The TrailHead

Property class: 2

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The TrailHead

A clear lake with rocky shores and a mountain in the background.
A dog partially buried in snow with a metal structure in the background.
A wooden table with a lamp, a wooden chair, and a bathtub.
A cozy hotel room with a wooden headboard, a large bed with a brown and white bedspread, two bedside lamps, and a framed picture on the wall.
A compact kitchen with a wooden countertop, a sink, a microwave, and a small refrigerator. There are framed pictures on the wall and a window with blinds.

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • 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

You may also like

About the neighborhood

South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Gondola is a short stroll from The TrailHead, and other popular attractions like Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe are within a mile (2 km). The 36 rooms at this hotel include microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and premium bedding.

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
  • ‪Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The TrailHead

The TrailHead features free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. Free parking is available if you drive. Additional amenities include a terrace, a picnic area, and a vending machine.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Microwaves and ironing boards are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • Vending machine

Outdoors

  • In a nature reserve
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

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

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1949
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with satellite premium channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • 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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total pets
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out fee: USD 15.00

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Are free cancellation options available at The TrailHead?

The TrailHead offers free cancellation on some room rates. To learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at The TrailHead?

As of Nov 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The TrailHead on Nov 2, 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.

What's there to do close to The TrailHead?

This hotel is located in South Lake Tahoe, a short 11-minute walk from Heavenly Gondola and also 12 minutes on foot from The Shops at Heavenly Village. You'll also find Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The TrailHead?

Yes, secured self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Free RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does The TrailHead include a casino?

No, The TrailHead doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The TrailHead?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The TrailHead?

Couples staying at this hotel will value amenities like premium bedding, a private indoor hot tub in some guestrooms, as well as a terrace.

Are there hot tubs at The TrailHead?

No, but some guestrooms at this hotel feature jetted bathtubs.

Does The TrailHead have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, The TrailHead doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will The TrailHead allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at The TrailHead for a fee of USD 30 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at The TrailHead?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How far is the airport from The TrailHead?

The closest major airport to The TrailHead is Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL), which is 6.2 mi away (14 minutes by car). Another top airport is Truckee, CA (TKF-Truckee Tahoe), which is around 27.5 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at The TrailHead?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at The TrailHead.

The TrailHead Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 190 out of 714 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 187 out of 714 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 130 out of 714 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 95 out of 714 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 112 out of 714 reviews

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice place to stay for 2 nights, being busy both days and basically just sleeping there. Walking distance to the Edgewood Golf Course, which is why I was in town
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and staff helpful. Walking distance to stateline. Reasonable rates
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very enjoyable location, I like The old school taste to the property keeps it conventional & for a great price.staff was very helpful with my booking. Close to all restaurants walking distance. Beautiful scenery. I would say give this place a try. Thanks trailhead for the clean room an appreciate the helpful staff for my after hours arrival
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location walking distance to dinning. The outside of property is a bit ruff looking. No problems so, for the price not bad.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room is in need of an update. The carpet was visibly decades old. The air conditioner cycled every few minutes and was loud. The location is great, easy to walk most places. Its fine for a night, wouldn't stay longer.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Large clean room. Good showers. I had no interaction with staff, so nothing bad or good to say about that. It’s an older lodge, so don’t expect newer accommodations. Is in a great location to walk & shop or eat.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff went above and beyond to occomadate for our needs place was very nice
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Building could use a remodel Smelled of smoke even in a non smoking room Had a bunch of baby mosquitoes dead and alive in the bathroom area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
great stay, had to figure out how to get my keys, finally saw the hotel sent checkin instructions in the app to retrieve my key
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Could not sleep due to air conditioner sounding like a diesel truck all night
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I've stayed in most of South Lake's "cheap" hotels over the years for 1-nighters between ski days, and this one was probably the best for the price. Spacious with a good bed and good shower. No frills, but thoughtful decorative touches made Trailhead feel fresh, mountain-y and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness
The room was very clean, I felt super comfortable! The staff was amazing and super welcoming! I loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The jacuzzi had some issues. We had to wait to fill it because the got water ran out. Also, the air from the jets smelled bad.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing, loved the spa!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very good experience staying there for two nights with family.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Helpful staff, great location, good parking and the room is comfortable and has everything I need.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were clean just had a weird smell but nothing to bad the ac was working so room was nice and cold working tv and microwave with a mini fridge it was nice and cozy the only thing is that the stairs are a bit old and need work staff was great they communicated perfectly no issues
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Took half hour to check in. They didn’t recognize my two night reservation. I had to go get my confirmation to prove it. Charged me $116 for one night; cancelled that. Then charged the $188 for two nights. Lots of confusion. And aggravation after a tough day of travel. Room 121 had no chair so I brought one in from outside. Pool was inoperable looks like for ten years. Giant crater pot hole at beginning of driveway and 50. Dangerous on motorcycle. Place has seen better days. Looks like the place has residents. All kinds of skinny people walking around really slowly.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Consider no internet. No antenna and when it does connect, it is so slow it doesn’t even load a page. No coffee maker in the room. Ok clean but the old look will throw you off. Staff were nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was fantastic, staff was super caring .
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Was really great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place in a great location Raymond was a good host Very helpful no hassles at all
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025