Lake Tahoe straddles the border of California and Nevada and is known for its excellent skiing and hiking, beautiful beaches and stunning emerald blue waters.
Lake Tahoe is the third deepest lake in North America and the 10th deepest in the world! The lake sits at an elevation of about 6,225 feet (1,897 meters) above sea level and is surrounded by striking mountain ranges with 15 ski resorts that provide world-class skiing in the winter and excellent biking and hiking in the summer and fall months.
Lake Tahoe is also home to many great restaurants and offers so much to do and see. It also offers an array of excellent hotels that are ideal for a long weekend escape or a week long getaway.
Here’s our guide to the best hotels in Lake Tahoe. To help you plan your Tahoe getaway, we’ve broken the list down by region and are sharing the best hotels in North Lake Tahoe, and the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe.
North Lake Tahoe Versus South Lake Tahoe
Before we share our favorite Lake Tahoe hotels, let’d discuss North Lake Tahoe versus South Lake Tahoe to help you determine which area you’d prefer to stay in.
Lake Tahoe is one big, beautiful lake, but it is often referred to by its two different regions – North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe.
Both regions are stunning and have many similarities. Both have great restaurants, excellent hotels, lots of vacation rental options, easy access to the lake, beautiful beaches and world class ski resorts. But North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe are also very different.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two regions.
North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is the quieter side of the lake and is arguably the most beautiful region.
North Lake Tahoe is made up of small cities and cute mountain towns including: Incline Village; Sunnyside/Tahoe City; Kings Beach; Carnelian Bay; Crystal Bay; Tahoe Vista; and Truckee, and there is world class skiing here at Squaw Valley, Northstar and other north shore resorts.
Overall North Lake Tahoe is more pristine and less crowded with a small town mountain vibe. This is the region of the Lake Tahoe you’ll want to stay in if you are looking to get away from the city and reconnect with nature.
South Lake Tahoe
Part of South Lake Tahoe extends into the Nevada side, so if you like to gamble this is the region you should stay in. There are an array of casinos to be found here along with a bustling nightlife!
The south shore of Lake Tahoe includes South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Emerald Bay, and the Markleeville and Kirkwood areas. South Lake Tahoe is the largest city around Lake Tahoe with a permanent resident population of just over 21,000 people.
There is world class skiing on the south shore at Heavenly Resort along with an array of great restaurants, bars, and shops. If you prefer to have all the amenities of a big city during your mountain vacation, then South Lake Tahoe is for you.
10 Of The Best Hotels In North Lake Tahoe
There are an array of good hotels in North Lake Tahoe. Here are 10 of the top-rated hotels in North Lake that are great for couples, groups and family getaways:
- Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe – Featuring ski-in/ski-out access at Northstar, this luxurious Lake Tahoe resort offers a spa, 2 outdoor swimming pools, and 3 restaurants. Along with a gas fireplace, all rooms include a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and marble bathrooms. Every room has modern furniture and lodge-inspired accents.
- Northstar California Resort – Just 10 minutes from Truckee, Northstar California is a family-friendly, ski-in/ski-out resort with a recreation center, multiple restaurants, an ice rink, and easy access to all the amenities in Northstar Village.
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe – Located on the Nevada side of the north shore, in Incline Village, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is a top-rated resort on a beautiful beach with great dining and an excellent spa.
- Gravity Haus Truckee – Enjoy the custom comforts of a boutique hotel that embodies the authentic mountain experience. Gravity Haus is located in Truckee close to Northstar Resort and Palisades Tahoe Resort.
- Sunnyside Lodge – Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge is located in a great location on the lake, in Tahoe City. Some of the rooms offer lake views and breakfast is included in your stay.
- The Incline Lodge – Immerse in a quiet mountain vibe at this 3-star hotel in Incline Village that offers a free ski shuttle, 2 bars and a swimming pool.
- The Cottage Inn – Enjoy an adults only experience at this highly rated 2-star hotel in Tahoe City. Cabin style rooms with direct access to a private beach and a complimentary breakfast buffet daily.
- Cedar Glen Lodge – Highly rated 2-star hotel in Tahoe Vista that offers cabin style rooms, studios with kitchenette’s that are great for longer stays, a pool and BBQ + picnic area.
- Mourelatos Lakeshore Lodge – Located on private beach with 2 spa tubs, near the North Tahoe Marina, this highly 2-star lodge offers rooms with lake views and kitchenettes providing the ideal accommodations for a family summer getaway.
- Springhill Suites by Marriott Truckee – Pet-friendly, highly-rated modern hotel in Truckee offering a gym, a pool and 24/7 front desk service.
