What to expect: Part of the 10,000-acre, glitz-free, laid-back Northstar at Tahoe resort, these lodgings offer access to numerous recreational opportunities for family vacations. In winter, 17 lifts, including a gondola, serve 2,490 skiable acres, with 30 miles of cross-country trails and a 400-foot "superpipe." In summer, there's golf, tennis, swimming, lift access for mountain biking and hiking, and complimentary scenic lift rides.

Amenity highlights: Featuring three pools and three spas, an expansive recreation complex supplies year-round pleasure. A 90-foot lap pool remains open all year, but is adults-only in summer, when another large pool and a children's pool open for families. One spa holds 50 people, with two smaller spas reserved for adults. Other facilities include 10 tennis courts; a video arcade which includes table games; a volleyball court; a nature trail; a large fitness center with sauna; a quiet adults' center for reading and conversing; and a playground that's part of an extensive, supervised summer children's activities program.

Insider tip: During high seasons in winter and summer, the resort provides complimentary shuttle service to Truckee and throughout the resort (limited hours; please consult local schedules for further information).