11 Best Hotels in South Lake Tahoe

California has many amazing spots to visit. However, South Lake Tahoe is one of our favorites. It’s full of exciting activities and entertainment options. Plus, we’re captivated by the beautiful natural sceneries of this paradise. We stayed in various hotels in South Lake Tahoe to enjoy part of everything. The city is full of visitors and travelers enjoying the stunning Lake Tahoe throughout the year. Despite the large number of visitors, we never faced problems finding great accommodations. There are plenty of hotels, rentals, and other types of accommodations. Whether you want luxurious resorts or average hotels, both are always available in the city.

Are you already determined to pack your luggage for South Lake Tahoe? Perfect. Then, keep scrolling down to find the best accommodation that matches your needs—and, more importantly, that matches your budget. Our list of the best hotels has everything you need to know about the stay before booking. From the hotel facilities and amenities to the most important features, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for on this list.

The Elet Hotel

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Let’s start our list with a small, cozy option that went beyond our expectations. It’s The Elet Hotel. The hotel is suitable for families, couples, friends, and anyone who wants to enjoy a peaceful vacation without missing the entertainment options of Lake Tahoe. The location is great; it is very close to the Heavenly Ski Resort, close to the main road, and a short distance from the beach. Our room had very nice views of the surroundings. Speaking of the rooms, they’re very cozy, just like everything in the hotel. We felt an intimate atmosphere spreading throughout the place.

Another thing that made us recommend this hotel was the thoughtful details they included in every room. For example, we always had snacks in our room, which they refilled daily. Further, they put robes in each bathroom and a full ironing board in our room. Despite being a small hotel, each suite had a kitchen equipped with a stovetop, toaster, microwave, and fridge. We love suites with kitchens as we always have food leftovers that need to be heated or reseasoned for the following day.

Lake Ridge

10

Best for families. With its modern design and good location, Lake Ridge is considered one of the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe. It’s an ideal choice for those who want an escape from the busy life of California while enjoying its beauty. Some people think they should stay far from the city center and all points of interest to enjoy this tranquility. Yet, The Lake Ridge Hotel comes to change this idea. It’s right in the heart of the city, close to the famous El Dorado Beach and Lakeside Beach. Yet, we felt we were staying in a secluded slice of paradise.

We started every morning during our stay by visiting the nearby beaches to soak ourselves in the crystal clear waters. Then, we had a good time exploring the surroundings as the hotel was near to transportation means. The people running the hotel were so lovely and helpful. They helped us a lot in planning our trip to avoid missing anything here. If we’re to recommend this beautiful property to anyone, it would be for families. The rooms are way larger than we thought. Our room for two could accommodate up to four. You can find other options here on this list of the best Lake Tahoe resorts for families.

Hampton Inn & Suites

9

Hampton Inn & Suites is an amazing stay wherever it is. It wasn’t our first time staying in one of this chain’s properties, and we’re increasingly amazed every time. What makes this hotel special is the number of amenities and facilities that got us pampered without leaving the venue. Speaking of which, the indoor pool was our favorite with its panoramic view of the outside. The fitness center was another excellent option for passing the time and feeling energized.
These facilities weren’t the only things this hotel offered. With its perfect location, we had stunning mountain views everywhere inside the venue, whether in our room or the restaurant. And about the restaurant, the variety of breakfast options was marvelous. We had something new to eat every morning. Plus, we could drink coffee all day for free. This hotel never fails to amaze us.

“Great! This is what we can say about this hotel in a nutshell. Our spotless comfy rooms were very encouraging not to leave them. It’s the most relaxing stay we had in South Lake Tahoe.”

WOW Travel

Basecamp

8

If you want a different accommodation style without compensating for your comfort, we recommend Basecamp. This hotel has a wooden rustic style like no other hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Inside the hotel, the amenities are nothing old. They looked different but were as comfortable as the most luxurious hotels. The rooms are spacious enough with grey and black accents that look bold.

