Property
As guests of the Village at Squaw Valley, Travel Savvy Mom is happy to report that these charming apartments are not just about easy access to the 4,000-acre Squaw Valley Olympic mountain area. Nestled at the bottom of the Sierras, you are surrounded by breathtaking beauty. The Village is a quaint collection of activities, apartments, shops and (child-friendly) restaurants. The condos are clean, modern and have a kitchenette adequate for eating in. The small living area has a fireplace and the sofa converts into a good sized bed. Underground (weather resistant!) parking is included.

Location
There is little reason to get in the car, unless visiting Lake Tahoe, about 10 minutes drive away. Activities abound, accessed either down in the village or up at stunning High Camp. And the cable car ride (a few steps away from your accommodation) up to High Camp is an adventure in itself. Activities in Winter include skiing, snow tubing, skating and general snow-related fun. In Summer, you can bike, hike, play tennis, roller skate and swim. For the less active, there is a spa, Starbucks and a warm open fire in the central plaza.

Sleeps
One, two and three bedroom condos available. The three bedroom condos sleep up to eight.

Highlights
The children’s ski school in Squaw Valley was amazing: secure, sympathetic and full of energetic young people wanting to show your kids what fun it is to ski. Snow tubing at the Papoose Learning Center was a blast. And try the personalized s’mores dessert at Alexander’s Bar and Cafe at High Camp.

Good to know
When booking an apartment, ask for a condo that DOESN’T overlook the main village plaza. It’s quite lively at night, and although the noise didn’t wake my kids, it did leave my husband and I wishing for our younger days. Obviously the higher up you go in the complex, the quieter.

Contact
http://www.thevillageatsquaw.com/index.htm

Written by auto_mode

Property
3 Peaks Resort and Beach Club is a wonderful little motel in South Lake Tahoe. Whether you are in town to ski, hike, gamble, or swim, staying here will keep you close to the action. The rooms are single and double occupancy with pine bed frames, pine nightstands, pine armoires, and pine paneled walls. Each room has either a balcony or patio so you can step out and enjoy the fresh pine air. I guess what I am trying to say is that there is a lot of pine. But in a comfy, cozy, log cabin sort of way. The property has a nice sized pool and huge spa which always gives any parent brownie points when trying to please their children on vacation. The property also has access to a private beach about a two blocks from the motel equipped with a playground. Bonus brownie points. Oh- and did I mention it is pet friendly?

Location
3 Peaks is only a 5-minute walk to the lake, 5-minute walk to the Heavenly Ski Resort gondolas, and 10-minute walk to the casinos. The motel is a great value considering its central location on Lake Tahoe’s south shore. If location, location, location is at the top of your priority list, this is the place for you!

Sleeps
Standard rooms have either one king sized bed or two doubles. The rooms sleep 2-4. There are also one and two bedroom suites available.

Highlights
Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful lakes on the entire planet. The water is so clear and blue that it takes your breath away (okay, that may be the water temperature but you get my point). World class skiing, water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and gambling are just some of the many activities available in the area. There is even a great 36-hole miniature golf course a couple miles down the road that will entertain the kids for hours. The scenery is spectacular and air is crystal clean. The private sandy beach has boat slips, horse shoes, ping pong, and basketball available.

Good to Know
There are barbecues located throughout the property so you can cook out in the fresh air for a change of pace. Rollaway beds and cribs are available for a $20 fee and should be requested when making your room reservations. All rooms are non-smoking.

Contact
http://www.lake-tahoe-california-hotels.com/

Written by Sharlene Earnshaw

Property
A nice family resort of spacious townhouses on 19 acres, set right on a gorgeous strip of beach on the lake. Lakeland Village is a condominium resort with hotel amenities (including a kids’ program, but we didn’t need it since we brought grandparents). The property has lots of grassy areas, plus tons of paved paths which are great for biking and scootering. There are two play structures as well, pools, a dock, and lots of boat rentals.

Location
South Lake Tahoe is more congested than the north shore, of course, but that also means you can walk to restaurants (no car needed once you’re there).  Since I don’t cook, it worked great for me! There’s a Safeway nearby as well.

Sleeps
2-12 in 1 to 5-bedroom townhouses.

Highlights
Frolicking in the kiddie pool overlooking the lake (1.5 feet deep, next to the adult pool and jacuzzi). Playing tennis by the lake and kickball on the property. Collecting tiny shells on the beach.  Watching baby bunnies frisk on the grass and Canada geese swim in the waves.

Good to know
You may want to ask to be away from the street though as a few units are noisy.  Rent water bikes, kayaks, paddleboats and more next door at the Ski Run marina, or strap on a parachute and try some parasailing if you dare.

Contact
www.lakeland-village.com

Written by Melanie Norall

Property
A 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house located on a quiet street in Tahoe Donner, the Bear’s Lair is well set up for families. The owners (who have young children themselves) have thoughtfully provided newer, fun furnishings, a Pack n’ Play, and a baby gate around the wood burning stove. Staying here you get access to all of the Tahoe Donner Association’s amenities, which include recreation centers with pools, jacuzzi, tennis courts, golf course, Donner Lake beach marina, and equestrian center.

Location
Tahoe Donner is approximately 3 1/2 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. From here it’s a short drive to Squaw Valley, Northstar, and the lake.

Sleeps
6-8.

Highlights
The backyard is a forest, so kids can easily go out and explore. In the winter it’s an open, snowy field that beckons your children to suit up and play themselves silly. There’s also a small hill in the back of the house, so no need to drive to a mega-sledding resort, pay for a saucer, and take your life in your hands with 250-lb men bombing down the hill behind you.

Good to know
There is a 3-night minimum over holiday weekends, a 5-night minimum over Christmas and New Year’s, and a 2-night minimum all other times.

Contact
www.tahoebearslair.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
An authentic mountain lodge with studio, one, and two-bedroom condo suites decorated in alpine style. All units have full kitchens, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, DVD players, and patios. The resort has a lakeside swimming pool, 2 hot tubs, barbecue grills and picnic area, and complimentary laundry facilities.

Location
The north shore of Lake Tahoe, four hours by car from the San Francisco Bay Area. Within easy striking distance of Alpine Meadows (6 miles), Northstar at Tahoe (8 miles), and Squaw Valley (9 miles) for winter sports enthusiasts, as well as hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and boating during summer months.

Sleeps
2-6.

Highlights
Complimentary kayaks, paddleboats, fishing poles, sleds, snowshoes, tennis rackets and ping pong equipment available for checkout.

Good to know
They have a five-night minimum in the summer. Book well in advance; this is a well-priced and popular place.

Contact
www.redwolflakesidelodge.com

Written by Jamie Pearson