Hotels in South Lake Tahoe, California

South Lake Tahoe Hotels

Right on the California and Nevada state lines; South Lake Tahoe is set amongst the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountain landscapes. Winter brings skiers and snowboarders to the area, with excellent ice-white powder and friendly resorts, and the summer sees people visit to enjoy the warm lake waters which shimmer under the sun and long, winding hiking trails. South Lake Tahoe is also well known for its nightlife, with live music, casinos, and lively bars to enjoy after dark.

Things to see

The Heavenly Ski Resort makes the most of the spectacular mountain and lake scenery, offering not only winter sports, but year round outdoor fun. During ski season there's a thick layer of powdery snow, and as you are whisked to the top in the gondola you'll enjoy views of the snowy mountains all around you. In the summer, the lifts are still open, with the 97 ski runs melting to make way for hiking and biking trails. Emerald Bay State Park is named for the greenish blue bay, and is a popular spot for hiking and exploring. Just under the water there are a number of shipwrecks, and if you choose to take a scuba diving tour you can find some of the sunken boats, with clear, warm waters to enjoy. El Dorado Beach has a long stretch of sand where you can soak up the sunshine, and it's a great place to swim with clear waters. You'll find boat hire places along the shore where you can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddle boats, or you could try riding a sup; a large surfboard with a paddle that's ideal for these calm waters.

Hotels in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe hotels are often rustic and peaceful, offering a mountain escape away from modern life. You'll be able to enjoy cozy motel and inns with comfortable rooms, and modern facilities such as free WiFi. Many hotels in South Lake Tahoe offer free parking onsite, and a free continental breakfast to get you ready to hit the slopes or the beach. You'll find that accommodation close to the mountains often has ski-in/ski-out access, as well as other facilities that winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy such as ski storage, fireplaces in the lobby, and spa tubs. Some hotels have seasonal outdoor pools for the warmer months, and useful extras such as laundry services and childcare so you can enjoy a break.

Where to stay

South Lake Tahoe doesn't really have a centralized downtown area, yet it still has a friendly, small town atmosphere. The streets are lined with evergreens, and the town is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, making it feel close to nature. Along the main roads you'll find strip malls, inns, and a wide selection of restaurants tempting you in, and there are many smaller roads leading off to campsites and rural spots. Heavenly Village is a popular place to stay, with a large complex of boutique stores, an ice rink, cinema, and plenty of other facilities. You could also consider staying in Stateline, a small town just over the Nevada border which is popular due to its large casinos and more liberal gaming laws, as well as the excellent evening entertainment these resorts provide.

How to get to South Lake Tahoe

Reno-Tahoe International Airport is just over an hour away from South Lake Tahoe, and this busy hub has services to major cities across the USA. There are several car rental desks, taxis, limos, and shuttle services to take you to South Lake Tahoe, with the South Tahoe Express offering a cheap and quick service. South Lake Tahoe has an Amtrak transit center, which connects you to the Amtrak California services and beyond.