10527 Cold Stream Rd, Truckee, California, United States | (251) 219-4428
Bucolic setting among pine trees means beautiful views from hotel grounds
Clean rooms with microwaves and coffeemakers (some have fireplaces)
20-minute drive to North Lake Tahoe with easy access to I-80
Free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi
Small outdoor pool and adjacent hot tub
Business center in the lobby
Quaint country charm in common areas as well as rooms
Convenient to outdoor attractions without being in the center of the Tahoe action
Free coffee in the lobby throughout the day
No dining options or commerce within walking distance
Not many features apart from a pool and a few lobby amenities
Rooms are on the bland side
Truckee Donner Lodge is a mid-range, relatively small, motel-style property off I-80. It has a quiet atmosphere and overall cleanliness in its 64 rooms -- a good value for this price category. Because the hotel is popular, and tends to host groups and group events, service can be a bit slow at times. The property is situated a 20-minute drive from Lake Tahoe, in the midst of pine trees and at the base of a good local hiking trail. There is very little immediately surrounding the hotel, but it is close to some area attractions -- such as Donner Lake and Donner Memorial State Park, and various ski resorts off the highway. Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking keep costs low.
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Scene
Natural setting abutting a gorgeous state park
The cozy property consists of a series of three-story buildings covered in wood siding and set amongst pine trees. The overall atmosphere here is one of a country lodge. The lobby, which has simple tables and chairs for gathering, has high beamed ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace, and is tiled with flagstones for a rustic feel. Overhead, a chandelier is decorated with pine cones and pine tree cutouts. Breakfast is served next to the lobby on wooden tables. The buildings are hemmed in quite closely with tall pines; the small surrounding lawn is comfortably overgrown without being unkempt. In warm weather adirondack chairs dot the outdoor areas.
Location
Off I-80, about 20 minutes from North Lake Tahoe and adjacent to Donner Memorial State Park
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the property, which is located immediately off an I-80 exit about three miles west of Truckee. Amtrak trains runs to Truckee as well. The property is situated on grounds covered by pine trees and abuts a state park with three miles of hiking trails and a lake. The closest commerce constitutes a couple of gas stations and a Taco Bell; more options and a grocery store can be found in Truckee.
Rooms
Simple but comfortable, with touches of country decor
There are 64 rooms at Truckee Donner Lodge, designed to be comfortable and convenient for guests who spend most of their day exploring the area. Rooms include one king bed or two queen beds, while the largest has two queen beds and a sleeper sofa. Book a room with a fireplace for extra ambiance. Light green walls and check plaid brown carpeting coordinate with carved wooden headboards and wrought-iron bedside lamps. All rooms have a coffeemaker, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Many guests have commented favorably on the comfort of the beds and the rooms in general. Visitors may want to note that toiletries provided may be on the sparse side. Views can include the wooded forest or the parking lot.
Features
Small pool, nearby hiking trails, and convenient freebies
The main feature of this budget-friendly property is the lush natural setting, and its proximity to hiking trails, Donner Lake and, further afield, North Lake Tahoe. The lodge also has a small freeform pool and adjacent hot tub. Plastic sun loungers line the pool deck. The lobby has a coffeemaker accessible 'round the clock, as well as an Internet terminal where guests can utilize a printer. A hot breakfast is served daily, but there isn't a restaurant or on-site bar. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
