There’s more to California than just hilly Los Angeles, picturesque San Francisco, Napa Valley’s good wine and flat, crowded beaches. If you venture inland, you’ll encounter high mountain peaks, the deserted and scorching hot Death Valley, and a plethora of national parks and forests. And just beside Eldorado National Forest, cut through by the border with the neighbouring state of Nevada, lies placid Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re a fan of water sports, hiking or skiing, the lake offers plenty of opportunities all year round. South Lake Tahoe, the most populated land by the lake has all the amenities and facilities you might need, including an airport, a ski resort, and many shops and restaurants. Start your exploration of the area from here. To help you find out where to stay in South Lake Tahoe, California, here’s our list of the best hotels to stay.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Hotel Azure (from USD 140)
Extra spacious rooms with a balcony that opens onto the lake for amazing views is what’s on offer at Hotel Azure. The hotel also has a seasonal outdoor pool and a cafe restaurant with a delectable breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. For those who prefer to be a bit more active during vacation, ski passes are available, as well as free bikes, should you wish to explore the nearby trails on two wheels.
Hotel Azure
Address: 3300 Lake Tahoe Boulevard
11.84 km (7.4 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
2. Station House Inn (from USD 116)
Reasonably priced rooms with modern amenities and trendy decor.
Onsite restaurant, heated pool, outdoor fire pits, games, and happy hour.
Conveniently located near the lake, restaurants, and entertainment, with ample free parking.
Great dining options nearby, complimentary drinks, and a cozy lodge vibe.
If you’re looking to soak up the sun and salt in South Lake Tahoe, book a room at Station House Inn as the beautiful Lakeside beach is just a hop, skip, and jump from the hotel. The hotel also offers a seasonal, heated outdoor pool and a hot tub. On top of the convenient location, guests will have spacious, and comfortable rooms equipped with a TV and a small refrigerator. The hotel is ideal for couples who seem to really like and enjoy their stay here.
Station House Inn South Lake Tahoe, by Oliver
Address: 901 Park Avenue
13.88 km (8.7 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
3. Basecamp Tahoe South (from USD 119)
Reasonable pricing for a fun environment with live music and outdoor communal areas.
Hot tub, brewery, and cozy decor with comfortable beds and spacious family rooms.
Excellent location within walking distance to the beach, shops, and casinos.
Good food and drinks at the onsite brewery and cafe, though some items were overpriced.
A fun and hip place to be, Basecamp Tahoe South sits on the cusp between modern and new, between a rustic motel and a brand-new hostel. It has a rooftop hot tub that guests are welcome to use after a tiring day at Heavenly Mountain ski area, which is a short walk away from the hotel. The property features storage rooms for skis and mountain gear. At night, you can relax in the courtyard in front of a fire pit roasting s'mores that are kindly made available for the lucky guests.
Basecamp Tahoe South
Address: 4143 Cedar Avenue
14.21 km (8.9 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
4. Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites (from USD 118)
The conveniently located Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites — about 0.06 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Tahoe — goes even further. Why use a public hot tub when you can have a private one in the comfort of your room? If this tickles your fancy, go ahead and book a room at this property. Each room features a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee machine and a cable TV. Couples can even tie the knot in the hotel’s own wedding chapel.
Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites
Address: 3696 Lake Tahoe Blvd
13.22 km (8.3 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
5. Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe (from USD 189)
Reasonable rates for spacious, well-equipped suites
Convenient location with easy access to attractions and fully equipped kitchens
Close to state line, casinos, and Heavenly Village with a variety of dining options nearby
Some rooms feature fully equipped kitchens; nearby restaurants offer diverse dining experiences
If you’re into skiing, book a residence at Marriott Grand Residence Club. It is just a stone’s throw away from Heavenly Resort’s ski gondola. After a long day on the slopes, be sure to relax and recharge with a revitalising massage or a steam bath at the spa on site. Alternatively, you can relax and recharge in the heated outdoor pool. The units come with a LCD TV, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and oven, and a coffee maker.
