The Report
We are torn because this venue has major party panache. We cannot decide if we want to throw a summer lakefront soiree replete with rowboats, dining tables on the pier, ducks swimming in the lake and sunshine. ORdo we want a cozy fireside winter bash with whiskey, s'mores, snowfall, and oversized fuzzy plaid blankets for guests?
West Shore Cafe & Inn is impeccably appointed to host both winter and summer fetes. The venue has classic mountain architecture, a warm luxurious interior with Persian rugs over slate floors, knotty alder moldings, oversized leather couches, rustic bronze chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountain peaks. Acquired by JMA Ventures in 2010, the West Shore Café is a very unique property connecting the shore of Lake Tahoe with Homewood Mountain Resort. Designed as a luxury hotel and restaurant destination, the Café also boasts a private pier and boat dock which are considered irreplaceable in Tahoe’s tight entitlement environment. Can you say 'PARTY ON THE PIER?!'
HOW WILL MY GUESTS GET HERE?:WSC is 1 hour from the Reno Airport, closest airport. 3.5hour drive from San Francisco along Highway 80. 2hour drive from Sacramento and second closest airport there.
The Scoop
A SHORE THING: The West Shore Cafe & Inn is flexible event space that is great for both events and getaways in the winter or summer. Ideal for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners and holiday parties. Weddings are best if you opt for a complete venue buyout, that way you can utilize the entire property. You can host your ceremony on the lakeside lawn, reception and cocktails on the pier and dinner inside the cozy dining room. You can then dance and dine under the stars because the outdoor patio can be tented for dancing and an after hour reception. Weddings can also be held exclusively on the lawn and can host up to 200 people. If you were to arrange it this way, then your ceremony would be on the water followed by a reception and a tented dinner. The venue has the capability to string lights in the trees and property for a magically romantic vibe. For those of you whoe aren't getting married but want to throw a Holiday Party, the venue recommends hosting one inside the dining room with a full bar and buffet stations. Your guests will mingle and jingle fireside with views the lake and snow falling.
THE VENUE BREAKDOWN: Whether you want to belakefront, mountainside, or mountaintop,West Shore Cafe & Inn offers a myriad of options for party throwers looking to incorporate the breathtaking scenery of Lake Tahoe into their celebration.
Lakefront Deck & Pier
One of Lake Tahoe's only private locations directly on the lakeshore, you can host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner entirely outdoors on our enchanting deck and pier. Let the lake be your "something blue" - arrive to your ceremony via boat, or hop aboard immediately following for some time with your new spouse.
Lakefront Lawn
Directly adjacent to the deck & pier is a private lakefront lawn where you can host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and/or dinner. Surrounded by fluttering aspen trees, the lawn adds beautiful contrast to the striking blue of the lake just beyond.
Lakefront Dining Room
Tahoe's elegant charm is resplendent in the dining room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of Lake Tahoe. In winter, we can host your entire celebration indoors. In summer, choose the dining room just for dinner if you prefer.
Mountaintop Ceremony Site
Rated the #1 Scenic Resort View in North America, Homewood offers a mountaintop ceremony site with a glorious view straight across Lake Tahoe. The chairlift will wisk your guests to 7000 feet for panoramic views and an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Mountainside Lodge
An outdoor patio at Homewood Resort's South Lodge lets couples give their guests a taste of Tahoe mountain culture. Beautifully lit once the sun goes down, tucked away on the West Shore, the lodge is charming in the old Tahoe style.
Bonus
The West Shore Cafe & Inn is one of the only properties that is right on Lake Tahoe! They have a fantastic team with Executive and Pastry Chefs who create incredible culinary delights. There is a resident mixologist who will whip up specialty cocktails for you and your guests. In addition to their fantastic catering services, the venue boasts a full service restaurant and bar during peak season. Last but not least, the venue is part of the same ownership group as Homewood Mountain Resort right across the street, for skiing in the winter and mountain top wedding ceremonies in the summer.
CABIN FEVER: West Shore Cafe & Inn paired with the adjoining Homewood Mountain Resort represents a very unique four-season mountain venue. The property sits on Lake Tahoe with it's own beach, lakeside lawn and private pier. The classic Old Tahoe-style dining room, mixology and cocktails at the bar, and the option to bask in the sunshine on the legendary West Shore Café deck and pier create a unique experience. Plus your guests will get a fabulous nights sleep in the suites that boast private patios overlooking the lake.
STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING
1. Invite guests to your cozy cabin celebration withrustic mountain invitations by Starboard Press on Etsy 2. Give a nod to nature by setting your tables with vintage brass deer candle holders. These make the perfect mountain-worthy decor accents for any event. Top them with mustard or olive green taper candles for a warm ambiance. 3. Send guests home with a 'make your own S'mores kit'. The perfect charmingly edible favor.
Inside Scoop
In the winter months the venue provides free apre hour with s’mores on the patio! There are multiple fire pits outside to roast marshmallows and a full service bar to order a drink after a long day on the mountain. You can also rent boats in the summer and pull right up to the restaurant for lunch and dock your boat for free on the pier. The outdoor patio and pier space is ideal for events – fire pits, outdoor string lights, s’more kits as your gift for your guests, complimentary heat lamps, patio space for a band and then spend the evening in one the suites onsite. BONUS TIP: Next door to the property, there are rental villas to help accommodate the rest of the guests for an event – groomsmen suites to get ready in while the bridal party gets ready in the suites upstairs.Highlight Reel
- You can host your shindig on the mountaintop, on the pier over the lake, on a grass lawn overlooking the lake, in a tent under the stars, or inside. The options are endless.
- In the winter there are fire pits for roasting S'mores. The venue provides free apre hour with s’mores on the patio! In the summer you can rent a boat and park on the pier to eat lunch.
- We love the cozy cabin decor filled with Persian rugs, tartan chairs, bronze lighting fixtures and oversized leather couches.
- Complimentary heat lamps
- In the winter you can go skiing, snowboarding, sledding. In the summer you can go hiking, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, biking, etc
Around Town
Homewood Mountain Resort recently launched Big Blue View Bar. The new bar is mid-mountain under the Madden chairlift & has an elevation of over 7100 feet & incredible views of Tahoe. Featuring 50 blue Adirondack chairs, you can grab a drink, take in the view, & relax.
In winter the Inn is right across the street from Homewood Mountain resort for skiing, snowboarding, sledding. In the summer you can go hiking, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, biking, etc. Tahoe City is the closest main town with great shopping, restaurants, bars.
Take guests on a Lake Tahoe lunch or dinner cruise aboard the Wild Goose II. All tours are 1 3/4 hours and include all beverages while on the boat. Guests will meet at the North Tahoe Marina in Tahoe Vista and will enjoy a gorgeous tour on Lake Tahoe to the West Shore Café.
WEDDING PHOTOS (rows 5 - 8): Annie X PhotographieVENUE:West Shore Cafe & Inn
