The most popular activities in South Lake Tahoe happen outside. The Gondola at Heavenly takes you up the side of the nearest mountain, and it picks up passengers right in Heavenly Village, a shopping center right near the state line. Visitors in the summer choose to experience the Lake Tahoe beaches, and winter visitors find fabulous skiing in the mountains. While you're in South Lake Tahoe, you may want to take a helicopter tour or a historic tour. Lower Eagle Falls and Van Sickle Bi-State Park are also worth a visit.
Seasonality of South Lake Tahoe, California
You can imagine that peak beach season is from June to August, and peak skiing season happens in January and February. If you're visiting for one of these activities, be aware that room rates will be higher and crowds will be larger. That being said, you'll have a lovely experience in some of California's most beautiful scenery.
To save money, visit between March and May or between September and November. The weather will range from the 60s and 70s to the 40s, and both spring and fall see far fewer tourists. Low season may not provide perfect beach or skiing weather, but it's a fantastic time to go hiking and to explore the wilderness around South Lake Tahoe.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in South Lake Tahoe, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Analyze these line graphs to determine the best dates to book in South Lake Tahoe for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in South Lake Tahoe, California
4 Star Average Prices: $203.40
In a ski resort town like South Lake Tahoe, you can expect wonderfully luxurious resort hotels like the Landing Resort & Spa. This 4 1/2-star lake property has gorgeous styling that combines the rustic look of a hunting lodge with clean, modern lines. The overall effect is both upscale and cozy. For a luxury hotel, room rates are quite reasonable, starting below $200 a night. It's near the gondola, the lake beaches, and great restaurants. Outstanding amenities include a full-service spa, a steam room, a spa tub, a ski shuttle, a terrace, a garden, and a hair salon.
The Heavenly Village Condos is a four-star mountain property near beaches, golf courses, and skiing opportunities. A children's club takes the kids off your hands while you're relaxing poolside in a pool sun lounger at the outdoor pool. They offer access to a nearby private beach, and have a full-service spa on-site. Each of their two-bedroom penthouses has a unique design scheme, and the entire property is everything you'd expect from a modern mountain lodge. Book a villa to get a full-sized kitchen; they even offer villas with two bathrooms, in case you have teenagers staying with you.
At the Grand Residences by Marriott, Lake Tahoe, get a studio for $125 a night, or upgrade to a penthouse suite with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a fireplace. This property is right by the lake and the gondola, offering you fantastic sight-seeing and sports opportunities. Amenities include a sauna, a health club, available ski passes, ski-in and ski-out access, a spa tub, an outdoor pool, and a fireplace in the lobby. Free Wi-Fi, concierge services, and laundry facilities are also available.
Affordable Options in South Lake Tahoe, California
3 Star Average Prices: $158.72
You might assume that a resort town like South Lake Tahoe doesn't offer affordable hotel rates. In fact, nightly rates in South Lake Tahoe during low season sometimes dip below $30 a night. The Pinewood Inn, for example, sometimes has room rates as low as $25 if you're smart about when you book and when you visit. This budget hotel is on Lake Tahoe Blvd, and offers basic amenities, including free Wi-Fi and free parking. They also have rooms with roll-in showers, accessible bathrooms, and in-room accessibility.
The Midway Inn offers room rates just above $30 a night, depending on when you book. If you have pets, you can bring them for $15 per night, per pet. Kids 18 and under stay for free with parents, as long as they use your existing bedding. Free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and free parking make this hotel a good value, and the 24-hour front desk and multilingual staff are there to take care of your needs.
The Travel Inn's room rates are comparable with the Midway Inn's, and both properties are on Lake Tahoe Blvd. At the Travel Inn, you can bring two kids 11 and under with you and they stay for free if they use existing bedding. They offer a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. In-room accessibility is available if you require it.
2 Star Average Prices: $114.77
Best Discounts in South Lake Tahoe, California
Whether you qualify for AAA, senior, AARP, or military discounts, many hotels in South Lake Tahoe will offer you fantastic prices when you show your ID at check-in. For AAA, AARP, military, and government discounts at a budget hotel, try the Budget Inn South Lake Tahoe. Room rates dip below $32 dollars when you use your discount, and the property is located just across the street from the lake. Enjoy amenities like a 24-hour front desk, express check-in and check-out, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and laundry facilities.
Marriott's Timber Lodge offers a senior discount that takes almost $20 off your nightly rate. The AAA rate isn't shabby either, saving you more than $10 per night during your stay. Its Lake Tahoe Blvd location puts you near the gondola, and just a few streets away from Lake Tahoe. When you're done with a day of skiing, relax in one of the property's four spa tubs. They offer ski storage if you bring your own sports gear, and have a fireplace in the lobby to help you warm up. Summer visitors, enjoy the outdoor pool and picnic area.
The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a 3 1/2-star property where you can save $20 a night on a suite with one king bed if you qualify for a senior or AAA rate. Ski storage, a spa tub, an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast are just a few of the amenities you'll love when you stay here. Guests have loved the free cocktails available during happy hour, the location near great dining and city attractions, and the comfortable rooms with good beds.
