Bathroom with forest facing shower-enclosure window
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
About this property
Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
Two-storey "woodsy" Guest House, located at the quieter backside of Donner Lake, which is across the street. ******** nightly cost + Vrbo fee + cleaning/pet fee + security (refundable) + (11% Hotel TAX (until 31 Nites) = none) ************ Two of the property lines are National Forest. There is wildlife. Unattended off-leash small pets maybe eaten (not happened yet, but it could). Hiking in the forest = educate yourself about how to handle a bear encounter. ************** We have a Level2 EV charging port in the garage, and guests need to compute and pay extra for its usage. I have been told that to fully charge an EV, does cost something (not as much as gas or diesel, but the expense is there... you know your vehicle and please be fair). *************** The lakeview is framed by majestic pine trees and open peek views of the water can be enjoyed from the entrance walkway deck (which has patio chairs).
The first-storey is a large mudroom (during winter the radiant heated tile floor is great for helping to dry out snow gear) and a small airlock area for access to the covered DogRun and side yard. The GuestHouse is built at the rear of MainHouse (private/no shared walls). New construction, lofted pine ceilings, luxury comforts. Two vehicle parking. Maybe share garage and tandem park if you have more than one vehicle. Usually, one vehicle Garage usage when it's driveway snowplow time. SLEEPING = queen bed, double futon sofa and camp cot with 4" foam mattress (for 3rd bed/child). BYO sleeping bag/pillow = 3rd bed/child FREE. ***********,* LONGER STAY discounted rental rates available for Fall/Winter/Spring. Inquire to unblock dates and get pricing. ************* Concerned NOT SAFE = babies old enough to crawl and little ones through early pre-school, etc. Because: 1) top of stairs ungated 2) faux "franklin stove" gas heater gets hot to touch 3) Cleaning supplies beneath sink and also next to toilet
DETAILS "California is prone to wildfires" .... Please note we do not move, cancel or provide refunds for poor air quality, as the wind direction is beyond our control.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Location Location Location & Great Value @ Tahoe Donner!!!
Tahoe Donner
Location Location Location & Great Value @ Tahoe Donner!!!
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Wet linens... Hang so are drying
Close table big-shutter and shades.
Summer: leave bathroom window half-open and bathroom door open... Close shower curtain = rain downpour protection
Always leave ceiling fan at lo-speed
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
NO MARIJUANA / NICOTINE AROMAS INSIDE, EXTRA FEE TO PAY FOR PROFESSIONAL SMOKE SMELL REMOVAL COMPANY.
No parking directly across street on dirt beneath pine trees (neighbors consider it their private property) possible fines from county STR agency.
If DogRun shared with MainHouse you will need to accompany your pet during toileting. Lined and lidded metal poo bucket in corner for pick-up.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Truckee
Located in Truckee, this apartment is in the mountains and on a river. Northstar California Resort and Palisades Tahoe are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Donner Lake. Olympic Valley Park and Village Ice Skating Rink are also worth visiting.
Northstar California Resort - 31 min drive - 29.6 km
Getting around
Truckee Station - 13 min drive
Truckee, CA (TKF-Truckee Tahoe) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 11 min drive
Starbucks - 10 min drive
Coffeebar Bakery - 10 min drive
Tahoe Donner - 19 min drive
Upper Deck Bar (at Boreal) - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
?
As of 16 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
on 25 September 2025 start from NZ$219, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Donner Lake Studio Apt. FOREST ENVELOPED (quiet). Lake across street. PETS.
located?
Situated on a river, this apartment building is steps away from Tahoe National Forest and Donner Lake. Donner Memorial State Park and West End Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We loved our stay at this beautiful Donner retreat. The location was excellent being by Donner Lake, the state park and close to Truckee and all Tahoe has to offer. We hope to stay here again!
Very lovely family who really cares about their guests in an accommodation that is sweet and clean and has so many thoughtful touches. Excellent location near West End Beach. Highly recommend!
