11 Best Cheap Rooms in South Lake Tahoe

If you haven’t been to South Lake Tahoe, this is the sign to book your flight ticket! The city is a year-round destination and has something for everyone. We particularly love the stunning natural beauty it offers. And while Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking sight, many also come to the city to enjoy hiking, kayaking, and skiing. And don’t get us started on the food! But if you’re kind of on a budget, you can still enjoy it all, as there are so many amazing, cheap rooms in South Lake Tahoe. Lucky for you, we’ve explored enough comfortable stays to recommend you the best options. They won’t break the bank but won’t make you sacrifice a lot, either. They’re the perfect choices that allow you to discover South Lake Tahoe without blowing your budget.

Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe

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The first hotel on this list is the Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe. The hotel had a casual vibe with a lodge-style exterior, which we instantly loved. Our room was straightforward but comfortable, with cable TV, a stereo, and free Wi-Fi to keep us connected. We also appreciated having the little things like a coffeemaker and mini-fridge. If you’re traveling with family or a group, the 1 or 2-bedroom suites looked like a great option. They even have fireplaces, separate living areas, kitchens, and dining spaces.

The hotel also offered some complimentary perks that we really enjoyed. Parking was included, which is a plus since finding street parking in the area can be tough. We also loved starting our days off with the free breakfast buffet. In the afternoons, we would relax by the seasonal outdoor pool, unwind in the whirlpool, or sweat it out in the sauna.

Big Pines Mountain House

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When looking for cheap rooms in South Lake Tahoe, make sure to check out the Big Pines Mountain House. First of all, it has a great outdoor swimming pool, which is perfect for relaxation. Are you not a fan of swimming? Fret not, as the location is unbeatable. This humble hotel is just steps away from Heavenly Village with all its shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It was so convenient to be able to walk everywhere we wanted to go.

Our room was comfortable and had everything we could’ve wished for. We enjoyed the coffee maker and microwave for those mornings when we wanted a quick breakfast on the go. Moreover, the bathroom had free toiletries and a hairdryer, which were handy extras. We were lucky enough to snag a room with a kitchenette, which was perfect for saving some money on meals by preparing a few simple things ourselves.

Basecamp Tahoe South

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Best for Families. We really enjoyed our stay at the Basecamp Tahoe South. The hotel had a cool, hip vibe. Our room was casual and colorful, with fun rustic touches and unique artwork. It had everything we needed to relax – comfy beds, a flat-screen TV for catching up on shows, and even Wi-Fi. Some rooms even had fireplaces, bunk beds (perfect for families), or walk-in showers. We saw a glimpse of a quirky suite with a tent, a picnic table, and a fake campfire inside – it looked like so much fun!

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The hotel’s amenities were also a big plus for us. We loved soaking in the rooftop hot tub with those amazing lake views. The hotel had fire pits for roasting marshmallows under the stars, too. When evening came, we would hang out at the on-site bar, the lounge with its inviting fireplace, or the lively beer garden. And to top it all off, the hotel offered us a continental breakfast every single morning, and it was a hearty one.

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

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Best Amenities. Another great addition to this list is the 3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club. Nestled among pine trees, it felt very cozy and secluded, yet just a short walk away from the excitement. We were only 5 minutes from the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe and even closer, a 6-minute walk, to the Heavenly Mountain Resort gondola. That made it super easy to enjoy both the lake and the slopes during our stay. The resort also has a nice outdoor pool for refreshing dips and a lobby lounge with a pool table for some friendly competition. They even have a private beach area on the lake, which is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.

Our King Studio was comfortable and charming. The woodsy decor with pine paneling felt true to the mountain setting, and it had all the essentials we needed. The hotel also offers a variety of room options to suit any group size. We saw everything from cozy studios to spacious 5-bedroom cabins, some even with full kitchens! If you’re looking for extra amenities, some suites and cabins also have fireplaces, balconies, and even whirlpool tubs.

Black Jack Inn

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Who can say no to a clean, affordable budget inn in South Lake Tahoe, CA? Enter the Black Jack Inn. It’s not a luxury hotel by any means, but the rooms were exactly what we needed. Our room was simple and clean, and it had everything covered. We also appreciated the freebies! The free coffee in the mornings in the lobby made our days more enjoyable, and the free parking was a huge perk, especially considering how crowded South Lake Tahoe can get.

