Centrally located at the base of the Gondola in California, is Embassy Suites, a nine-story hotel with all the amenities, including a gourmet restaurant. Each suite has a separate living room, private bedroom, and more, including good coffee. Full breakfast buffet and evening reception are complimentary. Your room is in California, but you’re within easy strolling distance of Stateline’s casinos. Suites cost $149–$299 per night; ski packages are $119–$159 per night per person, double occupancy, including lift ticket, trail pass, or a non-skiing activity like snowmobiling. Call in advance for airport pickup, 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd., (877) 507-8483, www.embassytahoe.com.

Near the Stateline casinos is a smaller hotel called Lakeside Inn and Casino with 124 rooms and two good restaurants. Owner Mike Bradford pilots a Bonanza and a glider; he was national sport class soaring champion in 1994. He’ll pick up the tab for your tiedown while you’re a guest, rooms $79–$139, ask about winter ski packages, Hwy 50 at Kingsbury Grade, (800) 624-7980, www.lakesideinn.com.

An attractive downtown hotel near the Gondola is Forest Inn Suites. They have one and two-bedroom suites with living room, dining area, and kitchen, as well as hotel rooms. Heated pools and spa, sauna, health club, steam room, and continental breakfast are included. Rooms start at $109; suites at $139, ask about special ski and ride packages, 1 Lake Parkway, (800) 822-5950, www.forestsuites.com.

If you want a special experience, stay at the exquisite Black Bear Inn Bed & Breakfast. Owners Kevin Chandler and Jerry Birdwell have built a luxurious mountain lodge with five generous guest rooms and three cabins in the “Old Tahoe” style with timber beams and river rock. The overstuffed furniture, king beds, spacious bathrooms, and thoughtful decor are very inviting. “We wanted everything to be a little bigger than what you have at home,” says Kevin. A hearty breakfast is served every morning. The Heavenly shuttle picks up guests outside the front door, and you’re a short walk from two of South Lake Tahoe’s Chandler, courtesy Black Bear Inn best dinner restaurants, rooms $205–$245, cabins with kitchenettes $265–$475, 1202 Ski Run Blvd., (877) 232-7466, www.tahoeblackbear.com.

The Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa is the nearest you’ll get to Lake Tahoe in a hotel room. Hidden behind a parking lot off Highway 50 is this plain-looking lodge. Inside, however, are nicely decorated rooms with pine log furnishings and spectacular views. Some rooms have kitchens; all have fireplaces. A heated pool and hot tub on the lakeside are open year-round. On site is Elements Spa, where you can indulge in massage, facials, and body treatments. Room rates are $99–$259, ask about ski and spa packages, 930 Bal Bijou Rd., (800) 448-4577, www.tahoelakeshorelodge.com.