Stardust Lodge

This charming, family-centric motel that was built in the 1950s makes an inviting first impression, with lots of brickwork flanked by large mature trees and lovely landscaping. Flowers explode with color in the warm months, when families can be seen enjoying the pools or sunning themselves on the deck and patio. Barbecues are popular in the evenings, with picnic tables offering alfresco dining opportunities. The modest lobby is bright and cheerful, with large windows, laminate wood floors, and oversize brown leather armchairs for relaxing. Guests consistently praise the staff for being friendly and helpful at this casual and relaxed property, that tries hard to create a sense of community and earns a lot of repeat business. 

The Lodge enjoys a central location on Lake Tahoe Boulevard in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. It’s across the street from the Heavenly Village and its many restaurants, shops, and movie theater. Lovely residential units are between the Lodge and the lake, which is about a seven-minute walk away. The gondola at the Heavenly Ski Resort is just one minute away on foot, and the casinos just across the Nevada state line can be reached in a five-minute walk. It’s a three-minute drive or 10-minute walk to Action Sports at Lakeside Marina for water craft rental. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is approximately a 70-minute drive. 

These well-maintained suites feature an attractive mix of modern and rustic decor, with lots of light-wood furniture and trim, as well as lovely wood laminate floors, some of which are covered by multicolor earth tone rugs. The Standard Studio Queen we saw had lots of furniture wedged into what was a rather small space for a suite. Sleeping arrangements were an unusual combination of a queen Murphy bed that serves as a sofa during the day, and an ottoman that converts into a twin bed. It also had a small dining table with two leather chairs, and a kitchenette that was nicely equipped with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances that included a dishwasher, full fridge, microwave, cooktop, sink, coffeemaker, and utensils. The bathroom was handsome and more generously sized, with a granite vanity, wood laminate floors, and roomy walk-in shower with glass doors and nice tiling. Larger, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom/two bathroom suites are available as well. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and floor and ceiling fans (no air-conditioning is provided). Deluxe Studios and larger suites also have DVD/CD players. Most suites facing the busy road have views of the mountains and Heavenly Ski Resort gondola, but they tend to hear more ambient noise than suites in the back of the property.  

Outdoor activities are a top draw at this hotel. It has two pools – a smaller, shallow pool that’s heated but open only seasonally and a larger pool that’s eight feet deep in one and is heated to stay open year-round. The whirlpool also is open year round. Sundecks and patios surrounding the pools have lots of covered tables and loungers, and there's a fire pit and gas grills for family barbecues. The Lodge has a huge fleet of free loaner bicycles for both adults and children (with helmets included), and an activity center that offers free loaner golf clubs, snowshoes, and sleds, as well as board games and books. The concierge can arrange various activities, including guided hikes, karaoke contests, and ice cream socials. The fitness center is adequate for a workout, with a choice of cardio equipment, free weights, and a strength-training machine. Free coffee and popcorn are available all day in the lobby, where guests also can borrow DVDs free of charge. Wi-Fi and parking also are free, as is the continental breakfast served daily, plus cookies at check-in. Vending machines sell assorted snacks and soft drinks. The hotel doesn't have a full restaurant or bar on-site. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator service to second-floor guest rooms.