Pros
- In a quiet location within walking distance to the lake
- Nicely equipped rooms with Keurigs, microwaves, robes, and mini-fridges
- Nice outdoor pool that’s heated and surrounded by mountains landscaping
- Fun recreation area with ping pong, horseshoe pit, and bocce ball court
- Outdoor whirlpool that’s open year round
- Fleet of bicycles that guests are welcome to use
- Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome (a con for some)
- Lovely picnic area with grills, tables, and a gas fire pit
- Free coffee in the lobby all day
Cons
- Motel-style property with exterior corridors
- No elevator service to second-floor rooms
- No food is served on the premises (including breakfast)
- Rooms do not have air-conditioning (although windows open)
- No fitness center, guest laundry room, or restaurant
Bottom Line
The lower-middle-range Alder Inn is a solid choice for families and other travelers seeking affordable accommodations in a central South Lake Tahoe location. This 24-room, family-run property enjoys a quiet location amidst towering pines that’s still a short walk to the lake and a brief drive to the Nevada casinos and the gondola at Heavenly Mountain Resort. It’s a two-story, motel-style property with exterior corridors, no elevator, and limited amenities. But it does have a nice heated pool, whirlpool, and outdoor recreation and picnic area with many games. Rooms are clean and individually decorated with contemporary furnishings including Keurig coffeemakers, microwaves, robes, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Rates are attractive, but don’t include breakfast (no food is available on site). It's worth comparing rates with the nearby Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Internet
- Pool
Scene
Relaxed, family-run and family-friendly motel surrounded by towering pines
This friendly, family-run property hosts families and couples year-round on skiing or hiking adventures around world-famous Lake Tahoe. It’s a cozy and casual place with two floors surrounded by towering pines and lovely mountains. Flags representing several countries that fly around the motel announce that international travelers are welcome (and often seen). In warm weather, the pool and outdoor recreation areas teem with families enjoying fun time together. Two Adirondack-style chairs that are made partially by skis reflect the motel’s proximity to the thrilling slopes that make Tahoe a winter destination. Inside the small and modest lobby, guests are often greeted by the owners’ curious pet dog.
Location
In a quiet setting in South Lake Tahoe, within walking distance to the lake
The Alder Inn is located in South Lake Tahoe, just off the main road (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) that takes drivers to the casinos on the Nevada state line in four minutes. It’s about a five-minute walk to the lake’s shores, and several restaurants are between the Inn and the lake. The Inn enjoys a quiet setting amidst towering pines, with a mix of other motels and cabins as well as residential units. It’s a five-minute drive to the gondola at Heavenly Mountain Resort, and hiking and wildlife viewing at Washoe Meadows State Park is seven minutes away by car. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is a 70-minute drive.
Rooms
Clean and individually decorated, with Keurig coffeemakers, robes, mini-fridges, and microwaves
For being former motel rooms, the units at the Alder Inn have been nicely updated with modern decor. All 24 rooms are individually decorated, and many have fun themes, whether it's Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe or activities like skiing. But none of the themes are overwhelming and they're typically conveyed with colorful artwork (such as famous film stills) and vibrant accent colors. Playful details, like throw pillows printed with slogans or bed spreads in zigzag patterns, kick up the decor another notch. Despite their individuality, the rooms have some common elements, such as brown patterned carpet and light beige walls. Simple, wood and white acrylic vanities also are placed outside the smallish bathrooms that have tile floors and white acrylic shower/tub inserts. Most bathrooms have windows that open, which is fortunate since the rooms don’t have air-conditioning (fans are provided). But apart from AC, rooms are exceedingly well equipped for their rates, with Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, robes, 32-inch, and flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi and snacks also are provided. The rooms are clean and have ample space for comfort at approximately 350 square feet. Kings, Queens, and Double Queens are available, and all of the rooms that we saw had some type of seating other than the Double Queen. (The Queen we inspected had a desk with chair, and one of the Kings had a leather futon.) Views of the lovely grounds are pleasant, and rooms stay generally quiet.
