Age and kids policy — what families should know
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is an all-ages, family-friendly resort: it offers Ritz Kids programming (for a surcharge) and family-oriented rooms and activities. Note that an adult at least 18 years old must check in and assume liability for the reservation, and the spa and spa relaxation areas have strict age limits (most spa facilities are restricted to guests 18+).
In this guide
Who can check in and assume liability?
The resort requires a minimum check-in age of 18. A guest 18 or older must present photo ID and a credit card at check-in and assume full liability for the room and any charges.
If your party includes minors, plan for an adult (18+) to complete arrival formalities and be listed as the responsible cardholder on the folio.
- Minimum check-in age: 18 (photo ID and credit card required)
- 24-hour front desk can assist with family requests at arrival
- If booking through an agent, confirm who will be the registered guest at check-in
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Check-in age | 18 years (valid photo ID & credit card required) |
| Front desk availability | 24 hours |
| Who signs for incidentals | Adult 18+ on the reservation |
Kids' programming and childcare
The resort offers Ritz Kids programming that provides crafts, sweet treats, outdoor adventures and creative workshops. This kids' club is offered for a surcharge; the record lists it as a paid program rather than complimentary.
Ritz Kids is designed to give children structured activities while adults use the spa, dine, or ski. Availability, session times and age ranges are determined by the hotel and can change seasonally, so reserve or inquire in advance.
- Ritz Kids — activities include crafts, outdoor adventures, workshops
- Offered for a surcharge (not included in room or resort fee)
- Advance booking recommended, especially during holiday weeks
| Program | Charge |
|---|---|
| Ritz Kids | Surcharge (fee varies) |
| Children's activities (seasonal) | May require sign-up |
| Pool/play supervision | Parents responsible unless hotel offers staffed childcare |
Pools, hot tubs and age access
The property has two heated outdoor pools plus a whirlpool/hot tub, and a separate Children's Pool. The main outdoor pools are family-friendly, with towels provided.
By contrast, spa relaxation and locker areas — including the spa’s outdoor heated lap pool that overlooks the slopes — are restricted to guests 18 and older. Access to spa pools, steam rooms, saunas and similar amenities is limited to spa guests or those meeting the age requirement.
- Two outdoor heated pools + whirlpool/hot tub; a dedicated Children's Pool exists
- Spa relaxation areas and spa lap pool: 18+ only
- Spa pool/steam/sauna access generally requires being a spa guest or treatment reservation
| Facility | Age policy |
|---|---|
| Main outdoor pools | Open to families (no age restriction indicated) |
| Children's Pool | For children (family use) |
| Spa relaxation areas & lap pool | 18 years and older only; spa guests generally |
Spa age restrictions and services for teens
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe limits use of relaxation and locker areas to guests 18 and older. Massages and body treatments are not available for guests under 18.
Younger guests can receive a limited set of salon and beauty services: guests aged 15 and younger may receive manicures, pedicures, hair styling/cutting and makeovers; guests aged 16–17 may receive facials with a signed consent form. The spa recommends booking treatments at least one week in advance and enforces a 24-hour cancellation window.
- Spa relaxation and locker areas: 18+ only
- Under 15: manicures, pedicures, hair services and makeovers allowed
- 16–17: facials allowed with parental consent; massages/body treatments not allowed
- Spa booking: reserve early; 24-hour cancellation/rescheduling policy applies
| Age | Allowed spa services |
|---|---|
| Under 15 | Manicure, pedicure, hair styling/cutting, makeovers |
| 16–17 | Above services + facials with signed consent |
| 18+ | Full access to treatments and spa relaxation areas (if spa guest) |
Rooms, bedding and family accommodation options
The hotel lists multiple room types suitable for families, including Room, Mountain View (2 Queen Beds), Room, 2 Bedrooms, Balcony and larger multi-bedroom configurations. Suites such as Club Suite, 1 Bedroom, Mountain View and Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace provide extra sleeping space with a Double Sofa Bed.
Guest rooms and suites include a marble bathroom, seating area and a gas fireplace. If you need specific bedding or an extra rollaway/crib, contact the hotel or your booking agent in advance to confirm availability and any associated fees.
- Family-friendly room types (examples): Room, Mountain View (2 Queen Beds); Room, 2 Bedrooms, Balcony; Room, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View
- Club Suite, 1 Bedroom, Mountain View and Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace include a Double Sofa Bed
- Confirm crib/rollaway availability prior to arrival
| Room name (examples) | Typical sleeping setup |
|---|---|
| Room, Mountain View | 2 Queen Beds (up to 4 Guests) |
| Club Suite, 1 Bedroom, Mountain View | 1 King Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed (up to 4 Guests) |
| Room, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View | Multiple Double Beds (sized for larger families) |
Dining with kids and meal planning
Rates at the resort do not include meals; restaurants and the 24-hour Alpine Exchange operate á la carte. Manzanita serves breakfast and dinner (hours published by the hotel), and other venues such as Living Room Lodge, Montesa, The Backyard and Topgolf Swing Suites offer a mix of casual and more formal options.
Alpine Exchange is open 24 hours for grab-and-go items, which can be useful for families with early mornings or late-night needs. Expect to pay per person for meals rather than having an all-inclusive option included in room rates.
- Restaurant options: Manzanita, Living Room Lodge, Montesa, The Backyard, Topgolf Swing Suites, Alpine Exchange (24/7)
- Breakfast is not included in standard room rates (breakfast pricing varies)
- Alpine Exchange: 24-hour grab-and-go for quick family meals and snacks
| Venue | Suitable for families? |
|---|---|
| Manzanita | Yes — breakfast & dinner; Smart Casual |
| Living Room Lodge | Yes — casual bar and light bites |
| Alpine Exchange | Yes — 24/7 grab-and-go |
Safety, supervision and planning tips for families
Parents are responsible for supervising minors on property, including at pools and in public spaces. The resort provides family programming, but not all on-site amenities (notably spa relaxation areas and some spa pools) are available to minors.
If you plan ski days, note ski-in/ski-out access and on-site ski storage and equipment rentals. For lake activities, the Lake Club (seasonal) is reached by shuttle and offers water sports; check age and safety rules for excursions such as guided kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Parents should supervise children at pools and public areas
- Reserve Ritz Kids sessions, spa appointments and restaurant times ahead of peak periods
- Use the resort shuttle for Lake Club access and confirm age/safety rules for on-water activities
| Area | Family note |
|---|---|
| Pools | Family use for main pools; spa pool areas 18+ |
| Skiing | Ski-in/ski-out access; on-site ski storage and rentals |
| Lake Club | Seasonal shuttle access; water activities may have age rules |
