Relax at Caples Lake Resort, a 4.7-star lakefront hotel in Kirkwood offering cabins, free Wi-Fi, wood-fired sauna, boat rentals, and easy access to skiing and hiking.
Guests highlight the resort’s stunning lakefront location, attentive service, and notable restaurant. Practical details and seasonal considerations are also commonly mentioned to help set expectations.
GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.
Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.
Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Set on the tranquil shores of Caples Lake in Kirkwood, CA, this resort hotel offers a rustic yet comfortable retreat with lakeside rooms and cabins. Each accommodation includes a fully equipped kitchen, providing a convenient base for longer stays or family visits. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and accessible facilities, although pets are not permitted on site.
The property features a wood-fired sauna and boat rentals, enhancing its appeal to those seeking outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and boating. While there is no swimming pool or fitness center, the nearby natural attractions make it well-suited for nature enthusiasts and families looking for a laid-back mountain escape. The resort’s smoke-free environment and kid-friendly atmosphere further support a quiet and welcoming experience.
Dining at the on-site Caples Lake Resort Restaurant receives high praise for its American cuisine, blending casual options with refined dishes curated by an acclaimed chef. Visitors note the exceptional quality of meals such as fresh seafood and flavorful burgers, making the restaurant a highlight even for those not staying overnight. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons.
Located just under 3 miles from Kirkwood Mountain Resort and within reasonable driving distance of Lake Tahoe, this property is a practical option for winter sports and summer outdoor adventures alike. Guests have also appreciated the warm, attentive service and clean accommodations, though some recommend bringing personal toiletries. The absence of an airport shuttle means travelers should plan their own transportation from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, about an hour and a half away by car.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
This resort is absolutely beautiful! We drive 50 minutes just to enjoy a glass of wine and the view! No cocktails are served here, just wine and beer. We have not enjoyed the restaurant here yet, just the lounge which has salads and hamburgers and sometimes appetizers. The ambiance is wonderful and the setting can not be beat!
The outstanding restaurant experience continues with Chef Randall Christian. The summer menu includes an excellent poke with a slight heat from the chili sesame oil and home made crisped wonton halves. Also new is the halibut with a saffron beurre blanc sauce which was amazing as well. The cherry bread pudding was so good, it was gone before a picture was snapped (sorry!). Had the yellowfin tuna this evening and it was equally excellent. Note the Kirkwood Inn is closed for the summer and while the Caples Lake Resort Restaurant menu is a five star experience, they also have burgers, sandos, and smoked ribs on the menu for the more casual diners who might have stopped at the Inn. But be sure to make reservations as Caples Lake Resort Restaurant is the place to be!
The cabin is clean and well stocked with the necessary cooking equipment, fridge, microwave, stove, coffee maker, toaster…. Bring your own food bedding, and towels. The location is stunning, the restaurant, upscale and delicious! Fantastic hiking nearby.
Absolutely stunning summer location on the lake and the staff was amazing. Boats, hiking, biking etc. all at your doorstep. Facilities were clean and had everything you need to be comfortable. It's a great facility for group gatherings and weddings etc.
Well dining at the restaurant I found myself in entranced by the most spectacular moonrise I have yet seen and a meal scarcely found at five Star restaurants at Tahoe that surpassed the best meal I have yet had and it came under the roof of humility. In the middle of the wilderness exists this restaurant of Divine curations and oh my god the chef has to be an angel!!! It is an experience that is missing only in those that do not live life to the fullest You must have this experience at least once or you can't call yourself alive... Hallelujah that was at the fine meal thank you oh chef of the heavens!!! Video is of the moonrise right before I ate that divine meal and please forgive my snarky commentary I have a terminal sense of humor...
What a cozy little resort nestled right at the edge of a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains. This is an amazing area and it is served well by the resort. We enjoyed the warm service at breakfast and dinner. We stayed during winter so also enjoyed snowshoeing right out the front door and we saw a few people ice fishing as well. My only recommendation would be to make sure you bring your own soap/shampoo. Would definitely stay again!
The area is beautiful. The lodge is clean. The food at dinner is excellent, especially the burgers. The CLR burger is THE best burger that I've ever had. The service is great. They make you feel right at home. Good fishing too. Also, during the winter, when the ski resorts are open, you are really close and decently close to Tahoe. 10 min and 30 min away respectfully.
We stayed at the Caples Lake Resort after skiing Kirkwood all day and had a really great time. Used the wood fired sauna and were blown away with the dining room experience. Highly recommend staying and getting dinner!
On the shores of Caples Lake, this rustic mountain retreat is 2.9 miles from Kirkwood Mountain Resort and 31.4 miles from Lake Tahoe.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
3,474 reviews 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr, Kirkwood, CA 95646
3,550 reviews 1111 Sierra-At-Tahoe Rd, Twin Bridges, CA 95735, United States
125 reviews Kirkwood, CA 95646, USA
Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.
Stay at L'Auberge Carmel, a 4.6star inn with acclaimed dining, free WiFi, petfriendly rooms, and a prime location near Carmel’s...
Affordable stay at Econo Lodge Quakertown, PA. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, parking, fitness center, and easy access to Nockamixon...
Stay at Curwen House The Salem Inn, a 4.5star Colonialstyle hotel in Salem, MA. Enjoy chic lounges, breakfast, and walk to Sal...
Stay at Rand Tower Hotel in Minneapolis with free WiFi, petfriendly rooms, fitness center, and easy access to theaters and Targe...
Relax at Red Door Resort, a 4.5star lakeside motel with cabins, boat rentals, and fishing on Mille Lacs Lake near Aitkin, MN. Fre...
Stylish suites with free WiFi, fitness center & game room in downtown San Francisco. Near Alcatraz Island & Golden Gate Bridge. R...
Stay at Tweety's 7 Diamond Inn in Houston, TX. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and accessible rooms. Rated 3.5 stars from 168 revi...
3.8star Fairfield Inn Charlotte Northlake offers free breakfast, WiFi, an outdoor pool, and LGBTQ+ friendly amenities, just minu...
Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, and fitness center at Quality Inn & Suites Casper near Event Center, conveniently located near downto...
4.1star hotel with free breakfast, WiFi, and outdoor pool in Brookshire, TX. Close to Houston Executive Airport and top attractio...
Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.