The best part about the Blackjack Inn, though, is the location. Like many other cheap rooms in South Lake Tahoe, it’s right across the street from Heavenly Village, which has tons of restaurants, shops, and even a movie theater. Plus, the grocery store is super close, and the Heavenly Gondola is just minutes away. We barely spent time in our room because there was so much to do outside our doorstep!

Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe

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Best Pet-Friendly. We were pleasantly surprised by our stay at the Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe! From the outside, it looked like any other Quality Inn, but stepping inside felt like entering a whole new world. It might sound a bit exaggerated, but we were truly in love with the renovated design of the hotel. The location? True to budget-friendly form, the hotel was also within walking distance of all the cool restaurants, shops, and other things we wanted to see.

Meanwhile, our room was decorated in a chic, modern style, making them feel much more expensive than your typical budget hotel. Plus, all the classic Quality Inn perks included high-speed Wi-Fi, a hot breakfast, and even guest laundry facilities. Another big bonus? This place is pet-friendly, so your furry friend can join in on the fun.

Speaking of which, here are the best pet-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe.

Americana Village

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Best Value for Money. The Americana Village was one of those South Lake Tahoe hotels that surprised us. First of all, located just a short walk from the Heavenly Village, this hotel is heavenly. We were able to explore the city easily, too. But beyond the location, we also loved our room. It was spacious and had a kitchenette, saving us a ton. More importantly, our room was comfortable and clean.

But the best part? All the freebies! We got free bike rentals to cruise around the area, free Wi-Fi to keep ourselves entertained, and even free movie rentals for cozy nights. And let’s not forget the delicious breakfast treats in the morning. There was even a hot tub, heated pool, and sauna – all included! We felt like the hotel was really spoiling us.

The Alder Inn

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We stumbled upon a gem right off Ski Run Boulevard – The Alder Inn! For us, it wasn’t just a hotel. Instead, it felt like a homey little oasis. The place was quiet and sparkling clean, and it even had cool amenities like a pool and hot tub to relax in after a long, tiring flight. Plus, who doesn’t love having a mini-fridge and microwave in the room for late-night snacks? We certainly do!

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The Alder Inn also really impressed us with its location. We were right next to a bunch of restaurants, shops, and even the ski resort, so hitting the slopes was super convenient. But the Inn itself had so much to offer that we sometimes wanted to stay put. It had BBQ grills, a fire pit for cozy nights, a ping-pong table, and even a baseball court!

By the way, here are the best ski resorts by Lake Tahoe!

Bluelake Inn @ Heavenly Village

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After staying at the Bluelake Inn @ Heavenly Village, we can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation as a no-frills but solid, budget hotel. The big win here is the location. We were steps away from Heavenly Village and the casinos at Stateline. Plus, everything was super clean, which is a major plus in our book. The continental breakfast included was a nice perk, so we could spend the whole day full of energy.

“Cheap, clean, and comfortable, we don’t mind returning to the Bluelake Inn even if it’s a bit more pricey.”

WOW Travel

Our room, which was the King Room, had a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and even a microwave, which was handy for our leftovers. Sure, we think the decor could use a refresh, but we really couldn’t complain for the price. In the end, the Bluelake Inn did exactly what we needed it to do: providing a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to stay within walking distance of everything we wanted to see and do in South Lake Tahoe. We’d definitely recommend it to other budget-minded travelers.

Hotel Azure

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Best Location. While there are so many amazing budget hotels in the city, Hotel Azure is a standout. One of the main reasons behind that is its convenient location, which is perfectly located right across the street from the gorgeous Lake Tahoe. We never got tired of the beautiful lake view. We could also conveniently drive to Heavenly Ski Resort, which was only minutes away by car. Location-wise, this hotel is untouchable.

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Our room was comfortable and offered a stunning lake view. It had everything we needed, including free Wi-Fi, a cable TV, a mini fridge, and a microwave. In the mornings, we enjoyed relaxing on the balcony with a cup of coffee, taking in the gorgeous scenery. If you’re wondering, the hotel also has a great seasonal outdoor pool for those warm summer days and a café on-site for grabbing a quick bite. We actually ended up eating most of our meals at Bear Beach Café, the hotel restaurant. It has a wide selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the breakfast portions were definitely hearty!

