The deep alpine lake straddling the state lines of California and Nevada needs no introduction— Lake Tahoe’s sparkling, cobalt blue waters and sweeping Sierra Nevada mountain views have been mesmerizing people for centuries. Though artifacts confirm the presence of the Washo tribe over 10,000 years ago—the word “Tahoe” derives from the Washo word for “lake”— it wasn’t until the 1950s, when the first casinos were built on the Nevada side, that the area became the full-on tourist destination that it is today. And, we do mean popular: Thanks to the region’s proximity to epic outdoor adventures and pristine natural beauty, it reportedly draws 15 million visitors each year.
Of course, all those visitors need a place to stay; the seemingly endless range of lodging options available means it h