A weekend at Tahoe is a rite of passage as a Californian. At some point, you’ll spend a weekend at a family member’s or friend’s or friend of friend’s Tahoe home for a winter ski trip or summer lake weekend. And if you have your own, you’re probably not reading this article.
While there are many prime locations on all sides of the lake, they are all within a short drive of a world-class ski resort, whether it’s Squaw Valley to the West, Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe to the South, Northstar to the North or Diamond Peak in the Northeast (there are a whopping 15 resorts in total). And assuming you don’t have a ready-made crash pad in your rolodex, the area also has a ton of great Airbnbs to choose from, the majority of them cozy mountain lodges and cabins perfect for chilling out with a whiskey or beer after a day on the slopes.
There isn’t, however, a ton of architectural diversity in the listings, and combing through them all can fee a bit like trying pick out a house in the middle of some cookie-cutter suburban subdivision. To help, we spent some time browsing through every listing around the Lake to pick out 20 of our favorites, all of which you’ll find below.
West
A-Frame Mid Century Modern Cabin
Location: Homewood, CA
Rooms: 2
Rating: 5.00
Vibe: Very cozy fully renovated 1963 cabin with mid-century decor. The name says it all.
Amenities: Hot tub, full deck area with BBQ, pets allowed, wood-burning stove and bear wire around the property(!).
Nearby resorts: Homewood Mountain Resort (5 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (20 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (20 mins), Northstar California Resort (30 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “The home itself is warm, inviting, and open. The amenities are wonderful and the design of the home is lovely.”
Double A-Frame Sunnyside Chalet
Location: Tahoe City, CA
Rooms: 4
Rating: 4.89
Vibe: Recently renovated Scandinavian lodge.
Amenities: No neighbors, walking distance to Sunnyside lodge and other dining options, walking distance to the lake and a cast-iron bathtub.
Nearby resorts: Homewood Mountain Resort (5 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (15 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (15 mins), Northstar California Resort (35 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Very modern look and furniture and very spacious and user friendly kitchen for you and all your guests … this place is huge!!”
Light-filled Contemporary House
Location: Tahoma, CA
Rooms: 4
Rating: 4.91
Vibe: Swedish multi-story bathhouse that’s actually a home.
Amenities: Lake views from two separate decks with BBQ, hot tub, heated floors, Sonos and smart TV.
Nearby resorts: Emerald Bay Hiking (15 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (25 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (25 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Views! Views! Views! This trip will be in our family’s memories for years to come. The open layout made dinners and game nights the highlight of our trip.”
Location: Tahoe City, CA
Rooms: 5
Rating: N/A – Newly launched “Luxe” property from Airbnb (which means its been vetted and verified)
Vibe: Alpine villa that was designed by Teddy Roosevelt
Amenities: Pool table, outdoor hot tub, en-suite bathrooms in all bedrooms and a terrace.
Nearby resorts: Homewood Mountain Resort (5 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (15 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (15 mins), Northstar California Resort (35 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: N/A; see rating section
Location: Homewood, CA
Rooms: 4
Rating: 4.92
Vibe: Secluded hill-top rustic home overlooking the lake
Amenities: Large fireplace, wood stove, 70” TV w/ gaming consoles, patio and hot tub, flatscreen TV in all bedrooms, espresso machine and a location across the street from the lake.
Nearby resorts: Homewood Mountain Resort (5 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (15 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (15 mins), Northstar California Resort (35 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “I would highly recommend this home for a couple’s romantic rendevouz or a family weekend. We were close to the water and to the ski slopes.”
South
Lighthus: A Contemporary Tahoe Retreat
Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Rooms: 2
Rating: 5.00
Vibe: Your friend who is into both sci-fi and wood built this place
Amenities: Stunning exterior, hot tub, baller kitchen.
Nearby resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort (5 mins), Adventure Mountain (20 mins), Sierra-at-Tahoe (25 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Spotless bed and bath, well-stocked kitchen, modern design, prompt responses, prime location, what more do you wish for?”
Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Rooms: 2
Rating: 4.98
Vibe: Humble but very nice lake cabin
Amenities: Private fenced in yard with hot tub and grill. Bathrooms are on separate floor from bedrooms.
Nearby resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort (5 mins), Adventure Mountain (20 mins), Sierra-at-Tahoe (25 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Great place to stay and the host was quick to respond with small hiccup during our stay.”
Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Rooms: 7
Rating: 4.84
Vibe: They’re gonna tell you not to party here, but you’re gonna want to party here.
Amenities: Indoor pool, sauna, movie theater, outdoor fireplaces, decked out game room and chef’s kitchen.
Nearby resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort (5 mins), Adventure Mountain (20 mins), Sierra-at-Tahoe (25 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “This house is incredible. The indoor pool, theatre room, game room, and huge open living area made it perfect for our family and a few friends to get together for ski week.”
Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Rooms: 4
Rating: 4.86
Vibe: Sit out on the dock in the morning and watch the sun come up over the mountains.
Amenities: HDTV in all bedrooms, private dock, pool table, sauna, wine cooler, kayaks and bikes for use, fireplaces.
Nearby resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort (5 mins), Adventure Mountain (20 mins), Sierra-at-Tahoe (25 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Be aware that bears visit the home daily — sometimes they just pass through, other times they stay for a while. The kitchen was well-stocked with dishes, pots, pans & utensils and drinkware.”
North
Location: Truckee, CA
Rooms: 5
Rating: 4.96
Vibe: Your friend who used to work at Noma built a home in Tahoe.
Amenities: Large deck, half-acre property, game room, wet bar, master suite, new kitchen appliances and Casper mattresses.
