Tamarack Lodge Motel — Hotel in Tahoe City

A Soulful Family Retreat at Tamarack Lodge

Our stay at Tamarack Lodge and Motel in Tahoe City was nothing short of magical—a multigenerational retreat wrapped in rustic charm, thoughtful convenience, and the soul-soothing beauty of the Sierra Nevadas.

We chose Tamarack Lodge as the heart of our family getaway, and it became so much more than a place to sleep—it became a true home away from home. Nestled beneath the tall pines, the Grandmother’s Cabin welcomed us with warmth, nostalgia, and cozy comforts that felt both familiar and sacred. From the crackle of the fire in the evenings to the soft light filtering through the trees in the morning, it offered the perfect backdrop for reconnection, reflection, and rest.

Each member of the family found their own rhythm in Tahoe’s natural wonder. I cherished the serenity of the mountains and the grounding energy of the alpine air. With Burton Creek State Park just beyond the lodge’s entrance and Lake Tahoe’s shoreline a short 12-minute walk away, I began my mornings with peaceful walks to the water’s edge—an experience both calming and restorative.

The younger generation made the most of the surrounding adventure. One kayaked through the crystalline waters of Emerald Bay, racing her nephew with joyful abandon past hidden coves and towering cliffs. Another found her stride along the pine-scented shoreline trails, fully immersed in the rhythm of the forest. And the Bohemian of the group embraced the slower pace of mountain life—making floral crowns, painting river rocks, and savoring matcha while cozied up on the cabin porch.

Tamarack Lodge offered far more than just lodging—it became a container for lifelong memories. The friendly, welcoming staff and the ideal location—peaceful yet conveniently close to everything—made our stay effortless and deeply fulfilling. The Grandmother’s Cabin, in particular, felt like a sacred space for storytelling, shared meals, laughter, and love.

Outside of Tahoe, we caught a steam locomotive out of Carson City and spent the day exploring Virginia City. Another day, we visited nearby Donner (yes, that one) Memorial State Park, to satiate our appetites for history.

If you’re seeking a destination that honors both the quiet joy of tradition and the vibrant call of the wild, Tamarack Lodge is a rare and special gem. We left with full hearts and unforgettable memories, already dreaming of our return.

With heartfelt...

Needed inexpensive room for Friday night, couldn't find any. Called Tamarack late about 10pm, Gerard answered and he was very courteous & helpful. We booked a deluxe cabin. Nice atmosphere, removed from the busy road, rustic, quaint. Nice and clean. Towels luxurious, not cheap. Warm (gas) 'wood-stove' with flames visible through front glass - cozy. Coming into check-in was like walking into the family living room. Charming kids at table putting a puzzle together; wife Federique fixing meal, Gerard at his desk with papers around. He brought bagel breakfast to our room that evening - $4.50. My wife & I have never had the morning's breakfast brought to us the night before! Ok it was a simple menu - cream cheese, jams, juice, yogurt. (Hot choc. & coffee/tea complimentary throughout your stay.) You put it in fridge, heat in microwave the next morning. What a nice surprise... we could sleep in to whenever, and then heat it up. Tasty. Jams excellent... one of them homemade (a 'killer' almond spread, importing the almonds from France.) Kitchen has coffee maker and the basics (few pots, pans, dishes for 2, silverware & such). Walked to beach, enjoyed beautiful view. It was our 35th anniversary. Gave us good suggestions on restaurants. Water in evening lukewarm (we forgot to tell the owners), but hot in the morning. Old-ish, being slowly remodeled. Lots of history, been there since 1920's - family owned / operated for generations. Original (MASSIVE) chimney still standing outside, you can build a fire (wood provided) & sit out under the stars & trees at night. Leaf blower in the morning but didn't last long. Bicycles spread around, tools, shed, volleyball net, couple BBQ's, picnic tables, wooden carvings of bears. This isn't the Holiday Inn, but quiet, restful, serene... real. Would go back in a heartbeat and stay longer, enjoyed visiting with the family even though they were taking care of business.

Stayed...

I honestly don’t know how they’re able to make something this special — rustic/quaint aesthetics with meticulous cleanliness and all the thoughtful little touches and practical amenities that are the height of luxury imo— stay this affordable. I’ve been fascinated by this place since February, when we stayed across the street in a nice but pricey Airbnb condo. Every time we passed the sign for the Lodge, I thought “Wes Anderson imagined this place into existence.” (For anyone who’s not a fan of his tweeness, rest assured there’s nothing pretentious or overly cutesy about this place. But as a fan, I mean the reference as a compliment.) Finally December rolls around, and with it the first winter storm. An online booking and several nervous phone calls later (the storm just kept getting bigger and extending over a whole week), we just spent the past several hours driving 25 mph in the dark to get to Tahoe City. The Lodge manager (owner?) had the lights on and the key waiting for us at the cabin — and prior to that, he had actually called us at 11:40 pm to check and see how we were faring on the road and if we needed any guidance; plus impeccable instructions from him as well as another manager earlier that day. Yeah, pinch me. Then we get to the lodge. Lights on outside. Stove on inside. The most adorable, charming, pristine, spacious yet cozy cabin with kitchenette … I spent the next 15 minutes just taking photos and videos to make my family and friends jealous. What can I say. Best place I’ve stayed at a winter paradise mountain town, hands down. It’s reasonable compared to anywhere else around here and probably genuinely more special than the fanciest spots in town. We are definitely...