One of the most loved tourist destinations in both winter and summer, Lake Tahoe (which straddles the border of California and Nevada) turns from a world-renowned powdery paradise for alpine skiing to a beautiful outdoor destination when spring arrives.
As well as the jaw-dropping scenery, the USA’s second deepest lake offers so much more, including excellent restaurants and outdoor pursuits such as hiking, kayaking, swimming, skiing, a private boat charter, cycling, the list goes on and on.
It’s also known for its gorgeous resorts which take full advantage of its impossibly scenic location. From intimate boutiques and condos to grand and upscale, here are the best cool and fun hotels in Lake Tahoe.
Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
1.
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Best For Instagrammable Decor
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
2.
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Best For Spa and Wellness Services
The Landing Resort and Spa
3.
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Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Sitting in its own spectacular slice of Lake Tahoe, and with a choice of cabins, suites and rooms Edgewood Tahoe Resort sits on the shores of Lake Tahoe itself, a boutique hotel resort that brings you luxurious living on the grandest scale.
Rooms are spectacular, not just in the quality of furnishings, luxury and comfort on offer, but with big, bold windows that create bright spaces and bring stunning views into your living space.
A choice of restaurants and bars give indoor and outdoor dining options too, all of the exemplary quality and with a relaxed dining experience, while a comprehensive spa and a spectacular golf course complete the activities. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Pros
Stunning Instaworthy design views and lakeside location
Authentic American and French cuisine
Spacious outdoor swimming pool
RAH Beauty Bar and Spa
Cons
Sauna occasionally unavailable
Food is a little pricey
Parking is a little far
The Landing Resort and Spa
Seclusion, stunning views and luxury hotel comfort are to be found at The Landing Resort and Spa. Rooms and suites feature beautiful fireplaces, luxurious finishes and modern technology to create a wonderful environment that offers elegance and comfort in equal measure.
Lake views from the rooms are matched by the dining experience, offering locally sourced cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with impressive views, while snacks and drinks are served out on the deck, where firepits keep you cozy as the evening continues.
A full spa, hiking and biking trails, watersports on the lake, and gold are all available to keep you entertained.
Pros
Locally sourced cuisine
Outdoor seating with firepits
Hiking and biking trails
A full-service spa
Cons
Food can be pricey
Pool closes early
Valet parking only
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Sitting among the pines on the mountainside, The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is a luxury hotel on a grand scale, just 15 minutes from the lake and perfect for summer or winter sports enthusiasts.
With ski-in ski-out access in winter and both biking and hiking trails on the doorstep, it is a year-round haven for those who love the outdoors.
Rooms are beautifully appointed, with luxury living a priority, while a Lakefront club, spa and a choice of 5 eateries offering indoor and outdoor dining to suite any taste, you get all the wonders of nature with the convenience and luxurious style of a city center hotel. A fantastic place to stay and enjoy, it’s a great choice for anyone.
Pros
Locally inspired Manzanita Restaurant
On-site fitness center
MasterCraft Boat available for rent
Nestled in beautiful mountains
Cons
Some bathrooms are small
Valet parking only
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Offering comfortable and contemporary luxury, the Hard Rock Hotel brings the high-quality accommodation you expect set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Tahoe and the stunning vistas of the region.
As with others in the chain, the wonderful rooms are enhanced by the rock n’ roll memorabilia you find added everywhere, little details that make each room special. An onsite casino provides entertainment, with live music and shows throughout the year.
A pool, fitness center and shopping are all available, as well as a choice of dining venues offering everything from bar snacks and casual dining to a true fine dining experience.
Pros
Contemporary styled rooms
Close to the beach
Spacious pool area with seating
Housed in an older property
Cons
Elevator can be slow
Some rooms can be dark
The Cedar House Sport Hotel
Sitting in the shadow of Donner Summit, enjoy the crisp air and hospitality of one of California’s oldest towns, Truckee, and the fantastic experience of a stay at a superb boutique hotel, The Cedar House Sport Hotel.
Beautiful, natural and eclectic, it is a quirky hotel built from the cedar wood of the trees surrounding it, providing wonderfully comfortable accommodation and quality service in one of the most beautiful settings you will find anywhere.
Reminiscent of a European ski chalet, it is a unique hotel vibe that gives access to everything the area has to offer. Skiing, nature walks, lakeside tranquillity and even yoga. Changing with the seasons, the hotel delivers the finest in Lake Tahoe living.
Pros
Natural and eclectic vibe
Unique cedar-wood architecture
Special assigned yoga places
Stella Truckee Restaurant
Cons
No elevator
Lively at night due to busy location
Sauna occasionally unavailable
Zalanta, South Lake Tahoe
Offering what they call the ultimate Lake Tahoe experience, Zalanta offers a blend of classic luxury and mountain modern design to create a stunning and unique hotel that has everything you need for your outdoor adventuring.
