Famous for its shimmering blue waters and world-class ski resorts, visitors flock to Lake Tahoe all year long. With the Sierra Nevada Mountains serving as a backdrop, this picture-perfect lake and its surrounding areas offer endless activities for visitors. Spanning 22 miles and straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe also happens to be the largest alpine lake in North America!

Most visitors to Tahoe base themselves in the center of the action in South Lake Tahoe. Not only are most hotels a short walk or drive from the famous Heavenly Ski Resort but you’ll have easy access to some of the lake’s best beaches including Pope Beach, Baldwin Beach, and Emerald Bay.

During the winter, you can speed down the slopes of Heavenly, go snowshoeing in the alpine-studded hills, and let loose at one of the area’s many swanky après ski spots. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll definitely want to dive into Lake Tahoe’s brilliant blue waters, kayak or boat to hidden coves, or take a scenic lakeside hike.

You don’t have to be a nature lover or adrenaline junkie to fall in love with Lake Tahoe. You can easily spend your days shopping till you drop at Heavenly Village’s upscale boutiques, enjoying leisurely brunches and dinners with friends at one of the many excellent eateries, or imbibing at a local brewery or casual lakeside bar. A visit to Lake Tahoe is definitely one of the best things to do in California!

Plus, South Lake Tahoe is conveniently located right on the edge of the Nevada Stateline, which means you can easily try your luck at one of Nevada’s many casinos!

There’s no doubt that South Lake Lake Tahoe is chock full of luxurious ski lodges, rustic B&Bs, and incredible lakeside hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in South Lake Tahoe to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in South Lake Tahoe

Where to Stay in South Lake Tahoe 

Most of the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe are clustered around Heavenly Village. If you’re in town for an epic ski vacation at Heavenly Ski Resort, this is by far the most convenient place to base yourself. 

Most hotels in this area are no more than a 15-minute walk to Heavenly Gondola. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of Lake Tahoe’s best restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues so the location can’t be beat!

Even though the area is relatively small, there are tons of incredible hotels scattered around South Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re looking for a romantic mountainside retreat, a family-friendly resort, or a luxurious lakeside condo, South Lake Tahoe has something to suit all tastes and needs. Although, we do highly suggest taking full advantage of the stunning setting and choosing a place with lake views!

But no matter where you stay in South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find plenty of great hotels to choose from!

12 Best Boutique Hotels in South Lake Tahoe

1. The Coachman Hotel

Housed in two 1960s buildings, this hip hotel is located right on the edge of the California/Nevada Stateline. If you’re visiting during the summer, Lakeside Beach is just a 5-minute walk away and if you’re planning an epic ski vacation, you can walk to Heavenly in just 10 minutes! There’s a reason why the stylish Coachman Hotel is known as one of the best boutique hotels in South Lake Tahoe! 

When you’re not adventuring around Tahoe, take advantage of all of the hotel’s awesome amenities. Splash around in the (seasonal) outdoor pool and hot tub, warm up around the fire pits, and make s’mores with your friends and family using the free s’mores kits! 

Be sure to fill up on the free continental breakfast each morning – the waffles with homemade raspberry sauce are especially delicious! The ultra-friendly staff also sets up a free espresso bar in the mornings and a wine and beer social hour in the evenings. 

You’ll love resting up in one of the 42 recently redesigned rooms. Expect rustic-chic decor, handcrafted wood furnishings, plush beds, and comfy leather chairs. The hotel managers and staff love dogs, so rest assured that your furry friends will be pampered if you want to bring them along!

2. The Landing Resort and Spa

If you’re looking for a stylish hotel right on the lake, The Landing is one of the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe. The hotel is just 2.5 miles from Heavenly Village and offers a free shuttle to and from the base of Heavenly.