Aside from the rooms and the interior, the better part was the courtyard. They have some picnic tables scattered around fire pits for a camp-like atmosphere. We enjoyed staying there late at night. We could do many things there, from playing barbeque to just sitting there and enjoying nature. Moreover, the hotel has a private beach, which is one of the most notable features here. It’s also close to ski slopes, and we could store our ski gear in special storage facilities at the hotel. We found so many things to do here, you’ll never get bored. Check their official website to know more about what they offer.

Also, check out the best beachfront hotels in the city.

Station House Inn

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Best value for money. Station House Inn is another great option for those looking for humble accommodation at a reasonable price. We shall categorize this as a motel as we could access our 1st-floor room from the outside. We chose this room so we could leave our bikes outside. The staff were so helpful, accepting our requests in no time. We loved the lodge area we waited at when we arrived. It’s very cozy with a nice signature smell. The best thing about this venue is the feeling of being at home we had there.

The seasonal outdoor pool is the star of this hotel. If you love swimming, you’ll enjoy your stay here. Swimming in this pool while enjoying the mountain views and the trees all around the place was such a pleasant experience. While the hotel has good-quality amenities and excellent facilities, the price is affordable compared to similar options nearby. It isn’t a luxurious hotel you’ll pay for everything that you have to stay at, but it’s a place you’ll never forget. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, check out this list of the top Lake Tahoe luxury vacation rentals.

Moose and Maple Lodge

6

Let’s introduce the Moose and Maple Lodge, one of the top stays in South Lake Tahoe. Located on a main street, we could reach this hotel in no time. We didn’t have to ask for a location to reach the venue. Once you’re acquainted with the area, you’ll know exactly where it’s located. The hotel has colorful vibes that captivate the heart. Along with the surrounding nature, we didn’t want to leave the hotel for any reason.

One of the best features of this hotel is the full kitchen we had in our room. It allowed us to enjoy our stay without having to buy every meal. The equipment was very modern and convenient to use. The fantastic features didn’t stop here; we also had a laundry room and a dryer. We could literally live here. The hotel has the same intimate vibes as boutique hotels in the city. And to make our stay the comfiest, the staff were so friendly and helpful responding to all our requests. They even offered lots of information about the city, its top attractions, and where to eat.

The Coachman Hotel

5

Most hotels on this list have great locations, but The Coachman Hotel is one of the best. This hotel is a middle ground between the Heavenly Mountain ski adventures and Lake Tahoe’s tranquil atmosphere. We could enjoy both while staying there. Yet, this isn’t the only thing the venue is proud of. The hotel blends modern with rustic styles. Once we stepped inside, we could feel the uniqueness of the design. Meanwhile, the rooms were comfy and up to the standards we were used to here at South Lake Tahoe.

With such a location, we never ran out of ideas of what to do next. We had lots of pleasure enjoying the venue itself. You can check the official website to see what they have to offer. Everything is just a few steps from our room, from skiing and golfing to hiking the trails. And for dining options, there are endless options outside. Don’t miss the breakfast on-site around the fire pit; it’s a must-have experience there.

Hilton Vacation Club

4

Hilton Vacation Club is one of our top options for a tranquil vacation. Set close to Heavenly Village, this hotel is very enchanting and luxurious. Nothing interrupted our stay there. Even during the high season, we didn’t feel the hotel was a whole house. In addition, we loved the design of the hotel exterior and room interior. The wooden decor blends seamlessly with the greenery scene. Not to mention, we enjoyed mouthwatering meals in the on-site restaurant. They had a lot to offer!

Our room was larger than what we expected. Aside from the cozy and plush bed, we loved the seating area and the small dining table. You’ll find those pieces if you book a suite instead of a standard room. The fireplace was the most amazing piece of furniture inside our room. It looked retro-modern. This was the first time we saw such a fireplace. The hotel offers a gaming room and an outdoor pool for fun. We enjoyed staying here to the limits, and we’re planning to come back once more.

Hotel Azure

3

Best view. Pictures don’t lie, but for Hotel Azure, the photos don’t show the natural beauty of this hotel. With its location just beside Lake Tahoe, you can expect nothing but terrific views from your room. It might be a bit more expensive, but we really recommend rooms with a view. You won’t want to miss this experience. Please take a look at the rooms on the official website to know what we’re talking about. Aside from the location, one of the hotel’s highlights is the outdoor pool. It has a unique style and great views of the green scenery.