Features
Heated pool/whirlpool, outdoor games/picnic area, and free parking and Wi-Fi
This cozy, family-run motel places an emphasis on family fun and relaxation, starting with an outdoor recreation area that features a horseshoe pit, bocce ball and basketball courts, ping-pong table, and a picnic area with multiple grills. It also has a fleet of bicycles that guests can use free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. The whirlpool is open year-round, while the heated pool is open seasonally. Both are outdoors and surrounded by lovely landscaping, loungers, and tables. And the sundeck here holds its own appeal, set with comfy furniture that overlooks the pool. Guests also can enjoy the gas fire pit when the air gets chilly. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day, but it's worth noting that there's no other food or drink served on the premises, including breakfast. On-site parking and Wi-Fi are free as well. Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome with a non-refundable deposit.
Scene
Relaxed, family-run and family-friendly motel surrounded by towering pines
This friendly, family-run property hosts families and couples year-round on skiing or hiking adventures around world-famous Lake Tahoe. It’s a cozy and casual place with two floors surrounded by towering pines and lovely mountains. Flags representing several countries that fly around the motel announce that international travelers are welcome (and often seen). In warm weather, the pool and outdoor recreation areas teem with families enjoying fun time together. Two Adirondack-style chairs that are made partially by skis reflect the motel’s proximity to the thrilling slopes that make Tahoe a winter destination. Inside the small and modest lobby, guests are often greeted by the owners’ curious pet dog.
Location
In a quiet setting in South Lake Tahoe, within walking distance to the lake
The Alder Inn is located in South Lake Tahoe, just off the main road (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) that takes drivers to the casinos on the Nevada state line in four minutes. It’s about a five-minute walk to the lake’s shores, and several restaurants are between the Inn and the lake. The Inn enjoys a quiet setting amidst towering pines, with a mix of other motels and cabins as well as residential units. It’s a five-minute drive to the gondola at Heavenly Mountain Resort, and hiking and wildlife viewing at Washoe Meadows State Park is seven minutes away by car. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is a 70-minute drive.
Rooms
Clean and individually decorated, with Keurig coffeemakers, robes, mini-fridges, and microwaves
For being former motel rooms, the units at the Alder Inn have been nicely updated with modern decor. All 24 rooms are individually decorated, and many have fun themes, whether it's Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe or activities like skiing. But none of the themes are overwhelming and they're typically conveyed with colorful artwork (such as famous film stills) and vibrant accent colors. Playful details, like throw pillows printed with slogans or bed spreads in zigzag patterns, kick up the decor another notch. Despite their individuality, the rooms have some common elements, such as brown patterned carpet and light beige walls. Simple, wood and white acrylic vanities also are placed outside the smallish bathrooms that have tile floors and white acrylic shower/tub inserts. Most bathrooms have windows that open, which is fortunate since the rooms don’t have air-conditioning (fans are provided). But apart from AC, rooms are exceedingly well equipped for their rates, with Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, robes, 32-inch, and flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi and snacks also are provided. The rooms are clean and have ample space for comfort at approximately 350 square feet. Kings, Queens, and Double Queens are available, and all of the rooms that we saw had some type of seating other than the Double Queen. (The Queen we inspected had a desk with chair, and one of the Kings had a leather futon.) Views of the lovely grounds are pleasant, and rooms stay generally quiet.
Features
Heated pool/whirlpool, outdoor games/picnic area, and free parking and Wi-Fi
This cozy, family-run motel places an emphasis on family fun and relaxation, starting with an outdoor recreation area that features a horseshoe pit, bocce ball and basketball courts, ping-pong table, and a picnic area with multiple grills. It also has a fleet of bicycles that guests can use free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. The whirlpool is open year-round, while the heated pool is open seasonally. Both are outdoors and surrounded by lovely landscaping, loungers, and tables. And the sundeck here holds its own appeal, set with comfy furniture that overlooks the pool. Guests also can enjoy the gas fire pit when the air gets chilly. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day, but it's worth noting that there's no other food or drink served on the premises, including breakfast. On-site parking and Wi-Fi are free as well. Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome with a non-refundable deposit.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
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Airport Transportation
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Concierge
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Free Breakfast
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Internet
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Laundry
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Pool
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