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4- and 5-star hotels in South Lake Tahoe
A shortlist of 15 four- and five-star hotels in South Lake Tahoe, from Edgewood Tahoe Resort and The Landing Resort & Spa to casino hotels and properties along Lake Tahoe Blvd. It suits travellers who want a rated south shore base for skiing, the beach or a short break.
Staying in South Lake Tahoe
The south shore combines outdoor recreation with hospitality: visitors come for skiing and snowboarding in winter and for hiking, boating and beachgoing in summer, drawn by clear water and mountain views. The area around Stateline offers casino gaming and live entertainment, while the California side provides access to natural attractions and quieter neighbourhoods. South Lake Tahoe is also a base for the wider Tahoe region, including Emerald Bay, Heavenly Mountain Resort and the Desolation Wilderness.
Most of the hotels on this shortlist sit along or close to Lake Tahoe Blvd and its side streets — Poplar Street, Venice Drive, Cold Creek Trail and Wedeln Court — with Edgewood Tahoe Resort on Lake Parkway and The Landing Resort & Spa on Lakeshore Blvd. Distances to the centre run from 1.3 km to 8.8 km, with Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort by IHG on Ridge Club Dr (7.6 km) and Southern Pines Arcade Games & Foosball for Kids (8.8 km) the furthest out. The spread suits couples after a spa or a lakeside base, families wanting family rooms, playgrounds and pools, and business travellers with a business centre to hand.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
180 Lake Parkway, South Lake Tahoe, United States
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereEdgewood Tahoe Resort is the only 5-star property on this shortlist, and guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 3067 reviews. It sits on Lake Parkway, 3.6 km from the centre, with a balcony among its room features and a bar for the evening. The 24-hour front desk and security suit guests arriving late. Couples and travellers who want the highest category in South Lake Tahoe, with a golf course in the grounds, are the natural fit.
See Edgewood Tahoe ResortDesolation Hotel
933 Poplar Street, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereDesolation Hotel opened at 933 Poplar Street, 3.1 km from the centre, and pairs an outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi and a fitness centre. Breakfast is served, including in the room, and a concierge, express check-in and luggage storage keep the day moving; free wifi runs throughout. Pets are allowed and family rooms are available. It suits active guests who want a pool, a gym and a beach nearby without giving up their dog.
See Desolation HotelSouthern Pines Arcade Games & Foosball for Kids
1615 Southern Pines Dr South Lake, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThis Southern Pines Drive house is built for families: a games room with arcade games and foosball, a fireplace, and a full kitchen with dishwasher, oven and microwave. Free car parking and free wifi are included, and a golf course is listed among the amenities. It lies 8.8 km from the centre, so a car makes the stay easy. Groups with children who want their own space and evening entertainment on site are the obvious fit.
See Southern Pines Arcade Games & Foosball for KidsMv1: Mount Tallac Estate 010630
1716 Venice Drive, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Free car parking
- Internet access
Why stay hereMv1: Mount Tallac Estate 010630 holds a 4.8 out of 5 guest rating from 245 reviews, the strongest on this shortlist. The Venice Drive property, 4.9 km from the centre, has both an indoor and an outdoor pool, free car parking and a garage, plus a library and an arcade for downtime. Laundry service and wifi are on hand. It suits guests who want a quiet, highly rated base with swimming whatever the weather.
See Mv1: Mount Tallac Estate 010630The Landing Resort & Spa
4104 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereThe Landing Resort & Spa brings a spa, massage, Jacuzzi and outdoor pool together on Lakeshore Blvd, 3.1 km from the centre, with the lake and a beach nearby. Skiing is among the listed activities, and a restaurant, room service and bar cover meals; a shuttle service and valet parking ease arrivals. Guests rate it 4.5 out of 5 from 1114 reviews. Couples and spa-goers who want the lake at the door will feel at home.
See The Landing Resort & Spa2478 Cold Creek Trail
2478 Cold Creek Trail, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
Why stay here2478 Cold Creek Trail is a 4-star address 3.1 km from the centre with a Jacuzzi and a pool bar, so the swimming and the drinks sit side by side. Free car parking removes the search for a space, and an arcade adds something for evenings in. Guest rating stands at 4.4 out of 5 from 249 reviews. It suits small groups and couples who want a relaxed, self-contained stay close to town.
See 2478 Cold Creek TrailSwimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe Accommodations
3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereSwimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe Accommodations on Lake Tahoe Blvd is the closest of these hotels to the centre, at 1.4 km. An outdoor pool and a tennis court cover the active side, while a fireplace, kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, and barbecue make longer stays easy. A restaurant and bar are on site, with free wifi and free car parking. Its 4.2 out of 5 rating comes from 1347 reviews. Families and tennis players will get the most from it.
See Swimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe AccommodationsAston Lakeland Village Resort
3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Kids pool
- Sauna
- Car parking
Why stay hereAston Lakeland Village Resort sits on Lake Tahoe Blvd just 1.3 km from the centre, with a swimming pool, kids pool and sauna, plus a gymnasium. A concierge, shuttle service and multilingual staff handle the practical side, and pets are allowed. Balconies, air conditioning and non-smoking rooms are among the room features. Guests rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 1346 reviews. Families with children and travellers who want to be near the centre will find it convenient.
See Aston Lakeland Village Resort410 Wedeln Court
410 Wedeln Court, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Free car parking
- Private beach
Why stay hereSports facilities set 410 Wedeln Court apart: a tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court and playground, with an indoor pool, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi alongside. There is also a private beach, free car parking and free wifi, and a 24-hour front desk. The house lies 4.1 km from the centre and holds 4.3 out of 5 from 57 reviews. It suits active families and groups who want courts and a beach in one place.
See 410 Wedeln Court2196 Venice Drive
2196 Venice Drive South Lake Tahoecalifornia 96150, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay here2196 Venice Drive offers an indoor pool, a pool bar and a spa, with free car parking on site. It is 3.7 km from the centre and rated 4.3 out of 5 from 57 reviews. The combination of swimming indoors and a spa treatment suits couples and small groups who prefer a compact, focused property to a large resort.
See 2196 Venice DriveHarrah s Lake Tahoe A Caesars Rewards Destination
15 Hwy 50, South Lake Tahoe, United States
- Beach nearby
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereHarrah s Lake Tahoe A Caesars Rewards Destination has a casino on site and a beach nearby, at 15 Hwy 50, 3.4 km from the centre. A 24-hour front desk and 24-hour security run round the clock, with bars and banquet space for evenings. It carries the largest review base here, 9606, at 4.1 out of 5. It suits guests who want gaming, dining and the beach within one address.
See Harrah s Lake Tahoe A Caesars Rewards DestinationHoliday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort by IHG
400 Ridge Club Dr, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Families · Business trips
- Family rooms
Why stay hereHoliday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort by IHG on Ridge Club Dr has family rooms, a business centre and express check-in, with a bar and banquet facilities. A 24-hour front desk and ATM are on hand. At 7.6 km from the centre it sits furthest out among these resorts, and 2388 reviews give it 4.0 out of 5. Families and travellers mixing work with a stay will find the space and services useful.
See Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort by IHG1858 Venice Drive
1858 Venice Drive, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Private beach
- Free Wifi
Why stay here1858 Venice Drive combines a private beach with an outdoor pool, a playground and a basketball court, all 4.9 km from the centre. A 24-hour front desk and free wifi are included. With 2041 reviews and a 4.0 out of 5 rating, it is a well-used family address. Parents who want the children on the sand and the court while the pool stays open will find the layout suits them.
See 1858 Venice DriveZalanta Resort at the Village
4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite G, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Car parking
Why stay hereZalanta Resort at the Village on Lake Tahoe Blvd, 3.1 km from the centre, puts a spa, Jacuzzi, fitness centre and outdoor pool in one place, with a casino, night club and shops nearby. Water activities are covered too: canoe, sailing, fishing and motor boat, plus skiing and ice skating in season. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and staff speak several languages. Couples and activity-minded guests will get the most from it.
See Zalanta Resort at the VillageMargaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereMargaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe on Lake Tahoe Blvd has both an indoor and an outdoor pool with a pool bar, plus a Jacuzzi and fitness centre. Breakfast and a buffet are served, and a concierge, express check-in and family rooms make arrivals simple; free wifi and parking are included. It lies 3.2 km from the centre and holds 3.9 out of 5 from 3561 reviews. Families and groups who want pools, food and entertainment on site are the fit.
See Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edgewood Tahoe Resort | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 3,067 | – | – | – | – | 3.6 km |
| Desolation Hotel | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.1 km |
| Southern Pines Arcade Games & Foosball for Kids | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | – | 8.8 km |
| Mv1: Mount Tallac Estate 010630 | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 245 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 4.9 km |
| The Landing Resort & Spa | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 1,114 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.1 km |
| 2478 Cold Creek Trail | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 249 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 3.1 km |
| Swimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe Accommodations | ★★★★ | 4.2 | 1,347 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.4 km |
| Aston Lakeland Village Resort | ★★★★ | 4.2 | 1,346 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 1.3 km |
| 410 Wedeln Court | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 57 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 4.1 km |
| 2196 Venice Drive | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 57 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 3.7 km |
| Harrah s Lake Tahoe A Caesars Rewards Destination | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 9,606 | – | – | – | – | 3.4 km |
| Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort by IHG | ★★★★ | 4.0 | 2,388 | – | – | – | – | 7.6 km |
| 1858 Venice Drive | ★★★★ | 4.0 | 2,041 | – | – | Yes | – | 4.9 km |
| Zalanta Resort at the Village | ★★★★ | 4.0 | 46 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 3.1 km |
| Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe | ★★★★ | 3.9 | 3,561 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.2 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For couples and spa time
The Landing Resort & Spa lists a spa, massage, a jacuzzi and a terrace, and Zalanta Resort at the Village pairs a spa and jacuzzi with a lounge. 2196 Venice Drive has a spa, an indoor pool and a pool bar, while 2478 Cold Creek Trail keeps things small with a jacuzzi and pool bar of its own.
