We headed to the Tahoe Provisions store to pick up the s'mores kit and complimentary gifts. The coupon stated that we could pick any two specially labeled items. Eligible choices ranged from a Snickers bar to bottles of wine priced up to $50. We verified with the cashier that the wine was indeed a valid selection, so we grabbed two bottles. The s'mores kit previously consisted of loose marshmallows and graham crackers hand-packed into a to-go box, but now, everything was pre-packed into a paper bag. The graham crackers were individually packaged and marshmallows were portioned into a stapled plastic bag, keeping everything fresh. The full-size Hershey's chocolate bar remained the same. We also received two long wooden dowels for roasting marshmallows over the fire pits.
We found the Regency Club, but it was closed due to the pandemic. Normally, Hyatt Explorists booking non-Club rooms could redeem Club Access awards to gain entry into the club for complimentary snacks and drinks.
Kaleb and I headed across the street to dine at
Lone Eagle Grille, right by the lake. The resort's cottages and private beach are also located here. During our last visit, we ate at the bar. This time, I made an advance reservation on their website. We were seated next to the fireplace, which provided a romantic fireside ambience, but in the end, was too toasty for comfort. The food was hearty. We didn't order dessert since we were going to make s'mores, but our server was kind to present us one to celebrate our anniversary.
 | | assorted breads |
|  | | frisee salad |
|
 | | butter leaf salad |
|  | | Chilean sea bass |
|
 | | short rib |
|  | | chocolate cake a la mode |
|
The next morning, we headed down to Sierra Cafe for breakfast. Due to the pandemic, the buffet wasn't open, but we had $60 credit to order anything off the menu.
 |
| eggs benedict, fruit plate and omelet |
At noon, Kaleb checked into his room. It wasn't on the top floor, but offered a larger bay window with mountain view, letting more light inside. He picked up another couple of beers plus more coupons for s'mores and wine from Tahoe Provisions.
I checked out of the first room after moving our belongings. Afterward, we headed out on foot towards the Tahoe East Shore Trail, heading to
Monkey Rock. The climb was gradual with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. There was a self-pay station on the trail to collect a $2 per person cash entrance fee into the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park (honor system). Parts of the trail had snow as there was a freak storm a few days before we arrived.
360 spherical photo taken with Ricoh Theta S (Monkey Rock is pointed to by Kaleb's shadow):
Monkey Rock, pointed to by Kaleb's shadow - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Dinner was at Lone Eagle Grille again in order to use the second $100 property credit. This time, we were seated in the great room overlooking Lake Tahoe. If you had an earlier reservation, you could possibly get the tables right next to the windows. I enjoyed tonight's choices more than last night's.
 | | sunset view |
|  | | ahi poke appetizer |
|
 | | lamb chops |
|  | | duck breast |
|
No dessert as we had s'mores to make at the resort fire pit.
On the morning of our departure, we went down to Sierra Cafe again for breakfast. There was a little bit of a wait, so we indulged in some apple cider from the display the hotel had set up in the corridor.
 |
| "Tahoe Tap" (water) and hot apple cider with fixings |
Breakfast was very filling. It was nice to have lots of variety on the menu.
 |
| pork carnitas tacos |
 |
| salmon bagel with side of bacon |
And that was the end of our belated anniversary trip! We enjoy Lake Tahoe a lot, with all the outdoor activities available, plenty of beautiful scenery, and not too far a drive from home. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort is a solid choice for lodging, especially at a low-season rate and utilizing the Platinum Card's $200 FHR credit and FHR benefits. It felt like we were being paid to go on vacation!
What's next? Another staycation, but in San Francisco...stay tuned...
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