Are you looking for the best hotels in North Lake Tahoe CA? Perfect! We’re going to show you the 10 top rated hotels available to you, including cheap, mid range and luxury North Lake Tahoe hotel options.
Instead of trawling through randomly listed hotel search engine results, use our research and data driven guide to find the best hotels near North Lake Tahoe CA for your visit based on location, value, previous guest ratings and our own experiences.
Here’s how we will break down the best hotels in North Lake Tahoe California to help you find the perfect place to stay:
- Why stay in North Lake Tahoe?
- Things to do in North Lake Tahoe
- 10 best North Lake Tahoe hotels
- Previous guest ratings and scores
Let’s find you the perfect North Lake Tahoe CA hotel for your trip to the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains!
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Why Stay In North Lake Tahoe CA?
North Lake Tahoe is a quieter, more relaxing and less commercialized place to stay on the shores of Lake Tahoe, California.
Families and couples looking for a romantic retreat are better suited to booking a hotel in North Lake Tahoe versus staying in the much busier South Lake Tahoe area.
Staying in North Lake Tahoe puts you close to several beaches, popular hikes, famous photo spots and ski resorts for winter visitors.
We personally spent a night in a North Lake Tahoe hotel in Tahoe Vista during our 5 day visit to the stunning Lake Tahoe area.
Our stay in the north was exceptionally tranquil, plus we benefited from being able to see both sunrise and sunset more easily than in the south.
Who Shouldn’t Stay In The North?
North Lake Tahoe is a peaceful and idyllic retreat for those looking to escape life. However, it won’t suit everyone.
If you are looking for a more lively vacation to Lake Tahoe, we suggest you look at our guide to the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe.
In the south you will find far more places to eat and drink, a buzzing social scene and plenty going on at night after hiking in summer or skiing in winter.
What Is Considered North Lake Tahoe?
North Lake Tahoe covers a vast area around the northern shores of Lake Tahoe including several small villages and town such as Tahoe City, Truckee, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach, Crystal Bay and Incline Village.
However, for the purposes of this guide we are only going to show you hotels in Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach and Incline Village because they are technically right on the north shoreline of Lake Tahoe.
We highly recommend you read our best hotels in Tahoe City guide next to see if you would prefer to stay a few miles away on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe instead.
Where To Stay In North Lake Tahoe
The best place to stay in North Lake Tahoe is in a hotel right on the shoreline with access to amenities and the major road looping around the lake.
But which village should you look at?
Let’s split the North Lake Tahoe area up:
1. Tahoe Vista – Quiet, hotels set on the side of the main road and have to drive to restaurants.
2. Kings Beach – More built up and can walk to restaurants from most hotels.
3. Incline Village – Quiet with more expensive hotels but have to drive to reach most restaurants.
Note: If you want to find a greater selection of hotel options or being on the lake isn’t your top priority, you might find better value in Truckee or even Carson City.
Things To Do Around North Lake Tahoe
So what can you do if you decide to spend a night or two in the North Lake Tahoe area?
Well, let’s take a look at what is in store for your visit:
- Relax on Moon Dune Beach, North Tahoe Beach and Kings Beach
- Hike to Cave Rock at sunset
- See the Stateline Fire Lookout
- Hike the awesome Eagle Rock Trail
- Photograph Bonsai Rock at sunset
- Chill on Chimney Beach
- Hike up to Monkey Rock viewpoint
- Take the kids to Tahoe Treeptop Adventure
- Play mini golf at Magic Carpet Golf
- Eat at Gar Woods Grill in Carnelion Bay
- Play slots at casinos in Crystal Bay
Basing yourself on the north side of Lake Tahoe means you are close to the attractions listed above, all of which would be more challenging to visit if you were staying in the south.
In addition, you can easily reach several of the best Lake Tahoe sunrise and sunset photo spots from the northern shores.
However, if you choose to stay in the north for the duration of your visit to Lake Tahoe we highly recommend you plan to spend one day driving around the lake to visit other top attractions such as the Emerald Bay State Park area.
Are North Lake Tahoe Hotels Expensive?
North Lake Tahoe hotel prices are reasonable considering the destination’s popularity, desirability and considerable wealth in the area. However, you should still expect to pay more than usual.
Demand for hotels in North Lake Tahoe is high and although there are enough hotels to accommodate tourists, supply isn’t high enough for competing hotels to drive down prices.
Conversely, South Lake Tahoe has dozens of hotel options spanning the budget range, which results in hotels competing to fill beds and you being able to find better value for money.
With that said, families and couples booking hotels in North Lake Tahoe will benefit from a more peaceful stay surrounded by nature. We think that is worth paying a little extra!
There are two important things we want to make you aware of before booking your hotel in North Lake Tahoe, CA.
1. Bed Tax In North Lake Tahoe
The first thing you should bear in mind when booking hotels near North Lake Tahoe is “Bed Tax“, which is officially known as Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Tahoe Vista and Kings Beach on the west side of North Lake Tahoe are located in Placer County, CA which levies 10% bed tax on all stays. A further 2% is added on top for “city tax” for a total 12% tax.
