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3-star hotels in South Lake Tahoe

This shortlist gathers 15 three-star properties in South Lake Tahoe, from casino hotels near Stateline to condo-style lodges on the Tramway Drive side of town. It suits skiers, families and couples who want a base for the lake, the slopes and the state-line casinos.

15 hotels1 rated 4.5+22,111 guest reviews

Staying in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe pairs outdoor recreation with a lively hospitality scene. Winter brings skiers and snowboarders, while summer visitors come for hiking, boating and the beaches along the lake's clear water. The Stateline area on the Nevada side adds casino gaming and live entertainment, and the California side opens onto natural attractions and quieter neighbourhoods. The town works as a base for the wider region, including Emerald Bay, Heavenly Mountain Resort and the Desolation Wilderness.

The hotels on this list fall into two clusters. Bally's Lake Tahoe, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe and Lakeside Inn and Casino sit along Highway 50 close to the centre, between 3.7 and 4.5 km away, in the casino and entertainment zone. The rest are further out, between 5.5 and 7.9 km from the centre, on Elks Point Road, Tramway Drive, Wells Fargo Lane, Quaking Aspen Lane and Deer Run Court, several of them condo-style lodges with fireplaces and kitchens. Couples and short-break visitors tend to gravitate to the casino hotels, while families and longer stays fit the apartment-style properties with pools and family rooms.

The shortlist

Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.

  1. WorldMark South Shore

    ★★★4.5988 reviews5.5 km from the centre

    180 Elks Point Road Unit B, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Business trips

    Why stay hereA 3-star resort set 5.5 km from the centre, WorldMark South Shore earns a 4.5 guest rating across 988 reviews, the strongest on this list. Rooms come with balconies and baths, and a 24-hour front desk plus concierge cover late arrivals and day plans. Couples and families who want dependable service and a bit of space will settle in easily here.

    See WorldMark South Shore
  2. WorldMark Lake Tahoe

    ★★★4.3451 reviews7.9 km from the centre

    202 Tramway Drive, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking

    Why stay hereFireplaces and balconies in the rooms make WorldMark Lake Tahoe a snug 3-star base 7.9 km from the centre. Free car parking suits guests arriving by road, and dishwashers point to longer, self-catering stays. Rated 4.3 from 451 reviews, it fits families and small groups who prefer quiet evenings in over a lobby scene.

    See WorldMark Lake Tahoe
  3. Tahoe Summit Village

    ★★★4.3301 reviews7.4 km from the centre

    750 Wells Fargo Ln, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    • Wifi

    Why stay hereTahoe Summit Village keeps things simple: a 3-star property 7.4 km from the centre with wifi and televisions in the rooms. Its 4.3 guest rating from 301 reviews reflects a straightforward stay for travellers who want the basics covered and plan to spend their days out. Best for guests with their own transport and no interest in on-site extras.

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  4. Ridge Pointe

    ★★★4.3129 reviews7.2 km from the centre

    455 Tramway, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Indoor pool
    • Free car parking
    • Internet access

    Why stay hereAn indoor pool and Jacuzzi give Ridge Pointe its appeal, along with a health club, bicycle hire and free car parking at 7.2 km from the centre. The 3-star property holds a 4.3 guest rating from 129 reviews. Active guests who want a swim after a day outdoors, and drivers who value easy parking, are the natural fit.

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  5. The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts

    ★★★4.3129 reviews7.2 km from the centre

    455 Tramway Drive, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Indoor pool
    • Spa
    • Free car parking

    Why stay hereThe Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts pairs an indoor pool with an outdoor pool and a spa, plus free car parking and tennis courts. The 3-star property sits 7.2 km from the centre and scores 4.3 from 129 reviews. It suits guests who want to alternate between swimming, tennis and the spa without leaving the grounds; note that pets are not allowed.

    See The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts
  6. The Ridge Sierra

    ★★★4.1225 reviews7.8 km from the centre

    265 Quaking Aspen Lane, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Families

    • Family rooms

    Why stay hereThe Ridge Sierra provides family rooms and 24-hour front desk service in a 3-star setting 7.8 km from the centre. Balconies, fireplaces and dishwashers make the units work for longer stays and home-cooked meals, and the guest rating is 4.1 from 225 reviews. Families and groups who want room to spread out should look here.

