The TrailHead

2.0 star property
Hotel with free parking, 9-minute walk to Heavenly Gondola

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The TrailHead

Lake view
King Bed w/ Spa | Bathroom | Free toiletries, hair dryer, towels, soap
View from room
Snow and ski sports
Property entrance

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • 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
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • 301 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 301 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Honeymoon Suite

  • 398 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

King - Jetted Tub

  • 301 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

King Bed w/ Spa

  • 350 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

South Lake Tahoe

The TrailHead places you within a 15-minute stroll of popular sights such as Heavenly Gondola and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe. 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
  • Lakeside Beach - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Reno Tahoe Intl. Airport (RNO) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Base Camp Pizza Co. - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Driftwood Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza - ‬10 min walk

About this property

The TrailHead

Hotel with free parking, 9-minute walk to Heavenly Gondola
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 vending machine, and a TV in a common area.
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
  • Limited onsite self parking

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 premium cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • 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

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 Dec 27, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The TrailHead on Jan 6, 2026 start from $79.0, excluding 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 9-minute walk from Heavenly Gondola and also 10 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 do couples enjoy most about The TrailHead?

Couples staying at this hotel will value amenities like premium bedding, fireplaces in some guestrooms, as well as a nature reserve.

Are there hot tubs at The TrailHead?

Yes, this hotel offers private indoor spa tubs in some guestrooms.

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, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The TrailHead?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The TrailHead.

The TrailHead Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 155 out of 630 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 172 out of 630 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 118 out of 630 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 630 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 97 out of 630 reviews

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Steven

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Run down.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Artemio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

kyle

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lori, South San Francisco

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Dirty and old
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Dylan

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

CHARLOTTE

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Large room, clean
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Gilbert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place is old, its unsafe. It really needs a full inspection by health and building inspectors. The place was clean, the girl working the desk was good. It was clean. 2nd floor, going up the stairs, there a 10 or 20 ton jack holding up the 2nd floor cat walk, so if an earthquake came and moved it ud be stuck. The bed, spring type, hard not good ., bathroom no CURTAIN, WHEN ITS LIGHT OUSIDE SAME INSIDE. The bathroom floor is really soft in the underlayment, theres gotta be holes in it. The shower, use at your own risk. Set the temp, but beware of someone else turning the water on in another room or somewhere. Itll be nice, THEN SCALDING HOT. I MEAN HOT. there is no swimming pool and appears to havent worked for some time. Its a cheap hotel. And is as such
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Raquel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Bed spread

The stay was good was given instructions how to get into my room. The room was clean but the bed soread had stains in it o e looked like snot.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

francisco

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It stinks like feet the roo
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Brenda

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jose

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property looks very old they even have a hydraulic jack holding the stairs porch and there is a big whole in the pool like someone crashed into it from the street. Property is dirty with a strong smell of dog pee, specially at reception.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great value

Awesome
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Disappointing

Terribly run down and dirty. Floor in room was caving in and slanted badly. Smell was awful. It was mixed with mold and cigarette smoke. The smell permiated on my clothes which were in my suitcase, zipped up. When I got home, all my clothes still smelled like the room and even the ones that were still clean had to be washed. Please note that Ive stayed in many cheap and run down hotels in my lifetime in many different cities and state, but this was the most awful hotel I have ever stayed at. the worst part is it wasn't cheap, so I didn't really save much by going there, and during all of this. the so called cable t v didn't even work, so we didn't have t v for the three ninth stay there. lastly, a dumpster outside where you had to walk up. The stairs was filled with dirty towelson sheets the whole 3 days. We were there 30000 sheets, just being thrown on and on and on to making it even higher. That's one of the nastiest things i've seen at a hotel. Typically they try to hide the dirty sheets, but these people just keep it out in the open for everyone to see right next to where people have to walk. and to conclude staff, there was not friendly and looked like tweakers. Just being honest.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amier

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

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Spa was a nice touch and Julie is the nicest, most generous lady I have experienced in a long time!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Yvette

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness

Good Location, close to the casinos.

This is a basic hotel room close to the casinos. The room and shower could have been cleaner. But it worked for the price.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I got there after 4pm, so a key was in a lock box outside the room. Had a key inside as well very nice. The bed was very comfortable and clean
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adryon

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sandra J

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Website pics are not accurate. Draperies were ripped and torn in the room next to us and so created anxiety for our stay. Unfortunately it was a concert weekend and finding a room was difficult.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, OJAI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff really went above and beyond to be helpful. They let me leave my car for several days while I was backpacking and they were very kind and accommodating. The room was very clean and comfortable. It was quiet and it’s an easy walk to shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a 5 star luxury resort, this isn’t it but if you need a comfortable, inexpensive place while in S. Tahoe this is a great spot.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Panagiotis

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
My dad has bad knees and couldn’t walk up the stairs. They switched us to a room on the bottom floor as soon as it was available.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Kelli

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

A very very low budget option

This place is in urgent need of a renovation. The curtains needed replacing about 20 years ago. The front porch is full of ash trays and sketchy people hanging out who most likely live there. There was no chair or table to sit in the room. The pool looks as it was drained and collecting junk for a decade. The staff was friendly. The housekeeper was more than helpful and brought needed pillows and towels quickly.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, OJAI

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