5 Incredible Lake Tahoe Hotels for Every Season

With crystal-clear waters meeting soft sands that give way to lush green forests in the warmer months, and towering snow-capped mountains rising against clear blue skies in winter, Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination. This region, which encompasses both the lake and surrounding areas, offers a variety of accommodations to suit all four seasons—whether you seek a cozy cabin, a lakeside escape, or a charming mountain lodge.

Lake Tahoe can be divided into three distinct regions. Firstly, there’s Lake Tahoe itself, the largest alpine lake in North America, approximately 2 million years old. The lake boasts 75 miles of shoreline spanning two states: California to the west and Nevada to the east. Surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains at an elevation of 6,225 feet, the lake is home to native fish species such as brown and rainbow trout, as well as Tahoe Tessie, a mythical creature often likened to the Loch Ness monster and cherished by locals.

South Lake Tahoe is the more vibrant, developed, and populated area, featuring four casinos that contribute to its lively nightlife. Its close proximity to the federally protected Desolation Wilderness, a vast subalpine and alpine forest, attracts backcountry hikers. A trio of ski resorts offers diverse terrain, while the lakeshore boasts long sandy beaches. About an hour's drive north, North Lake Tahoe operates on “Tahoe time,” providing a more relaxed atmosphere. Its hidden rocky coves invite exploration, and with 12 ski resorts, winter enthusiasts will find plenty of activity options.

For dog-loving mountain town enthusiasts, you’re in luck: Gravity Haus, Ritz-Carlton, and Desolation Hotel all welcome your furry friends during your stay.

Continue reading to discover five of Tahoe’s top hotels, each offering unique adventures throughout the seasons.

Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe

Rejecting the conventional mountain chalet vibe—there's not a flannel pillow or taxidermy in sight—Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe embraces a more industrial cabin style. Imagine polished concrete floors, cinderblock walls, exposed wooden ceilings, and fireplaces encased in metal, exuding a contemporary edge. This pet-friendly hotel features 41 thoughtfully designed rooms, each equipped with a desk and separate seating area. However, the real allure of this hotel lies in its commitment to helping guests experience the town like a local.

Combining the elements of a hotel, membership, and social club, Gravity Haus fosters connections among guests in shared spaces. Visitors can set up their laptops for work in the coworking area, utilize the gym, and unwind in the hot tub after a hike or bike ride, mingling with fellow travelers and locals. The hotel offers a well-stocked gear room for a variety of outdoor activities, particularly during the shoulder season when temperatures are mild and crowds are thinner. Guests can rent enduro, trail, cross-country, and gravel bikes from Specialized and Commencal, along with paddleboards and foldable kayaks from Oru Kayak. Additionally, camping and hiking equipment like trekking poles, tents, climbing gear, fly fishing rods, and camp stoves are also available.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Perched midmountain with convenient ski-in/ski-out access to Northstar California Resort (once known as Mount Pluto, an extinct volcano), the 170-room Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe maximizes guest convenience. Epic Season Pass holders enjoy seamless access to Northstar’s expansive 3,170 skiable acres, featuring eight terrain parks and 100 trails.

The Ritz-Carlton provides a range of outdoor activities, including ski and snowboarding lessons (ask for Adrienne), snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, tubing, and cross-country skiing right from the resort. After a thrilling day on the slopes, guests can cozy up next to one of the hotel’s many stone fireplaces—every guest room features at least one, and they’re also located throughout the restaurants and lounges. For those interested in mixology, Flaskology (ask for Yvonne) offers an hour-long class with an in-house mixologist at Manzanita restaurant, allowing guests to refine their cocktail crafting and flavor profiles.

The 17,000-square-foot slope-side spa highlights the harmony between water and woods. The Ritz’s seasonal winter treatment, Journey Through the Forest, features a full body exfoliation and a private soaking tub, followed by a soothing massage.

Cedar Crest Cottages

Gather the entire family or your circle of friends. The nine-cottage, cedar tree–shaded Cedar Crest Cottages accommodates up to 40 guests, making it an ideal venue for any reunion. Nestled midlake, this family-owned property has been welcoming guests since 1933 and underwent renovations in 2015. Each cottage, featuring one to four bedrooms, is named after a bird. The muted color schemes and shared design elements, such as wood and stone floors, create a cohesive aesthetic while offering a distinct experience in each cottage.

The picturesque location, situated away from both North and South Lake, allows guests to enjoy the soothing sounds of morning birds without disturbance, as well as the tranquility of the neighborhood beach. From the tranquil, glassy sunrises over the lake to the après-hike sunsets around the firepits, Cedar Crest exudes a charming ambiance without feeling contrived. Experience the vibrant fall foliage that peaks in September or October, wander through the majestic, old-growth forests, and enjoy stargazing right from the lawn.

Desolation Hotel

Inspired by Desolation Wilderness, the micro resort Desolation Hotel offers a sustainably designed escape within South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Ski Resort. It features thoughtfully sourced furnishings and a minimal environmental impact, with any lumber not sourced from the property being Forest Stewardship Council certified. Smart architectural choices, such as strategically positioned skylights, reduce energy consumption and enhance natural light, while rooftop solar panels help lessen the hotel's energy grid reliance. Over the past year, the hotel has contributed more than $250,000 to local initiatives, including schools, youth centers, environmentally-focused nonprofits, and support for fire victims and first responders, alongside trail system repairs.

Opened in August 2022, Desolation Hotel includes several structures designed around existing trees, offering 31 EV charging stations—one located in each townhouse’s private garage, perfect for heavy snowfall days. The design of the 21 peaceful, minimalist accommodations draws inspiration from Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics, featuring thoughtful townhouse layouts and dark sky lighting.

Join a full moon snowshoe tour or enjoy Heavenly Ski Resort’s exclusive after-hours VIP ski run on Sundays. Outdoor soaking tubs provide the perfect opportunity for stargazing, even with snow on the ground. The on-site restaurant, Maggie’s, honors explorer Maggie McPeak, who scaled nearly every major western alpine summit. The cocktail menu includes drinks named after staff members' dogs, and the standout entrée is the elk loin roulade—pan-seared elk filled with chestnut, spinach, and garlic. Conveniently located in South Lake, the hotel is within walking distance of shops, the lake, cross-country trails, and sledding spots.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort

The Edgewood Tahoe Resort features 161 guest rooms, suites, and villa suites, all offering stunning, unobstructed views of Lake Tahoe and its 18-hole alpine golf course. Nestled next to the lake, the hotel’s expansive grounds make it an ideal spot for summer activities like kayak tours, MasterCraft boat rentals, outdoor movies, introductory disc golf lessons, and fly fishing. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake, observe a northern goshawk from your private balcony, or grill fresh produce from the farmers' market on your villa suite patio.

The Bistro Edgewood is one of three dining venues at the resort, showcasing a casual yet contemporary ambiance. Challenge yourself to find a wall that doesn’t have floor-to-ceiling windows. Wander into Spa Edgewood, where a comprehensive range of services focuses on crystals and energy therapies, or explore an extensive selection of facial treatments.

At Edgewood, the experience is both refined and relaxed, with an emphasis on thoughtful service throughout your stay. Have a favorite treat? Maybe the hand-blended tea served at breakfast or the jelly beans offered in the spa? These delightful touches often accompany your evening turndown service.