Yosemite View Lodge - El Portal 37.67933, -119.76378

Never having entered Yosemite from 140, I did not know how close this hotel was to the gate-about only 2 miles so it was very easy to go in and come out for a few days. I read the reviews of the Hotels in the area and this one was better than than the others I had read. I Loved these features: a supplied kitchen!!, a patio overlooking the creek! a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi!! Better than average linen!!, and the fireplace-even though it's gas. The only things I would hope they do is: clean the marks off the walls and clean the floor boards(Yucky) and fix-up the pool area-it looks a little shabby. I now this is an older hotel-but they have kept it up pretty well. The off season rate is the only way I could have stayed here. So for the price this is a GREAT Hotel. I have already told my friends about it.

We loved almost everything about this hotel; my wife and I stayed in a room with king bed and large jacuzzi tub in the room and our son and his wife stayed next door in a standard room. Both rooms were nice and well-furnished, and the beds were comfortable. It's nice that they have kitchenettes in the rooms because we had a small dog with us (nice also that the hotel is pet-friendly) so we could not use the on-site restaurant. There IS a well-stocked market next to the lobby, where you can get just about anything you need for meals. Also nice. The view from the room balconies, overlooking the river, is really beautiful and one of the best features. The only thing I might criticize is that the bathrooms are a little bit old and dated -- they should put new tile grout in, stuff like that. We had a very large shower stall, with TWO showerheads (one on each end) which was cool, except that the spray was very weak! So that could be easily improved. Other than that, everything was outstanding and we were very happy. The location is great -- just minutes from the park entrance and also pretty easy to get to, right on HWY 140.

I went over Thanksgiving weekend and couldn't get a room at similar price and rating in the valley floor. It only took 20 minutes drive to the visitor center parking lot from this hotel though, so it was great. The kitchenette was very helpful.

It's pretty common for this type of place to overprice its food, but this restaurant was a disgrace, both in quality and in price ($14 for half a plate of bottom-grade pasta and the most pathetic salad bar I've ever seen). I would stay in this hotel again, for sure--the view and rooms were great--but the only word to really describe the overall eating experience is "shameful."

Loved the fact that it was so close to the park. the room had a great view on the river and a big jetted tub, and a very convenient kitchenette that made breakfast very easy. All for an amazing internet deal! The covered pool was also key when you have an active 4 years old.

That's certainly not the cheapest, but it is pretty nice and quite confortable. The room I had came with a fridge and tiny stove which is convenient to keep cold some food and cook a quite breakfast (Considering what;s around, this is good). For diner, there is nothing right there, the best is to drive down to Mariposa, but don't drink the drive back is windy. Good place overall and they know it...?! It's a bit pricy, but it's right at the door of the park which is really convenient...

The Yosemite View is very close to the park entrance and convenient. The room was comfortable and staff was friendly. Our room overlooked the river.

The hotel was clean, comfortable, and a good price. There was a gas fireplace which added to the unit. The full kitchen was a bonus. The unit sat right on the main river that comes out of Yosemite; it was beautiful.

We were very satisfied with every aspect of this hotel.It is perfectly located for daily trips into Yosemite. Could not have chosen better. Definitely will recommend to friends.

River view rooms were very nice. Great 36" flat screen TV. Our fireplace didn't work and maintenance had to come. He fixed it, but the next morning it didn't work again. The instructions for the jacuzzi tub in the room were confusing. Although daylight savings time ended 10 days before, the clock was not reset. There was no pen, notepad or local phone book in the room.

We will definetly return to this hotel, and make this our permanent place to stay when visiting Yosemite. It is only a couple of miles from the west entrance, and has a wonderful location, right next to the Merced river. The room was incredible, and there were several restaurants and a nice store in the hotel lobby where you can buy everything from ice cream, to champagne.

The hotel is located in the entrance of Yosemite National Park and the River View is phenomenal. There is also a fireplace in the room which was a great idea.

We had a river view room, i guess 90% rooms are river view. this lodge is located right at the entry to Yosemite park. nice convenient location, and an amazing view...Love it.

The hotel is quite close to Yosemite Valley and is a bargain considering that fact. The rooms are a bit old-fashioned but it is reasonably clean and quite ok actually. The on-site restaurant is at best average and does not give value for money. There is a small convenience store and gift shop co-located with the recepton. Internet is not free and only available in the lobby.

While I enjoyed our stay at the Yosemite View Lodge, there were a few issues. One being that the spa tub in the restroom did not work as indicated. I found hair on the floor of the restroom when we entered the room as well as some tracked in leaves, as if they had not vacuumed. While we had a no smoking room, the rooms below had smokers who choose to smoke on the balconies and the smell filtrated up to our room, even with the doors closed. We could hear the cleaning cart go down the hall at 4:20 am. Restaurant on site is a little over priced for the quality of food you receive. The convenient location to Yosemite National Park was a plus for sure.

Overlooking the river and the fireplace added a nice touch. It also warmed up the room.