Incline Village on the east side of North Lake Tahoe is located in Washoe County, NV which levies 13% bed tax on all stays. However, certain hotels in Incline Village also charge a “resort fee“.
Here’s what to look out for:
- 1 – When booking your hotel using Booking.com look under the price for “includes taxes and fees“. This means the price you see is final and will not be subject to further add ons.
- 2 – Conversely, if you see text reading something like “+$30 for taxes and fees“, that means you will pay the hotel room cost + the additional bed tax and other fees.
This is something to be aware of so you avoid any nasty surprises when you come to pay for your hotel in North Lake Tahoe.
2. Seasonality In North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe has two distinct peak seasons and two very clear low seasons.
Peak season in North Lake Tahoe consists of summer months June, July and August, plus the winter months of December, January and February.
Off season in North Lake Tahoe consists of March, April and May in spring, plus September, October and November in fall.
What does this mean for booking hotels in North Lake Tahoe?
Well, it means seasonality will play a role in North Lake Tahoe hotel availability and affordability for your visit.
You stand a better chance of picking up a lower nightly rate if you book a North Lake Tahoe hotel in spring or fall.
We have noticed prices for hotels in North Lake Tahoe are much lower in the months of April and May.
Nightly prices for guest rooms will inflate in both summer and winter because they are the most popular times of year to visit North Lake Tahoe for hiking and skiing respectively.
10 Best Hotels In North Lake Tahoe CA
OK, let’s take a look at each of the best hotels in North Lake Tahoe.
We have hand picked the top 10 North Lake Tahoe hotels by compiling and comparing previous guest ratings on both Booking.com and Google, location and value for money.
Hotels are listed in order of average nightly cost within three price range categories; cheap, mid range and luxury.
You will find 4 x cheap hotels, 4 x mid range hotels and 2 x luxury hotels. Each represents a top rated hotel within its price category.
Let’s kick things off with the best cheap hotels in North Lake Tahoe!
1. Stevenson’s Holliday Inn North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 7.4 / 10
- Google – 3.6 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, sundeck, pet friendly
- Location: Kings Beach, CA
Stevenson’s Holliday Inn is the cheapest hotel in North Lake Tahoe. If you’re looking for a low budget place to crash for a few nights on the north shore, this is your only option under $150 per night.
Reviewers rate staff and location the highest at Stevenson’s Holliday Inn.
For the price, you really can’t go wrong with a 5 minute walk to Kings Beach and plenty of eateries on the doorstep, plus it is dog friendly.
>> Book Hotel: Stevenson’s Inn North Lake Tahoe
2. Firelite Lodge North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.8 / 10
- Google – 4.7 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, lake views, non smoking, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, fireplace,
- Location: Tahoe Vista, CA
Firelite Lodge is a fantastic North Lake Tahoe hotel with excellent reviews located steps from the shoreline. It is close to Moon Dune Beach and has a swimming pool with year round hot tub.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, facilities, cleanliness and location the highest at Firelite Lodge.
This boutique hotel is one of the very best places to stay in North Lake Tahoe based on value, guest scores and location.
>> Book Hotel: Firelite Lodge North Lake Tahoe
3. Crown Motel North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.4 / 10
- Google – 4.1 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, lake views, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, coffee and pastries, deck overlooking lake, media room, BBQ facilities, pets allowed
- Location: Kings Beach, CA
Crown Motel is a family run North Lake Tahoe lodging option just steps from Kings Beach. It is overflowing with amenities, including a pool and hot tub quite literally overlooking Lake Tahoe.
Reviewers rate staff and location the highest at Crown Motel.
This is a solid low budget hotel in a superb location right on Kings Beach, perfect for those seeking the cheapest hotels in North Lake Tahoe.
>> Book Hotel: Crown Motel North Lake Tahoe
4. Franciscan Lakeside Lodge North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.0 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, beach access, seasonal outdoor pool, full kitchen
- Location: Tahoe Vista, CA
Franciscan Lakeside Lodge is a bit of a wildcard entry because the lodging is split into multiple buildings. A room in the cabins on the beach would be lovely, otherwise you are staying across the main road.
Reviewers rate cleanliness and location the highest at Franciscan Lakeside Lodge.
If you can pick a room up at a good rate and plan to stay for 3 or more nights you can save on eating out by using the full kitchen.
>> Book Hotel: Franciscan Lakeside Lodge North Lake Tahoe
5. Club Tahoe Resort North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.9 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, full kitchen, shared lounge, BBQ facilities, on site bar, sauna
- Location: Incline Village, NV
Club Tahoe Resort is the best North Lake Tahoe hotel for groups of friends or families who want multiple rooms in one accommodation. Full kitchen with dining room and washing machine included.
Reviewers rate value for money, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at Club Tahoe Resort.
Guests will find plenty of amenities at an affordable price point close to shops and beaches.
