Lodgings: South Shore tourism strong for New Year’s week

South Shore tourism appears to be strong as the community speeds toward the new year, according to reports from lodging properties this week.

Despite a recent lack of significant snowfall, several hotels have reported 100 percent occupancy on or around New Year’s Eve.

A higher number of room reservations is typical this time of year, lodging officials say.

At Stardust Lodge, resort manager Kenny Sutton said occupancy through New Year’s Day is at 100 percent. That’s slightly better than during most years, as the hotel usually fills about 90 percent of its rooms during the same period.

The American Village, Stardust’s sister hotel, also is sold out this New Year’s, Sutton added.

Sutton thinks Stardust’s increased presence on the Internet is a major contributor to a higher number of reservations in 2013, he said.

Unlike the three-day music festival SnowGlobe, which has little impact on his business.

Harveys Resort and Casino and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe also reported full houses on the days leading up to Jan. 1.

Additionally, visitors are making longer reservations this year because New Year’s Eve lands on a Tuesday, said John Packer, director of entertainment and public relations.

“Traditionally our hotels are sold out (on New Year’s Eve),” he said. “This year isn’t going to be any different.”