The best hotels in Lake Tahoe

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Grand Residences by Marriott, Lake Tahoe — Marriott

Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular and scenic destinations in the US, mixing year-round outdoor activities with lively casinos and dining.
Small boutique lodges and large full-service hotels attract families, couples, and adventurers, especially during the popular winter ski season.
Great options range from $99 to $239 per night in the low fall season and include new social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 policies, as detailed below.
Read more: Is it safe to stay in a hotel right now? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in.
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As summer turns to fall and the temperature drops, travelers look less towards beach destinations and instead opt for seasonally evocative trips, from leap peeping road trips to ski getaways.

One of the most scenic, enduring spots in the US is Lake Tahoe. This picturesque region on the border of California and Nevada has been popular since the turn of the 20th century, its global reputation sealed when nearby Squaw Valley staged the 1960 Winter Olympics.

The largest Alpine Lake in the United States, Lake Tahoe defers only to the five Great Lakes in terms of size, and this natural wonder has evolved as a tourist hotspot. It is most well known today for its ski resorts, crystal clear lake waters, and hiking trails, but motorcycling, golfing, hunting, and gambling also make up a sizable chunk of its allure.

Late November through early May especially sees an uptick in visitors as skiers and snowboarders of all levels flock to the region. Given its size, there are a number of choices in terms of towns to stay in. South Lake Tahoe (the largest town) and Tahoe City top the list, with historic Truckee, Tahoe Vista, Homewood, and Incline Village also offering a number of accommodation options.

I’ve been visiting the region for many years and have witnessed the development of the region as a tourist destination. For my pick of the best, I selected hotels based on the following criteria:

While the hotels I’ve chosen range from affordable boutiques to luxurious ski-in/ski-out stays, all are well-appointed with exceptional offerings such as high-end amenities, excellent access to ski mountains, stunning views, or luxe standalone cabins that are ideal for social distancing.
Popular skiing and snowboarding areas can be notoriously expensive, but every property listed offers strong value, currently ranging from $99 to $239 per night for the fall season.
However, these prices are seasonally sensitive. March and November are the best times to snag a deal, with more expensive times being July to August and mid-December to January, with peak ski season seeing especially high prices.
Additionally, all hotels offer attractive locations to enjoy nature, while still being close to town.
The hotels are well-reviewed by past guests on trusted traveler sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com, with every property receiving 4 out of 5 stars or higher on the former and an 8 out of 10 or higher on the latter.

Of course, during these times of COVID-19, Lake Tahoe is subject to the same potential restrictions and safety precautions as the rest of the country and you should check for any local changes in regard to mandatory policies or quarantine periods. And if you’re wondering if travel is safe right now, we talked to medical experts on how to mitigate risks with hotel stays, as well as flights, rental cars, trains, and more. Many hotels are also implementing new guidelines for both staff and guests.

However, without a vaccine, there is no guarantee with regard to safety. It’s crucial to follow guidelines and advice from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. Additionally, consider your own level of risk, and whether you’re traveling from or to a hotspot, so as not to increase the rate of infection.

As such, I’ve made sure to choose Lake Tahoe hotels that have clear and updated COVID-19 protocols, listed with each hotel’s description below.

Read on for the best hotels in Lake Tahoe, sorted by price from low to high.

Basecamp South Lake Tahoe

Book Basecamp South Lake Tahoe starting at $99 per night

Arguably the best value hotel in the region, this affordable property veers towards a hipper, younger crowd. The ironic modern art of kitsch woodland scenes evokes a trendy city hotel, while the comforts of plump leather sofas and fire pits mean that you’ll feel at home in the mountains.

The in-room decor is whimsical, with camping lanterns and railroad ties for clothing racks that are all part of a playful approach to ski resort life. The location is central and the property is just a short walk from Lakeside beach.

For visitors on a budget, it’s a stylish, well-loved property with more than a little character. The hotel also offers a solid range of amenities (ski kit storage, restaurant, picnic area, and small private beach) for a budget-conscious hotel.

