Best Western Station House Inn, Lake Tahoe, United States

· 7 minutes' walk to the resort centre and Heavenly Gondola · ski school and nursery slopes at the top of the Heavenly lift · 3 minutes' walk to Lake Tahoe

The Station House Inn, managed by hotel giants Best Western, offers forest-style lodging close to the shimmering waters of Lake Tahoe. From the lobby building’s slate roof and stone chimney, to the wood-clad motel-style accommodation buildings that are dotted around the complex, the Inn’s a combination of mountain cottage and alpine retreat.

It also has one of the best locations in our programme. A few minutes’ walk will take you to the Heavenly Gondola – your first stop each morning on your way to the mountain – as well as a popular selection of shops, restaurants and world-renowned casinos.

When you’re not out and about exploring, though, cosy down into the lounge’s leather sofas and warm up your hands on the open flames while admiring the winter sports memorabilia hanging on the walls beside the fireplace. You won’t just find warmth inside, either. The outdoor pool and hot tub are the perfect way to spend an hour or two after a busy day up on the slopes.

Once you’re all freshened up, head down to the hotel’s bar for a pre-dinner drink before dining (for an extra charge) at the onsite LewMarNels Steak & Spirits restaurant. Previously awarded for its excellent wine selection – seen by the plethora of bottles that line the rafters – you’re bound to enjoy a delicious meal here.

When bedtime calls, make your way to your room and snuggle down in the large, comfy beds. Depending on the room, they can sleep up to four people and have plush armchairs and spacious bathrooms.

The best part of the Station House Inn, though, is its complimentary breakfast. Rated one of the top 100 breakfasts in America by Esquire magazine, the hot cooked-to-order breakfast is the perfect way to start a day on the mountains.

· bar · lounge · free WiFi · internet terminal · outdoor pool · outdoor hot tub · complimentary shuttle bus to the centre of resort and the gondola · LewMarNels Steak & Spirits restaurant (at an extra charge)

· extensive hot and cold American breakfast including cooked-to-order items

All rooms have a flatscreen TV, free WiFi, telephone, hairdryer, safe, fridge, coffee machine and air conditioning, and are non-smoking. Cots are available to hire for an extra charge.

King standard room - sleeps 1-2: king bed, private bathroom and WC.

Standard room - sleeps 1-4: two double beds, private bathroom and WC.