[MadManofBethesda]

After living here for 2+ years, my wife and I finally took a drive up Kyle Canyon Road to check out the scenery and to stop at the Resort at Mt. Charleston for lunch. Well, first of all, calling that place a resort is a gross overstatement. It is more akin to a rustic Motel 6 with a restaurant. The food was just okay and the service was perfunctory, but the view out the window was very nice. Obviously, we won't be back.

I understand that the Mt. Charleston Lodge was another mile (and 2000' elevation) up the road. Is that a nicer facility? Is the food any better? IOW, is there any reason to check out the lodge, or should I just wait until the winter season and go to the ski resort?

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

After living here for 2+ years, my wife and I finally took a drive up Kyle Canyon Road to check out the scenery and to stop at the Resort at Mt. Charleston for lunch. Well, first of all, calling that place a resort is a gross overstatement. It is more akin to a rustic Motel 6 with a restaurant. The food was just okay and the service was perfunctory, but the view out the window was very nice. Obviously, we won't be back.

I understand that the Mt. Charleston Lodge was another mile (and 2000' elevation) up the road. Is that a nicer facility? Is the food any better? IOW, is there any reason to check out the lodge, or should I just wait until the winter season and go to the ski resort?

The Mt. Chas "Resort" is what we locals refer to as Mt. Chas. "Hotel". It doesn't look it, but is much newer than the Lodge. Although the hotel has been there since the 70s, the Lodge has been there forever...it came with the mountain. I don't think it is 2000' higher, but I do think it is at least 1000' higher than the hotel.

The Lodge, however, has better food. But you don't go to Mt. Charleston for the food. You go for the scenery, the fresh air, hiking, family picnics, etc. What took you so long to go up the hill anyway? We don't eat there often, but now and then we take guests up for breakfast on the patio, depending on whether it's cold. We seldom eat at the hotel voluntarily ...just meetings, etc.

Unless there has been a big change at the Ski & Snowboard Park in Lee Canyon, there is just a snack bar. On a cold day of skiing the chili is good, but I think it comes from a can. There is a bar for drinks, but why anyone drinks at high elevation is beyond me. I'm sure you know that the ski area is miles from the hotel or lodge on another highway. I think the bar might be open year round now because I think in summer they may have started opening the lifts, and you might be able to ride up and walk down.

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

The Mt. Chas "Resort" is what we locals refer to as Mt. Chas. "Hotel". It doesn't look it, but is much newer than the Lodge. Although the hotel has been there since the 70s, the Lodge has been there forever...it came with the mountain. I don't think it is 2000' higher, but I do think it is at least 1000' higher than the hotel.

Well, the last sign I recall passing on the way to the Resort stated we were at 5000' and the Lodge website states it is at 7700'.

Originally Posted by Buzz123

The Lodge, however, has better food. But you don't go to Mt. Charleston for the food. You go for the scenery, the fresh air, hiking, family picnics, etc. What took you so long to go up the hill anyway?

I dunno; I guess we just usually head to Red Rock when we are in a scenery state of mind. We had relatives visiting this week and since we had already taken them to Red Rock, decided it was an opportunity to check out a different area.

Originally Posted by Buzz123

I'm sure you know that the ski area is miles from the hotel or lodge on another highway. I think the bar might be open year round now because I think in summer they may have started opening the lifts, and you might be able to ride up and walk down.

Yes, I was aware of its location. We asked at the hotel if the ski resort was open, but were told that it was closed until winter. I've since learned that the ski resort is open at least occasionally in the summer and that they hold concerts and bbq's. We may have to check it out.

Thanks for all of the info.

[MomMom]

We've always gone to the Lodge for dinner or lunch. For many years, they had an old fashioned, German Oompah band that used to play in the dining room, (I think they were called the Dumpkophfs or similiar) with authentic old country German costumes. Don't know if they still play there or not, haven't been up there to eat in a while.

It's real nice to take visitors up there who never expect the climate and scenery change so close to Las Vegas.

Now mind you, the food is not gourmet, but for the ambiance and the location it is always a nice change away from the hustle and bustle of the valley.

[unf0rgiven6262]

I've found the food in both spots to be good. Then again, I don't travel the world eating in 5 star restaurants either. Normally I just bring a snack with me when I go up there.

[irishspy]

This ain't the strip, it is a rural tourist attraction. I have eaten there and the food and prices were fair. I went for the scenery and change in climate. It was nice to see nothing but trees and no cactus. Nice day trip for a change in venues and a good opportunity for some good pictures.

[Everdeen]

I like the lodge, but then, I am a lodge-type person. It is rustic and actual trees that are green and occur naturally all around. It gets pretty crowded on the weekend from what I have seen. Some nice hiking trails if that is your thing.

[kimba01]

Originally Posted by Everdeen

I like the lodge, but then, I am a lodge-type person. It is rustic and actual trees that are green and occur naturally all around. It gets pretty crowded on the weekend from what I have seen. Some nice hiking trails if that is your thing.

Same here. Mt. Charleston is my favorite place to go for a quick trip (I'm close to there, though) and especially when we have visitors. Between all the visitors and us, we have probably tried every item on the menu. Some of it is just good, all ok. Many of my visitors liked the Elk burger. I didn't try it. Every visitor LOVED it up there and could not believe it was a short distance from the Strip. I did go once in the fall (favorite time there!) and they were having an Ocktoberfest with a special menu and it was very good! More than the food, I love the ambiance there. Any season and they are different.

I have never eaten at the Resort but we did stop there and there was a wedding going on. It was ok. I am sure if you put the place in another town it would be considered nicer, but in Las Vegas you are competing with the big dogs!

[costaricageorge]

The outdoor porch at the lodge is a great place to have lunch. Definately worth the extra 10 minutes it takes to get there. Pretty cool gift shop as well.

[trekwars2000]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

Well, the last sign I recall passing on the way to the Resort stated we were at 5000' and the Lodge website states it is at 7700'.

The lodge is at about 7600 feet and the resort around 6800-7000. See this link...