Nearby resorts: Tahoe Donner Ski Resort (5 mins), Boreal Mountain (15 mins), Northstar California Resort (15 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (15 mins) Sugar Bowl Mountain (25 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “We enjoyed the house with its modern and clean simplicity — reminiscent of Napa. Never stayed in an A-frame and appreciated all the natural light and tall windows.”
Freestanding Luxury A-Frame Home
Location: Incline Village, NV
Rooms: 2
Rating: 4.92
Vibe: A-Frame home just on the right side of Pinterest stardom
Amenities: Chef’s kitchen, porch and great for a couple with kids — one bedroom has two beds.
Nearby resorts: Diamond Peak Resort (5 mins), Northstar California Resort (25 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “We enjoyed the house with its modern and clean simplicity — reminiscent of Napa. Never stayed in an A-frame and appreciated all the natural light and tall windows.”
Romantic Luxury Lakeview Cabin
Location: Carnelian Bay, CA
Rooms: 1
Rating: 4.91
Vibe: Where your tasteful Silicon Valley magnate friend takes their spouse for a weekend getaway.
Amenities: Panoramic lake views, deck, recent renovation.
Nearby resorts: Northstar California Resort (20 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (20 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (20 mins), Diamond Peak Resort (22 mins), Sugar Bowl Resort (45 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “If you live for stunning views, this location does not disappoint.”
Location: Carnelian Bay, CA
Rooms: 3
Rating: 4.74
Vibe: Great for a pair of couples with way more kids than they know what to do with but don’t want to break the bank for a 6-bedroom spot — the third bedroom has sleeping for seven.
Amenities: Large wooden deck surrounded by pines, hot tub, wood burning stove
Nearby resorts: Northstar California Resort (20 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (20 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (20 mins), Diamond Peak Resort (22 mins), Sugar Bowl Resort (45 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “The open floor plan and vaulted ceiling makes it feel quite spacious. The outdoor deck is large and great for morning coffee and evening cocktails while grilling or soaking in the hot tub”
Location: Kings Beach, CA
Rooms: 2
Rating: 4.92
Vibe: 1950s A-frame cabin with an A+ view, just like the brochure says.
Amenities: Not a ton of excessive amenities; you’re staying here for the views and to disconnect. Hot tub, porch and games.
Nearby resorts: Northstar California Resort (15 mins), Diamond Peak Resort (15 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (30 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (30 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Darling little A-frame with a big beautiful view that never gets old. Hot tub nice and hot and lovely views from there too.”
Location: Carnelian Bay, CA
Rooms: 2
Rating: 4.99
Vibe: This is a titan with 250 reviews and still a 4.99 rating. Clearly the owners took a lot of care when renovating this space, as everything looks top of the line.
Amenities: Full kitchen, Sonos speakers, deck, Weber grill and access to hiking trails.
Nearby resorts: Northstar California Resort (20 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (20 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (20 mins), Diamond Peak Resort (22 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “The place was super clean with thoughtful touches. Had all the cooking supplies we needed. Kids had a blast sledding right next to the house.”
Dual Home Elevated Lakefront Villa
Location: Tahoe Vista, CA
Rooms: 7
Rating: New to Airbnb
Vibe: Ridiculous property built into a hill with a main and guest house. Newly renovated and expertly decorated. This home does not mess around.
Amenities: Large deck, bridge connecting the homes, dining wing, chef’s kitchen, wine cooler and fireplace.
Nearby resorts: Northstar California Resort (20 mins), Alpine Meadows Resort (20 mins), Squaw Valley Resort (20 mins), Diamond Peak Resort (20 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Brand new”
East
Location: Roundhill Village, NV
Rooms: 5
Rating: 4.89
Vibe: Super cozy with great linens and the comfiest of furniture.
Amenities: Chef’s kitchen, master suite w/ jacuzzi, hot tub, grill, pool table, wet bar and card room.
Nearby resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort (10 mins), Diamond Peak (35 mins), Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort (45 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Beds are extremely comfy. Felt like home away from home.”
Location: Glenbrook, NV
Rooms: 3
Rating: 4.98
Vibe: Absolutely absurd lakehouse/villa that will be everything your Instagram ever hoped for.
Amenities: Dock directly on property, pool table, sauna, hot tub, kayaks, paddleboards and a large deck.
Nearby resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort (20 mins), Diamond Peak (30 mins), Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort (45 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Amazing. The location and views of Lake Tahoe are second to none. I proposed to my girlfriend on the deck at sunset and it was absolutely perfect”
BooFré Chalét with Lake Tahoe View
Location: Zephyr Cove, NV
Rooms: 3
Rating: 5.00
Vibe: Perfect for a couples trip with young kids. Two king bedrooms and a third with two bunk beds.
Amenities: Smart TVs in all rooms, Xbox and AppleTV, lake view
Nearby resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort (10 mins), Diamond Peak (35 mins), Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort (40 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “One of the best Airbnb’s I’ve stayed at, and I’ve stayed at many around the world.”
Lake Tahoe Custom Home with Lake Views
Location: Zephyr Cove, NV
Rooms: 4
Rating: 4.92
Vibe: Great for a family or couples getaway (no bachelor parties, sorry).
Amenities: Chef’s kitchen, wine fridge, SmartTV, grill, full second-floor master bedroom, home gym, foosball and card table, hot tub.
Nearby resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort (10 mins), Diamond Peak (35 mins), Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort (40 mins)
Actual thing a reviewer said about this house: “Words don’t do this place justice, its BEYOND gorgeous, has every amenity that you could want or need, the master bedroom and bathroom upstairs is breathtaking!”
More Like This
This article was featured in the InsideHook SF newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Bay Area.
