Up the road from the frenetic casino zone at the Cal-Nev state line is the Azure Hotel at 3300 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. A bit dated and worn from the winter ski season, Our lodgings were cozy, if you like that. So-called “upgraded,” we had a small double queen bed lake view room at the front of the property, more like a bustling highway view with lake background. (If offered this “upgrade,” turn it down. Constant highway noise penetrates the double-paned balcony doors. The back of the property is much quieter. A king room can be had for a sizeable price bump.) Onsite photos of the rooms are a study in hyperbole.
The room was small and cozy-rustic with a small balcony and two chairs. Lacking a table for our Happy Hour drinks, we seized the little table from the expansive corner room next door. On the plus side, the room was graced with real glass glasses, unlike the pricey Margaritaville hotel (which gave only plastic). There is also a cheap little microwave, which still fills the bill if not too taxing.
There is a mid-sized pool and a large hot tub with waterfall where little peace can be had on account of the screaming, splashing children during most of the day. Next door, the hotel recommends Elements Eatery and Bar, where we had a nice, Mexican-themed breakfast. But we greatly preferred Heidi’s Pancake House (3485 Lake Tahoe Boulevard), which was phenomenal in every respect.
In all the places we frequented were warm and friendly..