Trip Advisor ranking: 17 out of 68 hotels in South Lake Tahoe

Booking.com ranking: 8.3 out of 10

Pros: The location puts you close to many top attractions, including the Heavenly Gondola, which is less than a five-minute walk.

Cons: There’s no full-service onsite dining, though there’s a snack bar and guests can rent microwave ovens.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and following new protocols including:

Compulsory mask-wearing for staff and guests.
A temporary barrier has been set up for check-in.
Social distancing enforced around communal amenities.
Contactless check-out.
Increased frequency of cleaning in all areas with products specifically formulated to counter COVID-19 and the following of all CDC guidelines.

Grand Residences by Marriott, Lake Tahoe

Book Grand Residences by Marriott, Lake Tahoe starting at $114 per night

The thoughtful interior design helps this larger chain property retain a sense of place. Stone fireplaces and wooden beams work to conjure up the classic alpine ambiance.

The modern units are well-suited to couples and families that prefer a more residential style of stay, with living spaces and handy kitchenettes. The real draw here, though, are the facilities and location. A large spa and heated outdoor pool make for a truly blissful retreat. The hotel is conveniently situated next to the Heavenly Gondola, with the peaks of the Heavenly Mountain Resort within easy striking distance.

Complete your stay by taking part in the numerous activities offered such as hikes, yoga, and kids’ camps.

Trip Advisor ranking: 8 out of 68 hotels in South Lake Tahoe

Booking.com ranking: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: This is the closest property to the Heavenly Gondola, giving the hotel one of the most enviable locations in the area.

Cons: There’s no full-service restaurant on-site, but the numerous options of South Lake Tahoe are close by.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and conforms to Marriott’s international policies, including:

Compulsory social distancing and mask-wearing in public areas.
Enhanced cleaning protocols follow the Marriott’s Commitment to Clean policy, with increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection, particularly in areas with high traffic, and enhanced technologies, including electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectants.
Staff members will wear PPE (face coverings, gloves, etc.).
Contactless check-in is available through the Bonvoy phone app.

Cedar House Sport Hotel

Book the Cedar House Sport Hotel starting at $129 per night

This eco-conscious modern lodge has been constructed with an impressive amount of reclaimed or recycled materials, resulting in a high-end, European-style alpine hotel. Chic minimalism is the order of the day in the rooms, with luxury details such as leather-framed platform beds and heated floors in the bathrooms — a real boon in winter.

The property is well-placed for downtown Truckee but surrounded by some of the lake’s best scenery and outdoor pursuits. Activities like skiing and cycling can be arranged with the in-house concierge. The healthy on-site dining at Stella, with its menu of farm-to-table veggie dishes and more, is an equally exquisite experience.

Trip Advisor ranking: 1 out of 15 hotels in Truckee

Booking.com ranking: 9.3 out of 10

Pros: It’s one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the region, and guests’ dogs are particularly welcome.

Cons: Some guests may find the minimalist storage approach a little limiting.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open. In accordance with CDC recommendations and local health jurisdictions, Cedar House is implementing safety measures including:

Requiring staff to wear face coverings in public spaces and requesting that guests do so as well.
Rooms are subject to CDC approved cleaning protocols.
Rooms have a COVID amenity kit of masks and gloves, as well as a disinfectant spray and wipes.

The Cottage Inn

Book The Cottage Inn starting at $139 per night

There’s been a hospitality industry here for over a century, and this Tahoe City inn is a chance to experience some authentic old-school charm without sacrificing comfort levels. The cottages date back to 1938, and the pine walls and stone fireplaces retain that timeless sense of style.

The amenities, including the bathrooms, are modern, though, and there’s fast Wi-Fi. Guests can also enjoy the property’s private beach after a complimentary country breakfast. There are even Adirondack chairs for relaxing beneath the canopy of pine trees, and Squaw Peak and Twin Peaks ski resorts are close by for a more active day out.

Trip Advisor ranking: 10 out of 27 specialty lodging in South Lake Tahoe

Booking.com ranking: 9.5 out of 10

Pros: The inn is adults only, so it’s more tranquil than many other resorts in the region.

