How A Hospitality Owner Spends His Day at His S. Lake Tahoe Boutique Property
When your office for the week is nestled under snow-covered pines just blocks from Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, “clocking in” looks a little different.
Just take it from Ethan, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Oliver Hospitality, as he visits one of the properties, Station House Inn, in South Lake Tahoe – a low-key, kick back lodging that has been hosting travelers, vacationers, and adventurers since 1972.
If you’ve ever wondered what a hospitality owner does when visiting one of their properties (or how they balance business with bubbling hot tubs and family ski days), you’re in for a behind-the-scenes look at the rhythms and routines of one of Oliver Hospitality’s very own. From early morning hot chocolate runs with his kids to measuring tape-in-hand brainstorms with the team, here’s what a work trip to the Tahoe property looks like for Ethan.
A Look Into a Business Trip to Station House Inn
For Ethan, visiting isn’t just about checking operations — it’s about experiencing the property the way guests do, gaining perspective that helps shape every detail.
Surrounded by mature vegetation, Station House Inn feels tucked away and serene, yet it’s only 3 blocks from the strip and 2 blocks from the waterfront during the summer.
“This hotel is so walkable and old-school in all the good ways,” Ethan says. “It’s easygoing, which is what you want in an exterior corridor hotel in a ski town — makes it simple to shuffle kids and gear.”
He often travels with his wife and three children, and with a household of early risers, two rooms are always booked. At SHI, the kids know the morning routine: scurry down to the front desk for free hot chocolate, yogurt, and oatmeal — just like any guest.
Those thoughtful touches are what Ethan is always looking for — the small but meaningful details that turn a stay into something special
Exploring is Part of the Job
In Ethan’s eyes, knowing the local area isn’t optional for a hospitality leader — it’s essential.
“To truly serve guests well,” he says, “you’ve got to walk the same trails, carve the same slopes, and discover the same gems they will.”
When visiting in the winter, the family rotates through a few mountain favorites:
Kirkwood Mountain Resort – A rugged, locals’ favorite about an hour from SHI. It’s a bit more challenging and more affordable — something Ethan and other parents can appreciate. They’ll even mix in cross-country skiing on the scenic course.
Heavenly Mountain Resort – Practically in SHI’s backyard and the most popular for out-of-town skiers. It offers tubing, scenic gondola rides, and easy access.
Palisades Tahoe – Formerly Squaw Valley and host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades is more advanced and impressive. The family typically heads here on day two for a more intense ski session.
Ski school isn’t always a hit with the kids, but they love snowball fights in the SHI parking lot, dips in the hot tub, and movie nights with free popcorn to wind down.
Fuel to Becoming a Great Host
From timeless favorites to newer establishments, here are some of his current recommendations:
Toulouse - A tenant of his property at SHI, Ethan and his family always make time to have a meal here when they come to visit. Toulouse has been in business for over 30 years, known for producing a high-end spin on New Orleans food using only local and sustainable ingredients.
“The food is fantastic and is better each time we go.”
Ethan uses his time there to also catch up with the owners, Steve and Joe, and Chef Jon, to chat about business.
“They’re running a high-caliber establishment in a seasonal ski town. Not an easy feat!”
Off the Hook Sushi - A must-try for anyone who loves great sushi!
Lotus Pho - Located in Heavenly Village and newly opened in 2024, this Vietnamese restaurant always has a line outside.
West Shore Market – A go-to stop for sandwiches and coffee on the way to Palisades.
Hospitality Comes From the Inside
Ethan’s job is to make sure the hotel and its staff continue doing better every time. Each visit allows him to put an eye on performance, guest experience, and the little details that either shine or fall short, whether it’s furniture, marketing, or pricing.
Typically, Ethan will come back early from a day on the slopes to catch up with Aleksei, Station House Inn’s General Manager on property. During this time, they talk through both the service and the products the hotel provides. He asks for feedback or suggestions to help improve the property. They do a walk-through of the rooms and capture what is going well (or not going well), and create a checklist for upgrades or other changes that need to be made.
Ethan also makes sure to connect personally with as many of the team members as possible. Meeting and greeting with company leadership is extremely important to Ethan, because it instills a personal touch of hospitality throughout the staff. He’s very proud of the team at SHI and always looks forward to taking a moment to invest in their success and growth.
Measuring Growth and Success
Once the property walk-through wraps up, the measuring tape usually comes out.
Ethan shifts gears into development mode, brainstorming new concepts, updates, or enhancements for the property. At Station House Inn, they’re constantly testing new ideas, like expanded retail offerings or local vendor partnerships (think movie nights with wine tastings).
Craig, Oliver Hospitality’s SVP of Development, helps turn these visions into reality once they’re back in the office by handling the management of building, underwriting, and execution to keep projects moving along.
South Lake Tahoe can be a challenging market due to the numerous hotels to compete with, a short seasonal window, and strict regulatory oversight on new development. But it’s all part of the process, and Tahoe’s unique market makes it the perfect place to experiment.
“It’s fun to develop hotel projects in places you like to travel to. You get to go back and enjoy them and mix business with pleasure.”
Of course, there’s a balance: Ethan’s family doesn’t always love the mid-vacation note-taking sessions that happen when inspiration strikes. Learning to keep the business musings to a minimum during family time is a work in progress.
Every time Ethan visits a property, he never regrets it. Each trip back provides a new opportunity to uncover what’s possible and raise the experience for every guest who steps through the door.
Discover the Warmth of Tahoe Hospitality
Next time you’re planning a trip to South Lake Tahoe, make Station House Inn part of your story. With the mountains, the lake, and downtown just steps away, your next adventure is always within reach. Book your stay now and experience the charm, character, and heart of Tahoe—right from your home base at Station House Inn.