Guests gather around the inviting firepit or relax on comfortable outdoor furniture while concierge services help plan memorable stays at this refreshed hotel.
Located near Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Playpark Lodge offers a cozy mountain retreat with a welcoming firepit and outdoor entertainment area. Travelers enjoy the fresh air, stay connected with WiFi, and appreciate the time-saving express check-in service.
Located in Gardner Mountain, a neighborhood in South Lake Tahoe, Playpark Lodge is in the mountains and near the beach. Heavenly Ski Resort and Heavenly Gondola are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Emerald Bay State Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena or Tahoe Blue Event Center. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Visit our South Lake Tahoe travel guide
1184 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
What's nearby
Lakeside Beach
9 min drive - 9.4 km
Heavenly Gondola
9 min drive - 9.8 km
The Shops at Heavenly Village
9 min drive - 9.8 km
Barton Memorial Hospital
8 min walk - 0.7 km
Magic Carpet Golf
2 min drive - 2.9 km
Getting around
Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL)
2 min drive
Restaurants
Cascade Kitchens
11 min walk
McDonald's
11 min walk
Crazy Good Bakery Cafe
20 min walk
Lake Tahoe AleWorX
14 min walk
Taco Bell
18 min walk
About this property
Playpark Lodge
Hotel remodeled in 2024 and located near Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino
Playpark Lodge provides amenities like a firepit and an outdoor entertainment area. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
Free self parking
Express check-out, express check-in, and a TV in the lobby
Concierge services, outdoor furniture, and an off-leash area
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and include amenities such as free WiFi.
More amenities include:
Heating and portable fans
Free toiletries and hair dryers
50-inch Smart TVs with Netflix, Hulu, and streaming services
Limited onsite self parking (max 1 space per unit)
Wheelchair-accessible parking available
Things to do
TV in common areas
Family friendly
In-room microwave
In-room refrigerator
Guest services
Concierge services
Housekeeping (limited availability)
Proposal/romance packages
Outdoors
Firepit
In the mountains
Outdoor entertainment area
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No elevator
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Wheelchair-accessible parking
More
1 floor
3 buildings
Communal living room
Designated smoking areas
Fireplace in lobby
Renovated entire property - December 2024
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Entertainment
50-inch smart TV with digital channels
Hulu
Netflix
Pay movies
Streaming services
Food and drink
Microwave
Refrigerator
More
Heating
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Portable fan
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out fee: USD 25
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 3:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Access code, private entrance
Pets
Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 46.80 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
Food and water bowls and an off-leash area are available
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Pet fee: USD 46.80 per pet, per night
Service animals are exempt from fees
Late check-out fee: USD 25
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Property is also known as
Aerie Lodge Lake Tahoe
Aerie Lodge
Aerie Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Lodge South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Lodge
Lake Tahoe South Lake Tahoe
PlayPark Lodge Hotel
At the Lake A Tahoe Lodge
PlayPark Lodge South Lake Tahoe
PlayPark Lodge Hotel South Lake Tahoe
Frequently asked questions
Is Playpark Lodge pet-friendly?
Yes, cats and dogs are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 46.80 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much does it cost to stay at Playpark Lodge?
As of Mar 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Playpark Lodge on Mar 19, 2026 start from ₩209,073, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Playpark Lodge?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Playpark Lodge?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 25.
Where is Playpark Lodge located?
Located in Gardner Mountain, this hotel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Barton Memorial Hospital and within 3 mi (5 km) of Magic Carpet Golf and Tahoe Mountain Wedding Chapel. Lake Tahoe Balloons and Tahoe Trout Farm are also within 3 mi (5 km).
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Reviews
Playpark Lodge Reviews
8.4
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
The room has been renovated and had everything I needed. I appreciated small things - paper towel, paper plates and cups, utensils, and working outlets (it's frustrating when your chargers don't stay in the outlets at some motels). Even though the motel is located on a busy road, the road noise did not bother me at all. There is no staff on site and you get the entry key code remotely, which worked just fine.
We loved Playpark’s accommodations for our dog. When we arrived we were welcomed with a dog treat, dog bowl, dog towel and sheet that our dog could lay on without being on the actual bed sheets. The bed was comfy and the room had everything we needed for a weekend stay in Tahoe.
