You know that feeling when you're driving down Highway 89, the trees are blurring past, and suddenly the lake just opens up? That’s Homewood. It’s quieter than South Lake. It’s less "seen and be seen" than Tahoe City. And right in the middle of it sits the West Shore Cafe and Inn Homewood, a place that honestly feels like someone’s very wealthy, very tasteful lakeside cabin rather than a commercial hotel.
It’s small. Only six rooms.
That’s the thing people usually miss when they’re looking for a place to stay in Tahoe. They go for the massive resorts with three thousand pillows and a lobby that smells like artificial pine. But if you want to actually hear the water hitting the pebbles on the shore while you eat your breakfast, this is basically the spot. It’s located directly across from Homewood Mountain Resort, making it this weirdly perfect hybrid of a ski lodge and a yacht club.
The Reality of Staying at West Shore Cafe and Inn Homewood
Let’s be real: Tahoe isn't cheap. It hasn't been cheap since the 70s. But there is a specific kind of value you get here that you don't find at the big chains. Because there are so few rooms—literally four suites and two guest rooms—the staff actually knows who you are. You aren't "Room 402." You’re the person who wanted extra foam on their latte.
The rooms themselves are named after local landmarks like Marlette or McKinney. They’ve got those heavy, dark wood beams and stone fireplaces that make you want to buy a flannel shirt and start writing a novel. Most of them have views that look straight out over the pier.
Speaking of the pier, it’s arguably the most photographed spot on the west shore. During the summer, it’s a hub for boaters who pull up, tie off, and walk up for a glass of rosé. In the winter, it’s a ghost town in the best way possible. Just ice, wood, and the deep blue of the lake.
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Why the location is actually a gamble
If you’re looking for nightlife, stay in South Lake. Seriously. If you stay at the West Shore Cafe and Inn Homewood, you are committing to the "West Shore Way." This means things close early. It means it’s dark. Like, really dark. The stars are incredible, but don’t expect to find a late-night taco stand within walking distance at 11:00 PM.
You’re here for the access. In the winter, you can literally walk across the street to the Madden Chairlift at Homewood Mountain Resort. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can ski with a view that makes you feel like you’re going to slide right into the water. In the summer, you have the DL Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay just a short drive south.
Food, Fireplaces, and Finer Details
The restaurant is the heartbeat of the place. It’s a "mountain-to-table" vibe, which is a fancy way of saying they use a lot of seasonal California produce and hearty proteins. The menu changes, but if the scallops or the braised short ribs are on there, just get them. Don’t overthink it.
One thing most people don't realize is that the dining deck is seasonal. When the weather is good, it’s the best seat in Northern California. When the wind picks up off the lake, it can get chilly fast, even in July. They have heaters, but come prepared with a layer.
- The Wine List: It’s heavy on California cabs and chardonnays, which makes sense given the proximity to Napa.
- The Pier Service: In the summer, you can actually get drinks served out on the dock. It feels very "Great Gatsby" but with more Patagonia vests.
- The Wedding Factor: Be warned—this place is a massive wedding destination. If you’re booking a weekend stay in September, check to see if there’s a private event. The atmosphere changes from "quiet retreat" to "I’m accidentally part of someone’s nuptials" very quickly.
The Nuance of the "Inn" Experience
Most "inns" are just motels that bought better curtains. This isn't that. It’s a boutique experience that leans heavily into the history of the area. Homewood has always been the rugged, local-leaning side of the lake. While the East Shore is all boulders and secret coves, and the North Shore is all casinos and crowds, the West Shore is where the old Tahoe families have their estates.
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Staying here gives you a temporary membership into that world.
The bathrooms have heated floors. It sounds like a small thing until it’s 6:00 AM in January and you’re stepping onto slate tile. Then, it’s the only thing that matters in the world.
Practical Advice for Your Trip
If you’re planning to visit, don't just wing it. The West Shore is a specific beast.
First, transportation. If you don't have a car, you're going to feel trapped. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft exist in Tahoe, but they are notoriously unreliable on the West Shore, especially during snowstorms or peak summer traffic. Rent a car. Make sure it has 4WD if it’s anywhere near winter.
Second, the "Homewood High & Dry" marina is right there. If you’re a boater, this is peak convenience. You can arrange boat rentals or even just watch the classic woodies—the old-school Riva and Chris-Craft boats—zip around.
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Third, consider the "shoulder season." Everyone wants to be here in August or January. But October? October is magic. The crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and the West Shore Cafe and Inn Homewood usually has more availability. The water is too cold to swim in (though it’s always cold, let’s be honest), but the hiking is superior.
Navigating the Downsides
No place is perfect. Because the building is historic and right on the road, you can sometimes hear the traffic on 89 from the street-side rooms. If you’re a light sleeper, you absolutely must request a lake-facing suite.
Also, the price point. You’re paying for the view and the exclusivity. You could stay at a mid-range hotel in Truckee for half the price, but you’d be staring at a parking lot instead of 191 square miles of alpine water. It’s a trade-off.
Actionable Steps for Your West Shore Stay
If you’re sold on the idea of a West Shore getaway, here is how to actually execute it without the headaches:
- Book the Marlette Suite. It’s arguably the best room in the house for the view-to-price ratio.
- Make dinner reservations when you book your room. Even if you’re staying at the inn, the restaurant fills up with locals and visitors from other parts of the lake. Don't assume a table will be waiting for you.
- Check the Homewood Mountain Resort schedule. If you’re skiing, buy your lift tickets in advance. Homewood is known for its "low crowd" vibe, but they sometimes limit ticket sales to keep it that way.
- Visit Chambers Landing nearby. It’s a historic bar just down the road. Grab a "Chambers Punch." It’s a rite of passage for anyone staying in Homewood, but be careful—they’re stronger than they taste.
- Plan your grocery run in Tahoe City. There aren’t major grocery stores in Homewood. Stop at the Save Mart or Safeway in Tahoe City before you head south to the inn so you have snacks and supplies.
The West Shore Cafe and Inn Homewood isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It doesn't have a massive spa or a neon-lit bar. It’s just a high-end, intimate corner of the lake that does the basics—sleep, food, and views—exceptionally well. Pack a heavy sweater, leave the "city" mindset at the door, and just watch the lake. That's why you're there anyway.