>> Book Hotel: Club Tahoe Resort North Lake Tahoe
6. Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.9 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, hot tubs, private beach, lake views, full kitchen, BBQ facilities, fire pits, kayaks and paddle boards
- Location: Tahoe Vista, CA
Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort is the best North Lake Tahoe hotel on the beach. It has private beach access with free use of kayaks and paddle boards, plus rooms with kitchens perfect for longer stays.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort.
If you want a relaxing beach escape in Lake Tahoe, look no further than this mid range budget hotel.
>> Book Hotel: Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort North Lake Tahoe
7. Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.7 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, full kitchen, seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, non smoking, BBQ facilities, laundry
- Location: Tahoe Vista, CA
Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge is a top rated North Lake Tahoe hotel located right on the beach. Apartments have full kitchens, the pool has stunning lake views and guests have access to a private beach.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, facilities, cleanliness and location the highest at Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge.
This is a fantastic upper mid range budget hotel option perfect for couples and families.
>> Book Hotel: Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge North Lake Tahoe
8. Cedar Glen Lodge North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.8 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, BBQ facilities, putting green, communal garden, apartments with kitchens available, pet friendly
- Location: Tahoe Vista, CA
Cedar Glen Lodge is the most romantic hotel in North Lake Tahoe for couples looking who want to escape for a low key break. The lodge is new to Booking but has hundreds of positive reviews on Google.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Cedar Glen Lodge.
You can choose between multiple fabulous room types at this hidden gem hotel in North Lake Tahoe.
>> Book Hotel: Cedar Glen Lodge North Lake Tahoe
9. Hyatt Regency North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.5 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, 24 hour casino, year round heated swimming pool, hot tubs and spa, fitness center, on site restaurants and bars, fire pits, private beach, pet friendly
- Location: Incline Village, NV
Hyatt Regency is a 4 star casino and resort with private beach and fine dining restaurant on site. The huge complex is overflowing with amenities for the whole family, but it will be an expensive stay.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at Hyatt Regency Resort.
This is where to stay in North Lake Tahoe if you are looking for a plush resort style hotel.
Extra: Self parking is $29 per day and resort fees are $50 per day.
>> Book Hotel: Hyatt Regency Resort North Lake Tahoe
10. Hyatt Residence Club North Lake Tahoe
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, year round swimming pool, hot tubs, full kitchen with washing machine, private beach access, fire pits
- Location: Incline Village, NV
Hyatt Residence Club is a 4 star resort in North Lake Tahoe consisting of fully equipped upscale apartments only. It is located behind the Hyatt Regency casino hotel in a timeshare style property.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, facilities, cleanliness and location the highest at Hyatt Residence.
Guests can use the facilities and amenities at the Hyatt Regency next door.
>> Book Hotel: Hyatt Residence Club North Lake Tahoe
What Are The Best Cheap Hotels In North Lake Tahoe?
Stevenson’s Inn, Firelite Lodge, Franciscan Lodge and Crown Motel are the best cheap hotels in the North Lake Tahoe area.
However, you can also take a look at North Lake Lodges + Villas in Incline Village.
Alternatively, both America’s Best Value Inn and Basecamp offer lower budget accommodation in Tahoe City around 10 miles southwest from Tahoe Vista.
Read our full guide to the 5 best Tahoe City hotels next to see what else is available in the area.
What Are The Best Pet Friendly Hotels In North Lake Tahoe CA?
Stevenson’s Inn, Crown Motel, Cedar Glen Lodge and Hyatt Regency are the top rated dog friendly hotels in North Lake Tahoe.
Each of the pet friendly hotels in North Lake Tahoe requires extra fees for additional cleaning.
Best Hotels In North Lake Tahoe FAQ’s
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions about where to stay in North Lake Tahoe, California.
Which Is Better South Lake Tahoe Or North?
Generally speaking, South Lake Tahoe is better for the younger crowd, groups of friends and travelers who like a lively vacation. Whereas the much quieter North Lake Tahoe is more suitable for families and couples who want a low key vacation.
Is North Lake Tahoe Less Crowded?
North Lake Tahoe is definitely less crowded when compared with South Lake Tahoe which is a hugely popular tourist destination. There are far fewer hotels and amenities in the north, therefore tourism is kept to a minimum.
Can You Swim In North Lake Tahoe?
Yes, you can swim, kayak, stand up paddle board and much more in the crystal clear waters of North Lake Tahoe.
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We hope this guide to the best hotels in North Lake Tahoe CA helps you book the perfect hotel for your visit to the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains!
Please let us know if you have any questions about any of the hotels in our list of best places to stay in North Lake Tahoe by commenting below.
Happy Booking,
Mark and Kristen
Best Hotels Anywhere
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are experts at finding and booking hotels. They’ve been traveling the world for over 6 years, staying at more than 500 hotels across 4 continents.
They only write about places they have personally visited themselves, which means every article you read on Best Hotels Anywhere is created directly from first hand experience. Read more about us.