Hotel of the week: Basecamp Hotel

South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Lake Tahoe’s south shore finally has a hotel with some charm, said Chris Colin in The New York Times. A former snowboarder’s motel, Basecamp “combines a DIY aesthetic and wit” to provide “a playful, arty, and affordable alternative” to the garishness or griminess of most of its lakeside neighbors. Each room is unique—one features a fake campfire and a tent that covers the king-size bed; another is furnished with eight bunks and an HD projector. Two fire pits, a roof-deck hot tub, and communal dining contribute to the hotel’s appealing bonhomie.basecamphotels.com; doubles from $104