Our Favorite Lake Tahoe Hotels
Book a stay at one of these North or South Lake Tahoe hotels for spectacular mountain adventures year-round
Ski weekenders and summer breakers, take note: South Lake Tahoe residents voted on a vacation rental ban that affects most Airbnb, VRBO, and other rental properties in the area. While the ban won’t kick in until December 2021, there’s no time like the present to discover the many other lodging options the area (and North Lake, too) has to offer. While we love these hotels, inns, and lodges in winter, we stand by them any time of year.
This South Lake property (pictured above) offers a range of mountain and après activities, from shuttle service to Heavenly’s lift to a heated outdoor pool. Start your day with lake views and yoga, and be sure to visit the unique Après Sleep Cart in the Great Room. It’s stocked with tea, cool towels, juice, inspirational messages, and, in case of emergency, chocolate. In the evening, kids will love the daily s’mores cart. (You can have one, too!)
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The lobby at the Coachman Hotel
These down-to-earth digs in the South Lake area are made for socializing: low-slung furnishings in the lobby beg for lounging, the reception desk moonlights as a bar, and s’mores roasts are held nightly at the outdoor firepit. Oh, and did we mention it’s a pet-friendly hotel.
An affordable South Lake stay that offers a number of accommodation options, from cozy cabins to hotel rooms to RV hookups. Bonus: Cross-country and snowshoeing trails start practically outside your door.
Zalanta Resort at the Village
Zalanta Resort at the Village
Looking to spread out a bit during your Lake Tahoe stay? Book one of the luxury condos at this South Lake complex at Heavenly’s base. The courtyard’s oversized hot tub is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.
A stately mountain lodge just steps from Heavenly, Black Bear offers five spacious rooms in the main building as well as four private cabins. No matter what option you book, you’ll have your own fireplace as well as access to the lodge’s onsite bar featuring an array of craft beers, California wines, and light bites.
A modern version of a retro motor lodge, this property within walking distance of Heavenly is especially great for families. Book The Family Room (pictured above), a kid’s fantasy-come-true complete with twin bunk beds facing a large flat-screen TV (there are two queen beds for the rest of the clan). When it isn’t bedtime, they can frolic around the Great Indoors Room, a veritable “campground” decked out with a woodsy mural, faux firepit, picnic table, play tent, and glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars.
This all-suite South Lake hotel is ideal for families or big groups. A full buffet breakfast is served daily, but each suite comes equipped with a kitchenette for added convenience. A heated indoor pool and fitness center keep guests entertained when they’re not tackling the slopes.
David Fenton
Conveniently located across the road from Homewood’s ski runs, this cozy inn (pictured above) boasts six rooms with gas fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and luxurious bathrooms—all the better from which to appreciate the views.
David Fenton
This west side knotty-pine lodge, plus eight cottages (pictured above), epitomizes hygge. Each room is outfitted in a cozy cabin style and comes with a private jetted tub, perfect for soothing those muscles after a day adventuring in the snow. A hearty country breakfast is served daily, and après-ski eats might include a warm bowl of soup and mulled wine—perfect for leaning into that hygge feeling.
This mid-mountain slice of luxury (pictured above) for the North Lake ski-in, ski-out crowd comes with some serious après perks. The spa menu is extensive; the outdoor pool is toasty warm; cozy dining options are on offer. The rooms are memorable, too, with fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows affording views of the powder-dusted peaks.
Hotels are rare in the vacation rental-heavy zone of North Lake, so this Truckee property (which also happens to be pet-friendly) is a welcome option. You’ll be treated to luxurious touches like European down duvets and Egyptian cotton robes, and onsite amenities include a daily breakfast buffet, fine dining restaurant, and an outdoor hot tub—the mainstay of a Tahoe wintertime visit. Bonus: Cedar House offers a pretty sweet winter weekend package that gives you the third night free when you book a two-night weekend stay.
