Whether you seek adventure on the slopes, the trails, or the water, Lake Tahoe is the place to find it. Local accommodations — including budget-friendly crash pads, rustic mountain cabins, lofty lakeside lodges, and posh penthouses — are primarily concentrated along Tahoe’s South, West, and North shores, providing access to the largest alpine lake in North America. Here are our favorite resorts located in one of the West’s most popular year-round vacation destinations – the best hotels in Tahoe.
Feature Photo: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Basecamp Tahoe South
Whether it’s adventure or relaxation you seek, you can find it not far from the original Basecamp Hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the lake’s edge or the Heavenly Gondola, this affordable crash pad offers 73 handicap-accessible guest rooms within stumbling distance of an on-site beer garden with live music every night. You’ll find secure places to lock up your skis or snowboard, leaving more space for your four-legged friend in the designated pet-friendly rooms.
HIGHLIGHTS: If you’re looking for a dose of whimsy, opt for the Great Indoors room which features luxe bedding with triple sheeting, a faux log fire, picnic table, camping chairs, and large indoor tent — all set up inside. A note for budget-conscious travelers: the hotel offers special midweek rates with up to 30 percent savings with a four night stay through the end of 202. Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
Cedar House
Located in the mountain sports mecca of Truckee, Cedar House Sports Hotel inspires guests to treasure the great outdoors. The ski-chalet architecture reflects and respects the surrounding landscape, incorporating both recycled and pure materials. You can “Build Your Own Cocktail” at Callaghan’s Bar and feast on locally-sourced seasonal cuisine at Stella restaurant. Accommodations range from European-style efficiency rooms to luxury suites with separate spaces for lounging and sleeping. Pets get their own dog bed, bowls, and a toy.
HIGHLIGHTS: Located minutes from Northstar California, Squaw Valley, and with unlimited backcountry access, Cedar House is the perfect jump-off point for adventure — but it’s not just about snow. In the spring and summer months guests can summit a variety of mountain peaks, go kayaking, or explore the area’s burgeoning art and cultural scene year-round. Culinary-wise, foodies will delight in Chef Lupe Solis’ conceptual nod to Mexican, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, reflected in reimagined favorite dishes that are innovative, soulful and locally sourced.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
If you can bear to leave the comfort of your spacious room or private waterfront cottage, treat yourself to a little tranquility following an outdoor activity recommended by one of Hyatt Regency’s Adventure Specialists. Take a relaxing dip in the heated outdoor pool, and then pamper yourself at the Stillwater Spa and Salon. Next, enjoy award-winning cuisine from your choice of seven on-site dining options before gambling the night away at the resort’s Grand Lodge Casino.
HIGHLIGHTS: For maximum luxury consider booking the Lakeside or Beach Front Cottage. The 825 sq ft one-bedrooms feature king-sized Hyatt Grand beds with pillow-top mattresses and deluxe linens, a gas fireplace and balcony and can be connected with a Lakeside Double to make a two-bedroom unit. If you want to get around town, take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to and around Incline Village.
Marriott's Timber Lodge
HIGHLIGHTS: Traveling with the family or a big group? Consider booking on the one-, two- or three-bedroom villas with a full kitchen. These condo-style rentals include a fireplace, master suite, jetted tub and a washer and dryer. A savings note: if you’re 62 years or older, you can save at least 10 percent on your room rate at Marriott hotels.
PlayPark Lodge
Practical travelers will appreciate this charming lodge a few minutes from the South Lake Tahoe shore. PlayPark Lodge provides a comfortable place to rest between outdoor adventures. Each room features a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave, as well as streaming Roku channels. Bring Fido along for an extra fee, and request a snack basket to tide you over until your next meal next door at Lake Tahoe Pizza Company, or nearby at The Lake House or Ernie’s Coffee Shop.
HIGHLIGHTS: Don’t sleep on the snack baskets — there are three available for just about every taste and occasion. “Just the Snacks” is your very own movie theater concession stand with microwavable popcorn, licorice, Starburst candy and soda among a slew of other items. There is also a Christmas specific basket with candy canes and Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares as well as a “Charcuterie & Chill” with beef sticks, an assortment of cheeses, dill pickles and more.
PlumpJack Inn
HIGHLIGHTS: Take advantage of the numerous specials including a third night free when you stay two nights and the extended summer stay offer — stay seven nights and receive 25 percent off each night, valid through October 28th, 2021. Not applicable for holidays, some blackout dates apply.
Ritz-Carlton Truckee
HIGHLIGHTS: There is a bounty of restaurants to explore in the area, but don’t pooh-pooh the on-site options. Revolutionary in its simplicity, the people behind Manzanita source the finest in season ingredients, then manipulate them to create diverse flavor profiles for the menu. The end result is an artistically presented, seemingly familiar dish, presented with a new twist. Highlands Bar is an ideal spot to unwind after a long day on the slopes, with signature cocktails and a sweeping view of the surrounding Sierras.
The Landing
HIGHLIGHTS: California and Nevada residents rejoice — not only will you save up to 20 percent for simply living in your state, you’ll also get a late checkout when departing on Sundays. Another notable perk: guests who reserve a lakefront suite receive a $75 resort credit to use for Jimmy’s, in-room dining, or the spa.
The Lodge at Edgewood
HIGHLIGHTS: A LEED silver certified property, Edgewood features a lake-sourced cooling system — by extracting 43-degree water from Lake Tahoe, it eliminates the use of electricity to cool the water, reducing its carbon footprint in the process. Additionally, employees are provided with bike racks, shuttles, and locker room showers to make biking and walking to work more feasible.
West Shore Inn
HIGHLIGHTS: In-house sommelier Lisa Small provides guests with an elevated level of dining service thanks to her in-depth knowledge and understanding of all things wine. Thanks to her symbiotic relationship with the executive chef, both seasonal menus and wine lists at the property have continued to grow side-by-side in terms of price, pairings, and underlying theme.
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