The Landing Resort & Spa · Zalanta Resort at the Village · 2196 Venice Drive · 2478 Cold Creek Trail
For families
Desolation Hotel, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort by IHG and Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe all list family rooms, and Desolation adds a cot. Aston Lakeland Village Resort has a kids pool, while 410 Wedeln Court offers a playground, a basketball court and a private beach for the hours off the slopes.
Desolation Hotel · Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort by IHG · Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe · Aston Lakeland Village Resort · 410 Wedeln Court
For self-catering stays
Desolation Hotel and Southern Pines Arcade Games & Foosball for Kids list kitchens with ovens, microwaves and dishwashers, and Southern Pines also has a washing machine. The Landing Resort & Spa and Swimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe Accommodations list kitchens too, so meals do not depend on eating out.
Desolation Hotel · Southern Pines Arcade Games & Foosball for Kids · The Landing Resort & Spa · Swimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe Accommodations
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
South Lake Tahoe is accessible by car via U.S. Route 50 from the west and Nevada State Route 207 from the east. The nearest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, about an hour's drive away, with shuttle services available; Sacramento International Airport is roughly two hours away. Amtrak and Greyhound serve nearby towns, but a car is recommended for flexibility. Once in town, the Tahoe Transportation District bus system connects key areas including Stateline, Heavenly Village and the Y. Ride-sharing and taxis are also available, though services can be limited, especially late at night. Many visitors drive or use hotel shuttles to reach ski resorts and trailheads.
When to go
Winter, from December to March, is ideal for skiing and snowboarding at Heavenly and other nearby resorts. Summer, from June to September, offers warm weather for hiking, boating and beach activities. Spring and fall are quieter, with fewer crowds, but some attractions and lifts may be closed. Summer weekends and major holidays can be busy, so plan accordingly.
Questions, answered
Is South Lake Tahoe in California or Nevada?
South Lake Tahoe is in California. The city borders the state of Nevada, and the adjacent community of Stateline, Nevada, is on the east side of the state line, where casino gaming and live entertainment are found.
What is the closest airport to South Lake Tahoe?
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the closest major airport, about an hour's drive away, with shuttle services available. Sacramento International Airport is another option, roughly two hours away.
Do I need a car to get around South Lake Tahoe?
A car is helpful for exploring the area, especially to reach ski resorts and trailheads. A local bus system and ride-sharing services serve the main tourist areas, though services can be limited late at night. The Tahoe Transportation District connects Stateline, Heavenly Village and the Y.
Which hotels on this list are closest to the centre?
Aston Lakeland Village Resort at 1.3 km and Swimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe Accommodations at 1.4 km are the closest. The Landing Resort & Spa, Desolation Hotel, Zalanta Resort at the Village and 2478 Cold Creek Trail all sit about 3.1 km out.
Which hotels have a pool?
The Landing Resort & Spa, Desolation Hotel, Swimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe Accommodations, 1858 Venice Drive, 410 Wedeln Court, Zalanta Resort at the Village and Mv1: Mount Tallac Estate list an outdoor pool. 2196 Venice Drive and Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe list an indoor one, and Aston Lakeland Village Resort has a swimming pool and a kids pool.
When is the best time to ski in South Lake Tahoe?
Winter, from December to March, is ideal for skiing and snowboarding at Heavenly and other nearby resorts. Summer, from June to September, is warm and suited to hiking, boating and the beach. Spring and fall are quieter but some lifts may be closed.
Do any of these hotels allow pets?
Desolation Hotel, The Landing Resort & Spa, Aston Lakeland Village Resort and Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe all list pets allowed among their facilities. The other hotels on this shortlist do not show it, so it is worth checking before you book.
Are there hotels on this list with kitchens?
Yes. Desolation Hotel and Southern Pines Arcade Games & Foosball for Kids list kitchens with ovens, microwaves and dishwashers, and Southern Pines also has a washing machine. The Landing Resort & Spa and Swimsuit Required by Lake Tahoe Accommodations list kitchens and refrigerators as well.