    See The Ridge Sierra
  7. Ridge Crest

    ★★★3.980 reviews7.3 km from the centre

    415 Tramway Drive, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Indoor pool
    • Free car parking

    Why stay hereRidge Crest combines an indoor pool and Jacuzzi with a business centre and free car parking, all 7.3 km from the centre. At 3.9 from 80 reviews, it draws a quieter crowd than the casino hotels, and archery on site adds something unusual to the day. A reasonable pick for guests mixing a little work with leisure.

    See Ridge Crest
  8. Bally’s Lake Tahoe

    ★★★3.86,439 reviews3.9 km from the centre

    55 Highway 50 Stateline Nevada 89449, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Business trips

    Why stay hereBally’s Lake Tahoe brings a casino, bars and an arcade under one roof, 3.9 km from the centre, with a 24-hour front desk and bicycle hire. The 3-star hotel has 6,439 reviews and a 3.8 guest rating. It is the obvious choice for travellers who want nightlife and gaming a short distance from the lake rather than a secluded resort.

    See Bally’s Lake Tahoe
  9. Royal Aloha Tahoe RAVC

    ★★★3.84,518 reviews7.7 km from the centre

    341 Quaking Aspen Lane P.O. Box 3296 Statelinenevada 89449, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    • Air conditioning
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereRoyal Aloha Tahoe RAVC offers apartment-style units with kitchens, fireplaces and air conditioning, 7.7 km from the centre. Free wifi and fishing nearby round out the 3-star stay, which carries a 3.8 guest rating from 4,518 reviews. Self-catering families and longer-stay guests who want to cook in and keep their own schedule fit well here.

    See Royal Aloha Tahoe RAVC
  10. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

    ★★★3.78,508 reviews3.7 km from the centre

    50 Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    • Beach nearby
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereGolden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe puts a casino and bars on site and a beach nearby, 3.7 km from the centre. Air conditioning, a 24-hour front desk and banquet space support both holiday and event stays. The 3-star hotel has 8,508 reviews and a 3.7 guest rating, and suits visitors who want gaming, dining and the water within easy reach.

    See Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
  11. Lakeside Inn and Casino

    ★★★3.5343 reviews4.5 km from the centre

    168 Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Car parking
    • Gymnasium
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereLakeside Inn and Casino pairs a gymnasium and bars with free car parking 4.5 km from the centre. Concierge and multilingual staff help with plans, and dry cleaning and laundry services are on hand for longer trips. The 3-star property scores 3.5 from 343 reviews, making it a practical base for guests who want fitness facilities and casino time together.

    See Lakeside Inn and Casino
  12. Ridge View

    ★★★7.6 km from the centre

    311 Tramway Drive, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    • Wifi

    Why stay hereRidge View is a 3-star option set 7.6 km from the centre of South Lake Tahoe, so it suits travellers who prefer a quieter base away from the middle of town and don't mind the drive in. Rooms come with a TV, and wifi is available, covering the basics for a straightforward stay.

    See Ridge View
  13. Skier’s Dream Sleeps 6 2 Br condo by RedAwning

    ★★★7.4 km from the centre

    416 Quaking Aspen Lane, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereSkier’s Dream Sleeps 6 2 Br condo by RedAwning is a two-bedroom condo 7.4 km from the centre with a kitchen, fireplace and balcony. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and a hairdryer and shower round out the bathroom. It suits groups of up to 6 who want to cook, park easily and settle in for a ski or lake trip.

    See Skier’s Dream Sleeps 6 2 Br condo by RedAwning
  14. Lake Village Condos

    ★★★7.6 km from the centre

    57 Burke Creek Circle, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereLake Village Condos offers kitchen-equipped units with balcony, oven, refrigerator and microwave, plus free wifi and free car parking. Luggage storage and laundry service help on arrival and over longer stays. The 3-star property is 7.6 km from the centre, and its self-contained setup fits families or friends who prefer apartment-style living to a hotel room.

    See Lake Village Condos
  15. GetAways at the Lodge at Kingsbury Crossing

    ★★★4.5 km from the centre

    133 Deer Run Court, South Lake Tahoe, United States

    Best for: Families · Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Family rooms
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereGetAways at the Lodge at Kingsbury Crossing provides apartment units with fireplaces, balconies and family rooms, 4.5 km from the centre. Free wifi and free car parking come with the 3-star stay, and a games room keeps younger guests occupied. It works for families and groups who want space and a central-enough location.

