Where are the best places to stay in Lake Tahoe?
By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023
Passing between the states of Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is the single largest alpine lake in North America! Surrounded by the stunning Sierra Nevada, holidaymakers flock to stay at many parts of Lake Tahoe throughout the year. They love the panoramic views, pristine beaches and endless winter sports activities.
During winter, you can stay and go on a skiing adventure at one of the many resorts. Why not stay at Olympic Valley, one of the largest ski resorts in North America with ample mountain slopes? Or you could stay in Incline Village and ski at its amazing Diamond Peak Ski Resort. It is not all about skiing though-you can participate in some other breathtaking winter sports such as snowboarding, sledging and much more.
In summer, there is nothing better than staying and taking a glorious boat or gondola ride on Lake Tahoe, in many places around the lake such as Stateline. During these summer months, you can stay and relax on the beautiful beaches of Tahoe Vista, enjoy the idyllic lakeside views at South Lake Tahoe and practice exciting outdoor sports at Truckee. That is not to mention the great restaurants where you will stay and be treated to delicious local food and drink with a view.
If you are interested in where to stay in Lake Tahoe, you may also be interested in where to stay in San Francisco, where to stay in Yosemite, where to stay in Yellowstone and where to stay in Grand Canyon.
Best places to stay in Lake Tahoe
Truckee
Skiing / Riding / Hiking
Truckee is the gateway to Lake Tahoe and has a history rich with gunslingers, saloons and other Wild West fantasies. Thousands of people every year come to stay in Lake Tahoe and with a great shopping area and the Donner State Memorial Park there is something in Truckee to entertain the whole family.
Summer and winter sports abound and all work up a healthy appetite and Truckee has a diverse range of places to eat from modern American cuisine to formal dining. There are five Zagat rated restaurants in the town and tiny coffee shops serving calorie laden pastries and strudels as well as irresistible chocolate shops. While shopping shouldn’t be priority on your holiday list if you do need a spot of retail therapy then head for the Tahoe Truckee Factory Stores where all the big brand names can be found with tons of opportunities for bargain hunters and big spenders alike.
Free activities in Truckee include geocaching, kayak rental on Independence Lake, summer concerts under the stars, chilling out on one of the 35 public piers by the lake or on joining in the summer festival that is Truckee Thursday between mid-June and mid-August.
Places to stay in Truckee range from a Dude Ranch to a variety of motels, holiday resorts, private rentals, quaint B&B’s, RV hook-ups and hotels; including one that opened in 1873.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN TRUCKEE:
1- The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe - A luxury resort located mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort, offering ski-in/ski-out access, a spa, fine dining, and stunning mountain views.
2- Cedar House Sport Hotel - A boutique hotel with a modern, eco-friendly design and an emphasis on outdoor adventure. It features a cozy lounge with a fireplace, a sauna, and complimentary cruiser bikes.
3- The Truckee Hotel - A historic hotel in downtown Truckee that has been operating since 1873. It offers comfortable rooms with Victorian charm, an on-site restaurant and bar, and easy access to shopping and dining in town.
South Lake Tahoe
Casinos / Restaurants / Outdoor Activities
South Lake Tahoe is the largest of the lakeside cities and has a wide variety of entertainment options. The city is a designated bike-friendly community and there are plenty of scenic rides to explore as well as being able to get round the city faster! There are shopping opportunities everywhere whether you want the latest designer gear for your chosen sport; winter or summer, brand basics or to buy gifts and souvenirs from local galleries and artisans.
Boating events such as guided cruises and sailboat racing take place all season, and firework displays light up the night skies. The paddle steamer boat cruises round the lake for a different view in the summer months, or you can ride the gondola all year and get a bird’s eye view instead. There are many hiking routes, but the one up to Vikingsholm Castle gives you stunning photo opportunities across Emerald Bay.
There is enough in South Lake Tahoe to keep you entertained 24 hours a day winter and summer surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, pine forests and with incredibly gorgeous sunsets.
