The Cal-Neva Lodge, a historic Lake Tahoe resort once frequented by Hollywood icons such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Dean Martin, reopened following a $298 million redevelopment. The resort had closed in 2013 for renovations that stalled, leaving the property shuttered for over a decade before new owners completed an extensive restoration.
A storied past on the state line
During its peak in the 1960s, Cal-Neva served as a prominent gathering spot for entertainment legends and political figures, including U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The resort’s unique location on the California-Nevada border allowed it to operate both as a hotel and a casino, contributing to its allure as a glamorous destination with a storied past — one that also included associations with organized crime during its early years. The lodge originally opened in the 1920s: Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio reportedly stayed there in 1952 during a film shoot, and associates of Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the property in its prime.
What the $298 million restoration delivered
The recent renovation was backed by a $298 million financing package secured by RealBerry and Proper Hospitality. Developers focused on maintaining the resort’s historic ambiance while restoring the original lodge structures and revamping the casino and guest accommodations. The reopening marks the first time in more than a decade that Cal-Neva operates fully as a resort and casino, now offering luxury accommodations, entertainment venues, dining, and casino gaming as part of a broader trend of restoring landmark resorts with rich cultural histories.