We relaxed the most here in this hotel. We could unwind on the balcony of our room, enjoying a hot drink while looking at the crystal-clear water of Lake Tahoe. Inside the room itself, relaxing on the bed was our utmost pleasure. It’s so comfy, and the pillows were so plush. They cared for everything to make you attached to the place and never want to leave. We didn’t have to look around for food options. The on-site restaurant serves three meals with a variety of food options. The food tasted good and satisfied our taste buds.

Beach Retreat & Lodge

2

We could literally do everything any traveler can do in South Lake Tahoe by staying at Beach Retreat & Lodge. This South Lake Tahoe stay has a great location overlooking the breathtaking views of the lake. At the same time, it’s a few miles away from the adventures of the Heavenly Village. Every day was busy as we had many plans and things to do. Aside from all the thrill and adventures, it’s a retreat, as the name suggests. We could just stay there enjoying the peaceful atmosphere boosted by the white and blue colors of the venue.

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Our room with a beach view ensured that we could make the most out of our stay. We were a few steps from the beach and could enjoy a morning sunbathing on our balcony. Adding to the hotel’s magnificence, there were pet-friendly rooms for those coming with a furry friend. You should also try the restaurants there. They have some mouthwatering food selections. We had so much to say about this hotel. It isn’t worth skipping, so you had better check our full review of staying at Beach Retreat & Lodge here.

Marriott Grand Residence Club

1

Best facilities. Nothing can beat the Marriott Grand Residence Club in the level of comfort we had there. There are so many reasons why this hotel is the best overall. One of these reasons is the location, which makes reaching every other destination in the city very easy. In addition, the hotel is luxurious, with premium facilities and amenities to make every guest feel so special. The studio we had included the basic amenities plus a full kitchen with modern equipment. We admire the contemporary style of the interior. The extreme cleanliness of the rooms and bathrooms showed off their unique style.

Another fantastic spot inside the venue is the pool. It’s larger than any other pool of other hotels in the city. It has comfortable lounge chairs around and there is a small pool for kids. When it comes to food options, South Lake Tahoe is full of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. We could reach the most famous ones in no time from the hotel. At the end of our stay, a well-deserved massage and spa session was our gift to ourselves to say goodbye to this marvelous hotel.

Our Verdict!

After you have checked the recommended options from the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe, let’s reduce the options a bit more. Here are the top four accommodations based on certain criteria you might be looking for. You can start with those, then go back to the above list if they don’t interest you enough.

• Best value for money: Station House Inn
• Best view: Hotel Azure
• Best facilities: Marriott Grand Residence Club
• Best for families: Lake Ridge

Where to Stay in South Lake Tahoe?

Wherever you choose to stay in South Lake Tahoe, you’ll enjoy picturesque scenes and stunning views. We love every single part of Lake Tahoe. Yet, waiting by the shore is the best. South Lake Tahoe has a long shore with many beaches scattered along the coast. Dorado Beach is one of the top sandy beaches there, with crystal clear water that is suitable for all water activities you can think of. We love staying near this beach or at least close to any of the nearby beaches. Hotels with beach views are at the top of our list.

Next, Heavenly Mountain, the most sloping terrain in South Lake Tahoe, is a perfect area for active travelers. This area is located on the California side of South Lake Tahoe and has nearby shops, restaurants, bars, and stays. This area will suit your needs if you want a trip full of excitement aside from water activities.

What are the differences between North and South Lake Tahoe?

Both areas are full of natural scenery. However, the North Shore is more nature-oriented and has more stunning views. On the other hand, the South is more tourist-oriented and has more life, casinos, and entertainment.

Which is cheaper, North or South Lake Tahoe?

It depends on the season, yet the Southern shore of Lake Tahoe is generally cheaper. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, here are the best cheap rooms in South Lake Tahoe.

What is the nearest airport to South Lake Tahoe?

The closest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Reaching the city center from the airport takes less than an hour.