Doug's Mellow Mountain Retreat

Depends on what you're comfortable with.
This hostel is for those who are comfortable with a casual atmosphere -- it is much more like living in someone's home than the usual hostel is. Some will like this better, some will be uncomfortable with it. They don't lock the doors (at least not while I was there), so, while that's convenient if you arrive when no one's home, it might be unnerving for those who prefer more security. I found it to be quite clean when I was there, but only one other guest besides me was staying there at the time. Myself, I would probably at least try a different hostel if I were to visit South Lake again. Though I was satisfied with the service, I think I am more comfortable in hostels where there's a bit more formality and distance between the guests and those who run the hostel.

well, I have made my reservation for summer and when i got there, nobody was there. on the door I saw phone number. i have been calling for an hour. and then i have to find another place to stay. nobody answer my call. nobody called me back. so I don't know what to think.

I actually stayed here on my way through in May, so skiing wasn't the thing to do. It was so relaxed and laid back. Its actually a small house in the woods, but not the deep woods, its a great location because you can walk pretty much anywhere in town. I was exhausted so basically just slept there, but I felt really at home there. I recomend it, my sister recomended it to me.

My second winter in South Lake Tahoe I stayed at Doug's while trying to find a job at The Heeve (Heavenly Ski Resort). No one was hiring (just after 9/11) so there was no employee housing for me. I got to Doug's just before Christmas and felt a great vibe there. I made my traditional rice pudding for the Christmas Eve dinner and figured out ways to go snowboarding for free till I got a job. My friend showed up from the Coast Guard on the 27th and said he loved the place, and stayed for two weeks. I got a job as a taxi driver and actually passed the drug test. I stayed at Doug's till the end of April. I kept the fireplace stoked and shoveled the deck for a weekly rate that turned into a monthly rate. I slept in the living room if it wasn't crowded and on a mattress under the stairs. Nothing ever got stolen as far as security goes. There was a really cool crew of people there and that's what it is all about. Doug's a great guy with multiple sclerosis that affects his legs. THC is the best drug for multiple sclerosis and will hopefully continue to be prescribed by doctors in California.

Please be advised that this hostel is NOT for the conservative "married with children" types or conservative snooty 4 or 5 star hotel types. Doug is very cordial and non-discriminating. If you want the sterile rigid atmosphere of some hostels, then pass this one up. This is a cozy home in the clean mountain air and when I stay in Lake Tahoe, CA I don't even think of staying anywhere else. But then again, I'm single and free to mingle. ;). Some of the comments by others on here who rated this hostel POOR are obviously looking for a much more conservative, prim and proper atmosphere then what you will find at this hostel. If that's what you want, then pay $200 a night at Caesar's Palace Tahoe and leave my "home boy" Doug alone . :)

Doug's home is an extremely friendly place to spend a few days with other mellow folks. I enjoyed several inviting Tahoe beaches and trailheads nearby, and the Fourth of July fireworks on the lake were spectacular. I plan to return on my next music odyssey through California.

I liked this place. It's not really a hostel; it's more like Doug put some bunks in his spare rooms, meaning it's quite homely. It's the only hostel in Tahoe and definitely cheaper and more fun then a hotel if you're by yourself. I stayed here for a couple of weeks in December 2004 and it ranged from being really crowded to only one other person. Doug may seem a bit cynical at times but give him a chance; he's had some really tough luck.

This is a great place to stay in Lake Tahoe. It is close to everything and I found it to be clean and the people here very friendly. Not a family place, but definitely a good place to stay when skiing/riding, mountain biking, or hiking.

I spent a few weekends at Doug's. It is a small place. I think it is cozy. If you are looking for a sterile AYH (American Youth Hostel), it's not, thank god. If you want an AYH with all the rules then stay there. Doug is a nice guy. His health could be better so give him a break.

Doug's place is exactly what the name implies — the kind of place where you instantly feel comfortable enough to curl up on the couch. As far as single traveling women avoiding the place: bah! I felt completely good about my stay from the instant I got here. I have had ruder encounters on line at Hallmark. Overall, it's an excellent place to stay if a person is a)without a large rod stuck up their ass or b)not a Mennonite. Or Amish. Or allergic to green things commonly smoked.

I checked this place out the middle of the week. Too much trash, too many stoners, not a place for women or kids or the guy who told me he froze to death in his sleeping bag. Not your usual hostel.

Don't bring your 13-year-old son here. It's a hostel and we like to party. And girls are more than welcome. This is the safest place that I have ever stayed at. The last helper here was a waste of space but now I'm the helper and I keep this place as clean as I can. But also remember this before you decide to judge cleanliness: it's a small house and when you have 15 people living here it's really difficult to keep it clean.

I stayed here a couple summers ago with my 13-year-old son and was appalled by the lack of cleanliness and the party house atmosphere. There was no vacuum available to vacuum the floors, which were filthy. I spent one hour in the bathroom with a bottle of bleach cleaning the black mildewed shower and rest of the filth. Doug and his helper were rude at times and he has a menagerie of drunken friends that stay and stop by frequently. This is definitely not a family place or a place for people who require some sort of cleanliness in their surroundings. Also, it's not very secure and I would not recommend it to single traveling women because of all the intoxicated men milling about at all hours!

This is a great place to hang out after a long day of skiing. You can take a shower or get something to eat. The company was great. What do you want for $15.00?

Great time, lots of fun on the 4th of July. We went to Zepher Cove. Doug took us out on the boat. He's a great guy and we had lots of fun. It's most defenitly not a family place. It's a youth hostel.