The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth

This resort gets very crowded during peak ski season, when even catching an elevator or getting a drink at the bar can test your patience. Guests pack the restaurant for popular themed dinners, like Sushi Mondays. The bar attracts a lively crowd with its happy hour specials, and has wrap-around, knotted-wood walls, and an immense lighting fixture with dozens of hanging rocks. The airy two-story lobby’s amber wood paneling casts a warm glow, and there's a cozy fireplace in front of comfy seating. Tree stump tables, tan leather sofas, and natural stone tile floors suggest a rustic lodge, but this property is more modern, with large pieces of contemporary art as accents. Expect to see couples and families from Los Angeles and other nearby California cities, as well as international travelers who are touring the American West.

The Westin has a great location in Mammoth Lakes, with the Village Gondola that shuttles skiers up to Canyon Lodge and the ski areas just across the street. The Village and its many bars, shops, and restaurants also are directly across from the resort, but access to the Village and Gondola requires negotiating a long and steep set of stairs. Guests often take advantage of the hotel's free shuttle to get there, which is about a 16-minute ride. Yosemite National Park (via Tioga Pass Road) is about a 90-minute drive. Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) is small and the closest to the hotel, about a 15-minute drive. 

The spacious, apartment-style suites at this hotel are contemporary and nicely equipped, but there’s nothing particularly stylish about them. Decor is neutral, with all-white bedding, beige Berber-style carpeting, and wood furniture with an amber finish. There are upholstered headboards, dining tables with chairs, seating areas with sleeper sofas, and gas fireplaces. All units also contain kitchenettes with wet bars, microwaves, mini-fridges, cooktops, coffeemakers, and dishwashers, and larger suites upgrade the kitchens with ovens and full-size fridges. Standard amenities include robes, safes, magnifying mirrors, and free bottled water and Starbucks coffee. Wi-Fi is included in the resort fee. Units are generally quiet, and the Westin Heavenly beds are comfortable. Many suites have small balconies that feature lovely views of the surrounding woods and mountain ranges.Bathrooms are on the small side, but they include granite vanities, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Two-Bedroom Suites have two bathrooms.  

This mountainside ski resort has an appealing amenities package for vacationing couples and families. Ski equipment rentals and storage facilities are on site. The Whitebark Restaurant serves innovative American cuisine for breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner, some of which are themed, like "Sushi Mondays." A full-service bar offers happy hour specials, and there's free sparkling wine and hot chocolate each afternoon. Room service is available. The resort doesn't have a spa -- a major drawback -- but there's a 24-hour, well-equipped fitness center, with free weights and several pieces of Life Fitness cardio equipment. Guest who forget workout clothes can borrow  New Balance gear for a fee. The large and lovely heated outdoor pool is surrounded by two whirlpools, tables, lots of loungers, and gas grills. There's 24-hour business center with two computers and printers that guest can use at no extra charge, and 2,250 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate up to 120 people. Other amenities include a guest laundry facility, valet dry cleaning and laundry, concierge services, and a gift shop that sells snacks, sundries, and souvenirs.Kids are kept busy at The Westin Kids Club, with supervised activities for children ages 4 to 12. Valet and self-parking in the hotel’s underground garage are included in the daily resort fee, which also covers Wi-Fi. The the hotel runs a free shuttle to the Village at Mammoth and the gondola, and to Mammoth-Yosemite Airport.