Just steps from the gondola service for winter skiing, on the lake shore for watersports and with hiking and biking trails nearby, if you love nature, this is a hotel built for you.
Elegant and modern but using natural materials and colors as a constant reminder of the surrounding world, Zalanta provides luxurious living, with beautiful fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and private decks to watch the sunset from. A romantic hotel and a wonderful base for exploring, Zalanta is one of a kind.
Pros
Gondola service for winter skiing
Nearby lake shore for watersports
Elegant and natural materials
Cons
Restaurant menu is a bit limited
Busy location might not suit everyone
NorthStar Village Lodge
With 91 vacation home rentals to choose from, this is an eclectic hotel mix of accommodation that has something for everyone. While each property is unique, they all deliver a wonderfully comfortable, elegant experience with full kitchens and access to swimming pools.
Ideal for skiing in winter but perfectly positioned for enjoying the mountains all year round, whatever your sport, if you love the outdoors, you will find stunning accommodation that gives you the freedom you want to explore and enjoy everything the Truckee area has to offer.
Pros
Barbeque facilities
Sauna and a hot tub
Outdoor swimming pool
Cycling and biking spots nearby
Cons
Gym closes early
Some rooms are small
Tahoe Seasons Resort By Diamond Resorts
A mountaintop haven and cool hotel that puts you just 150 yards from the world-famous heavenly Mountain ski run.
Surrounded by the majestic pines, it features 183 suite-style rooms, creating an insta-worthy hotel that brings the stunning beauty of the mountain scenery right to your room.
With a barbeque area, fireside bar and grill, game room, fitness center and pool, plus the many amenities found throughout the area whether skiing, hiking or water sports, it is the perfect destination for anyone who loves seeing or exploring the outdoors.
Pros
Fireside bar and grill
Game room and pool table
Seasonal rooftop facilities
Swimming pool and hot tub
Cons
Valet parking only
Some bathrooms may be small
Air Con can be temperamental
Hotel Azure
An award-winning boutique hotel sitting among the pines in a majestic mountain location.
Just moments from the south shore of Lake Tahoe and within easy reach of the ski runs, hiking and biking trails that make this area such a magnet for outdoor sports lovers, it is a modern hotel that brings luxurious living to your adventure vacation.
Suites include a full kitchen area to take care of your dining needs, while the hotel includes a fitness center, games room including pool table and a full, 16-lane bowling alley, a unique addition to this special hotel. If you want to enjoy the thrills of the outdoors and have a relaxing and luxurious place to return to every evening, this is the hotel for you.
Pros
Seasonal outdoor pool
Bear Beach Cafe Restaurant
Pet-friendly rooms many with lake views
Ski storage and ski passes
Cons
Wardrobes can be small
Lively at night due to busy location
Granlibakken Tahoe
A European-style ski lodge just minutes from the famed Olympic Hill, Granlibakken Tahoe brings family-friendly comfort and luxury from this spectacular, beautiful hotel.
Offering a modern take on a rustic hotel experience, rooms offer contemporary style while using natural materials to create an authentic experience.
A buffet breakfast and an in-house pub, the Cedar House, take care of dining and refreshment, with alfresco dining under the crystal-clear skies a unique experience.
A spa, pool and a tree-top adventure park for residents give you plenty of activities, with so much more to be found nearby whether skiing, hiking or enjoying the lake itself.
Pros
Modern-rustic atmosphere and decor
Buffet breakfast and in-house pub
Wood-burning fireplaces in rooms
Family-friendly accommodations
Cons
Breakfast is not included
May be noisy at times
Pool closes early
Resort at Squaw Creek
A wonderful luxury hotel set in the heart of Squaw Valley, surrounded by slopes covering in pine trees, lush green meadows and beautiful views wherever you look.
Large windows bring those stunning views into every room, while the modern comfort on offer brings stylish luxury to the mountain.
Whether you are here for the 6,000 acres of skiable terrain in season, or the hiking and biking on offer in the summer, or just to unwind amid the majesty of the natural world, this resort has everything.
A fitness center, pool and spa give you plenty to do in the hotel, while a superb restaurant offers fine dining and even finer views from your table.
Pros
Large windows with stunning mountain views
6000 acres of ski terrain
Fine dining with views
Heated swimming pools
Cons
Some bathrooms can be small
Parking is a little compact
Gym could be better equipped
Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino
The first casino operated on South Shore when it opened in 1944, Harveys offers impressive luxury accommodation, contemporary style, live shows and all the fun of the casino along with spectacular views across the lake.
Year-round live shows from international acts such as Norah Jones, Miranda Lambert, Robert Plant and more mean there is always something exciting to enjoy at Harveys.
