Lakeside Inn Casino was a beloved gaming and hospitality destination located in Stateline, Nevada. For 35 years, this iconic property offered visitors an authentic Lake Tahoe resort experience with a warm, local atmosphere. The hotel provided comfortable pet-friendly rooms, excellent dining options, and a lively casino floor without the burden of expensive resort fees. Although the casino permanently closed in 2020 due to pandemic challenges, its legacy lives on through its lasting impact on the local community and its future transformation into a regional medical campus.
History of Lakeside Inn Casino: From Caesars to Tahoe Treasure
The property evolved significantly over the decades. It originally opened and operated as Harvey’s Inn after being purchased by Harvey Gross. Over time, it grew into a standalone local favorite.
Smaller scale operations like Lakeside Inn were vital to the local ecosystem. They offered a more intimate gaming experience that matched perfectly with the larger resorts nearby. The property stood strong for 35 years thanks to tremendous staff, loyal guests, and a supportive community.
Lakeside Inn’s Latest News
Lakeside Inn announced it was closing after 35 years of business at Lake Tahoe. The closure included all areas of the business, encompassing the casino, restaurant, and hotel. The business hoped to resume operations after the coronavirus pandemic improved, but it could not.
Following the closure, Barton Health purchased the site for 13.3 million dollars. This acquisition includes the resort structure and eight acres of land. The space is being transformed into a health system, serving the community in a different but essential capacity.
Key Takeaways About Lakeside Inn Casino
- Operated successfully for 35 years in Stateline, Nevada.
- Known as a fee-free South Tahoe hotel with no hidden resort fees.
- Offered 124 lodge-style guest rooms with pet-friendly accommodations.
- Voted consistently by locals for having the best casino floor.
- Featured a popular 24-hour restaurant called The Timbers.
Lakeside Inn and Casino Guest Rooms
The property included 124 lodge-style guest rooms boasting recently renovated interiors. Guests enjoyed nice touches like a separate toilet and shower, along with free toiletries and bath sheets.
Rooms were furnished with a couch, coffee table, microwave, refrigerator, and small bar area. They were a perfect place to stay and relax in Lake Tahoe. All rooms featured free WiFi and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay.
Hotel Amenities
This fee-free South Tahoe hotel offered all amenities included with no resort fees. This was a refreshing change from the popular resort fees common at competing properties in the area.
Pet lovers could bring their dogs or cats along. Lakeside Inn Casino offered pet-friendly accommodations, making it a great choice for travelers with pets. The property also included varied business facilities for small corporate gatherings.
Pool and Recreation
Guests could take a break from their busy day by relaxing at the indoor heated pool. This large pool was located conveniently on the lower level.
You could also break a sweat in the exercise room. The fitness center was adjacent to the pool area. Alternatively, guests took advantage of day passes to larger fitness centers located across the street.
Leisure Facilities
One of the major draws of staying at Lakeside Inn Casino was its proximity to incredible outdoor offerings. The hotel was centrally located to major area attractions.
Guests enjoyed swimming, water skiing, boating, hiking, and sailing. With a new hiking and biking path connecting the Nevada-side beaches, outdoor enthusiasts had direct access to shoreline activities. Heavenly Mountain Resort was also just a short drive away.
Dining Options at Lakeside Inn Casino
Man does not live by slots alone. You need to take a break, and Lakeside offered several great options for eats and drinks. The onsite restaurant, coffee bar, and multiple bars provided convenient choices.
Whether you wanted huge breakfast specials or late-night steaks, dining here was a safe bet. Guests never went hungry, whether they were burning the midnight oil or starting their day early.
- The Timbers Restaurant: Award-winning venue open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Heartland Café: Perfect for a quick, hearty breakfast and lunch.
- Nibbles: Conveniently located right near the casino entrance for fast snacks.
- Sports Bar: Featured large screens, an open fireplace, and late-night refreshments.
Gaming at Lakeside Casino: More Than Just Slots
At the heart of the property was an extensive gaming floor. It was frequently voted the best in the area by locals. The casino established itself as a favorite because of its warm, well-lit ambiance.
Machine players had over 1,000 slots, video poker, and electronic keno kiosks to choose from. The slots were known for having some of the best payouts in the Tahoe area. You could easily find casino-style favorites and fresh new releases.