This log cabin-inspired hotel is perched directly on the banks of Lakeside Beach. You’ll love the picture-perfect rooms with their contemporary leather furniture, dark hardwood floors lined with plaid rugs, stone-clad fireplaces, and marble bathrooms with heated floors. We highly recommend taking advantage of the setting and booking a room with a spacious balcony and stunning lake views! 

One of the many perks of staying at The Landing are the complimentary daily passes to Lakeside Beach in the summer, the heated pool and hot tub, and the hotel spa. Locals flock here to relax with the spa’s signature hot river rock massage – so you know it’s something special! 

After a day on the slopes, enjoy a sunset cocktail or beer on the rooftop terrace, get cozy around the fire pits, and take in the beautiful views. If you’re hungry, the on-site Jimmy’s Restaurant has an impressive menu featuring innovative wood-fired California-Greek fusion dishes and an extensive wine list.

3. Black Bear Lodge

Black Bear Lodge reopened its doors in 2017 after being purchased by its passionate new owners, Greg and Rachel. The newly reimagined lodge was designed for those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or anyone who just wants a completely relaxing getaway. 

The spacious rooms come with stylish modern furniture, king beds, stone gas fireplaces, and rustic wood trimmings. Upgraded rooms boast extra space, sofas and coffee tables, and wet bars so you can mix your own drinks. The luxurious standalone wood cabins are well worth the splurge for their private garden patios, gazebo hot tubs, and fully outfitted kitchenettes. 

Unwind at the end of the day at the hotel bar, which is located at the front desk. This place is way more trendy than it sounds. Take a seat next to the 32-foot river rock fireplace or on the back patio and order up a craft brew or glass of California wine. You can also graze on light bites before walking to one of the many nearby restaurants for dinner.

If you want to stay in one of the best boutique hotels in South Lake Tahoe, Black Bear Lodge might just be the place for you!

4. Edgewood Tahoe Resort 

Located just across the Nevada side of the state line sits one of the most luxurious boutique resorts in South Lake Tahoe. If you want to live in the lap of luxury during your vacation, Edgewood Tahoe Resort is the place for you! 

You’ll have access to a private beach, a spectacular lakefront heated pool and hot tub, a golf course, and an 8,500-square-foot spa. Depending on the time of year, the staff will organize skiing, snowshoeing, and kayaking excursions for you. The staff will also offer you an Après Sleep Cart and set up an evening s’mores bar. 

The eco-friendly, LEED-certified resort boasts 154 luxurious yet rustic rooms and suites. Expect gas fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, and refined wood trimmings perfectly blended with the most modern of amenities. All rooms have balconies or terraces with mountain or lake views, soaking tubs, and some of the comfiest beds in town. 

With three bars and restaurants, you don’t need to leave the resort if you don’t want to. Enjoy alfresco drinks with a view at Brooks’ Bar & Deck, dine on fine curated seasonal dishes at The Bistro, or enjoy a special French-inspired dinner at the acclaimed Edgewood Restaurant. Just be sure to make reservations in advance to snag a table with front-row views of the lake!

5. Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites

Housed in a former Fantasy Inn, the Postmarc Hotel opened its doors in 2015. The entire building was completely revamped into an adorable hotel dedicated to capturing the spirit of 19^th-century Alpine lodges. 

Explore the property and the stylish rooms and you’ll find vintage photographs, handheld lanterns, and quintessential Tahoe decor around every corner. The staff will even give you vintage postcards so you can write to your loved ones back home!

Each of the spacious 52 rooms boasts premium beds and linens, remodeled bathrooms, and handy refrigerators and microwaves. If you’re willing to shell out a bit more money, upgraded rooms have deluxe features like standalone soaking tubs, cozy fireplaces, and comfy sitting areas. The lavish Grand Honeymoon Suite is the best room in the house and is outfitted with European-style furniture, an oversized sunken spa, and all sorts of luxe extras!

While there isn’t a hotel restaurant, the staff provides free coffee and tea in the lobby each morning. Plus, Red Hut Cafe is right down the block and just happens to be one of the best breakfast spots in Tahoe. You can fill up on breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and waffles before heading out for an action-packed day on the town.