Accommodation is rich and diverse in and around South Lake Tahoe ranging from cheap roadside motels to luxurious holiday resorts that offer every amenity you could possible want.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE:
1- The Landing Resort and Spa - A luxury hotel located on the lakefront, offering stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. It features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and easy access to nearby hiking trails.
2- Basecamp South Lake Tahoe - A rustic-chic hotel located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, offering a laid-back atmosphere and easy access to the lake, casinos, and outdoor activities. It features a cozy lobby with a fireplace, a beer garden, and complimentary s’mores around the fire pit.
3- Hotel Azure - A family-friendly hotel located near the lake and the Heavenly Village, offering comfortable rooms and suites with mountain or lake views. It features an outdoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a complimentary shuttle to the ski resort.
Accommodation in South Lake Tahoe
Stateline
Skiing / Lake Access / Mountain Views
Stateline is a wonderful place to stay on Lake Tahoe! Located on the Nevada side of Southern Lake Tahoe, Stateline is particularly well-known for its world-famous casinos, with gamblers and wannabe punters flocking here all year-round. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from.
Outside of the casinos, Stateline is an excellent place to visit in the summer months, and floods of tourists pour in here during this period. You can enjoy idyllic boat and gondola rides on the lake, numerous hiking trails and adventurous sporting activities. After a long day of outdoor activity, it is ideal to sit back and relax with a beer at a nearby beach or by the lake.
Stateline is not just a summer destination, however; it is brilliant in winter too! Whilst you won’t be able to enjoy the warm summer temperatures (it gets pretty cold in winter), Stateline is fantastic for winter sports! Ideally situated close to the Heavenly Ski Resort on the California side of the lake, you have easy access to ski slopes, snowboarding activities and much more! The ski season is lively and lasts for several months (from autumn until spring), reaching its peak in the winter months.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN STATELINE:
1- Harveys Lake Tahoe - A classic casino hotel located on the lakefront, offering a range of amenities including a casino, a spa, multiple restaurants, and a seasonal outdoor pool. It’s also conveniently located near Heavenly Mountain Resort and the Heavenly Village.
2- Ridge Tahoe - A resort-style hotel located on a mountainside overlooking Lake Tahoe, offering spacious suites with kitchens, fireplaces, and mountain or lake views. It features a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and various recreational activities.
3-The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe - A luxury hotel located on the lakefront, offering breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. It features a championship golf course, a full-service spa, multiple restaurants and bars, and a lakefront heated pool and hot tub.
Incline Village
Skiing / Scenic Views / Luxury Resorts
On Nevada’s Crystal Bay lies the pretty Incline Village. Named after a major incline tramway that was built here in the 19th century, Incline Village is one of Nevada’s major destinations on Lake Tahoe. There is so much to do here and you would never get bored!
Typically, the village comes alive during the summer months. Its beautiful beaches are filled with tourists and locals relaxing in the sun. There are also major events during this period, such as the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival- great for arts lovers. Active travellers will also be in their element here, as there are many popular outdoor sporting activities during the summer months, such as golf, tennis even mountain biking!
Incline Village is also an ideal destination to visit in winter, and it possesses some of the most stunning mountain ranges around the lake. Of course, skiing is a very popular choice here. There are several good-quality ski resorts nearby, such as Mount Rose Ski Tahoe and Diamond Peak. Skiers of all levels can enjoy the unparalleled mountainous scenery from these resorts. There are a number of accommodation options to choose from in Incline Village, coupled with many great places to eat and drink.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN INCLINE VILLAGE:
1- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino - A luxury resort located on the lakefront, offering a range of amenities including a private beach, a full-service spa, multiple restaurants and bars, and a casino. It features spacious rooms and suites with mountain or lake views, as well as various recreational activities.
2- Parkside Inn at Incline - A cozy bed and breakfast located in the heart of Incline Village, offering comfortable rooms and suites with mountain or garden views. It features a complimentary breakfast, a garden patio, and easy access to nearby hiking and biking trails.
