The Best Hotels in Lake Tahoe

Stay at these editor-loved and T+L award-winning properties.

By Jessica Macdonald – Updated on August 5, 2024

I can still remember the wonder inspired by my first glimpse of Lake Tahoe. My friends and I had spent the whole day in the car on one of the longest driving days of our western United States road trip, and the sight of it stretching toward the horizon — endlessly vast, impossibly blue, with the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains behind it — called irresistibly to my need for adventure.

Over the next few days, we discovered the joys of the lake in summer: its pristine waters, beaches, and miles of mountain hiking trails. Of course, Lake Tahoe is also a hugely popular winter destination with some exceptional ski resorts located to the north and south including Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California, and Heavenly Mountain. Casinos on the Nevada side of the California-Nevada state line also attract their fair share of visitors throughout the year.

Accommodation options in Lake Tahoe are as diverse as the region’s many attractions, ranging from luxury lodges with ski-in/ski-out access to traditional beachfront resorts with family-friendly cabins and activities. I’ve combined the research I did for my own visit with the results of Travel + Leisure’s recent World’s Best Awards to come up with a list of top places to stay for every kind of visitor to South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Vista, Incline Village, and more.

Why I’m the Expert
While studying abroad in the U.S., Jessica Macdonald spent several days in Lake Tahoe on a road trip of the western United States. Put in charge of booking accommodations for herself and her friends, she spent hours researching different hotels and comparing each one on price, location, amenities, and user reviews.

What We Like
From its cozy rooms to its open-plan lobby, this lodge exudes contemporary alpine chic.

What to Consider
A daily amenity fee makes the reasonable rates a little less affordable.

A stay at The Incline Lodge puts you at the heart of serenely peaceful Incline Village, near Diamond Peak Ski Resort in north Lake Tahoe. This is a thoroughly modern boutique hotel, with an app for everything from check-in to bar service. Despite the contactless approach, staff are friendly and exceptionally hard-working. Rooms and suites are decorated in minimalist mountain lodge style, with a private balcony or shared veranda for all premium categories. Spend your downtime relaxing by the heated indoor pool, or getting to know your fellow guests at the complimentary daily wine reception hosted by the lobby fireplace.

The Details:
Area: Incline Village
Accessibility: Accessible rooms
Parking: Free parking
Pet Policy: Service animals only
Loyalty Programs: Coming soon
Rates: From $165 per night