At the resort
Incline Village has several hotels and condo complexes. It also has private homes that can easily sleep 12–16 people. For Incline Village accommodations, call (800) 468-2463.

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino (888-591-1234; 775-832-1234; $$$$) is a four-star luxury hotel that resembles the grand homes built in the 1920s. The resort has just undergone a multi-million dollar renovation and the lobby and rooms are wonderful, with natural pine, leather furnishings and autumn colors. The Cal-Neva Resort, Spa & Casino (800-225-6382; 775-832-4000; $$–$$$$; right) is split by the state line and once was owned by Frank Sinatra and visited by Marilyn Monroe. Every room has a lake view, the best from the deluxe suites on the top three floors. There are also honeymoon bungalows with heart-shaped tubs, round beds and mirrored ceilings. The Tahoe Biltmore Casino (800-245-8667; 775-831-0660; $$) in Crystal Bay has midweek ski packages with Diamond Peak, including a lift ticket, lodging, a full breakfast and transportation to and from the slopes.

The Inn at Incline Motor Lodge and Condominiums (800-824-6391; $$; below left) has more modest facilities but rooms are comfortable and there's an indoor pool and hot tub. Haus Bavaria (800-731-6222; $$–$$$$) is a European-style guest house with five rooms and Crystal Bay Motel (775-831-0287; $–$$) is an economy property near casinos.

Lake Tahoe's North Shore
The North Shore is relatively quiet. The North Shore has bed-and-breakfast inns, cabins on the lake, plush or spartan condominiums, and medium-sized casino hotels—a place for everyone. The best source for lodging-and-lift packages is North Lake Tahoe Resort Association Lodging Information & Reservations, (888) 434-1262 or (530) 583-3494; its website is www.mytahoevacation.com. The agency also can suggest private homes and condos.

The most upscale bed-and-breakfast is the Rockwood Lodge (800-538-2463; 530-525-5273; $$–$$$$), originally built in the mid-1930s. There are four rooms, two with private bath. It has antique furnishings, plush carpet, brass-and-porcelain bath fixtures, and down comforters on the beds. The lodge is next to the Ski Homewood Ski Area, on the west shore of Tahoe about 7 miles south of Tahoe City. This is a no-smoking inn and does not accept children.

The Mayfield House (530-583-1001; $$$), another B&B, was once a private residence in Tahoe City. The atmosphere is elegant and romantic, and full breakfasts come with the rate. Each of the rooms has a private bath.

Other B&Bs that are recommended are The Cottage Inn (800-581-4073; 530-581-4073; $$$) in Tahoe City; The Shore House (800-207-5160; 530-546-7270; $$$) in Tahoe Vista; or Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast (530-525-1553; $$–$$$$) in Homewood.

Just south of Tahoe City is the Sunnyside Lodge (530-583-7200, or in California only, 800-822-2754; $$$; below right), directly on the lake. There are 23 rooms, all with a lake view and a few rooms have fireplaces. No. 39 makes a great honeymoon suite—it has a four- to six-week waiting list. This is an excellent property with a lively apres-ski bar and a good restaurant, the Chris Craft.

Perhaps the most luxury for the money on the North Shore can be found in the Tahoe Vista Inn & Marina (530-546-7662; $$$) in Tahoe Vista. The six units here are spectacular and sited directly on the lake.

The Granlibakken Resort & Conference Center (800-543-3221; $$–$$$$) in Tahoe City is a great place to stay. Lodging is in 160 privately owned suites and townhouses and some feature a kitchen and fireplace. Sizes start at one bedroom and top out at a six-bedroom, six-bath townhouse. Two saunas and an outdoor spa are on site. The lovely complex sits on a hill among towering pines and red firs, next to the site of a former ski jump used for the 1932 Olympic tryouts. Two cross-country ski trails and a beginner's Alpine hill also can be found here. Ski packages are available with Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

For families or anyone looking for a great deal, North Lake Lodge (530-546-2731; $$), in Kings Beach only a few feet from the shore, is one of the oldest hotels but still in great shape. Continental breakfast is included and the shuttles stop just across the street.

River Ranch (530-583-4264; $$) on Hwy. 89 near Alpine Meadows is another moderately priced lodge. This historic ski lodge sits on the banks of the Truckee River and rooms are furnished with early American antiques. Continental breakfast is included, and the shuttles for Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are nearby. A rushing river lulls you to sleep.

The town of Truckee is convenient to Northstar and Sugar Bowl. For real western authenticity, try The Truckee Hotel (800-659-6921; 530-587-4444; $$), welcoming guests since 1873. Mostly it housed timber and railroad workers, but one of the residents was a madam who reportedly ran a little business on the side. It was ren-ovated in 1992, but you'll still feel like you're sleeping in the Old West. Eight of the 37 rooms have private baths, including old-fashioned, claw-footed tubs. Some rooms are large enough to sleep six. Breakfast and afternoon tea served in the parlor are included with the B&B rates.

The Richardson House (888-229-0365; 530-587-5388; $$$) is a B&B in Truckee that was built in the 1880s as a private residence. It has been fully restored. Six of the eight rooms have private baths. A full breakfast buffet is included, as well as 24-hour access to the "refreshment center." Beds and comforters are feather-filled.

Another recommended lodge is the Best Western Truckee Tahoe Inn (800-824-6385; 530-587-4525; $$), about a mile outside downtown Truckee, with 100 rooms and large complimentary breakfast.

Accommodations—Reno
Reno offers big-time casino atmosphere closer to the North Shore and at lower prices than you'll find surrounding the lake. Reno also has a planetarium and two major museums, and is 30–45 minutes by car from the North Shore resorts. This is a good place to stay if you want to save some serious money and have a big enough group to split a rental car cost. Some hotels have ski shuttles, but most visitors here probably will want a car. Reno Central Reservations is at (888) 448-7366.Click here for a lodging search for Reno and Lake Tahoe.

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less