Beautiful view of Merced River from the patio! But poor housekeeping service. The bathroom stinks and carpet was dirty.

Highly recommend this hotel especially for couples. Rooms have a fireplace, jetted tub and patio overlooking the rapids. Beautiful place to stay.

Hot tubs were too cold to use Everything else was excellent especially the river.

Hotel couldn't be in a more convenient location, literally 5mins from the central gate to Yosemite. Structure and decor is dated - however it was plenty comfortable and clean. The food at the lodge restaurant, was mediocre - I'd probably eat in next time utilizing the kitchenette in the room (which makes the stay for a fly fisherman such as myself highly affordable) which had a functional electric stove, micro, fridge, and sink. Average, not glam, with it's best selling point being it's location to the Merced River and Yosemite - a suitable affordable "base camp" for those seeking outdoor adventure in the region.

The rooms at this hotel definitely need a facelift. When we walked into our room the first thing I noticed was a bad smell. The room as a whole just seemed dirty...carpet especially. I realy feel like this hotel is overpriced for what you get. When I went to wash the dishes, the only sponge left for us was a very dirty one. We had to buy our own. The brochure claims an "internet kiosk"...there is none. If you need to use the internet you must pay for it, have your own laptop & it is only workable from the lobby 9not your room). They also advertise dual showers, but the water pressure is horrible so you can't really use them. The restaurant is way overpriced. Our waiter was very nice, but the food left something to be desired. The only good thing about this hotel in my opinion was the location. If you're not staying in the valley, this is the next best location.

We had a river view room. our balcony overlooked the river. Absolutely beautiful!

As a base for Yosemite National Park, the location is great, but that's the best selling point. We arrived at about 2pm after a long, arduous drive along narrow twisting roads in a rainstorm. When we tried to check in, exhausted after our trip, the clerk snarled "Check in is at 3" and didn't even bother to look and see if any rooms were available yet. Eventually, after waiting for over half an hour, wet and miserable, we were given the river view room we had booked - with a gigantic tree blocking the entire view! We were fortunately switched when we complained. The room, while clean, had a laughably dated bathroom (giant pink tub!)and a gas fireplace that smelled of gas so badly we were nervous to have it on. On the upside, the view was great and the pizza place onsite was surprisingly good.

Hotel was great rest. food and service below ave.

I'm sure the rates have been raised due to it's proximity to Yosemite, but it wasn't worth what they charge. I also felt I was being watched by what seemed to be their predominately male house-keeping staff. I was pretty put off by the flea I found in my bed and the ants in the bathroom. Be aware also that there is no internet access in the rooms as well as no cell phone reception (which I know isn't the hotel's fault).

"The hotel was the closest to the entrance to Yosemite. The room was very clean and spacious. The beautiful river view from the balcony was a plus."

We found the hotel to be very convenient to the entrance to the park. The service staff was very courteous and efficient. Our room had twin queen beds with ample room. The Merced River runs behind the motel and our balcony was used. We found the pizza shop to have good pizza, although I would say overpriced. We did not eat at the restaurant as we brought breakfast food and kept it in thr fridge. I would recommend this property even though it is a little dated.

Yosemite View Lodge is an enormous complex, just 2 miles outside of Yosemite on Hwy 140. Within 40min, you are in the valley. The River View rooms are clean and spacious w/ 2 qn beds, large spa/tub, mini kitchenette (ref/stove/mw/coffee/toaster/sink), and fireplace. And even though there are many visitors, you never hear neighbor noise. The rooms have AC and ceiling fan, and balcony overlooking Merced River. They have many pools, but never had a chance to use. They also have a couple restaurants, but just had the pizza which was better than most chain-restaurants. Overall, we had a very pleasant stay.

We had one of the more expensive rooms (we used our free hotel.com night) and it was great. We had a living area, jacuzzi tub in the living area, full kitchen and lovely bathroom. I couldn't fault a thing. the person at check in was very nice and efficient. It only took us 20 minutes to get to Yosemite village from the hotel. In summer the river is not "raging" as advertised but definetely flowing and it was lovely to use the balcony overlooking the river. We would definitely saty again.

The room was for the most part clean and comfortable. The coffee pot had not been cleaned since last used. The used coffee grounds/filter was still in the coffee pot. The rest of the room, to include the bath room, was clean. The beds and pillows were comfortable. Our room was "river view". Although the river was down it was still nice sitting on the balcony listening to the water run by. The second and third floors of the hotel had private balconys separated by solid walls. The first floors had porches separated by open metal fencing. We ate dinner and breakfast in the resturant at the hotel. Food and service were good and the prices were reasonable. There was no wireless internet access from our room although I believe wi-fi was advertised. The hotel consists of several buildings running between the roadway and river. We had difficulty finding the registration lobby because it was not clearly marked. Although we didn't shop in the gift shop/convienence store, it appeared to be well stocked. We would stay at this hotel again.

