Desolation Hotel
933 Poplar St, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-6927
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Avg. RÂ 8,458 /night, 12/4 - 12/5
RÂ 23,723
per night
RÂ 16,091
per night
RÂ 8,458
per night
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5.0
#1 of 3 limited service properties in South Lake TahoeLocation
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Lake Tahoe's premier micro-resort, Desolation Hotel, is an eco-conscious wildernest featuring premium comforts and simple luxuries. Calling all modern adventurers who seek a place to land, stay, relax, and play, our thoughtfully designed townhomes, studios and suites boast unmatched amenities that complement the area’s abundant opportunities for recreation.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Hot bath
Bar / lounge
Beach
Bicycle rental
Highchairs available
Electric vehicle charging station
Car park
Sauna
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Saltwater pool
Fence around pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Outdoor dining area
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Bicycles available
Boating
Casino and Gambling
Hiking
Mini golf
Skiing
Water sport equipment rentals
Bowling offsite
Evening entertainment
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Shuttle bus service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Concierge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
24-hour front desk
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Private beach
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Sofa bed
Walk-in shower
Desk
Dining area
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Mountain view
Pool view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
Languages Spoken
English
Hotel links
Location
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 91 out of 100
91
Reno-Tahoe Intl Airport
62 km•
See all flights
61 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
66Reviews0Q+A13Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
Property's Favourite Review
I’m embarrassed I book this hotel because of the soaking tub and how it was not a typical apartment style hotel room. I was looking for quiet, pet friendly and clean place for our family of 4 plus dog. This hotel met and exceeded all of our expectations- really fell in love with this place and didn’t want to return home. The outside dining and soaking tub were very much enjoyed by our family. Staff was attentive and the I will most definitely return!
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
I will start by saying that I look on Trip Advisor and other review based sites before I book ANY hotel. I don’t take the time to leave a review unless I am impressed. The experience I just had at Desolation Hotel is worth the time and then some!
From the moment you check in, you are greeted by very friendly staff who will go out of their way to meet your needs.
We were lucky enough to stay in one of the El Dorado Townhomes. This place is brand new… it just opened on August 1, 2022. The townhomes are three levels. The bottom is a one car garage …the middle level has a full-size washer and dryer, half bathroom, full kitchenette and pull out couch. The kitchen has a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, fridge and freezer and all the dishes, silverware, pots and pans you would need!! There’s also a four person dining table on the balcony with two heaters that work very well.
Upstairs, the top level is the king size bed with a full-size bathroom with every amenity you could imagine. The floors are heated… the shower turns on with the push of a button…there’s a Jacuzzi bath tub …and even a Dyson hair dryer!
Everything is smart… the shades pull down from the push of a button, fires start from the push of a button. On the balcony of the third-floor is a stone bath tub which was my favorite part of the entire room complete with amazing views.
The setting of this boutique hotel are top notch.
We also got a tour of the other rooms which are spectacular as well.
Desolation hotel has an amazing restaurant called Maggie‘s where the staff is warm and welcoming and we even got to meet the chef.
The hotel is a five minute walk to the lake… and the property has bicycles you can ride around town. It’s walking distance from the Van sickle hiking trail and tons of shopping and restaurants and tons of live music!
It was a unique experience to be one of the first people to stay at Desolation Hotel….this place was definitely worth every penny and we will definitely be going back very soon… I can only imagine how gorgeous this place is going to look in the winter.
I am happy to share more videos and photos!
From the moment you check in, you are greeted by very friendly staff who will go out of their way to meet your needs.
We were lucky enough to stay in one of the El Dorado Townhomes. This place is brand new… it just opened on August 1, 2022. The townhomes are three levels. The bottom is a one car garage …the middle level has a full-size washer and dryer, half bathroom, full kitchenette and pull out couch. The kitchen has a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, fridge and freezer and all the dishes, silverware, pots and pans you would need!! There’s also a four person dining table on the balcony with two heaters that work very well.
Upstairs, the top level is the king size bed with a full-size bathroom with every amenity you could imagine. The floors are heated… the shower turns on with the push of a button…there’s a Jacuzzi bath tub …and even a Dyson hair dryer!
Everything is smart… the shades pull down from the push of a button, fires start from the push of a button. On the balcony of the third-floor is a stone bath tub which was my favorite part of the entire room complete with amazing views.
The setting of this boutique hotel are top notch.
We also got a tour of the other rooms which are spectacular as well.
Desolation hotel has an amazing restaurant called Maggie‘s where the staff is warm and welcoming and we even got to meet the chef.
The hotel is a five minute walk to the lake… and the property has bicycles you can ride around town. It’s walking distance from the Van sickle hiking trail and tons of shopping and restaurants and tons of live music!
