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Lake Tahoe attracts millions of visitors every year – for its world-renowned ski resorts, breathtaking views, and bounty of outdoor adventure. As someone who lives just a couple of hours away in the San Francisco Bay Area, I make weekend trips to this majestic alpine year-round – taking to the slopes in the winter, cruising the water in the summer, taking in the foliage in the fall, and hiking to waterfalls in the spring. I’ve even visited during the shoulder season where I could ski in the morning and hit the beach later in the day. All this to say: Tahoe is a backyard I’ll never get tired of playing in. While both North and South Lake Tahoe have their perks, I gravitate to South Lake Tahoe if I’m looking for a more action-packed trip. Compared to the quainter and quieter North side, South Lake Tahoe melds nature with big city amenities: think hiking trails, beaches, and ski resorts (including Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe), as well as restaurants, casinos, and festivals. To help you decide where to stay, I’ve rounded up my list of best hotels in South Lake Tahoe – from budget-friendly boutique spots to large casino hotels and elaborate luxury resorts.
180 Lake Parkway
Price:R441-1474/night
Originally opened in the 1960s, Edgewood Tahoe upgraded from a golf course to a full-service resort in 2017. Today, it’s easily one of the most luxurious hotels in Lake Tahoe – and it doesn’t take long to feel it. When entering the modern 154-room lodge, you’ll take in a stunning welcome, with soaring A-frame windows showcasing views of Lake Tahoe.
Chic rooms feature fireplaces, soaking tubs, and, often, postcard-worthy views (mine once had a patio just feet from the water). It’s easy to get anywhere in South Tahoe from here, but you could easily fill your days never straying far. When you’re ready to unwind, head to the spa or join a daily wellness activity, be it a silent disco, meditation, or sound bath.
Don’t miss the three on-site restaurants – with its awe-inspiring views, Edgewood Restaurant is a must (splurge on the filet.) Final tip: don’t forget your suit, the lakefront pool is heated year-round.
R230-787/night
When arriving at the ski chalet-style Black Bear Lodge, you instantly feel warm and welcome. The inviting main building features a 32-foot-tall fireplace made of smooth river rock, wood beams, and a rustic yet modern design. Formerly the nine-room Black Bear Inn, the hotel underwent renovations in 2017 when it changed owners.
The property offers five guest rooms in the main building featuring en-suite gas fireplaces, and four private cabins, which sleep two to five people and include kitchenettes. As part of the expansion, the new owners added 22 rooms in a remodeled lodge on the adjacent land.
Altogether, 70 percent of the property is undeveloped, creating a calm and nature-filled retreat just a few blocks from Heavenly Resort. Don’t miss the outdoor hot tub and or happy hour from 4-6pm in the lobby bar (one of Tahoe’s best-kept secrets, in my opinion), which offers craft beers, California wines and appetizers.
4104 Lakeshore Boulevard
Price:R226-896/night
When you’re in Tahoe, you’ll want to spend as much time staring at the shimmering blue water as possible. The Landing has that going for it by the eyefull, offering panoramic views from many rooms and spaces throughout the property.
Situated directly on the waterfront and steps from the Nevada border, you’ll feel secluded yet will be in the center of the action, with restaurants and casinos minutes away. In the summer, talk steps to find a place to pic picnic, stroll, or simply bask on the beach. In the summer, walk directly to the gondola at Heavenly Ski Resort. No matter the season, enjoy the heated pool and hot tub, plus comfortable rooms that feature stone fireplaces and lake-facing balconies.
On-site Jimmy restaurant offers California fare (I’ve been for brunch and the smoked salmon benedict was the fuel I needed), a 500-bottle wine vault, and nightly live music.
4100 Pine Boulevard
Price:R84-494/night
Named one of the most Instagrammable hotels in the world by Vogue, the Coachman is where the cool kids stay when they visit South Lake Tahoe. Located on the California side near the Nevada border, the motel (originally built in the 1980s) has been chicly renovated and features a minimal, yet trendy design.
The 42 rooms on site are outfitted with handcrafted wood furniture and a modern aesthetic, and range from basic doubles to one-bedroom suites – even featuring a few pet-friendly rooms. The best part about the Coachmen is the community feel.
The public spaces, from the pool to the rooftop terrace, as well as daily happy hour from 3-6pm and nightly s’mores, give travelers a chance to mingle and swap stories from their day’s adventures enjoying the nearby Lakeside marina, golf courts, or ski resorts. The hotel also frequently holds events, from wine tastings, to yoga, and sunset beach picnics.