For all of its picturesque views, clean air and bountiful recreation, visitors to South Lake Tahoe also get a sensory overload of what they likely don't want to see.

Casinos and jumbo-sized entertainment marques promote the area’s leading industries, and the flash doesn’t fit the environment. Likewise roadside motels, some in near disrepair, do little for the California-Nevada border city’s image.

Add is all up and it only further distinguishes an accommodation choice like Lakeland Village Beach & Mountain Resort.

It’s not flashy nor does it have a giant billboard or neon sign. It’s one of the locations on the Lake Tahoe strip that gives visitors an option to stay near the main street of the city and in close proximity to all the attractions while seemingly staying far away.

Situated on 19 acres that include wooded grounds and lakefront surroundings, Lakeland Village provides one of South Lake Tahoe’s surprises: It’s an oasis of vast accommodation options — single-room, hotel-like choices the vast condominiums that can sleep 10.

It's ideal for amily vacations to corporate retreats, a couple’s getaway weekend to choices for solo traveling guests not interested in casino-style accommodations or economy motels.

During a recent solo visit, I stayed two nights in a second-floor room in the main lodge, a short walk from the main entrance and Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Two impressions were immediate.

First, despite my proximity to city’s main thoroughfare, the room and immediate area was particularly quiet.

Second, the reception area, elevator entry hall and second-level walkway were reminiscent of a standard-fare metropolitan city hotel. But the room’s interior was more rustic-oriented with high-beam wooden ceilings, a potbelly fireplac
e in the corner of the room and decor resembling a log cabin

I only had the opportunity to briefly explore the vast property during my visit. But my accommodations so close to the main street were pleasant, it’s hard to imagine larger, waterfront or woody options are anything less than serene. There’s a quarter mile of private beach, a pier and boat mooring, outdoor heated pools, children’s wading pool, two hot tubs, sauna, fitness room, two tennis courts and a beachside bistro.

My room at Lakeland Village had a full complement of familiar inclusions: television/DVD/VCR, hair dryer, coffee machine, iron and ironing board and bathroom accessories. But the self-contained kitchenette added the unexpected condominium convenience in what could be easily mistaken for only hotel accommodations.

As a world famous destination, South Lake Tahoe offers prime summer and winter recreation and entertainment options — water sports to alpine and cross-country skiing and gaming to top entertainers. Regardless of season and activity choice, Lakeland Village offers a complimentary shuttle service to local businesses  — casinos to retail shops. I took the shuttle round-trip during my stay and it proved convenient and quick.

Lakeland Village is walking distance from several restaurants, including a locals’ pizza hangout and brewpub, The Brewery. The music is too loud and the restaurant is often crowded. But in good weather, the outside seating, decent food and good beer perfectly complement the convenience of the short walk across the street.

(Lakeland Village Beach & Mountain Resort, 3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 96150. Tel. 530-544-1685; Toll free: 1-800-822-5969; Web site: www.lakeland-village.com; General manager: Jerry Bindel.)