We are two young couples travelling to lake tahoe for the first time. None of us have skiied before. My wife and the other couple might take a lesson or two.

Our budget is around $700-$800 for three nights for both couples together.

My wife wanted to stay higher up in the mountains with a good view. I think the resort at squaw creek appears to have that. But if we go for this hotel, we might have to book the fireplace suite($259/day) and one couple has to sleep in the sofa bed (whatever that is). Individual rooms at resort at squaw creek will be too expensive for us.

On the alternative the B and B - shore house on the lake - has individual rooms at $142/night which is within our budget. It is close to the lake and has some lake views. Pro is that we have an individual room for each couple. Con- no view from the hills.

Any other places in the above mentioned price range that can offer some good mountain views and still close to the lake. Skiing is not a top priority for us.

Any suggestions welcome? Will the fireplace suite have less privacy?