We stayed here while i was working in the area for a week. It was across the street from Donner lake and had several beach options within a few minutes drive from us. The backyard was a beautiful forest witht rails that our dog loved! We definitely will come back.
joseph L.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ritesh
21 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a fantastic weekend stay at this lovely apartment. It was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped, with a handy kitchenette that had all the essentials. The location near picturesque Lake Donner was ideal for enjoying nature and relaxing. What truly made the stay special was Hazel’s outstanding hospitality—she was warm, attentive, and proactive. From a smooth check-in to helpful recommendations and thoughtful check-ins during our visit, she ensured everything went perfectly. Overall, it was a great experience, and we would happily return or recommend this place to anyone planning a visit to the area.
Very comfortable and quiet getaway. The place is immaculate and is well stocked. Hazel was excellent at communications. Just be aware that there are a lot of stairs if that would be difficult for you.
Jean W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 June 2024
Thank-You for the nice review. Yes, there are stairs, and its good to emphasize that for seniors, like us. The pictures need looking at. However, stairs are part of the privacy and having a "face front" forest experience.
Sooo nice to have a very clean hs ~~and dog friendly! (that's so rare!) Fit the 2 of us perfectly.
Stephen Kathleen B.
Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 September 2023
I enjoy being able to host your two week stay, and your two Doggies were perfect guests. I like sharing the gigantic Jeffery Pines that your Big Picture Window looks up into. Because of only a single row of cabins on each side of road at the backside of Donner Lake... the sky looks especially starfilled, and hoped you enjoyed.
Beautiful home nestled next to truckee lake. Stunning arbor views with crystal clear windows, plenty of room to sleep our family of 4 and host was very commutative with tidbits and tips for everything from nearby to-dos and a fairy house on the property my daughter could explore. Can’t wait until our next visit into town, Truckee is absolutely beautiful and a weekend on the lake here is my ideal vacay.
Kristina S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2024
Thank-you for the beautiful review. I think you have a writers talent. Luv sharing with little ones...and there is also that Coleman camp cot (+4" foam mattress), because soon they like a friend or family member their age to come along.
We loved our stay at Hazel's studio! It's cozy, beautiful and very comfortable. The kitchen is very well equipped with quality household items. Beds and bedding very comfortable. Impeccable clean studio all over. Communications with Hazel were easy and caring. We can't wait to come back again!
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Enjoyed helping a lovely family have a special Thanksgiving/Sking getaway. They were considerate with helping to take trash out and set damp towels to dry (sometimes cleaning help delays). Definately a keeper, please come again.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tess
7 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Hazel was amazing, friendly, and super communicative. She cares about your stay and wants you to feel welcome, comfortable, and happy. The studio is in an ideal location and walkable to Donner Lake. We wished we could have stayed longer and can't wait to return soon. The trail in the back area is magical and before we left we saw a few deer. I'm going to remember this trip for a long time. Thank you, Hazel. You are a gem.
Beautiful, spotless, great location (right by Donner Lake and a 10-12 minute drive to Sugar Bowl), well-stocked (they thought of pretty much everything), helpful welcome/guide binder and labelling so everything is easy to find and use, exceedingly attentive, warm, and accommodating host, great place to bring a pet. No complaints. My mom, our dog, and I had a wonderful weekend.
This was our first time staying in Truckee/Donner Lake area and we will definitely be back. The studio was clean, well-equipped, and just big enough for the 4 of us. We loved the view and easy access to the trail. The host, Hazel was wonderful and made us feel right at home.
Michelle F.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Thank-you... it was lovely sharing. The camp cot for a fifth person works best for adventurers small children. Agreed it would be a tighter space for 5 adults and one bathroom.
It was an beautiful, fully equipped home in a terrific location.
Very smooth. Excellent experience.
Christian B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Thank-you.... it's our pleasure to share.