Pick what feels right today
The gaming library brought together lighter titles and more involved experiences. You could easily swap between games depending on your mood. Some games were perfect for a quick play, while others invited you to settle down for a long session.
| Slot Machine Type | Range of Bets | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Main Casino Slots | Penny slots and up | Wide variety of themes and progressive jackpots |
| Video Poker | Multi-denomination | Full pay tables on popular machines |
| High Limit Area | Up to $25 machines | Exclusive machines with higher payout percentages |
Poker Options
Poker at Lakeside Casino was a local specialty. Dedicated enthusiasts flocked to this spot for games that ran consistently.
Lakeside Hotel Casino featured a single live-action poker table. Players enjoyed mixed cash games alongside standard Limit and No Limit Hold’em games. The action was friendly, fast-paced, and highly rewarding.
Expert Advice: Maximizing Casino Experience
As a casino industry expert with over a decade of playing experience, I highly recommend managing your bankroll carefully. Slot players should prioritize the high-limit area if they can afford the stakes, as those machines historically boast better payout percentages.
Take frequent breaks at the Sports Bar. Staying refreshed keeps your mind sharp for table games. Always join the player rewards club immediately upon arrival to secure extra late-night dining comps.
Expert Advice: Poker Room Management
A single-table poker room requires a different strategy. You play against a tight-knit group of locals who know each other’s habits.
Observe the table for at least twenty minutes before sitting down. Play tight-aggressive poker in these environments. Taking advantage of the local friendly atmosphere can yield great returns if you remain patient.
What Experts Say About Lakeside Inn Casino
“Many smaller casinos cut their poker offerings when business slows, but Lakeside understood that maintaining a vibrant poker table—even with just one table—is crucial for attracting dedicated players.” – Local Casino Floor Manager
“Always book airport transportation in advance when visiting Lake Tahoe, especially during winter months when weather can severely disrupt routes.” – Brett Tucker, Regional Tourism Expert
Lakeside Inn and Casino Reviews
The hotel had consistently positive reviews from guests. It was particularly loved by locals who frequented the property for gaming and dining. Visitors praised the affordable room rates and the friendly customer service.
Many guests appreciated that the property was centrally located to area attractions. Reviews often mentioned the famous affordable breakfast and lunch specials at The Timbers Restaurant.
NEWS IN PHOTOS:
Before demolition, the vacant space was utilized for community fire and police service training. Now, the landscape changes to make way for regional medical services.
Fresh picks, ready to explore
There are countless outdoor activities within minutes of the hotel. You can easily find helicopter tours, beaches, fishing excursions, and multiple golf courses.
Zephyr Cove Stables offers horseback rides that are fun for families. Blue Ribbon Lake Tahoe Sportfishing provides some of the best water charters in the area. For a relaxing day, the Peace of Mind Float Spa is within walking distance.
Check out these great tahoe restaurants near your hotel
If you decide to step off the property, you have plenty of local dining options. Friday’s Station is a top-tier choice for steaks and seafood.
There is ample shopping and dining nearby for guests who want to experience the true South Tahoe style. Every year, visitors vote online for the best local restaurants via the Tahoe Daily Tribune Newspaper.
Not the right fit? Check out these other great South Shore (NV) hotels
If you are looking for current lodging options, there are great alternatives near the state line. You can explore larger resorts that feature massive entertainment venues and rooftop pools.
Many smaller motels also surround the US Highway 50 corridor. They provide an easy home base full of outdoor access, similar to what Lakeside used to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Lakeside Inn Casino still open?
No, the property permanently closed in 2020 following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. It operated successfully for 35 years prior to closing.
What happened to the Lakeside Inn Casino building?
Barton Health purchased the property for 13.3 million dollars. The older structures were demolished to make way for a brand-new regional medical campus and health system.
Did Lakeside Inn Casino charge resort fees?
No. One of its best features was that it was a completely fee-free hotel. All standard amenities, including WiFi and parking, were included in the standard room rate.
Was the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes. Guests were welcome to bring their dogs and cats, making it a very popular destination for travelers with pets.
How far was the casino from the airport?
The property was located 38.1 miles from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is the closest major airport with the quickest route to Stateline, Nevada.
How many slot machines did the casino have?
The casino featured over 1,000 gaming machines. This included traditional slots, video poker, and electronic keno choices, along with a dedicated high-limit area.
Did they offer live table games?
Yes. Players could enjoy blackjack, craps, roulette, and a single, highly active live poker table featuring Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold’em.