14 of the Best Hotels near Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a place of superlatives. It’s one of the deepest, cleanest and highest elevated freshwater lakes in the world. It’s also extremely beautiful. And the sailing and skiing are exceptionally good. Lake Tahoe’s hotels reflect the variety of reasons people have for visiting, and most have fantastic views. To paint the accommodation options in a general way, Tahoe City on the north shore of the lake has quieter, more upscale hotels; South Lake Tahoe has the larger hotels with lots of facilities, plus the casinos and busier restaurants; the west shore is rugged and less developed; and the east shore is almost entirely deserted. And Heavenly and Squaw Valley have the skiing, so they’re back from the waterside. Use our guide to the best hotels near Lake Tahoe and start to plan your adventurous getaway!

Lakeside Resorts

• The Edgewood Tahoe Resort is a luxurious resort hotel in one of the most impressive spots on Lake Tahoe, surrounded by pine woods, with a beach and a golf course. There are 154 rooms, suites and villas, elegantly designed with lots of glass to let in the views, a neutral colour scheme, gas fireplaces and private balconies and terraces. There’s also an indulgent spa and beautiful restaurant with a view.

Hotels with the Best Views

• The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is our highest elevated recommendation, a grand, five-star ski-in-ski-out resort in Northstar California. It has 180 rooms, suites and apartments, all spacious, and elegantly decked out, in mountain neutrals, with plenty of stone and wood, and all the accoutrements of luxury, and incredible mountain views. The Ritz Carlton has a huge spa too, with 17 treatment rooms, a heated outdoor lap pool with views of the ski slopes and a choice of bars, cafes and restaurants. There’s also a kid s club.

Our Pick of Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

• The Hotel Azure is a modern, 99 room hotel just minutes away from the centre of the Heavenly Mountain Resort. It’s common for hotels in these parts to have wood features, and even though the decor in these spacious rooms is chic and modern, there’s still a wood feature wall to give that mountain resort feeling, and the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows is there to remind you too. Most of the rooms and suites have a private balcony or patio too, and there’s a hot tub as well as a pool, gym and games room on the facilities list. There’s no restaurant, but plenty to choose from near by.
• The Grand Residences by Marriott — Lake Tahoe is a luxurious holiday resort within a short stroll of the gondola — it goes past the front of the hotel. There are 184 rooms, suites, studios and larger residences, with plenty of choice when it comes to families and larger groups, many with fully equipped kitchens. Excellent facilities, include a huge heated resort-style pool and hot tub — both with mountain views — a full service spa, a choice of two restaurants, a library, gym and a kids club.
• Marriott's Timber Lodge is a large hotel, built around a large pool and courtyard. There are 264 rooms, suites and self-catering apartments, and one, two or three bedroom villas. The decor is a contemporary version of Alpine chalet style, with some bold colours and prints thrown in. As well as the pool there’s a hot tub, restaurant, games room and a kids club. And if you stay here you’re right by the gondola.

Family Friendly Hotels near Lake Tahoe

• Black Bear Lodge is a classic mountain lodge in South Lake Tahoe — think lots of wood features, beams and panels, peaked roofs and feature stone fireplaces. It has a collection of rooms, suites and cabins (216 in total), with plenty of choice for families and anyone wanting something a bit more luxurious, as well as simplicity and comfort. There’s a real alpine air to the place, and while there’s no restaurant, you’re within a short walk of plenty, and the cabins all have self catering facilities.
• The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a 400 room resort in a super location between Lake Tahoe and the Heavenly Resort gondola. There’s a huge range of rooms and suites, including a good choice for families. This is a spacious hotel, with big rooms and lots of facilities, including an indoor pool, a hot tub, gym and a casual American diner restaurant. Kids under 17 stay free, and there’s a kids club in season.
• The Heavenly Valley Townhouses are a collection of just 15 two and three-bedroom luxury townhouses, simply and comfortably decorated, with full modern kitchens, washing machines, fireplaces, a ski locker and a hot tub. There’s also a pool in the complex, surrounded by pretty gardens.

Hotels for Outdoors-folks

• The 7 Seas Inn at Tahoe is a 16 room, owner-run lodge between Lake Tahoe and Heavenly. From the outside it’s a simple, mid-century build, but inside the rooms feel fresh and contemporary, with white walls and lots of wood features, including floors, plus cool lighting, stoves, and industrial details. Outside there’s a small garden and a hot tub.
• The Deerfield Lodge at Heavenly is a contemporary Alpine lodge surrounded by pines, just a few streets back from Lake Tahoe. There are 22 rooms and suites, all well equipped, with kitchenettes, gas fires and balconies. There’s plenty of outdoor space for the summer months, and a light and airy breakfast room, and you’re within a short walk of numerous restaurants.

Lake Tahoe’s Coolest Hotels

• Station House Inn is a large and stylish lodge-esque resort a short stroll from both Lake Tahoe and the Heavenly Gondola. There are 96 well-appointed rooms and suites, including family suites, all with a chic, retro feel and a bold colour scheme. There’s a large pool outdoors, and a hot tub open year round. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer breakfast, and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
• Chic and affordable, the Coachman Hotel was your classic mountain motel, but its 42 rooms and its well proportioned public spaces have been converted into something much more akin to a design hotel: think a grey, mustard and wood colour scheme, cool lamps and lighting, and all the cool cat mod. cons. including artisan coffees in the cafe, and craft beers to enjoy in the bar or around the fire pit. There’s a big pool too.

Great Value Hotels in Lake Tahoe

• The Heavenly Valley Lodge is a 13 room, owner-run lodge equidistant between the water’s edge and the centre of the Heavenly Mountain Resort, and surrounded by parkland. The very affordable rooms have a cabin-y feel, with decor that features lots of wood, and log-fires surrounded by stone. All the rooms have kitchenettes, and the family rooms have bunk beds. There’s a deck and a patio, and plenty of space to enjoy the peaceful surrounds.
• The Alder Inn is a 24 room inn just minutes from the lake and connected to the ski slopes with a free shuttle in season. These are cosy, homely rooms, with friendly, comfortable decor. The inn has a garden set amongst mature pine trees, with a large pool and hot tub, and a barbecue area. You’re within a short stroll of some of the region’s best restaurants.

Still not sure where to book?

• You could browse our recommendations for California Hotels?
• You could refine your search to the best places to stay in Tahoe City? or best places to stay in South Lake Tahoe?
• Or, if you’re looking for a ski resort, you might like what you find in our recommendations for the best places to stay in Heavenly, or Squaw Valley?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

 

Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Tuesday, 9th February 2021