3- The Chateau at Incline Village - A boutique hotel with a French-inspired design, offering comfortable rooms and suites with mountain or forest views. It features a complimentary breakfast, a garden patio, and easy access to nearby hiking and biking trails.
Accommodation in Incline Village
Olympic Valley
Skiing / Outdoor Sports
As its name suggests, Olympic Valley is famous for holding the Olympics- specifically the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. Not only this- many famous Olympians have been bred in this village, helped hugely by its perfect mountainous location.
Located in Placer County, California, Olympic Valley is an incredibly popular winter tourism destination. Unsurprisingly, many professional skiers train here thanks to the acres of land and ski slopes available. However, it isn’t just reserved for the professionals- skiers of all levels from beginner onwards can learn here, and there are many ski courses and lessons available. By far the most popular resort is the Palisades Tahoe (or Squaw Valley Resort), with its incredible mountain peaks where you can ski, snowboard and much more.
Despite being a predominantly winter-orientated destination, Olympic Valley is also a popular summer getaway. Instead of exhilarating activities, you can simply relax by Lake Tahoe, enjoy the diverse local cuisine and even play some outdoor sports. The great weather and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range will make you feel in paradise. Thanks to its popularity, there are a plethora of hotels available in Olympic Valley, many with great logistics very close to the main ski resort.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN OLYMPIC VALLEY:
1- The Resort at Squaw Creek - A luxury resort located at the base of Squaw Valley ski resort, offering ski-in/ski-out access, a full-service spa, multiple restaurants and bars, and various recreational activities. It features spacious rooms and suites with mountain or valley views.
2- PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn - A boutique hotel located in the heart of Olympic Valley, offering comfortable rooms and suites with mountain or village views. It features a restaurant and bar, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and easy access to nearby ski resorts and outdoor activities.
3- Squaw Valley Lodge - A condo-style hotel located at the base of Squaw Valley ski resort, offering spacious studios and suites with full kitchens, fireplaces, and balconies or patios. It features a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and easy access to nearby ski resorts and outdoor activities.
Accommodation in Olympic Valley
Tahoe Vista
Sandy Beaches / Kayaking
Tahoe Vista will never be boring! Boating, skiing, restaurants, arts, shopping, music and many other forms of entertainment will make sure your holiday on the shores of the crystal clear lake is simply amazing. Learn to kayak, sail or SUP on the deep blue water in the warmer months or take an exciting snowmobile tour when the snow falls.
The Tahoe Vista Recreation Area covers nearly three acres and has full facilities by the lake including boat launching, picnic spots, walking and bike trails. North Tahoe Marina has rentals for just about every water sport known to man or try your hand at fishing with one of the many charter companies. The whole family can enjoy a lunchtime cruise or for adults only the sunset and cocktail cruises are a great way to see the beauty of Lake Tahoe from a different perspective.
Throughout the year festivals like the Shakespeare Festival, Autumn Food and Wine Festival and Tahoe Arts Projects Festival draw in big crowds from all over the world who flock to see the excellent musicians and artists.
If you are looking for the widest accommodation choice around Lake Tahoe then look no further than Tahoe Vista. Most of the lodgings are snuggled up to the edge of the lake and visitors can choose from B&B’s, motels, hotels, shared ownership rentals, private house rentals, hostels and so much more.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN TAHOE VISTA:
1- Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort - A cozy lakefront resort offering comfortable rooms and suites with lake views, fireplaces, and balconies or patios. It features a private beach, a lakeside hot tub, and various water sports activities.
2- Franciscan Lakeside Lodge - A classic lakefront lodge offering rustic cabins and suites with lake views, fireplaces, and full kitchens. It features a private beach, a lakefront picnic area, and easy access to nearby hiking and biking trails.
3- Tahoe Sands Resort - A family-friendly resort located on the lakefront, offering cozy cabins and suites with lake views, fireplaces, and full kitchens. It features a private beach, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and various recreational activities such as volleyball, horseshoes, and bocce ball.
Our recommended hotels in Lake Tahoe
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Lake TahoeNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