I did enjoy this hotel, but the price was a little steep for what it was. Location seems to be the only reason.

Fantastic location but overpriced. The rooms are dark and quite frankly dirty..my 1 year son was crawling on the carpet for 5 mins and his hands and knees were filthy. The staff on reception are not the most helpful. I had booked a crib for my 1 year old through Hotels.com and when i asked for the crib i was told by the young male receptionist that cribs are only needed for children under 6months old..really..obviously not a dad then!! When he did finally agree to get me a crib he told me there would be $5 per day charge, upon my protest he said there would be no charge. Also if you do stay here buy your groceries on the way to the hotel as the grocery store has 30 to 50% mark up on regular prices. They have internet access at $9.99..but you have to provide the laptop!! There are only maps available to purchase..not even a basic photocpied map for free. Seems the only interest of this hotel is to screw the customer out of as much money as possible without giving a second thought to value.

Very Poor location to the main attractions of Yosemite. Way too expensive for the quality and location.

This lodge needs improvement. The carpeting in the room needed to be replaced. The bathroom had a strange odor and also needed to be updated. The kitchenette was nice, however, there weren't enough dishes or silverware for our family of four. The location of this lodge, however, was extremely convenient for Yosemite Valley. It was around 12 miles away. I definitely feel this lodge is overpriced.

Great hot tub and showers in room. Nice view of river although lower patio fence is excessive. The restaurant was an overpriced Applebees so don't expect much. Front desk staff not the nicest but did their job. No room service which was a negative. Basically, this hotel has no real competition so you're stuck with below level service for the price. Not bad though if your booking late like we did. We booked the night before.

Este huésped no dejó ningún comentario.

Lovely view over the river from our room. Room was clean and big, if a bit dated regarding decor and had very old pink blankets. Jacuzzi and fire in centre of room interesting! Customer service left a lot to be desired at this motel / hotel. Shop handy, pizza place ok but very expensive, lots of little pools and spas around to use. It was ok for a night but wouldn't really want to stay much longer.

We stayed here mid-week after July 4th for a our three day visit to Yosemite. If you did not reserve ahead of time to get one of the places inside the park, this is the probably the next best thing. You're paying for location. It's a ten minute drive to the El Portal gate and the motel is located next to a roaring river. Our room came with a small kitchentter and a jacuzzi. Now for the bad news - there's nothing nearby except for a small grocery store so you really can't use the kitchen unless you planned ahead and brought your own groceries. You have to pay for internet service (for what they charge for one night, this is ridiculouos as this is no Hilton).

We had a wonderful 2 night stay at the Yosemite View Lodge. Front desk very attentive. Nice to have a convenience store on the premises. Beautiful views. Restaurant and pizza parlor on site is a plus and very good. Buffet breakfast.

Good value, closer to Yosemite Valley than we'd realized, wonderful location right beside the Merced River, very comfortable bed, and surprisingly good food in the restaurant (we ate dinner and breakfast). Only complaint: large swimming pools closed for maintenance, but we used smaller one.

Very nice hotel. Great pools. Nice view of the Merced river. Huge Jacuzzi.

We loved the view in our room The bath tub are huge with jacuzzi. our only concern is it did not have enough rails to hold on and a bit slippery

Our room overlooked the cascading Merced River. We enjoyed sitting on our private patio every morning eating breakfast and again in the afternoon and evening. Having the small kitchenette was perfect with having a quick breakfast, plus bringing back a pizza from the pizza parlor on the hotel property was great as we enjoyed the river view from our patio. With so many swimming pools and spas, my daughter and niece always found a place to enjoy. The hotel is located right outside Yosemite, the closest lodging not inside the park. Get a room overlooking the river - you won't regret it.

Este huésped no dejó ningún comentario.

We enjoyed staying at the Yosemite View Lodge. The river was right outside the patio and we slept with the window open each night so we could listen to the river go by. Staff was friendly.

An internet connection would have made our stay more enjoyable.

Our balcony faced the Merced River. Beuatiful & soothing. The drive to Yosemite was quick & easy. The restaurant prices were a little too high. Pizza was good. Needs to have a gas station in the complex. Grocery needs to have more of a selection so we can cook in our rooms' kitchen. The best place we stayed on our 2 week California trip. Ya gotta stay here.

Yosemite View Lodge is great value in a good location. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the bonus is the kitchenette. Nothing beats breakfast on your balcony overlooking the roaring Merced River. Just 2 miles from the Park entrance makes it easy to come and go at your leisure.

Rooms on the river are too terrific to describe. You have to see it to believe it. They are like another attraction in Yosemite.

We loved Yosemite View Lodge. We booked it because all of the hotels in the park were full. Be sure to get the riverside room, they sit right on the Merced River. There was a restaurant and pizza/sub shop on sit as well as a convenience store for any other items you need. There were 7 hottubs and 3 pools. Rooms were soundproof and roomy. <5 min drive to park entrance. Would definately stay again.