It was a unique experience to be one of the first people to stay at Desolation Hotel….this place was definitely worth every penny and we will definitely be going back very soon… I can only imagine how gorgeous this place is going to look in the winter.
I am happy to share more videos and photos!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just finishing up my 3 day stay at Desolation hotel Townhome. What a great time. The facilities are state of the art, the architecture unique and natural, and the attention to detail impeccable (as a former Marine I can tell). As an avid hiker and mountain biker , I was psyched to see an in unit washer and dryer for taking care of my dusty gear and a soaking tub on the deck to soak my tired muscles . The garage is also a bonus! I also asked the manger what manufacturer made the bed, as I had the best nights of sleep in a long while. The location is perfectly situated between the lake and the town , just 2 blocks either way…or just chill at the new salt water private pool! The staff (Jack, Kylee)were kind, and super knowledgeable about mountain trails, geography, and local events. If John Muir or another serious Naturalist set out to make a cool spot to hang and chill or launch adventures in the mountains or by the lake, it would look and feel like this. Well done Eric, Richard and Desolation Team!
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: I would go now , as they are offering discounts as they just opened …
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggie’s, A sexy, tastefully done restaurant as part of the Desolation hotel, a new gold mine in Lake Tahoe. Surrounded by trees, quiet , and yet so near to the action of Tahoe. First met by Richard so very welcoming at the hotel, followed up with Elena welcoming us with a smile and a joyful exuberance at the resturant and our genuinely kind, polite, and attentive Brian the entire staff is a class act. The salads were a beautiful presentation with only the most pristine looking medley of fruits and vegetables. The scallops were cooked to absolute perfection with a combination of spinach tagliatelle and tarragon sauce. Our melon jalapeño margarita was so unexpectedly delicious with a flavor unique to this perfectly mixed cocktail. We finished off this great meal with a freshly made apple cherry tart with cinnamon brown sugar ice cream. Every bite was DELECTABLE. Compliments to the chef for all of his creations. We don’t mind paying for excellent food and excellent service in a place with such great vibes. Make your reservations because this place will be sold out now that the word is out.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â It is a part of the Desolation Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in the one of the town houses, and what an amazing stay! 5-star amenities. There was no detail left forgotten. I love that there is a charging station in the garage. The deck soaking tub was amazing, but if you dont want to be on the deck the massage tub inside is even bigger! The bed offered the best nights sleep we had in a long time. I loved all the windows and skylights to brighten everything up and the blackout shades so you can sleep in. The town house has better amenities then my own home, I really felt like I was on a pampered vacation. The location is fantastic- walking distance to everything- casinos, shops, lift, beach but off the loud busy drag of the hwy 50 bustle. It's an added bonus that one of the best restaurants, Maggie's, is on sight!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In a time when community support and family events were in need Desolation Hotel put on a fantastic event that brought the community together. The event provided such a fun environment for the children to enjoy by being outside and entertaining. It was amazing to see the children be able to themselves and forget about the traumatizing moments the month prior. The best part of the event is the amount of support given back to the community by Desolation Hotel to say THANK YOU to the first responders who saved our community. We are looking forward to Desolation Hotel opening their doors and creating some more wonderful events in the future!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of staying here and we absolutely loved it. The townhouse room was beyond our expectations. The attention to detail is throughout and the suite/property amenities are top of the line. The pool and hot tub area is perfect with plenty of comfortable seating. We had the best meals at Maggie’s, including breakfast and dinner. Lastly, the location could not be any better. We were a 5 minute walk to our concert venue at Harvey’s as well as boat/jet ski rentals and a 10 minute walk to Edgewood golf course. We will definitely stay here again the next time we visit the South shore.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
We were blown away by the hospitality of the Desolation Hotel staff; it's like one big family there to make your stay amazing. Will 100% be back!! Love the design of the rooms and the whole property, it's a slick fusion of Nordic and Asian mountain modern, from the well-appointed kitchens to the deep Japanese soaking tubs. Dinner at Maggie's on the third floor patio feels like you're in a tree house. One of the best spots anywhere for a romantic meal, and there's something for everyone (I'm vegan and my dinner partner is an omnivore). 6 stars out of 5! I hit the gym, pool, hot tub, sauna, everything except the complimentary bicycles. We did walk the neighborhood and there are a couple of hip spots to grab a drink within a block, plus you're a 5 minute walk from the Heavenly Village and gondola, which runs in winter and summer. They also have recommendations on great hiking trails, etc. so it's a perfect launching spot for Tahoe adventures year-round. They have day passes available to the beach that's a short stroll away, too. My only complaint is that my visit was too short. Don't pass go, book this place!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had an excellent stay at Desolation Hotel — this place has everything! Not only were the rooms beautiful, the bed comfortable, and the surroundings breathtaking, but it is clear that every detail has been thought through to make the guest experience above and beyond. Don't even get me started on outdoor balcony soaking tub...