Cons: There are no on-site dining facilities, but rooms come with a kitchenette, and local restaurants are close by.

COVID status and policies: This property is open and is adhering to all of the state and federal guidelines for increased sanitation measures, including:

Increased signage and arrangements to facilitate physical distancing.
Masks are required for check-in and while utilizing common spaces.
Hand sanitizer is provided in public spaces.

Deerfield Lodge at Heavenly

Book Deerfield Lodge at Heavenly starting at $145 per night

This bijoux, 22-room lodge has been a popular fixture for over 50 years, and it takes great care to maintain its original high standards and levels of comfort. Overlooking the south shore of the lake on Ski Run Boulevard, the lodge is just a hop and a step from the Heavenly ski resort and the dining options of South Lake Tahoe.

Stylish contemporary interiors in brown and cream earth tones are complemented by stone fireplaces and evocative wooden exteriors. The guest suites come with kitchenettes for easy self-catering for those who prefer to dine in. It’s the ease of access to the skiing, though, that most guests return for, and slope aficionados can be at Monument Peak or East Peak within minutes by shuttle.

Trip Advisor ranking: 3 out of 68 hotels in South Lake Tahoe

Booking.com ranking: 9.3 out of 10

Pros: An enviable location in downtown South Lake Tahoe that’s also perfectly placed for easy slope access.

Cons: The complimentary breakfast offered is fairly basic, consisting mostly of pastries.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is open with measures that include:

Compulsory face masks for guests and staff in public areas.
Floors marked for social distancing.
Hand sanitizer available to guests and staff, and regularly sanitized high-traffic areas.
Contactless check-in and check-out.
Rooms are cleaned to CDC-recommended standards.

River Ranch Lodge

Book River Ranch Lodge starting at $150 per night

This unpretentious, family-friendly lodge has a sense of the old fashioned about it, but in this case, that feeling adds to the appeal rather than making it feel dated. The entry-level rooms are atmospheric and chalet-like. With two queen beds and plenty of room for a small family to spread out, there’s great value to be found here.

Set just outside Tahoe City, the location is tranquil and scenic. Easy access to the nearby ski slopes and the lake itself is a particular selling point. The on-site, riverside restaurant has become a destination in itself, and apres-ski lovers and fans of New American fine dining flock here year-round.

Trip Advisor ranking: 1 out of 5 specialty lodging in Tahoe City

Booking.com ranking: Not currently ranked.

Pros: The property features a plum riverside location and a pleasantly bucolic backdrop, without feeling too remote.

Cons: One of the older resorts, which may not appeal to fans of state-of-the-art amenities.

COVID status and policies: The lodge is open and follows all state and CDC safety guidelines, including:

Masks and social distancing enforced in public spaces.
Hand sanitizer readily available.
Capacities at the restaurant have been duly put in place.

PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn

Book PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn starting at $169 per night

This cute boutique property dates back to 1960 when the Winter Olympics were held at Squaw Valley and around North Lake Tahoe. Thanks to high levels of design, the hotel has a timeless and elegant aesthetic that continues to be appealing today, allowing the hotel to easily compete with luxe newcomers.

The rooms are inarguably contemporary, with iPod docks, Keurig coffee machines, and anti-allergen room filtration elevating them beyond the rustic. The hotel itself basks in lovely mountain views and offers a cozy, pampering apres-ski scene with its fireplaces and firepits. The location is as central as it gets, with very easy access to all those world-class ski slopes.

Trip Advisor ranking: 2 out of 5 hotels in Olympic Valley

Booking.com ranking: 8.7 out of 10

Pros: Truly world-class skiing right on the doorstep.