10 Of The Best Hotels In South Lake Tahoe
There are an array of good hotels in South Lake Tahoe. Here are 10 of the top-rated hotels in South Lake that are great for couples, groups and family getaways:
- Edgewood Tahoe Resort – Edgewood Tahoe Resort is located in South Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada side of Stateline, and offers 5-star accommodations featuring an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a beautiful terrace overlooking Lake Tahoe.
- The Landing Resort & Spa – Located near Heavenly Village Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe, this resort offers free transportation to the Heavenly Village and Casinos. Spacious guest rooms here feature a stone gas fireplace, a Keurig coffee machine, and a refrigerator.
- Cedar Glen Lodge – Located on the North Shore in Tahoe Vista, Cedar Glen Lodge offers affordable accommodations with a cozy cabin vibe.
- The Jeffrey Hotel – The Jeffrey Hotel is an affordable hotel, with modern decor, located in South Lake Tahoe.
- Heavenly Village Condos – Offering direct access to Heavenly Ski Resort, Heavenly Village Condos are a great choice if you plan to ski at Heavenly Resort in the winter or hike or mountain bike at the resort in the summer.
- Grand Resort – Located at Heavenly Resort, Grand Resort offers access to all the amenities there including a heated pool, tennis courts, barbecue grills, foosball table, golf, and more.
- Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino and Resort – Ideal spot to stay in South Lake Tahoe if gambling is your priority.
- The Coachman Hotel – This minimalist, modern 3-star South Lake hotel offers a pool, hot tub, gym, bar, outdoor fire tables and suites with kitchenettes.
- Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe – Offering suites with kitchenettes, free breakfast, walking access to the Heavenly Resort Gondola and affordable rates, this is a good option for a family getaway in South Lake.
- Hilton Vacation Club South Lake – 4-star family resort, ideally located across from the lake with a restaurant, bar, pool, gym and 24/7 security.
The Best Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals
Lake Tahoe offers an array of wonderful vacation rentals in every price range! In case a vacation rental is more your speed, you can check out our guide to The Best Airbnbs In Lake Tahoe!
You can also search Expedia for the best vacation rental prices in Lake Tahoe. If you’re looking for a newly remodeled cabin in North Lake Tahoe I suggest checking out this Lake Tahoe Luxury Cabin.
Located in Carnelian Bay on the North Shore, this 1970s cabin was recently remodeled with high-end finishings, appliances, and decor. All the bedrooms in this beautiful, modern vacation rental are en suite and offer sparkling late views.
Things To Do In Lake Tahoe
With so much to do and see if Lake Tahoe, it’s an ideal destination for a week-long getaway. Here are 10 things to do in Lake Tahoe to inspire your mountain adventure to this magical destination!
- If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter you can enjoy world-class skiing at one of 15 ski resorts.
- In the summer months, you can rent a boat and go boating on the lake.
- Have a beach day at one of the many beautiful beaches surrounding Lake Tahoe.
- Enjoy a gourmet dinner overlooking the lake at Christy Hill in Tahoe City.
- Go golfing at one of several golf courses in Lake Tahoe including Incline Village Championship Course.
- Spend a family day at the miniature golf course in Carnelian Bay or Kings Beach.
- Go hiking! An easy to moderate 45-minute hike to try in North Lake Tahoe is Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint.
- Have lunch, dinner, or drinks in a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the lake at Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay.
- Go Gambling on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.
- Have the best pizza in Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City at Za’s Lakefront Bar & Grill!
For more ideas check out our guide to 30 Unique Things To Do In Lake Tahoe!
Best Time To Visit Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is an ideal destination to visit year-round. During the winter months, December through March, there is excellent skiing at 15 ski resorts.
In the summer, Lake Tahoe offers excellent hiking and mountain biking as well as an array of water sports on the lake. You can rent a boat and explore the lake, water ski, go paddle boarding or kayaking or swim.
There is also an excellent bike path around the lake that you can utilize in the summer and fall months.
Summer and winter are considered high season in Lake Tahoe. If you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of more affordable accommodations, I suggest visiting during shoulder season – spring or fall.
The beginning of September is an ideal month to visit Lake Tahoe. The tourists crowds have dissipated, the weather is still warm and you can take advantage of better hotel rates.
Best Hotels In Lake Tahoe Wrap Up
I hope you found this guide to the best hotels in Lake Tahoe helpful. If you need more inspiration for planning your Lake Tahoe getaway you can check out my Ultimate Guide To Lake Tahoe and my guide to 30 Things To Do In Lake Tahoe.
And if you’re looking for more destination inspiration, you can explore all our California Guides, our hotel guides and vacation renal guides.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Lake Tahoe. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.
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