4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California, United States | (888) 635-3814
Clubs, shops, bars, and Nevada casinos within walking distance
Free breakfast gets praise from guests
Free daily happy hour
Free shuttle to area gondolas
Some rooms have Lake Tahoe views
Most rooms have separate living rooms
Extra cost for Wi-Fi and valet parking
Rooms may not be adequately soundproofed
Restaurant can get quite crowded, particularly at breakfast
The 400 rooms at this large resort in South Lake Tahoe are sizable enough to comfortably accommodate families and their ski gear. The former Embassy Suites retains the 1980s, slightly corporate vibe of its prior incarnation, with patterned carpets in shades of brown in the common areas. It is conveniently located within walking distance of several casinos as well as the Heavenly Gondola; other Tahoe gondolas are accessible via a free shuttle bus that stops near the hotel. Some guests have complained about hidden charges for things like valet parking and Wi-Fi.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A large hotel with a cruise-ship theme that's popular with families
The hotel is so popular among families with children that getting a chance to use the frequently crowded pool and hot tub can be difficult. Past guests have recommended getting up early to avoid a rush at breakfast, particularly on weekends. The rooms of this nine-story hotel are situated around an interior atrium-style courtyard that's lit by skylights during the daytime. There are a series of conference rooms on the ground floor named after ships, in line with the property’s seeming stab at resembling a large cruise line.
Location
Short walk to the Heavenly Gondola and Nevada casinos
The property is located on the southeast end of the lake on the edge of the California-Nevada border, and is within a few minutes' walk to the Heavenly Gondola and to a number of Nevada casinos. Other gondolas in the area are accessible via a free shuttle bus that stops outside the hotel. South Lake Tahoe is a one-hour drive from the Reno airport; there are a number of shuttle services available from the area to the airport that are a cheaper alternative to taxis.
Rooms
Spacious and bland, with enough with room for ski gear
All of the rooms at the resort are suites and have separate living areas with TVs and pull-out sofa beds, making them well-suited for families. Multiple guests have commented that, despite refurbishment, the beds aren't that comfortable. Rooms are plain, but not unattractive, with wall-to-wall patterned carpeting, cream-colored walls, and the occasional framed painting. All rooms have mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are plain, but come with full tubs and a decent selection of toiletries.
Features
Indoor pool with hot tub, conference rooms, sun deck
A lovely outdoor sun deck with cushioned lounge chairs allows for lazing outdoors when the weather permits. The hotel also has a small indoor pool that's more suitable for dipping than for swimming, with an adjacent hot tub -- both can get crowded with children. Some guests have noted that the on-site restaurant can be expensive, but fortunately there are a number of options within walking distance of the hotel. Wi-Fi is available, but it's not free. A hot and cold breakfast buffet is served daily in the atrium and is free for all guests. There's also a free happy hour served in the lobby that includes snacks.
