Combine convenience and comfort with a stay in the penthouse of the Ritz-Carlton at Northstar, the only AAA Five Diamond mountain hotel in California. Occupying the hotel’s top floor, this eight-guest penthouse apartment offers privacy and tranquility, along with full access to the hotel’s facilities. Get straight out on the slopes from the ski concierge, before blowing off steam at the 17,000 square foot spa and fitness centre and rounding off the day with fine dining at the on-site Manzanita restaurant. Designed with family in mind, the penthouse has your evening entertainment sorted with four flat screen HDTVs and premium cable TV on offer, while the luxury kitchen – complete with espresso machine, wine chiller, and granite countertops – is the perfect place to whip up a culinary storm. Beyond the resort, Lake Tahoe is just a 15-minute drive away.

Home truths:
*Although the penthouse sleeps eight, at full occupancy two guests are accommodated on bunk beds and another four will share two queen-size beds in the same room
*The main dining table only seats six, with additional seating possible at the counter