Sunnyside is the West Shore's classic lakefront lodge, and it is as much a gathering place as a hotel. It sits right on the water on Highway 89 about two miles south of Tahoe City, with 23 mountain-style lodge rooms above a restaurant and bar that share what is often called the largest lakefront deck on Lake Tahoe. On summer afternoons the deck is the center of the West Shore's social scene, with boats tied up along the shore, people eating lunch in the sun, and the view across the lake to the Nevada mountains. Staying here means that scene is right below your room, and in the quieter seasons it means a lake view from a cozy lodge room. Lake-view rooms are available and worth requesting. The West Shore bike path runs past the front door toward Tahoe City and Homewood, Commons Beach and Fanny Bridge are a short ride or drive north, and Palisades Tahoe is about 20 minutes away by car in winter. The drawbacks are real. The rooms are lodge-style rather than luxurious, the restaurant and deck can be noisy on summer weekends, there is no pool or spa, and the property is small, so it books up early for summer and holiday dates. Ask for a lake-view room when you book, and expect a lively atmosphere in July and August. It suits couples who want a lakefront room with a restaurant downstairs, friends on a summer trip, and skiers who want a West Shore base with a view.
Sunnyside has been one of the West Shore's favorite lakefront spots for decades, and its deck has been the place to be on summer afternoons for more than 25 years. The building has a classic mountain-lodge style, and the rooms are simple and comfortable. The setting is the reason to stay: very few Tahoe lodges sit this close to the water.
Room strategy
Book a lake-view room, and book early for summer weekends. In summer, reserve a table on the deck for sunset. In winter, the lodge is quieter and makes a good base for Palisades Tahoe and the West Shore. Ask the lodge about current packages, which sometimes include dining credits or ski deals.
Practicals
1850 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, on the West Shore about two miles south of the town center. On-site restaurant and bar; lakefront deck; the West Shore bike path out front. Fit: couples, summer groups of friends and West Shore skiers.
Why stay here
- ✓Directly on the lake
- ✓Large lakefront dining deck
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Lake-view rooms available
- ✓Mountain-lodge style rooms
- ✓West Shore bike path out front
- ✓Steps from the water
- ✓About 20 minutes to Palisades Tahoe
Good questions
Is Sunnyside right on the lake?+
Yes. The lodge and its restaurant deck sit directly on the water on the West Shore, about two miles south of Tahoe City.
Is it noisy?+
On summer weekends the deck below can be lively into the evening. Visit in spring, fall or winter for a quieter stay, or ask for a room away from the deck.
How many rooms are there?+
Twenty-three lodge rooms, so it books early for summer and holidays.
