Constellation Creek — Hotel in Portola

Constellation Creek, an incredible let down. Pay $1000.00 dollars (literally that’s what’s we paid ) to wash dishes and clean the shower upon arrival. When you look at their IG and website you believe you’re going to a serene woodland retreat. In reality, you get a $20 dollar hillside hammock with two dogs in attack mode in the owner’s front yard. The owner rolls up in an ATV and you’re left with questions: Who is this and where am I? Does he have all his teeth? Does he work thereor is he trying run you off the property after you were supposed to check in and were greeted by a closed sign and empty property.

Not only that, once you get to your cabin you realize they spent $30 dollars on the cabin and $2,000 on a SMEG refrigerator. You turn on the light switch in the kitchen and it turns on the bathroom light and you have to go outside by the river to turn on the kitchen light.

The water heater was bigger and more pronounced than the Smeg. The shower was built for ants, and by someone who may have been drunk because the knobs did not match the hot and cold. Just take a look at the photo below to see the wonderful insulation used, the local Nataqua News who wrote a hit piece on this place in 2022.

If you do come here take the time to appreciate the creativity used to create the cabin, with random parts in random places that may or may not be functional but at least they add to the hipster cheap vibe. Not only that, look at the ceiling and you’ll realize that despite being in nature you get a great view of fake wood linoleum that almost feels like an Andy Warhol painting.

If you like fake nature, fake vibes, want to pay $200 dollars for crystal’s bought in India, love being scammed, Or have been in a cult, say hey I touched some grass and this place is for you.

Come here if you want to support this hipster family’s dream of pretending to live off the grid while holding healing retreats for blonde ladies wearing boho clothing and sending their kids to soccer camp …… PS, there is WiFi and who...

Constellation Creek is such a hidden gem, and one of the most unique places I have ever stayed. And, it's located just an hour outside of my residence in Tahoe! Perfect for a staycation to connect with nature and slow down. In a busy world, we really need to make sure we have balance, and this is the place to go!

The owners are amazing, and really take the time to make sure you have a comfortable stay. They're so fun to talk to, and will show you around the property and give you a list of nearby places to explore. I really appreciated all the time they took to ensure I had a great stay. Exceptional service!

The property itself is stunning!! It's located in a forested area, right by a creek. This allows you to disconnect and really appreciate the beauty of the present moment. Falling asleep to the sounds of the creek after a day adventuring and a night of stargazing is so peaceful.

The cabins are adorable, and there's a lot of attention to detail, which I love. The bed was so comfortable! You have everything you need there, including fast wi-fi (which can be useful if you decide to work remotely, although it is hard with all the beautiful nature and creative inspiration).

I can't recommend this place enough, and I look forward to...

Our family of four had a wonderful stay at Constellation Creek in the Hunter cabin. The cabin was cozy and well-equipped, with plenty of space for us and our two kids. The kids LOVED the orange retro fridge and the bunk beds. Evenings were all of our favorite—making s’mores around the fire pit, playing board games, watching the stars and soaking in the quiet of this special place. It was exactly what we were hoping for…a much needed disconnect from our busy every day life. During the day we ventured out to the Lakes Basin for a family hike to Upper Sardine Lake. The trail was beautiful and the kids loved jumping into the lake and even spotted a bald eagle. Coming back to the cabin each night felt like returning to our own little woodland retreat.

Things not to miss: *The owners have set up a scavenger hunt all over the property for kids…ours loved this and even better they were given prizes. *The goats. They have two very friendly goats and our kids could not get enough of them!! *Onsite shop . They have the most adorable onsite shop with the cutest tees, hats and gifts.

Constellation Creek gave us the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and family connection—we cannot wait...