Alder Inn

This friendly, family-run property hosts families and couples year-round on skiing or hiking adventures around world-famous Lake Tahoe. It’s a cozy and casual place with two floors surrounded by towering pines and lovely mountains. Flags representing several countries that fly around the motel announce that international travelers are welcome (and often seen). In warm weather, the pool and outdoor recreation areas teem with families enjoying fun time together. Two Adirondack-style chairs that are made partially by skis reflect the motel’s proximity to the thrilling slopes that make Tahoe a winter destination. Inside the small and modest lobby, guests are often greeted by the owners’ curious pet dog.

The Alder Inn is located in South Lake Tahoe, just off the main road (Lake Tahoe Boulevard) that takes drivers to the casinos on the Nevada state line in four minutes. It’s about a five-minute walk to the lake’s shores, and several restaurants are between the Inn and the lake. The Inn enjoys a quiet setting amidst towering pines, with a mix of other motels and cabins as well as residential units. It’s a five-minute drive to the gondola at Heavenly Mountain Resort, and hiking and wildlife viewing at Washoe Meadows State Park is seven minutes away by car. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is a 70-minute drive.

For being former motel rooms, the units at the Alder Inn have been nicely updated with modern decor. All 24 rooms are individually decorated, and many have fun themes, whether it's Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe or activities like skiing. But none of the themes are overwhelming and they're typically conveyed with colorful artwork (such as famous film stills) and vibrant accent colors. Playful details, like throw pillows printed with slogans or bed spreads in zigzag patterns, kick up the decor another notch. Despite their individuality, the rooms have some common elements, such as brown patterned carpet and light beige walls. Simple, wood and white acrylic vanities also are placed outside the smallish bathrooms that have tile floors and white acrylic shower/tub inserts. Most bathrooms have windows that open, which is fortunate since the rooms don’t have air-conditioning (fans are provided). But apart from AC, rooms are exceedingly well equipped for their rates, with Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, robes, 32-inch, and flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi and snacks also are provided. The rooms are clean and have ample space for comfort at approximately 350 square feet. Kings, Queens, and Double Queens are available, and all of the rooms that we saw had some type of seating other than the Double Queen. (The Queen we inspected had a desk with chair, and one of the Kings had a leather futon.) Views of the lovely grounds are pleasant, and rooms stay generally quiet.

This cozy, family-run motel places an emphasis on family fun and relaxation, starting with an outdoor recreation area that features a horseshoe pit, bocce ball and basketball courts, ping-pong table, and a picnic area with multiple grills. It also has a fleet of bicycles that guests can use free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. The whirlpool is open year-round, while the heated pool is open seasonally. Both are outdoors and surrounded by lovely landscaping, loungers, and tables. And the sundeck here holds its own appeal, set with comfy furniture that overlooks the pool. Guests also can enjoy the gas fire pit when the air gets chilly. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day, but it's worth noting that there's no other food or drink served on the premises, including breakfast. On-site parking and Wi-Fi are free as well. Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome with a non-refundable deposit.