NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE — Nearly a hundred interested locals attended Wednesday's grand opening of the Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake-Tahoe, which featured speakers dedicating the hotel to the region.

The project, which began as an idea nearly three years ago in a hotel in Denver, Colo., led to this day, said Allen Highfield, the hotel's general manager.

"I started saying this resort is going to be epic," Highfield said. "And that's what my stomach feels right now. What a perfect day."

Jennifer Montgomery, Placer County supervisor, credited the hotel opening as a boost to the region's economy, which has been suffering.

View a photo gallery showing the new Ritz-Carlton at www.sierrasun.com/ritzcarlton.