Lake Tahoe Family Hotels – Tips and Recommendations

  • Lake Tahoe is one of the largest freshwater lakes and is the second deepest lake in the United States.  It is located on the border of both California and Nevada and has become popular for outdoor recreation.  The nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range features stunning views of the peaks and brilliant blue water.
  • Notoriously bright with 250 to 300 sunny days annually, humidity is low even in the summer and temperatures are relatively mild. Winters bring plenty of snow and blizzards.  At over 6,000 feet in elevation, this unique area is perfect for outdoor recreation year-round.
  • The Lake Tahoe area is ideal for a family vacation, whether it’s summer holidays, Spring Break, or Christmas in the mountains.  Cozy hotels, cabins, and lodges dot the edges of the lake so you’re sure to find an idyllic place to stay while you enjoy all the area has to offer.
  • We recommend booking your holidays through Booking.com. It’s one of the trusted hotel booking sites out there, and the one with the best deals. Note: we do earn a small commission when you book through them. We display prices usually for a family with two adults and one child, to make pricing more realistic. The actual price you pay might be higher or lower of course based on your family size.

Check out our updated 2019 Lake Tahoe Travel Guide.

The 7 Best Hotels for Families in Lake Tahoe

Cedar Glen Lodge, Tahoe Vista, CA

This cozy cabin resort features renovated cottages and lodge suites that feel more like staying in a friend’s winter getaway than a hotel. With a perfect combination of rustic charm and contemporary amenities, the entire family is sure to find lots to love about staying here.

Many guests comment on the excellent breakfast which is included each morning and goes beyond what you’d expect at a hotel. Complimentary s’mores around the fire pit each night are a beloved tradition for the kids while adults can enjoy the wine bar.

Right across the street is the beach and they provide beach chairs, floats, life vests, and coolers to use and return free of charge. On-site pools, a year-round sauna, and hot tub will provide relaxation while fun activities to entice the kids include ping pong, miniature golf, and volleyball. Board games can also be borrowed for a rainy day or a relaxing family game night.

Resort at Squaw Creek, Olympic Valley, CA, mid-range

This is one of the largest resorts in Squaw Valley, just 5 miles from Lake Tahoe, and offers beautiful views of both the mountains and the valley. It provides ski-in/ski-out lodging so you don’t have to travel far with the kids to get to the mountain.

The year-round Mountain Buddies Kids Kamp offers fun supervised activities for children ages 4-12 years. The resort also has menus full of healthy options that kids love. You can rent a Pac n’ Play to make traveling a bit easier and help the little ones burn off energy by hiking, biking, ice skating, or playing in the pool and going down the 150-foot water slide.

Village at Squaw Valley, Olympic Valley, CA, mid-range

This charming hotel in the middle of Squaw Valley gives you the feeling of being in a European-style village. Many amenities are located nearby within walking distance from the hotel’s six buildings and are easily accessible for active families.

After a day outdoors, kids will appreciate the on-site entertainment room complete with video games and big screen televisions. Younger children can take advantage of the game room, just ask for the key for access. In addition to a year-round kids’ club, there is a pool and jacuzzi to relax in after a long day skiing or hiking.

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Truckee, CA, luxury

Families looking for a more indulgent experience will find that at this upscale hotel known for hospitality and high-end stays. Although it’s a luxury hotel, it is very family-friendly and the staff takes special care to attend to even their younger guests. Large suites provide plenty of space for the entire family to spread out and feel right at home.

The Ritz Kids Club offers children ages 5-12 the opportunity to explore Lake Tahoe through activities, arts and crafts, games, and scavenger hunts. The hotel offers an indoor campout package for kids along with s’mores by the fire pit and arcade. Children can also take advantage of the Kids Program which includes lunch for full day programs.

Featuring 3 restaurants serving everything from contemporary American cuisine, fresh juices, and paninis, to pizza, barbecue and burgers, you’ll find options to suit everyone in the family. Alfresco dining is available to make the most of the surrounding beauty and give little ones plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

A private pier can be utilized by those who want to spend a day on the water while ski-in/ski-out privileges are offered for those who prefer to ski. Kings Beach is a short 15-minute drive away and you can take a gondola ride to the village.

Stardust Lodge, South Lake Tahoe, CA, mid-range

This quaint lodge may look more like a motel from the outside, but with kid-focused amenities and an almost endless array of activities, it’s the ideal getaway. Just 5 minutes walk from the beach in summer and 50 feet from the Heavenly gondola in winter, you’ll be perfectly poised to enjoy all the outdoor activities.

Families traveling with older children who want to explore and be active will appreciate the free seasonal equipment like sleds, snowshoes, mountain bikes, and golf clubs. You’ll be able to participate in different activities without the added expense.

Every day there’s an activity sheet listing all the things to do, such as karaoke contests, barbecues, themed dinners, ice cream socials, water aerobics, and more. They’ll even help you find a babysitter if you need one to give you some alone time for a romantic evening.

Upon checking in you’ll be served warm cookies to enjoy and the lobby supplies complimentary hot coffee and popcorn all day long. Grab a snack and then check out a DVD or board game for a relaxing night to unwind after being outdoors all day.

Although there’s no restaurant on-site, suites contain a kitchen so you can cook for yourself or take advantage of the grills and seasonal picnic tables for a family dinner. The outdoor pool is heated and open year-round for a relaxing soak and guests are encouraged to extend their stay by being offered a free 4th night when they stay for 3.

Lakeland Village Resort at Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe, CA, mid-range

This resort on the South side of the lake is set on 19 acres of woodlands and features amazing views of the lake and the mountains. Just one mile from Heavenly ski resort, there is a free shuttle and you can book all your summer activities from here.

The private beach offers quiet and seclusion while the location itself provides recreational opportunities without ever leaving the resort. Accommodations are in townhouses perfectly sized for families with up to five bedrooms, making it very spacious and an affordable option for multiple families traveling together.

You’ll appreciate the fully equipped kitchens for preparing meals and snacks as well as free cribs for the younger ones. Summer brings complimentary snacks, ice cream, and games for the kids. For an additional fee, you can add on supervised outings such as mini golf, bowling, pizza, and more.

The kids’ wading pool and a heated outdoor pool are open year-round. Other fun for children includes water tricycles, video games, tennis courts, snow tubing, and pinball. Several kids camps are also available at Heavenly, making you perfectly located to take advantage of everything nearby.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, Incline Village, NV, mid-range

Located on the northeast Nevada side of the lake, this hotel features a spa, casino, and restaurants on-site. The Grand Lodge Casino features slot machines and popular table games for the adults while kids can enjoy the children’s pool complete with floating toys and game room. The casino also features a lounge for the kids to hang out while parents are gambling.

A private beach with family fire pits for roasting marshmallows and picnic tables make it easy to spend the day outdoors. Free shuttles to nearby hiking trails allow you to have a comfortable base at the hotel while spending as much time as possible outside enjoying nature. Camp Hyatt is available year-round for children 5 to 12 years old.

The beach near the lake is quite shallow, making it enjoyable for younger children. Complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider at the front desk are there for the kids to enjoy any time of day. A variety of restaurants and the spa means you never have to leave to have all your needs met.

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