100 years after its opening, the Cal Neva Resort is preparing for a new lease of life. The former celebrity hotspot located near Lake Tahoe will be undergoing a $298 million revamp before reopening at the end of 2027 as the Lake Tahoe Proper Resort.
The Cal Neva Resort near Lake Tahoe has been attracting visitors ever since it first opened in 1926. However, its real heydays took place in the 1960s. Not only was the resort partly owned by Frank Sinatra at the time, but it was also a real celebrity hotspot.
Amongst those who frequently visited Cal Neva were Dean Martin, John F. Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe. Allegedly, Monroe even spent the last few weeks of her life at the resort.
At that time, one of the unique features of the resort was its showroom, engineered in such a way that performers were able to see every face in the audience. Moreover, a network of private tunnels allowed guests to move throughout the resort while staying discreet.
A lot has changed for Cal Neva since the 1960s, and in 2013, the hotel closed down for a massive renovation. However, the resort never reopened, and instead, it changed hands a few times. In April 2023, a real estate firm then called McWhinney and now known as Realberry, purchased the resort for approximately $52 million.
At the beginning of April 2026, Realberry announced it had been able to secur $298 million in order to restore the Cal Neva Resort. Realberry and Proper Hospitality will join forces for the venture and should open the Lake Tahoe Proper Resort and Casino by the end of 2027.
“Cal Neva is one of the most storied hospitality properties in the West, and we feel a deep responsibility to get the execution right with Lake Tahoe Proper. Our focus has been on rigorous restoration, and this financing milestone allows us to continue to thoughtfully reestablish this asset as a premier hospitality destination in Lake Tahoe, balancing preservation and long-term stewardship,” Chad McWhinney, CEO of Realberry, stated in a press release.
Opening scheduled for 2027
The former Cal Neva Resort will thus be celebrating its 101st anniversary in style with an entire makeover. The project includes 197 guest rooms, suites, and private villas, as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. The iconic Circle Bar will be at the heart of the project, while the on-site event spaces and 225-seat theatre and casino will get a revamp. Two outdoor pool spaces and a spa will complete the resort.
“Cal Neva is an American icon, and we wanted to bring it back the right way. What we’re building is rooted in Tahoe, with a focus on design, wellness, and being in nature. At the same time, we’re bringing music and culture back to the stage Frank Sinatra once played. It’s a place to reset, but also to be part of something,” Brad Korzen, co-founder and CEO of Proper Hospitality, told PEOPLE in a statement.
According to Realberry and Proper Hospitality, the project should respect the historic character of the hotel while boosting the Lake Tahoe tourism and economy.
