First opened in the 1970s, the Best Choice Inn South Lake Tahoe is a retro two-floor motor inn with wooden shingles lining the side of the building. The owner-operated hotel sits on a small lawn with a few pine trees surrounding the property. Carpeted hallways with pictures hung on walls are dimly lit. The small lobby is old-fashioned with a couple of chairs, but the no-frills, functional space doesn’t invite lounging. Overall the hotel appeals to budget travelers seeking a central location in South Lake Tahoe.

This hotel’s greatest asset is its location in South Lake Tahoe, an area that’s within easy walking distance of the beach, Heavenly gondola, and casinos. The Montbleu Resort, Harrah's Lake Tahoe, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino are all within walking distance. There are other motels in the immediate area, which is also home to an Applebee’s, Starbucks, Heavenly Village Cinemas, and the Tahoe Crescent V Shopping Center. The Lakeside Marina -- where boat trips are offered -- is five minutes on foot. Performances at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey's are 10 minutes away. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is over an hour by car.

Spacious rooms mix old-fashioned and modern touches, and furnishings are generally well-maintained. Some rooms are more dated than others and have tube TVs. Carved wooden headboards, floral touches, and upholstered chairs add a little bit of a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere, although there’s no breakfast service here. However, Standard Rooms may request coffee and a danish in the morning, pillow choices, and birthday extras. Budget and Economy Rooms don’t provide special perks. Views overlook the parking lot or residential streets. Every room has a coffeemaker, microwave, free Wi-Fi, AC, and mini-fridge, and some have a writing desk, plus housekeeping is offered daily. Simple bathrooms have exterior sinks with little buckets of toiletries -- toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more -- and shower/tub combos. 

The Best Choice Inn South Lake Tahoe is a no-frills hotel that simply offers friendly front desk service and a small parking lot at the rear of the hotel. The owners can help with recommending restaurants or nearby sights. There are also brochures in the lobby, which has an old tube TV and a couple of chairs. Pets are allowed in rooms for an additional charge. Wi-Fi is available for free in rooms.