Top 15 Cool and Fun Hotels In Lake Tahoe 2023

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.
Lt1 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Instagrammable Decor
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
2.
Lt2 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Spa and Wellness Services
The Landing Resort and Spa
3.
Lt3 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Luxury
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Best For Instagrammable Decor

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

Best For Spa and Wellness Services

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

Best For Luxury

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

Best For Partying

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

Best For Boutique Accommodations

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

Best For Unique Stay

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

Best For Outdoor Swimming Pool

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

Best For Onsite Hot Tub

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

Best For Lake Views

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

Best For Rooms With Balconies

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

Best For Mountain Views

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

Best For Fun Vibe

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

Best For Unique Stay

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

Best For Self-catering

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

Best For Families

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 NameLocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attractions (km)Nearby Restaurants
Edgewood Tahoe Resort100 Lake Parkway$1528-$2372No13.03
The Landing Resort and Spa4104 Lakeshore Boulevard$860-$1051No13.03
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands$1419-$1984Yes9.03
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe50 Highway 50$466-$578Yes14.03
The Cedar House Sport Hotel10918 Brockway Road$268-$351No12.03
Zalanta, South Lake Tahoe4101 Lake Tahoe Boulevard,$1673-$2554Yes13.03
NorthStar Village Lodge970 Northstar Drive Owner / Jason Miller$507-$862Yes11.03
Tahoe Seasons Resort By Diamond Resorts3901 Saddle Road$430-$542No14.03
Hotel Azure3300 Lake Tahoe Boulevard$394-$574Yes11.03
Granlibakken Tahoe725 Granlibakken Road$361-$602Yes12.03
Resort at Squaw Creek400 Squaw Creek Road$581-$862Yes3.63
Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino18 Highway 50$594-$665Yes13.03
Tahoe Bear HouseKings Beach$491-$1027Yes1.13
Stargazer1046 Munras ave$171-$219Yes0.803
Maison de MontagneIncline Village$729No18.03