    See GetAways at the Lodge at Kingsbury Crossing

The shortlist side by side

HotelClassGuest ratingReviewsParkingPool or spaTo the centre
WorldMark South Shore★★★4.5988––5.5 km
WorldMark Lake Tahoe★★★4.3451Yes–7.9 km
Tahoe Summit Village★★★4.3301––7.4 km
Ridge Pointe★★★4.3129YesYes7.2 km
The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts★★★4.3129YesYes7.2 km
The Ridge Sierra★★★4.1225––7.8 km
Ridge Crest★★★3.980YesYes7.3 km
Bally’s Lake Tahoe★★★3.86,439––3.9 km
Royal Aloha Tahoe RAVC★★★3.84,518––7.7 km
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe★★★3.78,508––3.7 km
Lakeside Inn and Casino★★★3.5343Yes–4.5 km
Ridge View★★★––––7.6 km
Skier’s Dream Sleeps 6 2 Br condo by RedAwning★★★––Yes–7.4 km
Lake Village Condos★★★––Yes–7.6 km
GetAways at the Lodge at Kingsbury Crossing★★★––Yes–4.5 km

From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.

How to choose

For casino and nightlife

Bally's Lake Tahoe, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe and Lakeside Inn and Casino all list casinos among their facilities and sit closest to the centre, between 3.7 and 4.5 km away. Bally's also has a barber and beauty salon, and the Golden Nugget lists a beach nearby.

Bally’s Lake Tahoe · Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe · Lakeside Inn and Casino

For families

The Ridge Sierra has family rooms, a dishwasher and a 24 hour front desk. GetAways at the Lodge at Kingsbury Crossing offers family rooms, a games room and free car parking, and The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts lists cribs, an outdoor pool and a tennis court. Lakeside Inn and Casino has a gymnasium and laundry service.

The Ridge Sierra · GetAways at the Lodge at Kingsbury Crossing · The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts · Lakeside Inn and Casino

For self-catering stays

WorldMark Lake Tahoe, Skier's Dream Sleeps 6 2 Br condo by RedAwning, Lake Village Condos and Royal Aloha Tahoe RAVC all list kitchens or dishwashers with fireplaces and free car parking, which suits longer stays and groups who prefer to cook in.

WorldMark Lake Tahoe · Skier’s Dream Sleeps 6 2 Br condo by RedAwning · Lake Village Condos · Royal Aloha Tahoe RAVC

Best rated

WorldMark South Shore scores 4.5 out of 5 from 988 reviews. WorldMark Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Summit Village, Ridge Pointe and The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts each score 4.3, from 451, 301, 129 and 129 reviews respectively.

WorldMark South Shore · WorldMark Lake Tahoe · Tahoe Summit Village · Ridge Pointe · The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts

Questions, answered

Is South Lake Tahoe in California or Nevada?

South Lake Tahoe is in California. It borders the state of Nevada, and the adjacent community of Stateline, Nevada, lies on the east side of the state line, where the casino resorts such as Bally's Lake Tahoe and Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe are found.

Do I need a car to get around South Lake Tahoe?

A car helps for reaching ski resorts and trailheads. A local bus system and ride-sharing serve the main tourist areas, but services can be limited late at night. Several hotels on this list, including Ridge Pointe and Lake Village Condos, offer free car parking.

Which hotels are closest to the centre?

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe is 3.7 km from the centre and Bally's Lake Tahoe is 3.9 km, followed by Lakeside Inn and Casino at 4.5 km. The Tramway Drive and Quaking Aspen Lane properties are between 7.2 and 7.9 km away.

Are there casinos in South Lake Tahoe?

Casino gaming is available in the Stateline area on the Nevada side, and three hotels on this list list a casino among their facilities: Bally's Lake Tahoe, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe and Lakeside Inn and Casino.

Which hotels suit families?

The Ridge Sierra has family rooms and a dishwasher, GetAways at the Lodge at Kingsbury Crossing has family rooms and a games room, and The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts lists cribs, an outdoor pool and a tennis court.

Which hotels have a pool?

Ridge Pointe, The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts and Ridge Crest each list an indoor pool, and The Ridge Pointe by Diamond Resorts also has an outdoor pool. Ridge Pointe and Ridge Crest add a jacuzzi.

What activities are available in South Lake Tahoe?

Popular activities include skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking, biking, boating and beachgoing in summer. The area also has casinos, live entertainment and dining, and Ridge Pointe lists bicycle hire and diving.

More ways to stay in South Lake Tahoe