Nevada: Hilton and EKN Development Group to open new Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe resort in 2027

Hilton announced on Monday it has entered a brand and management agreement with EKN Development Group to bring the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand to Crystal Bay and Incline Village on Tahoe’s North Shore, Nevada. Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe is expected to debut in 2027 at the former Tahoe Biltmore site.

Situated on 15 acres, the mixed-use development will introduce 76 guest rooms and 61 best-in-class Waldorf Astoria branded residences to the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. The luxury hotel will represent the company's fourth luxury property in Nevada and the first Waldorf Astoria in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. 

The Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe will include an upscale casino with live entertainment options as well as a speakeasy. The facility will also offer a mix of lodging and real estate units.

Kevin Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer and President of Global Development for Hilton, said: "As we continue to grow our luxury portfolio, Hilton is always looking for the right opportunities to expand our presence in popular resort destinations."

"Lake Tahoe is a highly sought-after and year-round alpine destination making it an ideal location to provide guests, residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and locals a haven to explore outdoor activities complemented by our brand’s luxurious amenities," he added.

According to the company, the Tahoe property will pay homage to the Waldorf Astoria in New York City by including the signature Peacock Alley lounge. Food and drink options will include a poolside restaurant and brasserie with a terrace as part of its complement of dining options and bars. The property will also have a public hub with a promenade and several shops.

Ebbie K. Nakhjavani, CEO of EKN Development Group, described the project as "a true connoisseur’s wonderland." And added that the parties "will offer a wide variety of choices, from gourmet meals paired with world-class wines to curated shops that tantalize the senses."

The property will also target active guests and residents by leveraging the year-round activities that Lake Tahoe is known for. Choices will include a three-acre lakefront beach with a pier on Tahoe’s North Shore as well as a gondola-side mountain club at NorthStar California Resort with a dedicated ski valet. The Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe will also offer transportation to ski resorts, golf clubs, and hiking and biking trails in the area.

The property’s look and feel, meanwhile, will be based on a contemporary design that reflects the aesthetics of Lake Tahoe. Touches include a combination of wood and stone elements with pitched roofs, terraces, and balconies offering lake views.

Development at Lake Tahoe has been controversial due to concerns about environmental damage to the lake’s prized clarity as well as potential issues such as traffic congestion. However, the company pledged to follow a responsible approach to building the property, reports Reno Gazette-Journal.

As part of the development, project overseers expect a 90% reduction in sediment runoff into Lake Tahoe with plans to also do lake restoration. Total water and energy use will also be reduced by 38%, according to the developer.

Newport Beach-based EKN Development bought the Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino in September 2021 for $56.8 million. The property was a familiar fixture on Nevada State Route 28 for decades before being demolished.