First visit to Lake Tahoe
 

When specifically? Budget? Dates can make a huge difference.

The north or west sides are the best really. Anywhere between Incline Village on the NE corner in Nevada around to Tahoma on the west shore in California.

Confusing -- you want one room but that could be a condo, cabin, or adjoining rooms?

We are going the first week of August. The budget is $400 or less per night. The preference is for a hotel room, condo or cabin that can accommodate six people. If that’s not feasible then we are willing to occupy two rooms that are adjoining.

Hotel rooms don't accommodate 6 people. So you'll need at least two hotel rooms or a 2 or 3 bedroom condo/cabin. Early August is the 'peak-est' of peak season other than July 4th and Labor Day. But you don't give the dates so hard to help since weekend rates are higher than mid-week rates.

This property in Incline Village is not lake-side and isn't posh but it does have a large pool, two tennis courts, modest clubhouse, and is walking distance to a high quality supermarket and restaurants/pubs/shops. Each unit has two bedrooms plus twin beds in a loft and sleeps 6. Runs about $300 per night in August. About 1 mile straight up the hill from the lake and a 4 mile drive to the amazing Sand Harbor.

https://www.clubtahoe.com

oh . . . and besides a full kitchen, there are 2 baths and a washer/dryer in each unit.

Lake Tahoe should be full and extra clear due to the snowmelt.

We like the area around Tahoe City, as we don't want to gamble and don't like that vibe.

We have had very good meals at Sunnyside Lodge, sitting on the patio over the lake. Have not stayed there, but it looks nice. Could be more expensive, though.

https://www.sunnysidelodge.com/the-lodge/

MoBro: Sunnyside would definitely be above their budget for six people in August - and if the stay includes weekend dates, rates would total over $1000 per night for two rooms large enough to sleep 3 (weekends require a 2 night minimum so just a Fri/Sat would run over $2000).

Thanks, janisj.

Will you be skiing? Heavenly Village (South Lake Tahoe) has condo rentals. I've never stayed in North Lake Tahoe but have stayed in South Lake Tahoe several times. I love it.

It has been a heavy snow season -- but even this year, its doubtful they will be skiing in early August ;) Unless maybe you meant water skiing??

Most places at South Shore large enough for six will be over the budget. One might be able to get into the Forest Suites up between Harrah's and Raley's for #350-$400-ish if not on weekends.

lolol. I missed that it was in August!

In your defense -- it wasn't mentioned in the OP. That was added later.

There's a hotel in South Lake Tahoe called Basecamp that has rooms at good rates for up to 8 people in 1 room. I've never stayed there but it looks interesting. I like south shore but it is more commercialized than the other areas. All of Tahoe is scenic and with kids I think south shore has plenty of options. You could drive easily to the Sand Harbor area or Incline for a day visit. Incline is incredibly expensive, more budget friendly options in SLT. Check out Sand Harbor for the entertainment, if it matches your calendar it is a wonderful venue.

"Incline is incredibly expensive"

Homes in Incline ARE incredibly expensive, and the Hyatt is expensive. But otherwise Incline Village is no more expensive than other parts of the basin.

Basecamp has high rates in August (as do most places at Tahoe). We don't know how many days the OP needs (still hasn't given dates) but Basecamp's multi-bed rooms do tend to book up months in advance because they are such a rare find.