10 Best Hotels in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, which straddles the California-Nevada border, is surrounded by verdant forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. You’ll find great hotels that skirt the lake, showcasing its natural beauty, this place, and the surrounding areas are popular all year.

There is no shortage of enjoyable visits that put entertainment first. Whether you want to hike or just get cozy, keep on reading to discover the 10 best hotels in Lake Tahoe that are worth booking!

10 Best Hotels in Lake Tahoe

1. River Ranch Lodge

• Category: Budget
• Neighborhood: Tahoe City
• Typical Price: $100/$220
• Ideal for: Families, couples, and travelers with pets
• Amenities available onsite: Bar, restaurant
• Pros: The property has a lovely riverside location and an enjoyably idyllic backdrop, but it is not too distant.
• Cons: This is an older resort that may not appeal to those looking for cutting-edge amenities.

This earnest, family-friendly lodge has a mellow vibe to it, but in this case, that feeling adds to the appeal instead of detracting from it. The lower-level rooms are cozy and chalet-like. With two Queen beds and plenty of space for a small family to spread out, this is an ideal pick.

The setting is tranquil and scenic, just outside of Tahoe City. Its proximity to nearby ski slopes and the lake itself is a big draw. The on-site lakeside restaurant has become a tourist spot in and of itself, with apres-ski enthusiasts and fans of New American fine dining flocking here all year.

2. Basecamp Tahoe South

• Category: Budget
• Neighborhood: South Lake Tahoe
• Typical Price: $109/$329
• Ideal for: Couples, single travelers
• Amenities available onsite: Outside eating areas include various decks with outdoor hot tubs and a courtyard with a beer garden and coffee bar.
• Pros: The location puts you within walking distance of some of the most popular attractions, including the Heavenly Gondola.
• Cons: On-site dining is limited, but there’s a snack bar, and guests can borrow microwaves.

It’s safe to say that this budget hotel in the area caters to hipper clients. This inn suggests a hip city hotel with modern satirical art depicting kitsch woods settings. Yet, its plush leather sofas and outdoor fire pits put you well at ease.

Camping lanterns and railroad ties for clothing hangers adorn the guest rooms, lending a humorous feel to the otherwise serious environment of a ski resort. A lakeside beach is a short walk from the home, conveniently located in the heart of town.

It’s a stylish, well-loved property with a lot of character for visitors on a budget. The hotel provides a good selection of amenities (ski kit storage, a restaurant, a picnic space, and a small private beach).

3. Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe

• Category: Mid-range
• Neighborhood: South Lake Tahoe
• Typical Price: $122/$509
• Ideal for: Families, groups
• Amenities available onsite: Spa, pool, fitness center, restaurant, meeting spaces, activities, kids club
• Pros: With its proximity to the Heavenly Gondola, this hotel is one of the most desirable properties around.
• Cons: Onsite dining options are limited, but South Lake Tahoe’s many restaurants make up for it.

Because of the stone fireplaces and wooden beams, this larger chain property retains its original alpine feel thanks to the smart interior design. Those who want more residential lodging, such as couples and families, will find the modern units ideal.

The facilities and location are what make this place appealing. You can relax in the hotel’s spacious spa and heated outdoor pool while having easy access to the Heavenly Gondola and the Heavenly Mountain Resort’s peaks. You can also round out your vacation by participating in various activities, like hiking, yoga, and children’s camps.

4. Deerfield Lodge at Heavenly

• Category: Boutique
• Neighborhood: South Lake Tahoe
• Typical Price: $165/$425
• Ideal for: Couples, families, travelers with pets
• Amenities available onsite: In-room amenities are the sole options.
• Pros: an ideal position in the heart of downtown South Lake Tahoe, with convenient access to the slopes.
• Cons: The complimentary breakfast consists mostly of pastries and cereal.

For more than half a century, this small, 22-room lodge has been a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike. On Ski Run Boulevard, the lodge is just a short distance from Heavenly Ski Resort and the restaurants of South Lake Tahoe.

