The TrailHead

2.0 star property
Hotel near Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The TrailHead

Lake view
Property entrance
King Bed w/ Spa | Bathroom | Free toiletries, hair dryer, towels, soap
Snow and ski sports
View from room

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
3892 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
  • Heavenly Gondola
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Lakeside Beach
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

King - Jetted Tub

  • 301 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

King Bed w/ Spa

  • 350 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Honeymoon Suite

  • 398 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 301 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • 301 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

South Lake Tahoe

Near beach, shopping .You'll find Heavenly Gondola and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe within a 15-minute walk of this South Lake Tahoe hotel. Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Lakeside Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Heavenly Gondola - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • The Shops at Heavenly Village - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Lakeside Beach - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Reno Tahoe Intl. Airport (RNO) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Base Camp Pizza Co. - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Stateline Brewery & Restaurant - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Driftwood Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Landshark Bar & Grill - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza - ‬10 min walk

About this property

The TrailHead

Hotel near Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe
As a guest of The TrailHead, you'll find a terrace, a vending machine, and ski storage. Public spaces have free WiFi. The TrailHead also features a picnic area, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this South Lake Tahoe hotel.

  • 36 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1949
  • Ski equipment storage
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Terrace
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
The TrailHead offers 36 accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium satellite channels.

This South Lake Tahoe hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary toiletries and blackout drapes/curtains.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Ski shuttle nearby
  • Free secured self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site

Things to do

  • Ski storage
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out fee: USD 15.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Sunday - Thursday (8:30 AM - 4:00 PM) and Friday - Saturday (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 4:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out fee: USD 15.00

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Vagabond Inn Lake Tahoe
Vagabond Inn Motel Lake Tahoe
TrailHead Motel South Lake Tahoe
TrailHead South Lake Tahoe
Vagabond Inn South Lake Tahoe Hotel South Lake Tahoe
The TrailHead Hotel
The TrailHead South Lake Tahoe
The TrailHead Hotel South Lake Tahoe

Frequently asked questions

How close is The TrailHead to the airport?

The TrailHead is 6.2 mi (14-min drive) away from the Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The TrailHead?

As of Sep 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The TrailHead on Sep 7, 2025 start from $59.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The TrailHead have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The TrailHead.

How close is The TrailHead to the beach?

This hotel is 0.7 mi (2-min drive) from Lakeside Beach and 4.9 mi (9-min drive) from Zephyr Cove Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The TrailHead offer free breakfast?

The TrailHead does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The TrailHead?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe (15-min walk) and Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe (17-min walk) are nearby.

What time is check-in at The TrailHead?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at The TrailHead?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does The TrailHead have a pool?

The TrailHead does not have a pool.

Does The TrailHead have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The TrailHead to downtown South Lake Tahoe?

The TrailHead is 1.8 mi away from South Lake Tahoe.

The TrailHead Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 149 out of 612 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 165 out of 612 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 117 out of 612 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 87 out of 612 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 94 out of 612 reviews

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, OJAI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff really went above and beyond to be helpful. They let me leave my car for several days while I was backpacking and they were very kind and accommodating. The room was very clean and comfortable. It was quiet and it’s an easy walk to shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a 5 star luxury resort, this isn’t it but if you need a comfortable, inexpensive place while in S. Tahoe this is a great spot.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, OJAI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Helpful staff, great location, good parking and the room is comfortable and has everything I need.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Shrey

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place in a great location Raymond was a good host Very helpful no hassles at all
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tiaan

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great staff, let me keep my car in the lot after checkout. clean room, basic but met all needs.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Israel

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alida

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was so dirty, full of dog hair, the smell was so bad, we try to contact the manager but she didn’t answer. Really bad property
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Maria

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Josh

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Sankalp, Belmont

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Paige

Business traveler
Liked: Room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Pam

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The cleaning crew missed an inhaler on the floor. So I have to wonder how well they actually cleaned.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Traveled with group
Staff was so nice. We were allowed to check in 3 hours early.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

henry

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Julio, Del Rey

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Last minute reservation. Cheapest option. Property is old and had issues with the shower clogging up. Staff was great and responsive.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hong

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
great location for skiing. good condition for the price
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

NAOUFEL

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room smelling weed all the time. There are NO Smoking signs on rooms doors but people are smoking weed and cigarettes anyway. The carpet was stinky and shower was so small i barely fit in it. Wifi kept dropping alaso
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Anthony

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great communication and easy to get to.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherlyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Edith

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The bedding ( comforter) was smelling so bad.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Juan

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
this place has a terrible cleanness, the only thing that it did look clean where the towels and the garbage that had new bags, after looking inside the room I try to geet another room at some other place, but I wasn't able to find one, so I had no choice, lucky brought my own blanket and pillow, I could not take a shower, the stand up shower was so nasty I could not stand bare feet on it, find some place else to stay definitely, not here.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Jenna

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Daniela

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room for the price was ok. There was chipped paint all over the carpet from the bathroom to the closet side. The nightstand was sticky and dirty. The bathroom floor was not swept, by the bathroom window it was dusty and the window was hard to open. We also found a big hardware nail on the carpet next to one of the beds.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jenny Lynn

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our room is really dirty the bathroom still has poop in it when we checked in. Not safe specially with kids. Terrible place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025