martinez, Ca

Recommended for: Families with Young Children,  Sightseeing,  Adventure Seekers,  Age 55+,  Romantic Getaway,  Families with Teenagers "

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... "We had a fabulous time. What a lovely house! Our unanimous assessment was that it was by far the nicest house we've ever stayed at. Clean, beautiful, such thoughtful details. What a view!! ... As we drove away both of our kids were demanding to know when we could stay again at the "snow house". I'm sure we'll be back next year (and no doubt we'll have to book early!) ....."

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... "Thank you for a wonderful time in your beautiful home/cabin. The view was breathtaking. The jacuzzi was hot and bubbling. The living room was warm and inviting. This home has more of a resort feel than a rugged cabin atmosphere. We felt close to everything. It was a perfect mom's retreat. We needed it! Thank you for all of the extra touches like guest passes and snowshoes. We would like to come back to mountain bike since we saw those in the garage....."

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... "We had a wonderful time, and the cabin had every conceivable comfort - it was perfect for our group!! The kitchen was so well equipped, tons of linens, both bedding and towels, comfortable beds, and just overall, we were totally comfortable and happy!! It goes without saying the views up there are spectacular!!! We must have commented on that dozens of times! And, the hill behind the house was so perfect for sledding for the kids - we brought up sleds and saucers and toboggans, but didn't realize they could just walk out the door and go! It was so much fun!"

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... "You folks have a wonderful house there -- it offers everything a person could possibly ask for, and the views were amazing. We were very comfortable."

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... "This was simply the best vacation home we ever stayed in. The views, the space, the furniture, the pots and pans ... the list goes on and on."

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... "We had an absolutely great time. The house was so enjoyable, we will be coming back again."

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... "We enjoyed your cabin so much.... We had lots of opportunity to appreciate how well stocked and well designed your place is. There were so many details that I can’t think of now, but the big ones were the Jacuzzi, the sauna and the best stocked kitchen in all of Tahoe Donner (I think)."

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... "Your house is very beautiful and is extremely well maintained. I don't remember having trouble with anything at all. I will definitely recommend it to all my friends. "

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... "We had a wonderful time, and the weather was soooo great. Every afternoon a summer storm came in and cooled everything off and we saw great lightening and thunder shows. We just sat on the deck and observed it all... It sure was a nice and quiet neighborhood. We loved (the) house. It is so bright and nicely decorated. All the things we needed were right there in the kitchen... And I loved the round bed."