Best Pool Hotels in Lake Tahoe

Sitting on the edge of Lake Tahoe's northern shore in Incline Village, Nevada, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino remains a guest favorite because it offers a generous sampling of Tahoe pastimes like gambling, boating and swimming. This large resort provides access to a private lake-beach, boat tours and fishing trips. During the cooler months, visitors can enjoy the lake views from the cozy outdoor fire pits after a day of skiing. Inside the warmth of your own quarters, you'll find an iPod docking station, a minibar and a  flat-screen TV. But despite all of the on-site amenities, which are made possible by a $36 resort fee, guests claim that the best part about staying at this Hyatt property is the warm, friendly staff. What's more, members of Hyatt's rewards program can accrue and redeem points here.

Sweeping mountain vistas and rustic furnishings are just two of the many reasons why guests are drawn to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Others include fantastic customer service, great food and a sumptuous atmosphere. With a ski-in/ski-out location near the shores of Lake Tahoe, California, this Ritz allows visitors prime access to the slopes and two nearby championship golf courses. As for the hotel itself, on-site amenities include a tranquil spa and several gourmet restaurants. As far as lodging goes, recent guests raved about the large rooms, comfy beds and beautiful setting. Rooms and suites adopt a mountain lodge feel with stone fireplaces, wood trim and beautiful views. Guests generally loved their stay here, however, some visitors lamented the resort fee, especially given the hotel's high room rates. Marriott Bonvoy members can use points to keep costs down, though.

Surrounded by lush mountain areas, a golf course and a variety of outdoor amenities, the Resort at Squaw Creek provides the ultimate escape. Those looking to explore can enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to Squaw Valley Ski Resort, heated pools and a water slide, an ice-skating rink, and hiking and biking trails. (A resort fee covers most amenities.) While those looking to settle in can take advantage of the property’s elegant accommodations, featuring pillow-top beds, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and coffee makers. Suites add gas fireplaces, kitchenettes, and stereos. There are also penthouses, which features washer/dryers. An on-site hydroponic garden supplies the resort’s several eateries, including a fine-dining steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, a casual pub, a patisserie and a poolside bar. Additional amenities include a fitness center, a full-service spa, a children’s program, a shopping center and event space. Recent guests rave about the amenities and sweeping views, but a few of them note that the property's $25 resort fee is a bummer.

Located along the South Shore in Lake Tahoe, about 60 miles south of Reno, Nevada, the Landing Resort & Spa is a 77-room lakefront hotel. Guest rooms here boast heated bathroom floors, flat-screen TVs and fireplaces. The resort's location makes for a good spot for travelers craving outdoor pursuits, including skiing, snowmobiling, swimming at the nearby beach, fishing and golfing. Plus, the hotel puts guests within easy reach of Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, South Tahoe's casinos and Heavenly Mountain Resort, a popular ski resort. Recent visitors praise the hotel's lakeside location and the California cuisine served on-site at Jimmy's Restaurant. Other on-site features include a spa, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a 2,000 wine vault. Overall, the Landing Resort & Spa makes for an upscale home base for those looking to enjoy the many outdoor activities in Lake Tahoe, though some guests lamented the $25 daily resort fee tacked onto their final bill.

Located in South Lake Tahoe (on the California side of the lake), the spacious lodgings at the Grand Residences by Marriott are ideal for vacationing families. Skiers appreciate that the gondola up to the Heavenly Ski Resort is just steps from the front door. When you need to thaw, take a dip in the hotel's heated pool or hot tub. Because this is a Grand Residence, the rooms are owned by Marriott Vacation Club members, meaning that the amenities resemble those of timeshares more than hotel rooms; you'll get a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Even though the resort does not charge for Wi-Fi usage, the $29 per day valet parking fee galled many recent guests. This property is a Marriott Bonvoy category 8, meaning that members need at least 35,000 points to book a free night.

Perched on the California-Nevada border, this casino resort in Stateline, Nevada, is great for Lake Tahoe visitors looking to test the kindness of Lady Luck. The on-site casino's slots and table games afford plenty of ways to win (or lose) big, and visitors agree that the facility makes for a good few hours of play. Guests at Harrah's Lake Tahoe also enjoy the nightly entertainment found in the South Shore Room and the PEEK Nightclub. And for a quieter experience, you can get a massage at Reflections The Spa or lounge by the indoor pool. The rooms aren't too shabby either with Gilchrist & Soames bath products and 300-thread-count sheets.

Neighboring Harrah's in Stateline, Nevada, Harveys Lake Tahoe is another good home base for both gamers and skiers. The casino floor boasts a variety of slot machines and table games, as well as a race and sportsbook center. The hotel also has an on-site pool, concert venues, and nightlife options (many of which it shares with Harrah's). Guests agree that these common areas are both convenient and stylish. But when it comes to the quality of the rooms and their limited amenities, recent guests said that Harveys could still use some work. Visitors say the accommodations are in desperate need of an update and several say their experience was "nothing special."

If you've come to Lake Tahoe for snow, you can't get much closer than this. Marriott's Timber Lodge in South Lake Tahoe sits in close proximity from the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, offering guests prime access to one of the region's most popular ski areas. Guests can also easily access the Heavenly Gondola, which provides a scenic trip to the ski runs. The hotel itself is modeled after the quintessential ski lodge, with a cabin-like exterior and a steamy hot tub to help you thaw out after a day on the slopes. Guests love the villa-style lodgings, saying that the in-suite dining areas and kitchenettes, as well as the separate living and sleeping areas, gave this resort a homey feel. And if you've got kids in tow, the lodge offers a variety of activities and videogame systems to help every member of your family have fun. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points at this property.