Alder Inn  

In South Lake Tahoe, minutes from Lakeside Beach and Lakeside Marina and a quick 5-minute drive to the Heavenly Gondola. This family-owned ski hotel sits about 3 km from the city center and is close to the Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Ski Resort.

Twenty-four individually decorated guestrooms mix modern plush furnishings with princess-quality bedding and pillowtop mattresses. Rooms include refrigerators, microwaves, bathrobes and 32-inch flat-screen TVs, while bathrooms offer designer toiletries. A terrace lets you soak up mountain-and-lake air, and staff are available in English and Spanish.

Swim in the pool, play ping-pong, or relax in the picnic and barbecue area. On-site perks include complimentary wireless internet, free self parking, concierge service, express check-in/out, ski storage and a complimentary ski shuttle to the slopes. Wake up to lake-and-mountain mornings and make the most of this ski-friendly, family-owned base.