Has seen better days - Dec 03 stay

Shortly after checking into our room, we had to call the front desk to vacuum the carpet. Apparently, there were large nail clippings left on the floor - no kidding. The TV was only a 13 inch, and with lousy reception. Rather spartan accomodations as there was no in-room microwave or clock. In the bathroom, the toilet tank lid was cracked, and the wallpaper was peeling off. The heated indoor pool is nice, albeit over chlorinated, but the jaccuzi needs resurfacing. The only reason one should stay here is proximity to Yosemite valley, and perhaps a view of the river from one of the balcony rooms. Not a good value for the $$. Although its advertised as being located in El Portal, its actually just south of the town's limits. Not that it matters anymore, a past lodge employee - a handyman - murdered 3 tourists back in the mid 90's. When questioned, 2 hotel employees knew him.

Needs new management!

Our room for 2 nights here was quite spacious but very dark and with no view - shame because the views outside were quite spectacular. The blankets had holes in and the towels were paper-thin. The restaurant was very over-priced for such basic fare. Service was automatically added to the bill, yet the credit card slip left the gratuity box blank just incase you felt like paying it twice. The reception staff were sullen and couldn't even manage a simple 'thank you' when we paid our bill. We wished we had paid a little extra and stayed instead at Yosemite View Lodge, which looked much nicer and is far closer to the Park and has jacuzzi tubs to boot. It is quite a drive from Cedar Lodge to Mariposa but the pizza place in Mariposa was brilliant, infinitely preferable to the food in the hotel restaurant.

What a great hotel, would go again

After looking at the reviews before staying at the Cedar Lodge we were dreading the stay. Booked for two nights on the 13th and 14th October 2003. Driving from Death Valley we took a wrong turning at the end of Yosemite and got lost. Arrived at the Hotel at 9.05pm and found the front desk staff more than helpful with regards to arranging for us to get some food even though the kitchen had just closed. The rooms were clean and very modern and the surroundings were just beautiful. Went for a drink in the bar and Dean who was working behind the bar for the two nights we were there made us feel just like a local. Friendly atmosphere. Took a good look the next morning and there was nothing that we could complain about. Think some of the other reviews are very harsh. We enjoyed our stay and this was one of the nicest hotels that we stayed in during our trip of America. Thanks.

Not Happy at all

This was the worst Hotel we stayed in during our tour of California.

The towels were very grubby and thin (I would have thrown them away well before this). Apart from this the room was okay although rather dark - I think this Hotel needs some money spending on it to bring it up to date. There was a book in our room advising of local restaurants etc. and someone (don't know if it was the hotel management) noted that it was too far to go to Mariposa - this is not the case - it is a good 25 minute drive but worth it to get a decent meal at a reasonable price! Well below what we paid in the restaurant at Cedar Lodge. Also I would say that the breakfast is very overpriced and not very pleasant with a very curt waitress to boot. All in all not impressed and would not return. It is a shame that nothing seems to have improved since the reviews in June 2003 and our vist was in September.

Shame they don't try harder

July/August 2003 we took a holiday to California from San Francisco down to San Diego and this was the least favourite of our hotels.

Unfortunately having tried to reserve accommodation inside the park 6 months in advance and still not getting in (!!) we had to stay outside the park and chose Cedar Lodge.

Because they have a ready market they seem not to try very hard. The furnishings are dark and depressing, the bedding has seen better days and the bath towels were worn out. The rooms weren't dirty, just felt grubby.

Food was basic to poor and expensive - again because you have quite a way to drive anywhere for food, they know you are going to eat there.

Most staff were pleasant enough, although some were 'odd' to say the least.

Pool okay, area around it seems jaded.

All in all one gets the feeling the whole place needs modernising.

Shame we spent two nights there and only one in Death Valley.

Great spa tub rooms!

We spent two nights at Cedar Lodge Resort in May of this year. We had a king bed with a jacuzzi tub. The room had a private balcony that had a view of the river park and mountains in the distance. A nice view to wake up to! Both pool areas were very nice. We especially enjoyed the river area with its pathways and gazebos. It was a beautiful place for the two of us to visit into the evening hours and enjoy the sunset.

Great stay and would recommend it.

My family and I really enjoyed our stay at Cedar Lodge. Pleasantly surprised at the quality and atmosphere. Staff was helpful and our room was great. Would definantly stay again.

Only if you are desparate!

Poorly trained, ignorant staff ("I can't tell you if that prefix is a toll call or not"). Things don't work. Toughest piece of sea bass I have ever eaten. Breakfast made my wife sick. The outdoor pool was closed by order of the county health department, but the staff thought it had been reopened, even after I told them there was still an "unlawful to remove sign on the gate" (See ignorant staff, above). Toilet leaked on floor.I understand this and several other properties in the El Portal area are owned by the same company. Look for and stay at one of the few lodgings not owned by this "hell if I know or care" organization.Based on a two-night stay in June 2003.

Run-down rip-off

I recently (spring '03) took my in-laws to see Yosemite for the first time. I would normally camp, but a hotel room was in order for this trip. I tried to book rooms in the park, but even with a couple of months lead time, the affordable rooms were gone (book EARLY!). I chose the Cedar Lodge based on proximity to the main park entrance and price. I was extremely disappointed with the accommodations. The room was old and lacking amenities -- it didn't even have a clock/alarm. While the linens were clean, the blankets and comforter were dingy and had definitely seen better days. There wasn't one significant thing that was wrong, rather there were lots and lots of little things. The overall experience was poor. I felt as if we were being severely over-charged for what we received. While $108/night isn't exorbitant given the limited options in that area, it's still enough money that I expect certain features. Further, the restaurant was very poor and expensive ($10 for a bad frozen burger!). I would never stay there again, even if that meant paying more for the nicer Yosemite View Lodge or staying somewhere in the nice little town of Mariposa (~20 minutes away).

Nice Setting

Stayed three nights and had a great time, staff was freindly. The rooms were clean and the location has easy highway access.