Yosemite View Lodge

The Yosemite View Lodge faces a wooded mountainside, across the untamed Merced River. A walkway runs alongside the hotel right at the frothy river's edge amid a tumble of boulders and craggy pine trees. It's a large property that's popular with couples and families, featuring several different pool areas surrounded by a stunning natural environment. The interiors won't win any rustic design awards, however. The lobby has just enough high-backed leather chairs to take the edge off, but all the ambience of a flood-lit warehouse for old knickknacks. 

The hotel is located along the Central Yosemite Highway that runs into Yosemite National Park’s west entrance. The Merced River is right outside, but there's nothing else in walking distance. Down the road, tiny El Portal has a grocery, gas station, and post office, about three minutes away by car. The Valley Shuttle that takes visitors west into El Portal, or east into Yosemite stops just outside the hotel. By bus, it takes approximately 43 minutes to reach the Yosemite Valley Visitors Center; driving takes about 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of year. Approximate drive times to Modesto, Sacramento, and San Francisco are two hours, three hours, and three-and-a-half hours, respectively.  

All 335 rooms and suites have exterior entries and a dated look, thanks to budget wood furnishings, plain carpets, and floral fabrics. Most have good views, some facing mountains and others with balconies overlooking the Merced River, though others have views of the hotel's less interesting grounds. All have kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges and coffeemakers, along with electric stovetops. Standard rooms have sitting areas with tables for two and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is an extra fee. For an unexpected twist, some rooms have pink spiral staircases up to lofted bedrooms, and some upgraded rooms have gas fireplaces, and/or in-room whirlpool tubs. One- or two-bedroom suites have separate living rooms (some with sofa beds), and some have full kitchens. The bathrooms have dated wallpaper and tiled shower/tub combos. 

The hotel's riverfront walk is it's most alluring feature, and one of its three outdoor pools overlooks the river as well. There are also several outdoor hot tubs positioned along the river, but the other two outdoor pools are built off of the property's expansive parking lots. An indoor pool and hot tub adds year-round soaking potential. For kids, there's a slightly run-down game room with dozens of arcade games, along with air hockey and a pool table. The River Restaurant & Lounge serves American standards in a year-round dining room (and has banquet space available), and Parkside Pizza is open seasonally. Both have seasonal outdoor patio seating. Free parking is included. Pets are allowed in some rooms for a fee.