The staff was extremely welcoming and had an impressive knowledge of the area; a great resource during my trip. Check-in was also seamless. It's clear that the entire staff genuinely cares about the experience their guests have, and it did not go unnoticed!
The hotel is also perfectly situated between local restaurants, the ski resort, and the beach. Everything is accessible from this absolute gem of a landing spot during your stay in Tahoe.
I can't wait to come back and visit this hotel for an extended period of time and take advantage of all of the amazing amenities. The pool and spa, sauna, fitness center to name a few....I'll definitely be back. I give this hotel a 10/10, and will be recommending it to anyone and everyone headed to Lake Tahoe looking for a relaxing space to kick their feet up and top off a long day of adventuring.
The staff was extremely welcoming and had an impressive knowledge of the area; a great resource during my trip. Check-in was also seamless. It's clear that the entire staff genuinely cares about the experience their guests have, and it did not go unnoticed!
The hotel is also perfectly situated between local restaurants, the ski resort, and the beach. Everything is accessible from this absolute gem of a landing spot during your stay in Tahoe.
I can't wait to come back and visit this hotel for an extended period of time and take advantage of all of the amazing amenities. The pool and spa, sauna, fitness center to name a few....I'll definitely be back. I give this hotel a 10/10, and will be recommending it to anyone and everyone headed to Lake Tahoe looking for a relaxing space to kick their feet up and top off a long day of adventuring.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stunning micro resort with beautifully and thoughtfully appointed rooms. Attention to detail is phenomenal. Hotel amenities, including the heated outdoor pool and spa were excellent. Lots of on site charging stations for EVs. Service was amazing, with friendly, helpful staff, although they aren’t on site in the evenings.
We stayed here with multiple families. The rooms were big and spacious for those with 3 family members, but a bit tight for those with 4, especially since we were traveling with our ski gear (lots of big suitcases). Next time, we may opt for villas, which include their own garage.
Access to skiing was pretty good. No hotel shuttle, but you can walk to the gondola by the Marriott, in about 5-10 minutes depending on whether you’re lugging gear or not. We opted to just drive to the California lodge and park there, but be sure to check to see if parking reservations are required at the ski resort.
In the evenings, it’s a quick walk to the village for food and entertainment. We also ate in the hotel restaurant one evening, and thought it was excellent.
Only suggestions for improvement might be to add Toto washlets to the bathrooms, as that would complete this as one of our favorite hotels ever!
Highly recommend!
We stayed here with multiple families. The rooms were big and spacious for those with 3 family members, but a bit tight for those with 4, especially since we were traveling with our ski gear (lots of big suitcases). Next time, we may opt for villas, which include their own garage.
Access to skiing was pretty good. No hotel shuttle, but you can walk to the gondola by the Marriott, in about 5-10 minutes depending on whether you’re lugging gear or not. We opted to just drive to the California lodge and park there, but be sure to check to see if parking reservations are required at the ski resort.
In the evenings, it’s a quick walk to the village for food and entertainment. We also ate in the hotel restaurant one evening, and thought it was excellent.
Only suggestions for improvement might be to add Toto washlets to the bathrooms, as that would complete this as one of our favorite hotels ever!
Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Walking to gondola isn’t a straight shot. You have to navigate around some large buildings, but...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"Walking to gondola isn’t a straight shot. You have to navigate around some large buildings, but it’s still a relatively short and easy walk."Read full review
"If you want to cook a bit while you are on your vacation/stay you can certainly do so here, the room kitchenette has everything you need! "Read full review
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 9,130 - RÂ 17,334 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaLake Tahoe (California)South Lake Tahoe
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingDESOLATION HOTEL - UPDATED 2024 Lodging Reviews & Price Comparison (South Lake Tahoe, CA)
Frequently Asked Questions about Desolation Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Desolation Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Gondola at Heavenly (0.4 km), The Loft Theatre (0.5 km), and Lakeside Beach (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Desolation Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Desolation Hotel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Desolation Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Desolation Hotel?
Yes, free parking, a parking garage, and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Desolation Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Tipsy Putt, Base Camp Pizza Co., and Driftwood Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Desolation Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre, a heated pool, and a sauna during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Desolation Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Desolation Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Tallac Historic Site (9.1 km), Vikingsholm (13.9 km), and Laura Springs Ranch (8.8 km).
Is Desolation Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.