Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel

This quiet hotel draws budget-minded travelers, including many tour groups here to visit Yosemite National Park. It's at its busiest during registration hours and at breakfast, which is served in a spacious, pleasant room that can sometimes become crowded at peak times. The modest lobby has photo wall murals of towering redwoods and Yosemite's iconic granite Half Dome. A cluster of comfy leather chairs are set on laminate floors that have a natural stone look, there's a small gas fireplace for a cozy touch, and potted plants help breathe life into the space. Guests often can be seen strolling along the wooded Mariposa Creek Pathway that runs next to the hotel and leads to the nearby Mariposa County Arts Park. 

The Best Western Plus is located in Mariposa, a quaint and quiet town that serves as the western gateway to Yosemite National Park -- but getting there requires a 75-minute drive, depending on traffic. The hotel sits on Central Yosemite Highway (140), which stays open year-round and runs into Yosemite’s west entrance. The property is within a short walk to several restaurants, other hotels, and a grocery store. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops in Mariposa and takes visitors (for a fee) to the park's Visitors Center in about two hours for a fee. Modesto is approximately 80 minutes away by car, while Sacramento and San Francisco are roughly three hours by car. 

Deep autumnal tones and small windows can make guest rooms at Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel a bit dark, and the overall look is slightly dated. The classic combination of crimson and gold are the featured colors, with red upholstered furniture and accents along with gold walls, bedspreads, drapes, and padded headboards. The silver and dark-brown striped carpet is striking, but it feels out of place with the rest of the decor. Black-and-white photos of Yosemite landmarks are a nice touch. The dark-wood furniture shows some obvious signs of wear, but units are generally clean, and they're spacious. Double Queens include desks with office chairs and armchairs, with plenty of room between beds and walls. Most (but not all) Kings have sleeper sofas and coffee tables. Amenities are a plus, with air-conditioning, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Wide quartz vanities are en-suite, and bathrooms have brown marble tile, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Ambient noise from neighboring rooms and the highway can be heard, but units at the back of the property tend to be quieter. Views aren't noteworthy. 

This hotel has a solid set of features for a comfortable stay. A free hot breakfast buffet is served daily that includes eggs, and free coffee and tea is available all day in the lobby. Another highlight is the small seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool, surrounded by a large deck with loungers and covered tables. The hotel has a fitness center, but it’s also small, with only a treadmill, elliptical, stationary bicycle, and free weights. Other amenities include limited meeting space, a business center with two computers and printers, and a guest laundry room with two washer/dryers. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free. Pets are welcome with a surcharge and certain restrictions. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator.