Tahoe Valley Lodge

The gas fireplaces made the cold nights really pleasant, and the log-cabin feel was cute. It was quiet and comfortable. The value felt expensive at about $500 a night, though that seemed pretty standard even for the crappiest motels around there.

Over $300 for a last-minute stay felt way too expensive for the room and location, and he wouldn't accept my AAA unless I spent $600. The inn is very small and noisy, right by the road. We heard cars until midnight, then again starting at 5 AM. There was dried milk on the comforter and rugs. The room did have a cute cabin look, but no view, which made the price hard to accept. I'm used to getting an ocean or lake view for less. Wish I'd stayed somewhere else.

We got the last room on a Saturday for $400. That felt kind of pricey, so we shut our eyes and pretended it cost $200. Demand is really high in the area, though, so it may be hard to find somewhere cheaper, and the alternatives might not be places you'd want to stay.

A charming place, with uniquely furnished rooms and a property that's clearly well looked after. The staff are kind, and the rooms are clean. Tahoe Valley Lodge was close to everything we wanted to do, and we loved staying there.