PRICE:
Frommer's Highly Recommended

Tamarack is one of the oldest lodges on the North Shore -- so old it was a favorite haunt of Clark Gable and Gary Cooper. Now, it's one of the best bets for the frugal traveler. Hidden among a 4-acre cadre of pines just east of Tahoe City, the Tamarack Lodge consists of a few old cabins, five "poker rooms," and a modern (and far less nostalgic) motel unit. The rooms in the motel unit are the least appealing, but they're certainly clean and comfortable. The cabins all have kitchenettes and can hold up to four guests, but the most popular rooms by far are the original poker rooms (where Gable and Cooper used to play cards) lined with gleaming knotty pine. Complimentary coffee and tea are served in the lobby, Wi-Fi access is free, and rollaway beds are available for only $8 extra. The beach is within walking distance, but to get into town, you'll need to rent a car or take the Tahoe Trolley (the lodge will provide free trolley tickets).

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's USA, 11th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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