Stone fireplaces and timber exteriors add to the contemporary feel of the interiors, which feature brown and cream earth tones. Those who want to cook for themselves will appreciate the kitchenettes in their guest apartments. Most guests return because of the resort’s proximity to the slopes, which can be reached in only a few minutes via shuttle from either Monument Peak or East Peak.

5. Cedar House Sport Hotel

• Category: Boutique
• Neighborhood: Truckee
• Typical Price: $170/$297
• Ideal for: Couples, singles, small groups, and those traveling together
• Amenities available onsite: A spa, a restaurant, and a bar are all nearby.
• Pros: One of the best hotels in the area for customers with dogs because it is pet friendly.
• Cons: Some guests may be put off by the lack of storage space.

Reclaimed or salvaged materials have been used extensively to construct this high-end European-style alpine hotel. Luxurious touches like heated floors in the bathrooms and leather-framed platform beds add a dash of class to the rooms.

Downtown Truckee is easily accessible, yet the area and lakeside recreation opportunities are just steps away. The onsite concierge may arrange for activities such as skiing and cycling. Nonetheless, Stella’s onsite dining, which features farm-to-table veggie dishes and more, is a wonderful addition to the whole experience of the hotel.

6. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino

• Category: Mid-range
• Neighborhood: Incline Village
• Typical Price: $170/$879
• Ideal for: Groups, family, couples
• Amenities available onsite: Bars, restaurants, a spa, a swimming pool, and a ski shuttle.
• Pros: Because of the resort’s excellent position, visitors may walk to the private beach or nearby ski slopes in just a few minutes.
• Cons: Eating in the hotel’s restaurants can set you back quite a bit of money. In addition, there is a $40 resort charge.

This beautiful Hyatt Regency outpost features a private beach on the lake’s north coast. The hotel’s proximity to the Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Incline Village provides guests with year-round access to some appealing outdoor alternatives. There’s also a lot to do indoors, thanks to the casino that’s linked.

Even at the lowest level, the modern chalet-style rooms provide amazingly sumptuous lodgings with amazing views of the mountains. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or want a place to stay by yourself, choose one of the lakeside villas with kitchenettes and stunning views.

Along with the new outdoor activities, the hotel has launched a “dry land boot camp” to help visitors get ready for the winter sports season, including anything from morning meditation sessions to guided walks.

7. PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn

• Category: Boutique
• Neighborhood: Olympic Valley
• Typical Price: $175/$295
• Ideal for: Families, couples, travelers with pets
• Amenities available onsite: A restaurant and bar, a retail store with equipment rentals, and a ski shop
• Pros: Skiing of the highest quality experience is steps away.
• Cons: Non-guests may congregate in the hotel’s public spaces because of its reputation. An $18 resort fee is also charged.

The Winter Olympics were hosted in Squaw Valley and the surrounding area of North Lake Tahoe in 1960. This charming boutique hotel was built during that period. This hotel has a timeless and attractive look thanks to its high level of design, allowing it to compete with luxury newcomers.

There are iPod docks, Keurig coffee machines, and anti-allergen room filtration in each room, lifting them from primitive to modern. The hotel’s fireplaces and fire pits provide a comfortable, pampering apres-ski scene, enhanced by the hotel’s stunning mountain views. With easy access to all of the area’s world-class ski slopes, this hotel is in an ideal location.

8. Black Bear Lodge

• Category: B&B
• Neighborhood: South Lake Tahoe
• Typical Price: $179/$259
• Ideal for: Couples and single tourists 
• Amenities available onsite: Bar
• Pros: There are private cabins accessible for those who prefer to keep their distance from others.
• Cons: The in-room kitchenettes allow visitors to prepare their meals, but there are no eating facilities onsite.

As bed and breakfast, rather than a full-service hotel, this magnificent facility is a natural fit for the greatest lodging options in the Lake Tahoe region. Alongside, there is a three-story stone fireplace in the lobby, adorned with an antler-mounted elk’s head. 