6. Hotel Azure

The aptly named Azure Hotel is located directly across from shimmering Lake Tahoe and its sandy El Dorado Beach. In the summer, you can frolic in the clear blue water. And in the winter, you’re just a 5-minute drive to the slopes of Heavenly and a 30-minute drive to Sierra-at-Tahoe.  

There are tons of things to keep you entertained in and around the hotel. Soak your aching muscles in the bi-level hot tub, go for a swim in the year-round pool, keep up with your routine in the fitness center, or entertain your little ones in the game room. Depending on the season, the staff will also loan you bikes to cruise around town or snowshoes to trek through this winter wonderland. 

In true Tahoe fashion, the rooms are outfitted with natural decor, dark wood accents, and plush beds with flat-screens perfect for relaxing movie nights. If you’re craving a midnight snack, the mini-fridges and microwaves are great for heating up leftovers. Plus, you can brew your morning cup of coffee with the in-room coffee maker, head out to your private balcony, and enjoy the lake or alpine views. 

There may not be a hotel restaurant but you’ll find plenty of breakfast spots, breweries, and a range of places to grab dinner right outside your door.

7. Basecamp Tahoe South

If you’re looking for a trendy hostel-inspired place to stay, Basecamp is definitely the coolest boutique hotel in South Lake Tahoe. As the name implies, the entire hotel has an outdoor theme so expect to find Coleman lantern-style lamps, vintage camping gear, and complimentary Clif Bars all around this quirky little hotel. 

You can choose from a variety of rooms, which boast different amenities from standard rooms with plush beds and flat-screens to family rooms with bunk beds to really cool campground-themed rooms. If you want to go all out, The Great Outdoors room boasts an indoor tent with a comfy king bed, camping chairs, a picnic table, and a (fake) log fire pit!

Basecamp is all about mingling with your fellow guests. The staff host communal dinners on certain nights, which you can enjoy family-style at the long, wood table. You can also chill with other travelers in the rooftop hot tubs or while making s’mores around the fire pits.

The hotel’s biggest draw is its beer garden, which is popular with locals and guests alike. Outpost Brewing Co. serves up excellent craft beers, which you can sip in the indoor/outdoor industrial-chic bar. If you feel like heading out, the Basecamp team owns the nearby Lakeside Beach Grill, where you can get discounts on food and drinks!

8. Heavenly Valley Lodge Bed & Breakfast

If big hotel chains and casinos aren’t your thing, South Lake Tahoe is peppered with adorable bed and breakfasts. And Heavenly Valley Lodge Bed & Breakfast is one of the best of the bunch! 

If you plan on skiing, you can walk to the base of Heavenly in just 15 minutes. Or, if you’re visiting in the warmer months, the lake is less than a mile away. Whether you want to go boating, hiking, or snowshoeing, there are tons of outdoor activities right outside your door. 

You’ll love the adorable log cabin-style rooms. There are six types of rooms to choose from including spacious studios with kitchenettes. No matter which room you choose, expect charming stone-clad fireplaces, rustic wood furnishings and accents, and plush beds with colorful and cozy quilts. 

The friendly innkeepers Garret and Michelle (and their pup Zora!) will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best experience possible. They’ll even cook up delicious made-to-order breakfasts – from pancakes to quiche – for breakfast each day. 

In the evenings, you can hang out in one of the four outdoor sitting areas, roast s’mores around the fire, or grill burgers or steaks at the barbeque picnic area. Head up to the lodge deck where you can enjoy your meal and a sunset beer with a view!

9. Marriott Grand Residence Club

Marriott Grand Residence Club is the perfect pick if you want to be located in the heart of Heavenly Village. Not only does this resort boast tons of awesome amenities, but you’ll be within walking distance of some of South Lake Tahoe’s best bars, restaurants, and shops! 