Best Value Options in South Lake Tahoe, California
For a three-star experience with room rates starting lower than $100 a night, try Inn by the Lake. You'll be near restaurants, shopping, the beach, and ski spots when you stay here. This property's amenities list is very long, giving you a fantastic value for your nightly rate. A sauna and a spa tub are there to warm you up after a long day of skiing. A ski shuttle takes you to the slopes, and ski storage deals with your skis when you're done. If you're visiting in summer, enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool. They also offer free Wi-Fi and a garden.
The Beach Retreat and Lodge at Tahoe is a 3 1/2-star lake hotel centrally located on Lake Tahoe Blvd. A free ski shuttle, available ski passes, and ski storage make your ski trip extra convenient. They have an outdoor seasonal pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, a spa tub, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site marina. Room rates start below $90 a night depending on the season; positive customer reviews add to the list of reasons that this property offers you lots for your money.
The Aston Lakeland Village Beach and Mountain Resort is a three-star property with lots of free shuttles. A free ski shuttle, free casino shuttle, and free area shuttle mean you probably won't have to drive while you're staying. On-site tennis, a sauna, two spa tubs, two outdoor pools, and a children's pool give you lots of recreational options if you feel like staying at the property for an afternoon.
Best Heavenly Village Options in South Lake Tahoe, California
Heavenly Village is a collection of shops, restaurants, and attractions nestled at the base of the mountain, with a gondola reaching to the sky. Stay nearby for great access to the best of South Lake Tahoe. Book at the Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village to be next to the Gondola at Heavenly. A fireplace in the lobby and a sauna will keep you warm in winter, while the outdoor pool and picnic area are there to entertain you in summer. The Forest Suites Resort also offers ski storage, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, a health club, and a game room.
The Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe is also just steps away from Heavenly Village and the wonderful Gondola at Heavenly. Guests have loved almost every aspect of this hotel, from the fantastic service to the unbeatable locations. Customer reviews also talk about the comfortable rooms and the delicious free breakfast. At the Holiday Inn Express you can also expect free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a multilingual staff, an outdoor pool, and a sauna.
South Lake Tahoe, CA summarized
South Lake Tahoe enjoys pine-bound cottages, modest motels, and ranks of restaurants along its busy streets. The largest community by the lakeside lies adjacent to the gambling dens of Nevada. If you happen to lose to the slot machines and tables, cross boundaries and spend your time in South Lake Tahoe's beaches, parks, and hiking trails instead. Enjoy scenic and breathtaking views by heading to the heart of town, where the Heavenly Gondola rises to about 9136 feet up in the air. See the Sky Meadows, East Peek Lookout, or East Peak Lake at the highest point of the city, or work your way through the easy and strenuous trails. Head to the emerald Bay State Park, which is undoubtedly the prettiest part by the lake. There are numerous campgrounds by the lake, but the Vikingsholm provides that much-needed detour before slumber. You can also see the lakefront grounds of the Sugar Pine Point State Park, furnished with props from the thirties, most of which have been featured in the Godfather II. Once you've tried South Lake Tahoe's freebies, it would be hard to paddle from Zephyr Cove back into the casinos.
'What you say and what you believe will happen¦Even if you aren't in your best shape, you should still feel and act like you are., It is a quote by a young and famous snowboarder and athlete Jamie Anderson, who was born in South Lake Tahoe.
Her quote definitely summarizes the positive spirit of people from South Lake Tahoe. So, it is not a surprise that this city is charming as well. It would be a real shame not to visit at least once during your lifetime. Maybe it is a time for a little holiday? This little city sounds like a perfect destination! What is more, it actually is very welcoming place to the tourists. They can find some really cozy hotels in South Lake Tahoe. So, in order to help you choose the best one, we will take a look at some of our favorite South Lake Tahoe hotels!
Budget Stay in South Lake Tahoe
Obviously, the first thing you have to consider when searching for the perfect accommodation is your budget. It is a pity that many people decide not to travel when they find out that their budget is not that huge. The good news is that you can enjoy traveling even with a really limited budget! Just to choose to stay at one of the cheap hotels. Luckily, there are many such hotels to choose from in South Lake Tahoe. The first one you should take a look at is Stateline Economy Inn & Suites. It is a really simple hotel, which provides its guests with the best service for the best price. What is more, the surroundings are really beautiful and the pets are allowed there as well. What about other cheap hotels? Blue Jay Lodge, Alpine Inn & Spa and Bluelake Inn at Tahoe are the names you should definitely remember!
Searching for Luxurious Accommodation in South Lake Tahoe?
Although, South Lake Tahoe is not a very big city, it strives to provide its visitors with the best accommodation. So, you will have no difficulty finding luxurious hotels in South Lake Tahoe, if that is what you are looking for. One of the South Lake Tahoe hotels we should recommend is Marriot Grand Residence Club Tahoe. You will not regret booking a room at this luxurious hotel. It has everything a traveler may need and even more. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, whereas the surroundings and the hotel itself are simply magnificent!
Enjoying Your Time in South Lake Tahoe
Probably, there is no need to say that South Lake Tahoe is the best destination for nature lovers. They will enjoy every single minute of their stay. There are so many great outdoor activities such as boat tours, waterskiing & jet skiing as well as horseback riding tours. What is more, those who love skiing or snowboarding will also find special areas to do enjoy these activities! So, one thing is for sure “ you will not get bored in South Lake Tahoe!
FAQs about hotels in South Lake Tahoe