PS: We just received a GuestHouse evaporation cooler. There is a hose bib, beneath the kitchen sink, and I am running a metal (doggie bite resistant) reinforced flexible 8 ft. hose from it, along floorboard at dishwasher, and then beneath the Franklin Stove to auto-fill the unit placed directly in front. Five years ago, during construction....vaguely concerned about climate so set up both houses with inside hose bibs (just in case). This is the first time ever that there has been more than one week of temps in the 90's at Donner Lake.
See my site and "About Host" where I posted an excerpt about DONNER LAKE MICRO-CLIMATE... which explains why evaporation cooling will be effective.
About the host
Hosted by HazelMarie Manfra
married for 40 years retired Registered Nurse three adult sons
Why they chose this property
We purchased the land in 2015 and found that the first 20 ft. had been owned by Placer County for 50+ years and no one knew why... and it required an agenda item on a County Commissioners Meeting to buy it back from them before we could build... this was a surprise, and a big worry, which we were happy & relieved about when we "jumped the hurtle".
Construction started in 2017 and finished summer of 2019. All the significant quantity of boulders and rocks laid against that Eastside canyon wall came from when the foundation was excavated... and it's a good thing, because the slope definitely needed the additional erosion control.
The backside of Donner Lake retains its snow fall... Come March this past year (2021) there was at least 6 ft. of snow-pack; it had stayed for months alongside South Shore Dr. Whereas, at the other side of the lake, the snow which accumulated next to the roadway, kept to about 18-inches deep.
We are hoping this long-term forest snowpack adjoining our cabin home and the firebreaks that follow the railroad tracks as they cross Donner Pass (which runs directly above the cabin) will help to protect us from Forest Fire. AND, DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET AND ONE HOME-SITE DEEP, IS THE LAKE'S SHORELINE.
The Eastside Property line adjoins Tahoe National Forest and a "Topal" map shows us being against the Eastside of a canyon called "Lakeview". The opposite side of this canyon wall has its access protected by a tall cliff which follows paved South Shore Dr. and a steep drop from an adjoining dirt forest road (also called South Shore). These barriers shelter the area from humans. There is a path (WEBSITE PICS) directly behind our cabin which leads straight-up to where our East canyon wall levels and intersects a path running West to East into this quiet untouched area. From here, one can walk Northwards along the canyon wall top and see up-high views looking down on the lake.
I ALWAYS TAKE BEAR SPRAY WITH ME WHEN HIKING INTO THIS AREA.
What makes this property unique
Below is something which I had clipped from a website article about the unique weather pattern Truckee/Donner Lake has:
"These factors contribute to Truckee’s consistently lower temperatures during spring and fall seasons when the area records the bulk of its “coldest in the nation” readings. High pressure tends to dominate West Coast weather during the summer and autumn months. This large semi-stationary air mass forces vigorous cold fronts to track far to the north, providing California with a sunny, dry climate. The air pressing down on the Sierra Nevada during these dry summer months contains very little moisture. Without much humidity in the air, there is nothing to trap and hold the sun’s heat. As soon as the sun sets, temperatures plummet. The same principle applies to deserts, known for scorching heat during the day followed by frigid nights. This high pressure cell also fosters calm, windless evenings in the Sierra, which inhibits atmospheric mixing. Without breezes to stir up the night air, the dense cooler air settles to the ground with warmer air above. This nocturnal inversion, known as such because air aloft is normally colder than at the surface, keeps Truckee’s average minimal summer temperatures hovering in the upper thirties. In addition, Truckee’s typical cloud-free evening sky allow accumulated daytime heat to escape rapidly back into the atmosphere, a dynamic known as radiational cooling. Another component that contributes to extreme temperature fluctuations is distance from any large body of water. Oceans and large lakes, like Tahoe, heat up and cool off slowly, while land surfaces gain and lose heat much more rapidly. Truckee’s afternoon temperatures are usually much higher than those recorded near Lake Tahoe, but at night plunge quickly, and are often 10 to 15 degrees colder by sunrise."