There are four lodge rooms in the main structure and three cabins scattered among the beautiful grounds, totaling nine rooms. Cabins with leather sofas and blazing fireplaces are ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

In addition to the appealing setting in South Lake Tahoe, which is only a short drive from the lake, all of the accommodations have an upgraded rustic-chic aesthetic.

9. The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe

• Category: Luxury
• Neighborhood: Truckee
• Typical Price: $399/$1,699
• Ideal for: Families, Couples
• Amenities available onsite: Two pools, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and easy access to the slopes.
• Pros: This is one of the most desirable places to stay in the area, thanks to the easy access to the slopes and the availability of a mountain concierge.
• Cons: At this time, there is no in-room meal service, and there is a $55 per day resort fee for guests.

The level of care and comfort provided by the Ritz-Carlton is known to be consistent. Truckee’s tree-shrouded property isn’t the only one of its kind.

Because it is the only Lake Tahoe hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, some guests will consider the additional price tag well worth it. Indulge in the lavish slopeside spa and fine dining. Take advantage of the lake access and two outdoor pools at this hotel that elevates relaxation to new heights. Additionally, in-room gas fireplaces and marble bathrooms round out the luxurious package.

10. The Cottage Inn

• Category: B&B
• Neighborhood: Tahoe City
• Typical Price: $194/$239
• Ideal for: Solo travelers, Couples
• Amenities available onsite: Private beach, breakfast
• Pros: Adults-only inn means it’s quieter than other resorts in the area.
• Cons: There are no onsite dining facilities. However, there are numerous restaurants within a few minutes drive.

This Tahoe City inn is an opportunity to taste the old-school charm of the area without compromising modern amenities. Cottages built in 1938 nevertheless preserve a classic look thanks to wood walls and stone fireplaces.

It’s a modern hotel with all the conveniences you’d expect, including a well-equipped bathroom and fast Wi-Fi. After a free country breakfast, guests can relax on the property’s private beach. Squaw Peak and Twin Peaks ski slopes are just a short drive away, and Adirondack chairs are available for those who want a more active day out.

FAQs

a. Where do celebs stay in Lake Tahoe?

Most celebs stay at the Hyatt Regency, if they have a vacation. AAA’s 5-diamond mountain resort title has been bestowed upon the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe hotel. You can see the sunrise from your floor-to-ceiling windows, and each room has a fireplace to create some romantic moments.

b. Which part of Lake Tahoe is most beautiful?

Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay is the most picturesque portion of the lake. The lovely bay island can be viewed from vista spots along Highway 89 near the lake’s southernmost tip. A half-hour drive from our chalet in North Tahoe to Emerald Bay. 

It’s possible to park on the street or in several parking garages. You may take a 45-minute climb from one of Emerald Bay’s parking lots to Eagle Lake, a little rocky but not too difficult.

c. Which side of Lake Tahoe is better?

Accordingly, there isn’t a single right response because it all depends on the experience one is searching for in Tahoe. Even if you’re not a professional skier, North Lake Tahoe has more snow activities than South Lake Tahoe.

Nonetheless, the culinary scene in North and South Tahoe is fairly evenly matched, with hundreds of alternatives and a distinct gourmet culture on either side. 

On the other hand, South Tahoe has more options for cheap and fast cuisine if that’s your thing. Finally, their lodging alternatives are more diverse since there are more options.

d. What is the best time of year to visit Lake Tahoe?

Summer and winter are the most popular times to visit Lake Tahoe. From late November until the beginning of May, the region experiences a spike in tourism thanks to an influx of skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. However, the best hotel and lounge deals can be found in the off-season, such as the fall.

Experience the Best at Lake Tahoe! 

It’s hard to think of a better vacation spot than Lake Tahoe. Camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and golf are popular summertime pastimes specifically for women over 50. Alongside, there are so many excellent ski and snowboarding areas in Lake Tahoe in the winter. It’s ideal to stay in a Water Tahoe hotel near the lake to take advantage of all this.

Choose one of the accommodations on our list. You’ll be within walking distance of all of your favorite attractions. What are you waiting for? Book the best hotels in Lake Tahoe and have a great experience!

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