Cons: Its reputation can mean that public areas get busy with non-guests. There is also a resort fee of $18.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is open. Protocols include:

Face masks required for guests and staff in public areas.
Floors marked for social distancing.
Hand sanitizer available to guests and staff, and regularly sanitized high-traffic areas.
Regular temperature checks for staff.
Contactless check-out.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino

Book Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino starting at $169 per night

A private beach area on the north shore of the lake awaits at this elegant outpost of the Hyatt Regency brand. The location, in Incline Village, neighbors the Diamond Peak Ski Resort, giving the hotel some seriously attractive outdoor options year-round. And with a casino attached, there’s also a fair amount of choice for fans of the indoors.

Mountain views abound from the contemporary chalet-style rooms that deliver impressively luxurious accommodations even at entry-level. Guests with a special occasion or looking for standalone accommodations may want to splurge for the lakeside cottages that come with kitchenettes and unbeatable scenery.

The hotel also just announced a new menu of outdoor activities ranging from morning meditation sessions to guided hikes, plus a ‘dry land boot camp’ to help guests prepare for the winter sports season.

Trip Advisor ranking: 2 out of 6 hotels in Incline Village

Booking.com ranking: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: The excellent location means that guests can be on a private beach or on the nearby ski slopes within minutes.

Cons: The onsite dining options are definitely on the expensive side. There’s also a resort fee of $40.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is open and following Hyatt’s GBAC STARTM cleanliness and training accreditation process through the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) at all Hyatt hotels. This includes:

A trained Hygiene & Wellbeing Leader or team at all locations, responsible for their hotel adhering to new operational protocols and training.
Face masks or coverings are required in hotel indoor public areas and when moving around in outdoor areas at all Hyatt hotels globally.
Some public amenities are closed, including the spa and salon.
In the casino, there is drink service at table games and machines only, no bar service.

Black Bear Lodge

Book Black Bear Lodge starting at $189 per night

Technically, this wonderful property is a bed and breakfast as opposed to a full-service hotel, but its standards and standing are so high that it’s a natural fit for the best places to stay in the Lake Tahoe region.

The interiors are evocative, beginning with a three-story stone fireplace replete with mounted elk’s head lording over the striking lobby space. Nine units are split between lodge rooms in the main building and four cabins spread across the scenic grounds. Couples seeking a romantic retreat may want to consider their more luxurious cabins, decked out with leather armchairs and roaring fireplaces.

All of the accommodations present an elevated rustic-chic vibe and the location in South Lake Tahoe is an alluring one that’s just a short drive to the lake itself.

Trip Advisor ranking: 1 out of 27 specialty lodging in South Lake Tahoe

Booking.com ranking: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: Private cabins are available for increased levels of social distancing.

Cons: There are no on-site dining facilities but guests can utilize the in-room kitchenettes for self-catering.

COVID status and policies: The property is open and following the California Hotel and Lodging Association’s “Clean + Safe Guidance” for increased sanitation measures, with:

Increased signage for items that have been sanitized and new arrangements to facilitate physical distancing.
Masks are required for check-in and while utilizing common spaces.

The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Book The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe starting at $239 per night

Regular guests of the Ritz-Carlton brand know that there’s a reliable consistency to the level of service and comfort. This gorgeous, tree-framed property in Truckee is no exception.

The hotel comes with its own mountain concierge and offers the only ski-in, ski-out access in Lake Tahoe, which some will find well worth the higher price. The indulgent slopeside spa and exceptional dining options are among the most sophisticated in the region, and with lake access and two outdoor pools, it’s a property that scales the heights of relaxation. In-room gas fireplaces and marble bathrooms complete the picture.

Trip Advisor ranking: 4 out of 15 hotels in Truckee

Booking.com ranking: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: The location, complemented by the slope access and mountain concierge, is among the region’s most enviable.

Cons: Currently no in-room dining service is available and there is a hefty resort fee of $55 per day.

COVID status and policies: The hotel is open and conforms to Marriott’s international policies, including:

Compulsory social distancing and mask-wearing in public areas.
Enhanced cleaning protocols follow the Marriott’s Commitment to Clean policy, with increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection, particularly in areas with high traffic, and enhanced technologies, including electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectants.
Staff members will wear PPE (face coverings, gloves, etc.).
Contactless check-in is available through the Bonvoy phone app.

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