It is a basic place to stay for the night - nothing fancy or upscale. Clean, fairly conveniently located, good outdoor space and facilities, it meets all the basic requirements.
It was a pleasure residing at the Play Park Lodge. We came to celebrate my husbands birthday and it was super convenient for food areas and things to do. We went exploring and didn’t have to worry about a long drive because it was RIGHT THERE !!! 10/10 I recommend!!!!…
Clean and neat property with plentiful room amenities. Check in was done remotely and room access was via a code. 4 restaurants within 5 min walking distance. Very comfortable stay. $40 per night fee for my dog. I would return.
Rooms have been upgraded with new doors & electronic locks, sinks, showers, tables, chairs, beds, coffeemakers, microwaves and minifridges. So even though the rooms are small (the motel itself is old) it's still a good value given the upgrades. One improvement we would suggest is to install some kind of rack in the rooms to be able to hang clothing (such as wet ski clothes).
This hotel was such a great find! It’s very family friendly, and so conveniently located! We were there in March for a snowshoeing trip.
What first attracted us to it was the fact that it is dog friendly! And I mean, dog friendly! Right inside the door was gear for the dog plus a biscuit!
We had the king suite which was wonderful. The bed was comfy and the room had so many thoughtful extras: a flashlight, a power strip, picnic ware, and plenty of fluffy white towels!
We’ve already booked our next stay!
The room in the pictures for booking was nice. Unfortunately, that may have been a remodeled room, the one stayed in was nowhere near what the picture showed. Very outdated, the front porch was under construction which made for a large step into the room and constant banging / loud noises outside the room. May be a nice place to stay if you have kids to utilize the outside play area.
The rooms have no a/c which is typical in an area where it's usually not needed. It had fans, coffee maker, mini-fridge and microwave. There was a shower, no tub. Rooms are well-maintained. A great pizza restaurant next door and a fancy restaurant across the street. They emailed my door code within 24 hours of checking in. Room is acceptable for those who will spend more time sightseeing than staying in. I had trouble with the plumbing, but they sent a plumber the very next day. That's quick. Management heard my concern and responded right away.
Kelly
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
6/10 Okay
Jeff
Sep 3, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice quiet location, with a pretty interesting patio setup outside. The pizza spot next door was good after the drive into Tahoe. There are a lot of other food options and a grocery store within walking distance.
The room was generously provisioned with cups, plates, bottles of drinking water, towels, soaps, and even 3 portable fans for the room, something that most other hotels would not provide as much of. The text only check-in and check out was unique and convenient.
However where the property fell short on was bedding, as each bed (there was 3 total in the family room setup) only had 1 thin sheet and 1 small microfiber blanket that would not fully cover an average sized adult. On a normal summer night this would only be a minor inconvenience as I actually think less laundry is better for the environment, however this weekend it actually rained and was cold, so we were missing having the extra layers. Adding on top of this, the gas wall heater was not working, so the temps were dipping into the lower 60’s in the room. This is where having on-site staff would have been helpful to either help troubleshoot the heater or at least provide a few extra bedding layers, but we improvised by using towels as blankets.
A good value compared to many of the overpriced hotels and motels the weekend after Presidents Day weekend. The room had a primary bedroom, a secondary bedroom with a bunk bed for the kids (though with no door), a small common room with a small refrigerator (but no freezer section), microwave, coffee maker, and disposable plates/cups/utensils/paper towels. The primary bed was only double sized but had a comfortable foam mattress. The bathroom was pretty small with not much counter space to put things down, and a small shower stall (with an absurdly tight knob to turn on the water and adjust the temperature) with a curtain that didn't quite stretch the whole way across. The walls were thin and we could hear the TV and conversations from the next unit though muffled and primarily from the common room and not as much from the primary bedroom. The room (unit 2) was one of the closer ones to highway 50, but it was far away enough and the road is not traveled by vehicles at very high speeds so road noise was not really an issue the way it can be with motels near highway 80 in Truckee.
So, various little complaints, but overall a good value and I would consider staying there again. Having said that, friends got a last minute room at the Hilton for like $50 more/night and I would guess that would be much better overall, but I don't believe that was available when I booked months in advance and likely the result of late cancellations.