Hotel Azure

Shaded by pine trees, the Azure is a quaint mid-range hotel with striking views of Lake Tahoe. Greenery surrounds the grounds, which include a picnic area with a barbecue grill and a small volleyball court. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with lots of outdoor space to unwind, and a mountain retreat aesthetic that lends the property a cozy feel. Interiors were fully renovated in 2016 and are now more elegant than they used to be, with lots of natural wood accents, an earth-tone palette that’s soothing rather than bland, and a few contemporary touches, including wiry lamps and teal rugs. The lobby is welcoming, featuring comfortable seating next to a fireplace, and picture windows that look out onto the green landscape. The hotel’s laid-back vibe, charming interiors, and on-site amenities draw a mixed crowd year-round, but families with a bit more cash to spare may want to compare rates at the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, which offers direct access to a private beach and apartment-style accommodation. If rates there are high, which they can be depending on the season, the Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe is a good alternative, though the Azure is more contemporary. For about half the price of the Azure and the Beach Retreat, the budget-friendly Paradice Motel is closer to the Heavenly Gondola and casinos, and features comfortable, homey rooms with thoughtful touches. 

The hotel is separated from Lake Tahoe by a busy boulevard that leads, in six minutes, to the Heavenly Mountain Resort, which has 97 runs and 30 lifts. Slightly on the fringes of Lake Tahoe, Hotel Azure is near residential areas, strip malls, and other hotels. A three-minute walk to the Tahoe Bowl goes past an outdoor mall with a book store, an ice cream shop, and a restaurant. Around the corner from the hotel is the Bear Beach Cafe and a small spa called Tahoe Tranquility Massage and Wellness. Golf enthusiasts can drive to the Bijou Golf Course in three minutes. Getting back and forth to the Lake Tahoe Airport is a quick 10 minutes by car.

Rooms were fully renovated in 2016 and are done up in a homey, warm style that draws heavily on earth tones. Touches such as natural wood-clad accent walls lend rooms a slight mountain cabin feel, while neutral carpeting that has subtle darker designs is paired with coffee-colored furniture. Sliding glass doors let in lots of sunlight and open to furnished balconies offering views of either the grounds or the lake. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, microwave, mini-fridge, and coffeemaker. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, as are USB charging stations. Larger rooms have sofa beds for two additional guests, and suites feature kitchens with dishwashers, ovens, stoves, full-size fridges, and toasters. Bathrooms were also renovated in 2016 and are decorated in a simple, contemporary style, with gray walls, dark tiled floors, and white fixtures. All feature shower/tub combos with curved curtain rods, big white sinks over dark wood vanities, and large mirrors. Paya toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all rooms. 

Hotel Azure offers a fair amount of features for the price. Surrounded by pine trees, the outdoor pool is pleasant and clean, with a number of loungers, shaded areas, and a two-tiered whirlpool that’s open year-round. The fitness center isn’t huge but it has enough cardio and strength-training equipment for a full workout, and features large windows offering grounds views. Those looking to stay active during their stay will also find an array of outdoor activities on-site, including free loaner bikes, a volleyball court among the pines, horseshoes, and access to the shores of Lake Tahoe, where guests can swim and practice a number of water sports. There is also a game room for families, complete with a large TV and foosball and air hockey tables. The hotel also features four meeting rooms with full audiovisual equipment, as well as a laundry room with coin-operated washers and dryers. Outdoor parking is available free of charge, and pets are allowed for a daily fee that includes welcome treats, bowls, beds, and doggie bags. Unfortunately, there are no restaurants on-site, but a handful can be reached in a 15-minute walk. .