Stardust Lodge

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Best Overall. If you’re looking for the best cheap hotel South Lake Tahoe has to offer, the Stardust Lodge may be the one. This hotel doesn’t skimp on location or amenities. Only steps away from Heavenly Village, it puts you right in the heart of the action. We felt like we were staying right alongside some of the fanciest resorts in town but for a fraction of the price.

What’s more, the lodge offers a ton of perks. It has free bike rentals in the summer and snowshoe rentals in the winter, which is a huge bonus, depending on the season. We also loved taking a dip in the heated pool and hot tub. Psst! The pool is open year-round! On top of that, we also used the fitness center to keep up with our workout routine. Don’t worry; BBQ grills and fire pits are also available for those perfect Tahoe evenings. The hotel also offers cookies in the lobby – who can say no to that? And while our room was on the smaller side, it was super comfy.

Also, we have a feeling you’ll love these fantastic Lake Tahoe hotels on the water.

Our Verdict!

Among the hotels above, we think the Stardust Lodge is the best overall choice. It has amazing amenities, a great location, and, most importantly, cheap and cozy rooms. But the rest are worth considering, too. We’ve categorized some of them based on the following criteria: take a look!

• Best Location: Hotel Azure
• Best Value for Money: Americana Village
• Best Pet-Friendly: Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe
• Best Amenities: 3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

Where to Stay in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe offers a variety of areas to stay in, each with its own unique vibe. The most popular option, however, is Heavenly Village. This lively area is perfect for first-timers or those who want to be in the heart of the action. It’s home to Heavenly Mountain Resort, casinos, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Most of the cheap hotels are around this area, too.

Aside from that, you can also consider Bijou. This quieter neighborhood is a great option for families or those who want a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s close to Heavenly Mountain Resort and has a few restaurants and shops. But if you’re into something more fun, Stateline is the place to be. This bustling area is on the border of California and Nevada and is known for its casinos, nightlife, and restaurants.

It might be hard to find cheap rooms in Tahoe Keys, but visiting this upscale neighborhood won’t hurt. It’s located on the lake’s south shore and is known for its beautiful homes, private beaches, and marinas.

While not exactly a budget option, we also highly recommend staying at Beach Retreat Lodge in South Lake Tahoe! Trust us; it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

Top Affordable Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe

• Sprouts Cafe – This cafe is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. They offer a variety of dishes, from omelets and pancakes to sandwiches and salads. Best of all, most dishes are under 15 USD!

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• Burger Lounge – If you’re in the mood for a burger, Burger Lounge is the place to go. It offers a variety of made-to-order burgers, as well as fries, onion rings, and milkshakes. Expect to pay around 10-15 USD for a burger combo.
• McP’s Taphouse Grill—This casual restaurant is a great place to grab a bite to eat and watch a game. It serves a variety of pub fare, such as burgers, wings, and nachos. Most dishes are under 20 USD.

Free Things To Do in South Lake Tahoe

• Take in the views at Emerald Bay State Park. This park boasts some of the most scenic spots in Lake Tahoe, including stunning beaches, Vikingsholm Castle, Eagle Falls, and Fannette Island. The Vikingsholm viewpoint is a short hike, but the panoramic views are worth the effort.
• Learn about the local ecology at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center – This informative center has exhibits on the plants and animals of the Tahoe Basin, as well as a fish viewing window where you can see rainbow trout and other aquatic life.

Is North or South Lake Tahoe cheaper?

In general, South Lake Tahoe tends to be slightly cheaper than North Lake Tahoe, especially for lodging. This is because South Lake Tahoe has a wider range of accommodation options, including budget-friendly motels.

What is the best month for South Lake Tahoe?

The best month for South Lake Tahoe depends on what you’re looking for. For warm weather and outdoor activities, June is a great choice. It’s just after the spring shoulder season, so the crowds haven’t gotten too big yet, and the weather is starting to warm up.

What is special about South Lake Tahoe?

It’s known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and access to Heavenly Mountain Resort, a world-class ski destination. In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking, and water sports on the lake. In the winter, you can hit the slopes or cozy up by a fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa.