Close to Lakeside Beach and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, The TrailHead offers a tranquil retreat with a picturesque terrace. Connect to in-room WiFi, park your car with ease, and enjoy the natural surroundings of this hotel near Heavenly Gondola.
The Shops at Heavenly Village - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Lakeside Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Getting around
Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL) - 14 min drive
Reno Tahoe Intl. Airport (RNO) - 68 min drive
Truckee, CA (TKF-Truckee Tahoe) - 83 min drive
Restaurants
Base Camp Pizza Co. - 11 min walk
McDonald's - 7 min walk
Stateline Brewery & Restaurant - 13 min walk
Starbucks - 8 min walk
Chipotle Mexican Grill - 12 min walk
About this property
The TrailHead
When you stay at The TrailHead, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Heavenly Gondola and The Shops at Heavenly Village. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking, and mountain biking. Also, Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are just a 5-minute drive away. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
36 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in/out available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs only, 2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply*
Pets must be supervised
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free secured onsite self parking
Free onsite RV/bus/truck parking
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
What to do
Beach nearby
Bicycle rentals nearby
Ecotours nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horse riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Downhill skiing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Scooter/moped rentals nearby
Ziplining nearby
Services
Ski storage
Facilities
Built in 1949
Picnic area
Terrace
Television in common areas
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Low-height counter/sink
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch flat-screen TV
Premium satellite channels
Home comfort
Climate-controlled air conditioning and heating
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Mini-fridge
Microwave
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: USD 100 per stay
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 15.00
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 30 per pet, per night
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system on site.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
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
Does The TrailHead offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The TrailHead does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The TrailHead?
Yes, dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of USD 30 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
Is parking offered on site at The TrailHead?
Yes, there's free self parking. Free RV/bus/truck parking is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The TrailHead?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 15.00. Express check-in and check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
Is there an onsite casino at The TrailHead?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe (15-min walk) and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino (17-min walk) are both nearby.
What is there to do at The TrailHead and nearby?
During the winter, enjoy nearby recreation like ice skating and cross-country skiing, and return when the snow melts for cycling and boat tours. Additional recreation nearby includes ecotours. The TrailHead also has a picnic area.
What's the area around The TrailHead like?
The TrailHead is a short 15-minute walk from Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and 11 minutes' walk from Heavenly Gondola.
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Reviews
The TrailHead Reviews
6.8
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
6.8
Cleanliness
8.6
Location
7.4
Staff & service
6.2
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Bathroom
Bed
Location
Companies
Water
Shower
Amenities
Budget
Reviews
Verified
8/10 Very good
Mar 31, 2026
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.
ANDREW
ANDREW, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 20, 2026
The staff were so friendly and helpful and the price was unbeatable!
Jesica
Jesica, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Feb 16, 2026
Got text checking us in, told there’s lockbox with key, front desk open the next day at 8am. Doubt they change the codes to lockboxes so anyone can open and get key to room. And no front desk on a sat? There was a lot of trash around the complex. Back yard, pool. Lots of smokers and wear and tear in the room. Location was good.
Cody Haven
Cody Haven, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jan 1, 2026
Room was clean but the mattress was deplorable. Like sleeping in a taco shell, no support.
Staff was incredibly friendly and polite. Without them our trip would have been miserable.
michael
michael, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 22, 2025
It was very good experience staying there for two nights with family.
Nilanjan
Nilanjan, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 20, 2025
Was fantastic, staff was super caring .
Austin
Austin, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jul 7, 2025
Small showers, good bed.
Mauro Cesar
Mauro Cesar, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 14, 2025
Easy check in.
Rodrigo
Rodrigo, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 5, 2025
Easy check in helpful staff and the room was clean
marco
marco, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 15, 2025
Staff excellent. Check in excellent
mark
mark, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 2, 2025
Great staff, let me keep my car in the lot after checkout. clean room, basic but met all needs.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 6, 2025
Probably the best hotel in the South lake Tahoe area. Close to a Target in 7-Eleven. Hotel staff are very friendly and very helpful. so if you're looking for a good hotel come to this one you won't regret it
cresencio
cresencio, 4-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 8, 2025
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.
Raquel
Raquel, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jun 19, 2025
The staff is nice and welcoming. But the property is a bit too old
Qing
Qing, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 18, 2023
Really nice stay. Owner is super friendly
Joe
Joe, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 15, 2025
great location for skiing. good condition for the price
Hong
Hong, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 14, 2024
Really friendly reception
Its nice place to stay everything nice and quiet
Gabriela
Gabriela, 2-night trip
Verified
4/10 Fair
Jun 15, 2025
Staff was friendly. It was safe but property was rundown and dirty. Not a place I would stay again.
Bridget
Bridget, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 16, 2025
Staff was so nice. We were allowed to check in 3 hours early.
Brian
Brian, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jul 21, 2025
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.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 25, 2024
Staff was excellent in accommodating our needs. Property was close to where we were shopping and eating. Overall stay was nice!
Michelle
Michelle, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 10, 2024
This was such a great hotel. Very quaint and inviting. Front desk staff were very friendly and helpful
Brian
Brian, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 17, 2025
Small locally owned motel. It's not the Ritz but really good for price point. Rooms and grounds were clean. Bed was big and comfortable. Front desk was very nice and helpful. If you are looking for "fancy," this is not the place for you. If you are looking for budget with a local experience...this is the place. Will return again.
Kimberly
Kimberly, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Nov 11, 2024
We stayed in room 138 second floor very quiet place. We stayed just for one night. The front desk lady was really nice.
Yamileth
Yamileth, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 16, 2024
The trailhead is great value
Great central location, quiet, clean, friendly staff, easy parking, food and entertainment close by. Great value!