The 7 best Lake Tahoe hotels

Nestled at the end of a long winding road in the village of Northstar in North Lake Tahoe, the Ritz-Carlton Tahoe feels like it's in its own world. Undoubtedly one of the most luxurious options for a hotel in the region, the upscale mountainside hotel offers floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning mountain views and suites complete with fireplaces that warm up the mood. The hotel itself has five restaurants and bars (including Manzanita Restaurant, a fine dining experience) while the expansive property includes a spa, two outdoor heated pools, a gym, and—most important for avid skiers—ski-in, ski-out access to Northstar Ski Resort.

The Lodge at Edgewood is the newest—and certainly one of the most luxurious, considering that it cost $100 million to build—bookings in Tahoe. Located directly on the south shore of the lake, it comprises 154 luxury rooms and suites, each with their own in-room gas fireplace and a terrace (or balcony) with a seating area. The resort also offers a year-round lakefront heated pool, evening s’mores around its fire pits, and most notably, a popular lakefront golf course. Staying during the winter? You’re sure to make a trip (or two) to Heavenly Mountain Resort just a few minutes away for a day on the slopes, which makes this location especially convenient.

Located just minutes from Heavenly, one of the area's biggest ski resorts, the Landing Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in South Lake Tahoe. While access to the slopes is an ideal perk in the winter, access to water sports and the beach is equally as important in the summer—as luck would have it, this place offers both. The hotel also has a huge outdoor pool and a spa on-site, as well as nightly live music at Jimmy's Restaurant. The 82 rooms come in varying sizes and suites, with many offering lake views.

Located in Incline Village on the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe, the Hyatt Regency ticks all the boxes: an on-site spa, award-winning restaurants, and spacious rooms. With 422 guestrooms and 24 lakeside cottages, expect plenty of amenities to keep guests entertained—and considering that it’s home to the Grand Lodge Casino (equipped with 16 table games and more than 250 slot machines), you can trust that this place has them in spades.

The North Lake Tahoe area previously known as Squaw Valley recently changed its name to Palisades Tahoe in order to get rid of what was considered a racial and sexual slur against Native American women. The area, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, is a must-visit destination for ski lovers everywhere, and The Resort at Squaw Creek—which is expected to change its name soon as well—is nestled in the heart of Olympic Valley. Here, guests have direct lift service to the slopes, and the property features ski-in, ski-out access along with heated pools, on-site restaurants, and an award-winning golf course.

If you're looking to book a hotel that’s relaxed and easy on the wallet, Basecamp South Lake Tahoe is a solid option. Just a 5-minute walk to the lake and the Heavenly Gondola, the hotel is a modern, motel-style place. Given that most visitors in Tahoe want to be spending most of their time outside, if you're not looking to shell out a huge amount of money on a hotel, Basecamp will still give you a comfortable and fun stay. 

Stepping into the Coachman Hotel is like stepping into a feature spread in Dwell magazine. This trendy and smartly designed property is both affordable and beautiful. Although it’s a small boutique resort with just 42 rooms, you'll still get access to the best of South Lake Tahoe. Hoping to up your romance? Book one of the boutique’s "honeymoon rooms" with heart-shaped soaking tubs. But no matter which room you choose, the best feature is the location: you’re just a five-minute walk from the Heavenly Gondola and the Stateline casinos.