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way
14.27 km (8.9 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
6. Alpenrose Inn (from USD 92)
Affordable pricing; great value for money; super affordable; good value
Contactless check-in; fully equipped rooms with kitchenette; jacuzzi tub and shower; gas fireplace; keyless code entry; AC and heater; spacious and clean rooms; modern and well-appointed rooms
Walking distance to Tahoe Lake, Heavenly Ski Resort, shops, and restaurants; convenient central location; quiet street; close to casinos, beach, and entertainment center
Close to Trailfork Coffee for breakfast; small dining area with microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, and toaster; kitchenette with microwave, coffee maker, and mini fridge; nearby restaurants and dining options
Whether you visit in winter or in summer, Alpenrose Inn welcomes you with open arms. Conveniently located less than 1-mile (1.6 km) from Lakeside beach and about 6 miles (9.7 km) from the nearest ski resort, this cute little inn is a great choice, especially if you’re travelling with kids. The rooms are individually decorated to add a little extra special touch. Barbecue facilities and a sun terrace are available for the guests to use during the hot Californian summers.
The Jeffrey Hotel
Address: 4074 Pine Boulevard
13.98 km (8.7 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
7. The Elet Hotel (from USD 123)
All the rooms at this hotel are equipped with a microwave, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Some rooms even come with a kitchen that has an oven, a stovetop and a toaster. The hotel is clean and comfortable, with functional furniture and a polished decorative use of pastels and clear lines. Guests particularly appreciate the convenient location of the property. South Tahoe Ice Arena is just 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from the hotel, while Heavenly Ski Resort and Lakeside beach are less than 0.3 mi (0.5 km) away.
The Elet Hotel
Address: 954 Park Avenue
14.0 km (8.7 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
8. Lake Ridge (from USD 85)
Great value for the price, worth it, good value for money, excellent pricing
Clean, modern, spacious rooms, free parking, well-equipped with fridge, microwave, and coffee maker
Walking distance to beach, restaurants, shops, and attractions, quiet area, close to casinos and ski village
Close to dining options, beach vouchers offered, convenient for getting food and coffee
Motel-like Lake Ridge is ideal both for families and couples. It offers capacious rooms that are specifically designed around the needs of a family and offer plenty of storage room for your mountain gear. Each room features a flat-screen TV and a microwave. It’s conveniently located, within walking distance of the city centre and the lake, which makes it particularly ideal if you’re travelling with kids.
Lake Ridge South Lake Tahoe
Address: 4120 Manzanita Avenue
14.13 km (8.8 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
9. Blue Jay Lodge (from USD 68)
Blue Jay Lodge offers simple yet comfortable rooms with vintage decor. But don’t be fooled as the property has other perks such as a private beach access and a seasonal outdoor pool to relax in. Each room is fitted with a microwave, a small fridge, a coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV. Smoking is not allowed on the premises. Feeling hungry? There are several restaurants and cafes nearby.
Blue Jay Lodge
Address: 4133 Cedar Avenue
14.19 km (8.9 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
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10. The Coachman Hotel (from USD 139)
Reasonable rates compared to surrounding hotels
Free s'mores, heated toilet seats, complimentary drinks, outdoor fire pits, pool, bikes for hire, and free beach access
Conveniently close to Heavenly Gondola station, within walking distance to the center of South Lake Tahoe and the lake
Complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, and s'mores; some guests wished for a better breakfast selection
Complete with a hot tub and a seasonal outdoor pool, it’s no surprise that the Coachman Hotel has received so many enthusiastic reviews from its guests. Sporting a ranch-like vibe throughout, the hotel is equipped with all the modern conveniences you may need for a comfortable stay. If you come back tired and sore from a long hike or a long day of fishing in the lake, head to the hot tub to relax your muscles and revitalise your spirits. The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen television, private bathroom, and free wireless internet access.
The Coachman Hotel
Address: 4100 Pine Boulevard
13.99 km (8.7 mi) from Emerald Bay State Park
South Lake Tahoe is an adventurer's paradise
Lake Tahoe might not fall into your top 10 places to visit in California, but it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s an absolutely charming location that offers fun and exciting opportunities for families and couples alike. Sports lovers will head up to the mountains or down to the lake shores, tackling the many trails and slopes. If you’re into water sports, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Do you fancy water skiing or kayaking? Fishing or parasailing? This, and much more is what you’ll find in South Lake Tahoe.
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