For over 30 years, the adult-only Secrets Inn has been geared toward budget-minded couples seeking a quiet, romantic escape, but the older-looking exterior can be off-putting and does not reflect the well-maintained and updated rooms. Surrounded by pine trees, the two-story hotel features a tan exterior with green railings that line outdoor hallways. Stairwells and hallways have noticeable dings and dents. Interiors are pleasant and cozy, however, with lots of pinewood and leather furniture. A sloped wooden ceiling and wood-burning stove create a chalet-like atmosphere in the lobby, which is shared with the hotel's sister property, the Heavenly Inn, located right next door.

Located off Highway 50, the hotel is in the South Lake Tahoe and within walking distance of many attractions, including the Heavenly gondola and Stateline casinos on the California/Nevada border. The front desk provides an audio CD guide with information on the city and a free pass to a private beach that’s three blocks away. Casual dining surrounds the hotel and the Tahoe Crescent V Shopping Center is about four blocks on foot. There are trails for mountain biking about a 20-minute walk away (or four-minute drive). Heavenly Mountain Resort is a 10-minute drive, while Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Homewood Mountain Resort are about 40 minutes and an hour away by car, respectively. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about an hour away.

The comfortably furnished suites are small, but feature cozy mountain lodge decor with wooden furniture, carpeting, and pops of red pillows and curtains. There’s a romantic air in rooms thanks to fireplaces, heart-shaped whirlpool tubs, and glass walk-in showers that face king beds. Every room offers free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, irons/ironing boards, hairdryers, wine glasses and ice buckets, free iPad rentals, and most (except Tahoe Suites) have mini-fridges and microwaves. Some rooms also have sitting areas. The Alpine Suite is particularly attractive, with a chalet-like feel due to pinewood ceilings and walls as well as log furniture, plus the bathroom has a red heart-shaped whirlpool tub and a couples' shower. Thin walls and ceilings mean that rooms can get noise. Also, some guests complain of firm mattresses.

Despite its central location, the Secrets Inn maintains a rural atmosphere with pine trees surrounding the property. A small lawn bordering the outdoor parking lot has a fire pit surrounded by rattan chairs and a hammock. The lobby offers lounge space as well, but it's shared with the neighboring sister hotel. Cold drinks, beer, and Champagne are for sale here, and free baked treats as well as tea and coffee are provided daily. Though there's no restaurant on-site, the inn provides a discount to the nearby Lew Mar Nels restaurant.  Guests also have access to a computer and a printer in the lobby. Beach chairs, towels, and other supplies are provided. Parking is available in front of the hotel and at the rear of the property, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.