Holiday Inn Express in South Lake Tahoe Transforms into Wellness-Focused HiMark Hotel

The property will undergo a multi-year renovation to become a boutique retreat centered around rest, movement, and community connection.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:03am

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The former Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe is officially transitioning into the new HiMark Hotel, a wellness-focused boutique property owned by Playpark Hospitality. The hotel will undergo a phased, multi-million-dollar renovation over the next few years, with plans to transform the lobby, add a spa and fitness center, and redesign the guest rooms around rest and relaxation. HiMark Hotel will also focus on sustainability, community partnerships, and giving back to the South Lake Tahoe area.

Why it matters

This transition represents a shift in the traditional hotel model, with HiMark prioritizing intentional guest experiences centered around wellness, movement, and connection to the local community. As travelers increasingly seek out more mindful and sustainable accommodations, this transformation positions HiMark Hotel to meet that demand in the popular South Lake Tahoe market.

The details

The HiMark Hotel renovation will roll out in three phases through 2028. Phase one will focus on transforming the lobby into a welcoming gathering space with lounge seating, a bar, and expanded food and beverage offerings. Phase two will introduce a dedicated spa, hydrotherapy circuit, and new fitness center. Phase three will complete the transformation with fully redesigned guest rooms featuring natural materials and layouts focused on rest and relaxation. Throughout the process, the hotel will remain open, allowing guests to experience the evolution in real time.

  • The property officially transitions to HiMark Hotel on April 2, 2026.
  • The multi-million-dollar renovation will begin later in 2026.
  • The renovation is expected to be completed in three phases through 2028.

The players

Playpark Hospitality

The company that owns HiMark Hotel and is leading the transformation, with a long-term vision to create a wellness-focused boutique retreat in South Lake Tahoe.

Mitchell Murray

The CEO of Playpark Hospitality, who outlined the vision for HiMark Hotel as a place where guests can prioritize their health and wellness while visiting South Lake Tahoe.

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What they’re saying

“Our vision for HiMark is simple: people shouldn't have to give up the habits and routines they care about just because they're traveling. We're creating a place where you can still prioritize how you want to feel—whether that's movement, recovery, or eating well—while being somewhere as special as South Lake Tahoe.”

— Mitchell Murray, CEO, Playpark Hospitality

“We see a real opportunity to invest in the community we're part of. From supporting local nonprofits to partnering with youth programs and schools, we want HiMark to have a positive, lasting impact—not just for our guests, but for people like our employees who live and work here.”

— Mitchell Murray, CEO, Playpark Hospitality

What’s next

As the renovation progresses, HiMark Hotel plans to share more updates on the new wellness-focused amenities and community partnerships. Reservations are now open for stays in 2026 and 2027.

The takeaway

The transformation of the former Holiday Inn Express into the HiMark Hotel represents a shift in the traditional hotel model, with a focus on intentional guest experiences centered around wellness, sustainability, and community connection. This evolution positions the property to meet the growing demand for more mindful and immersive travel experiences in the popular South Lake Tahoe market.