The hype
Families love the extra space and location, but everyone hates the nickel-and-diming on parking and breakfast.
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
$150-300+ (plus ~$57 resort fee & ~$40-60 valet)/ night
Book this if You want a spacious, family-friendly suite steps from the Heavenly Gondola and don't mind trading mountain cabin vibes for Jimmy Buffett kitsch.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location: 2-minute walk to the Heavenly Gondola
- All-suite rooms give families separate living areas
- Indoor heated pool and hot tub (a hit with kids)
Quick Take: A convenient, spacious basecamp for Tahoe adventures that tries hard to distract you from its high fees with parrot decor and dad jokes.
Reviewed by @jillsfoodtravels: I couldn't believe how spacious my suite was—having a separate living area made such a difference. Watching the sun go down over the snowy peaks from my balcony was the highlight of the trip. It’s the perfect mix of island vibes and mountain adventure.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'island vibe' feels out of place to some in a snowy forest, and the pool often gets cloudy and overcrowded with kids.
- You need a separate living room for the kids to sleep in
- You refuse to carry skis more than 100 yards
- You enjoy a lively, slightly cheesy resort atmosphere
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.2
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, but reports of missed spots and dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Surface clean, but grout and drains show age. Shower noise is the bigger issue.
- Maintenance: Fresh coat of paint on an old building. Elevators are fast, but plumbing is loud.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality. Nothing plush, but clean.
- Odors & scents: Heavy use of 'tropical' air freshener in lobby; rooms are generally neutral but can be dry.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud plumbing: You will hear your neighbor's shower
- Atrium noise: Sounds from the lobby/bar echo up to hallway rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is NOT included and costs ~$20-$39/person
- Ski valet is included in the resort fee—use it!
- The 'lake view' is often just a view of other buildings with a sliver of blue
What to pack
- Humidifier (rooms get very dry in winter)
- Microwavable meals? NO. Pack cold snacks instead.
- Earplugs (for the shower noise)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premium King Suite: Upper floors for better views and less atrium noise
- Corner Suites: Slightly more layout privacy
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor atrium-facing rooms: Noisier and darker
- Rooms near the elevator: High foot traffic noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love a room on a high floor (7th or above) facing the mountains, away from the elevator and atrium noise. If possible, a corner unit for extra quiet.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there free parking?
No. Valet only, $40-$60/night. No self-parking on site.
Is breakfast free?
No. The buffet at Come Monday Café is pricey ($20+ for adults).
Is the pool heated?
Yes, it's an indoor heated pool, open year-round.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, if it's under 30 lbs. Fee is ~$75/night.
How far is the gondola?
Extremely close. About a 2-minute walk across the street.
Do rooms have microwaves?
No. This is a frequent complaint. Only a mini-fridge and coffee maker.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Adults-only pool hours: The pool/hot tub is adults-only (18+) from 10 PM to midnight.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast: Walk to Driftwood Cafe or Sprouts for better, cheaper food.
- ✨
Happy Hour: LandShark Bar & Grill has decent happy hour deals if you want a cheap drink on-site.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Shower Share': Walls are thin enough that you'll know exactly when your neighbor is showering.
💡The Microwave Void: Families are baffled by the lack of microwaves in 'suites' designed for families.
💡Boomer Energy: The decor and jokes ('License to Chill') feel like a 1990s time capsule.
💡Pool Soup: The pool can get visibly cloudy/murky during peak family times.
💡Resort Credit Math: The $25 daily credit included in your fee doesn't roll over and can be tricky to redeem correctly.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is located and what's nearby.