Yosemite View Lodge

The sound of mountain streams running unhindered through the landscape is among the first impressions you encounter at the Yosemite View Lodge. This is the gorgeous Merced River, which runs right by the hotel and covers a stretch of no less than 233 km. The hotel is in the city of El Portal, just 5 minutes by car from the entrance to Yosemite National Park.

The hotel is of an older character, but thanks to its impeccable location, it is the first choice for many, as the selection of accommodations in the area is limited. Rooms here feature simple interiors with floor carpeting and wooden furniture in the typical lodge style. All rooms include a TV, ceiling fan, air conditioning, and your own bathroom with a hair dryer and complimentary toiletries. Furthermore, all rooms come with a kitchenette with a few stove tops, a small refrigerator, microwave oven, toaster, and coffee machine. Wi-Fi is available at an added cost, but with a very limited connection.

There are 2 restaurants in the hotel’s premises that offer breakfast and dinner options. Here, you can get classic American dishes, as well as pizza for dinner.

Yosemite View Lodge has both an indoor and an outdoor pool (the indoor pool has limited open hours) as well as an outdoor spa. Imagine hopping in the spa bath after an active day in nature, with the Merced River flowing in the background and the stars in the night sky twinkling above. It’s a good way to round off a day.

Or, how about trying a true American nature tradition: The s’more. Buy a bag of marshmallows and crackers and roast them over the fire at one of the outdoor fire pits, with a view of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the background.

The hotel also contains a fitness room, games room, and an outdoor playground for the youngest.