Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaSouth Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Tropical alpine resort
South Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe, California
Renovated
2023
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Resort SocialOutside the door
The house
MargaritavilleTropical alpine resort
Coastal beach culture moves to the mountains here, swapping quiet alpine traditions for frozen drinks, lively firepits, and après-ski parties.
What it’s good at
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The Heavenly Mountain gondola sits steps from the lobby, and Stateline casinos across the Nevada border are an easy walk away.
The rooms
Every accommodation is an expansive suite featuring a separate living room finished in light, breezy coastal tones.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated indoor pool and hot tub sit beneath wave-shaped ceiling baffles, with sliding doors opening onto an outdoor patio.
The gym
Fins Up Fitness Center holds cardio and strength machines, and hosts yoga sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Restaurant
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood
Named after Jimmy Buffett, the restaurant serves USDA prime steaks and raw bar seafood beside an illuminated bar counter.
License to Chill Bar
Carved palm tree barstools surround the counter beneath the central atrium, where guests gather for cocktails by the fireplace.
At the table
Come Monday Café serves breakfast each morning, and Joe Merchant's brews specialty coffee with grab-and-go provisions.
How it began
The building opened as an Embassy Suites in 1991 before an 85-million-dollar overhaul turned it into the brand's first ski resort.
Lake Tahoe
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.