The TrailHead

2.0 star property
Hotel near Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The TrailHead

Lake view
Snow and ski sports
Property entrance
View from room
King Bed w/ Spa | Bathroom

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
3892 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
  • Place, Heavenly Gondola
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Lakeside Beach
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • 28 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 28 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Honeymoon Suite

  • 37 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

King - Jetted Tub

  • 28 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

King Bed w/ Spa

  • 33 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

South Lake Tahoe

Near beach, shopping .You'll find Heavenly Gondola and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe within a 15-minute walk of this South Lake Tahoe hotel. Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Lakeside Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Heavenly Gondola - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Lakeside Beach - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Casino - 18 min walk - 1.5 km

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
  • ‪Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Driftwood Cafe - ‬9 min walk

About this property

The TrailHead

Hotel near Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe
As a guest of The TrailHead, you'll find a terrace, a vending machine, and ski storage. Public spaces have free WiFi. The TrailHead also features a picnic area, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this South Lake Tahoe hotel.

  • 36 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1949
  • Ski equipment storage
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Terrace
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
The TrailHead offers 36 accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium satellite channels.

This South Lake Tahoe hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary toiletries and blackout drapes/curtains.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

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

Reviews

The TrailHead Reviews

6.8

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 153 out of 626 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 170 out of 626 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 118 out of 626 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 626 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 97 out of 626 reviews

Reviews

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

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

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Travelled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Anthony

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room dirty, entire building needs upgrade. Squeaky floors, needs new paint, king bed not stable and not good for 2 people. marijuana odor in room. When i didnt smell it smelled like a dog. Cannot close bathroom door. Pool empty yet pictire is full. Sink has no stopper plug. There are people living here also. Will not return to this property
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service

Could have been better

The comforter felt unclean, the tub had puddles of water in it when we arrived, they only provided two pillows for the bed, there were rats in the wall that we could hear. Location was good, and it was quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Esdras

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

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

2/10 Terrible

Ken

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was so terrible we checked out 5 minutes after our arrival, terrible smell in room, wires hanging from ceiling, other tenants had chairs and couches outside their rooms, we couldn't stay in that kind of neglect
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

mark

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Staff excellent. Check in excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Erika

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was dirty and nothing to do with pictures posted. The bathroom area window was missing blinds/curtains and the light from outside didn’t let me sleep. We lost power early morning and couldn’t use hair dryer, we left sooner than expected. Lots of dog hair on stairs and hallways.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rodrigo

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Easy check in.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alicia

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Elyse

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Walking in to check in the front lobby smelled like cat and had cat hair everywhere. We were instructed that are room key was in a lockbox outside our room. The lockbox was unlocked…. After entering the room the smell of dog pee was instant. I guess that’s what $200/night gets you in Tahoe anymore. Couldn’t get out of there fast enough the next morning
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Stephen

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Khoa Tan, Coon Rapids

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Mauro Cesar, Johnston

Travelled with pets
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small showers, good bed.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Norma

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was limited. Noise was all night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Elizabeth

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s says in the add that it’s non-smoking and why it’s smells
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Blanca

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We stayed 4th of July & honestly can’t complain, room was as cleaned as can be , having a jacuzzi tub in the room was awesome, mini fridge/ microwave available. Not bad at all . Only thing I would suggest is assigned parking!! But other than that it was great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Dominique

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was conveniently located to downtown however it was very dirty It was very unkept ashtrays outside everywhere we're not clean when we got in the room the bed was decent The trouble was just okay the shower was horrible then there was cob webs in all the windows... I wish I didn't pay for this up fun this is absolute freaking horrible
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

LaDonna

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient area, old and a lot of deferred maintenance. Complete tripping hazard with a 2" lip into the raised bathroom. Room clean, but walkways and parking area not. Staff nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Pat

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pretty basic room, although at nearly $200 per night one might expect more. The room key was in a lockbox and self-service. It was a bit noisy with room facing the busy roadway, only separated by the parking lot. Television wouldn't stay on. Kept losing signal and I finally gave up on it. When I stayed at the Tahoe Sands a few hundred yards away the next night, the tv worked fine. Shower had little flow and was lukewarm. I'd have been better off camping near a real trailhead.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Nilanjan

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

8/10 Good

KIRAN

Ok. Amenities match the low prices aka you get what you pay for. TV was non functional. No electrical outlets to charge devices.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025