SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Station House Inn, South Lake Tahoe’s boutique hotel known for its vintage, rustic-chic style and pet-friendly atmosphere has just been ranked #17 on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 20 Hotels in Northern California” as part of the magazine’s 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Mitchell Murray, CEO of Play Park Hospitality, told the Tribune that he was head over heels for the Station House Inn years before they took ownership.
“I fell in love with the energy of the property,” said Murray. “Since we’ve taken over, we’ve focused heavily on guest satisfaction and really listening to the feedback of our guests and our team.”
Station House Inn joined Play Park Hospitality’s portfolio in July of 2025 as their fourth independent Lake Tahoe hotel alongside HiMark Hotel, The Jeffrey Hotel, and Firelite Lodge.
Since they’ve taken hold of the reins, they’ve reinvested in both the property and South Lake’s community health through renovations and initiatives to give back, reflecting similar efforts made at their other hotels as well.
Several of their sustainability and environmentally-conscious efforts include a 160kW solar power system and their Stay With Purpose Program where they contribute $4 from every reservation to local environmental and community nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe and Clean Up The Lake.
Along with being the only South Lake Tahoe hotel recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 20 Hotels in Northern California”, it’s safe to say that their hard work may be paying off as Station House Inn was also voted Best Hotel in the 2026 Best of Tahoe awards.
The hotel, just a short walk to the shores of Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Village, boasts a heated pool, year-round hot tub, sauna, and communal fire pits. In addition, Station House Inn has refurbished rooms with wood-paneled ceilings and custom furniture. Steps away from neighborhood gem, Toulouse Restaurant and Bar, hotel guests can enjoy award-winning, California-New Orleans cuisine.
Condé Nast Traveler magazine launched in September of 1987, and over the decades, has garnered global influence with a digital reach that now spans roughly 4 million monthly website visitors. Over 798,000 votes were cast by readers in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
After winning their #17 spot among Northern California’s best, Murray spoke of the excitement he felt at learning of their recognition.
“It was pretty big [news],” he said as he touched on wanting to keep celebrating. “I think we’ll celebrate more at our Christmas party this year.”
The inn has seen a bit of an uptick in bookings for the upcoming winter season, and whether that’s due to their Condé Nast “Top 20” placement, their affordable prices, or the speculation of a super El Niño bringing some high-quality powder to Tahoe’s slopes, it only drives their momentum forward.
“To see a 96-room inn on Park Avenue in South Lake Tahoe ranked among Northern California’s best, next to some of the most celebrated hotels in Wine Country and on the coast, is a credit to our team and to every guest who brought their dog, their kids or their ski crew and felt at home here,” Murray said.
To learn more about Station House Inn or to book your stay, visit https://www.stationhouseinn.com/.
Condé Nast’s full list of “Top 20 Hotels in Northern California: Readers’ Choice Awards 2026” can be found at https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/northern-california-top-hotels.
The Station House Inn is located at 901 Park Ave in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