Dining is just as varied too, ranging from Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen to the more casual Joe’s Sports bar and Grille. It’s an upscale hotel that has something for every taste, a party hotel that gives you space to relax, it gives you exactly what you are looking for, whatever that may be.
Pros
Newly remodeled rooms
Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen
Concerts at Outdoor Arena
On-site fitness center
Cons
No microwave in rooms
Parking can be expensive
Tahoe Bear House
A different take on trendy hotels, this fantastic house is available for rent throughout the year, giving you superb vacation accommodation in Kings Beach, just a few miles from Lake Tahoe.
A visually stunning property the single ‘V’ shape and all wood construction create a unique interior space that echoes that of a European Ski Chalet.
The cute accommodation is incredibly comfortable and welcoming, with a fully fitted kitchen and large windows that let light flood throughout the living space and give you magnificent views, but it is the balcony that is the highlight.
Sit on the deck and soak in the sun, or watch the stars in crystal-clear skies. With a barbeque to enjoy as well, this is a home from home for your Lake Tahoe stay.
Pros
Constructed in all wood
European ski chalet-like house
Spacious balcony with seating
Cons
Not pet-friendly
Can get booked up
Stargazer
While the best hotels offer superb service and lots of amenities, sometimes all you need is a comfortable space to relax, and the simply stunning views of Crystal Bay.
Stargazer gives you all that, with beautiful furnishings in this lovely, spacious chalet, that offers some of the most breathtaking views you will find in any property.
A relaxing atmosphere and comfortable furnishings, along with a fully functional kitchen, washing machine and free wi-fi ensure that your stay is a pleasant one.
But from the living area, the huge picture windows look out over the lake and deliver incredible views you will fall in love with. A deck gives you space for dining under the stars too, it’s a perfect place to be one with nature.
Pros
Huge windows for views
Huge deck space with seating
Earthy decor and furnishings
Free private parking
Cons
Not pet-friendly
Parking is a little compact
Maison de Montagne
At the heart of Incline Village, Maison de Montagne is a stunning rental home that offers a fun hotel experience with the freedom to come and go as you please.
Featuring its own outdoor pool, washing machine and fully fitted kitchen, it’s a true home from home for your vacation.
Three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms make it a great option for a family or group vacation, and a children’s playground nearby. Just a short distance from the ski slopes, the lake shores and the many walking and biking trails that cross this stunning environment, you will never be short of things to do.
Enjoy modern comfort on the mountain, and the freedom a whole house rental provides.
Pros
Childrens’ playground nearby
Short distance from ski slopes
Offers modern comfort
Lake shores nearby
Cons
Location is a little remote
Wardrobes can be small
Comparing Amazing Chic Hotels in Lake Tahoe
The Top 15 Cool and fun Hotels in Lake Tahoe are compared in the following table based on a variety of criteria, including costs, amenities, and more:
Hotel Name | Location | Price Range (per night) | Fitness Facilities | Distance to Attractions (km) | Nearby Restaurants |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Edgewood Tahoe Resort | 100 Lake Parkway | $1528-$2372 | No | 13.0 | 3 |
The Landing Resort and Spa | 4104 Lakeshore Boulevard | $860-$1051 | No | 13.0 | 3 |
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe | 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands | $1419-$1984 | Yes | 9.0 | 3 |
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe | 50 Highway 50 | $466-$578 | Yes | 14.0 | 3 |
The Cedar House Sport Hotel | 10918 Brockway Road | $268-$351 | No | 12.0 | 3 |
Zalanta, South Lake Tahoe | 4101 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, | $1673-$2554 | Yes | 13.0 | 3 |
NorthStar Village Lodge | 970 Northstar Drive Owner / Jason Miller | $507-$862 | Yes | 11.0 | 3 |
Tahoe Seasons Resort By Diamond Resorts | 3901 Saddle Road | $430-$542 | No | 14.0 | 3 |
Hotel Azure | 3300 Lake Tahoe Boulevard | $394-$574 | Yes | 11.0 | 3 |
Granlibakken Tahoe | 725 Granlibakken Road | $361-$602 | Yes | 12.0 | 3 |
Resort at Squaw Creek | 400 Squaw Creek Road | $581-$862 | Yes | 3.6 | 3 |
Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino | 18 Highway 50 | $594-$665 | Yes | 13.0 | 3 |
Tahoe Bear House | Kings Beach | $491-$1027 | Yes | 1.1 | 3 |
Stargazer | 1046 Munras ave | $171-$219 | Yes | 0.80 | 3 |
Maison de Montagne | Incline Village | $729 | No | 18.0 | 3 |
Gary Nunn – Videographer, photographer and writer
Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fueled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organizations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specializing in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, travel, starting up new businesses, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find Gary on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or his Website.
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