The TrailHead

2.0 star property
Hotel near Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe

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Photo gallery for The TrailHead

Lake view
King Bed w/ Spa | Bathroom | Free toiletries, hair dryer, towels, soap
Snow and ski sports
Family Suite | Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished
Honeymoon Suite | Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
3892 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
  • Place, Heavenly Gondola
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, The Shops at Heavenly Village
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Lakeside Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

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

Honeymoon Suite

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

King - Jetted Tub

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

King Bed w/ Spa

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

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About the neighborhood

South Lake Tahoe

Near beach, shopping .You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Heavenly Gondola and 2 miles (3 km) of Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe with a stay here. Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino and Bally's Lake Tahoe Spa 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
  • Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Lakeside Beach - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • Reno Tahoe Intl. Airport (RNO) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Base Camp Pizza Co. - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Stateline Brewery & Restaurant - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬12 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.

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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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 Apr 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The TrailHead on May 4, 2026 start from $94, including 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 5 mi (10-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 Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino (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 1.7 mi away from South Lake Tahoe.

The TrailHead Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 165 out of 654 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 175 out of 654 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 121 out of 654 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 654 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 103 out of 654 reviews

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Luis

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jesica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were so friendly and helpful and the price was unbeatable!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

Nagendra

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Didn’t get 2 rooms check in details, forced us to find alternate hotel first night When we checked in 2nd night, carpet was wet , tv signal was terrible, no chair to sit in the room, commode was dirty, etc
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Miriam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Everything was perfect
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alyson

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

DENNY

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a tale of two cities. Our first night was awful. We were assigned a room that we learned later had not been used in a "couple of months." Noone was there after hours (it's a 8:30-5:30 situation & you get the key from a lock box). The room we were assigned was a paired down version of a hotel room, basic uncomfortable beds, was not cleaned well (wax and stains on the comforters, hair in bed sheets, dirty sink) and it reeked of cat urine. Two of the lamps were not working, and the floor creaked badly and had obvious depressions near the closet. The cat smell was overwhelming, our kids cried and we were near abandoning ship and going somewhere else but all other options were $420+/night at last minute, so we suffered it out and send an email through hotels.com to the management. To their credit, they called us the next morning as soon as they got into the office, reassigned us to a new room and were very apologetic and gave us a discount on the stay. The new room was like a whole new world- clean, more comfortable beds, no odor of pets/cats, functioning lights and appliances, wall decor, nice newer bed covers, and felt more like what we had experienced the first time we stayed here back in 2021. So I pumped up my review based on this change- I think we were assigned that room as an oversight. We did learn that there are people living in this motel full time as residents, and we suspect it is being used as transitional housing, be aware if your travelling with kids.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Amber

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was dirty, smelled and there was people smoking outside. Didn't feel comfortable having my kids at the hotel. We ended up getting a different hotel down the street.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Eric

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jhon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Muy buen ssrbvicio
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Wei-Yin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’ was perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Mahsa

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was clean but the mattress was deplorable. Like sleeping in a taco shell, no support. Staff was incredibly friendly and polite. Without them our trip would have been miserable.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Sai Teja

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Do something with the huge blind spots while coming out of the parking lot. Really hard to see who is coming
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Emilie

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

eliud

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roman

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Fatima

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rahul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Overall good.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Steven

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Run down.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Artemio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

kyle

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lori, South San Francisco

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Dirty and old
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Dylan

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

CHARLOTTE

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Large room, clean
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025