You’ll love relaxing in the stylish rooms, which all have contemporary decor, Tahoe-themed artwork, and flat-screen TVs. If you’re planning on a lengthy stay, the studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments are well worth the upgrade for their spacious living rooms with fireplaces, private balconies, and fully outfitted kitchens. Plus, there’s a huge Raley’s Supermarket right down the road so shopping for groceries is a cinch. 

Explore the grounds and you’ll find a spectacular heated outdoor pool and whirlpool hot tub, multiple outdoor barbecue stations, an on-site spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. In the evenings, drop by the hotel’s Fire + Ice Grill where you can sip cocktails next to the fire pits and snack on Mexican, American, and Asian-inspired dishes.

10. Deerfield Lodge at Heavenly

The Deerfield Lodge is tucked away on a tree-studded property just minutes from Lake Tahoe Beach and Heavenly Gondola. Step inside this quintessential Tahoe lodge and you’ll immediately feel right at home. Not only will the incredibly friendly staff treat you like family throughout your stay, but this hotel is super dog-friendly if you plan on traveling with your furry friends! 

The contemporary rooms feature plush beds, gas fireplaces, flat-screens, and patios or balconies. The coffeemakers, ultra-soft robes, and the booklet of recommended bars and restaurants are nice added bonuses. 

If you’re traveling as a group, the 2-bedroom Heavenly Suite lives up to its name! The luxurious suite boasts impeccably decorated bedrooms, two luxe bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, a fully stocked gourmet kitchen, and a spacious living room with a fireplace and balcony.

Fuel up for the day with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. The staff will also provide a generous spread of complimentary snacks in your room, including fruit, granola bars, oatmeal packets, and chocolates. 

If you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot, Cafe Fiore is two blocks away and serves up the best fine Italian food in town. With only seven tables, be sure to make a reservation for this incredible restaurant! Or if you want to cook at home and have a lazy movie night, there’s a Whole Foods supermarket just down the road where you can pick up groceries or premade gourmet meals. 

11. Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

Located a mere 2-minute walk from Heavenly Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is an ideal option if you’re planning to spend your days gliding down the slopes of Heavenly Mountain. One of the coolest things about this hotel is that it’s South Lake Tahoe’s only all-suite hotel. 

Each modern suite features two stylish bedrooms, a homey living room with a flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette with a wet bar, microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. If you want to go all out, the Balcony Suites add a spacious furnished balcony with a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In terms of amenities, you can go for a swim in the indoor pool, relax in the hot tub, or take a steam in the sauna. The hotel provides a generous buffet breakfast in the atrium in the mornings and has a happy hour bar with free sodas and snacks and half-priced drinks in the evenings. 

If you want to dine at the hotel, Echo Restaurant has an impressive menu of locally sourced American dishes from goat cheese and lemon ravioli to apple and walnut stuffed pork chops. This is also a prime spot for alfresco après ski cocktails.

12. Zalanta 

Zalanta is another great choice if you’d prefer to stay in an aparthotel versus a traditional hotel. This place is ideal for larger groups and families who want tons of space to spread out. Plus, Heavenly is right across the street, Nevada’s glitziest casinos are a short stroll away, and Lakeside Beach is a breezy 15-minute walk from your front door. 

With its rustic wood exterior, Zalanta is picture-perfect from the outside. But step inside and you’ll find luxury in every nook and cranny of this amazing hotel. 

Depending on the size of your crew, you can choose from 2- to 4-bedroom apartments. No matter which you choose, you’ll love the designer decor, gourmet kitchens, sleek living rooms, and spacious furnished patios. 

The grounds also boast a large outdoor pool, a soothing hot tub, and a top-notch fitness center. If you want to head out for the evening, you’re just steps away from the area’s boutique shops, excellent eateries, movie theater, live music venues, and more. This is definitely one of the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe if you want to be right in the heart of the action!

That’s it – 12 of the best South Lake Tahoe hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in South Lake Tahoe? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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