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Lake Tahoe Travel Guide: The Best Places to Stay

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and is an absolute treasure, with its sparkling blue waters, phenomenal mountain scenery and endless recreation.  The destination is a treat during any time of year and home to a wide range of lodging and accommodations from casinos, resorts, hotels, timeshares, inns and bed & breakfasts.



In previous posts I discussed my thoughts on what travel will look like this Summer and beyond and things to consider when venturing out in a post lock down COVID-19 world:
Given all of the events of 2020 so far a lot of people may have second thoughts about heading out on a trip, while others may not be able to wait to get out.  It all comes down to your own personal risk and comfort levels.  Living in Northern California allows for us to visit some great destinations that are within a 2-3 hour drive from home.  Some of these great destinations include, Lake Tahoe, Napa, Sonoma, Monterrey, Carmel and more. 


On our recent family trip to Lake Tahoe we took account all of the precautions that we could including wearing masks, practicing physical distancing and limiting our exposure to crowds.  Instead of staying in a hotel, we decided to split our stay at two condo-style resorts; Hyatt High Sierra in North Lake Tahoe and Marriott Grand Residences, Lake Tahoe, located in South Lake Tahoe.  With much larger room options that include full kitchens, we were able to enjoy meals in our unit and keep groceries on hand to limit trips to restaurants.  On previous trips to Lake Tahoe, we have stayed at other amazing hotels and have a good feel for what each area and hotel offers for guests.   
 

Without further ado, if you're planning a trip to Lake Tahoe this year and looking for some of the best places to stay in North Lake Tahoe or South Lake Tahoe, be sure to check out my recommendations below.  

Photo Courtesy of Lake Tahoe Visitor's Bureau

NOTE: At some of these hotels mentioned below, I am able to get you great value-added amenities that include free breakfast, resorts credits, room upgrades and more, when booking through The Family Travel Guy.  If you're not familiar with my travel agency, you can read more about it here.


North Lake Tahoe
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino 
The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe in the city of Incline Village, Nevada, 35 miles southwest of Reno and 100 miles northeast of Sacramento.  Locally it is approximately 15 minutes away from Northstar and the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe.  


The 12-story hotel features over 400 rooms, lakeside cottages and is also a Hyatt Residence Club location, as Hyatt High Sierra Lodge is also a part of the property.  There is also a 24-hour casino on the property, The Grand Lodge Casino, as well as a kids arcade, private beach, spa, and lots of great dining choices available.


Virtuoso Amenities for your stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino for 2020 includes the following amenities:
  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, High Sierra Lodge 
The Hyatt High Sierra Lodge, located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada is a part of the Hyatt Residence Club and features suites comprised of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, fireplace, living room, dining room and a washer/dryer.  It is also a part of the overall Hyatt Lake Tahoe footprint and features shared amenities with the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe hotel next door.


The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, located mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort near Truckee, is the only luxury resort featuring a AAA Five Diamond rating and stands at the top among luxury hotels in Lake Tahoe.  It is the perfect luxury getaway offering year-round activities in both winter and summer.


The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe features elegant mountain decor throughout and is a destination in and of itself offering the very best in service, dining, amenities and activities, including hiking in Summer and ski access in Winter.  The hotel is also only a quick gondola ride down to Northstar and you have access to more great dining, shops and activities.


The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe also offers a Lake Club (for a fee) which offers a serene lakefront experience with direct access and panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, water activities, fire-pits, spa, and all-inclusive dining/drinks.  If you're staying at the hotel, this is a must-do summer experience not to be missed.


Virtuoso Amenities for your stay at The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe for 2020 includes the following:
  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • $60 daily breakfast credit per bedroom, good for use in Manzanita or Cafe Blue
  • $100 Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay 
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
South Lake Tahoe
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
The Edgewood Tahoe Resort is set is on Lake Tahoe on park-like grounds, located one mile from both Heavenly Ski Resort, Highway 50 and nearby casinos.  


Make no mistake this is the most luxurious lodging option in South Lake Tahoe with refined rooms and suites with amazing on-site amenities that include a restaurant offering panoramic views lake, sleek bistro, and a bar with a deck.  There's also a spa and a gym, as well as an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a golf course. 


Virtuoso Amenities for your stay at Edgewood Tahoe Resort for 2020 include the following:
  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • $60 Daily Breakfast Credit, to be utilized in either Bistro Restaurant or In-Room Dining
  • $100 Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Marriott Timber Lodge
The Marriott Timber Lodge, set in stunning in South Lake Tahoe, has a great location with easy access to Heavenly Ski Resort and is within walking distance to the lake and casino nightlife.  Adjacent to the gondola at the Heavenly Ski Resort, you'll have access to all of the dining, shopping, and entertainment options of South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village that surround Timber Lodge, which sits directly on the main thoroughfare of Lake Tahoe Boulevard.


This resort is a part of the Marriott Vacation Club and features hotel style rooms, studios, 1-bedroom villas, 2-bedroom villas and 3-bedroom villas.  


Marriott Grand Residences, Lake Tahoe
Grand Residences by Marriott, Lake Tahoe is located in Heavenly Village next to Timber Lodge, set in stunning in South Lake Tahoe, with a great location with easy access to Heavenly Ski Resort and within walking distance to the lake and casino nightlife.  


This resort is a part of the Marriott Vacation Club (Grand Residences Collection) and features hotel style rooms, studios, 1-bedroom villas and 2-bedroom villas.   


Other great options in Lake Tahoe include:
Welk Resorts Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe or Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, Northstar Lodge
Located at the base of Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort, Northstar Lodge consists of 34 ski-in/ski-out, studio, two & three-bedroom residences as well as a private ski & boot valet, Village Swim & Fitness center, owners' lounge & plaza, media room and a gondola within steps from the building. 


The Village at Squaw Valley or Resort at Squaw Creek
Set near the site of the 1960 Olympics and located in the heart of the mountains in Squaw Valley, The Village at Squaw Valley and Resort at Squaw Valley offer two great options to stay at.  


The Village at Squaw Valley offers a private balcony, mountain views, and full kitchens.  You'll also be just steps away from shopping and dining options that offer take-out as well as outdoor seating in the surrounding village shops.


Related Posts
Book Your Next Trip or Hotel Stay!
If you're planning a trip to Lake Tahoe or other great hotels - Be sure to send me a message for quotes, travel tips, special promotions available and more -- Read more here about the booking process and frequently asked questions!


My goal is to inspire people to travel better, travel smarter and help them find value for their money along the way to fuel their wanderlust!


Virtuoso travel advisors have global connections to make your trip better. When you check in, you’re a VIP and can expect exclusive amenities such as room upgrade on arrival, daily breakfast, resort credits, early check-in/late checkout, spa treatment credits, special Virtuoso experiences and more!


As a Travel Advisor - I have access to Virtuoso hotel amenities, Marriott STARS, Marriott Luminous, Hyatt Prive (coming soon!), and other great deals available from Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, On-Site Suppliers, Airlines, and other Travel Suppliers such as Pleasant Holidays, Journese, Blue Sky Tours, Travel Impressions, and many more!
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The Family Travel Guy is an independent affiliate of MTravel - a Virtuoso Member, which is a well-respected travel agency with over fifty years in business and winner of many prestigious awards for travel service and business practice. You can read more about MTravel (now owned by CTM), a Top 10 Travel Management Company nationwide, and their #10 ranking on the Travel Weekly 2019 Top 50 Power List.

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The Family Travel Guy is an independent affiliate of MTravel - a Virtuoso Member, CST# California: 2129700-40