Perfect for visiting Yosemite (Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal, USA))

Member Name: TigerMystery

Product:	Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal, USA)
Date:	15/07/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Location

Disadvantages: Restaurant

Location:
You would need to drive here, but otherwise is an excellent location, in the middle of very picturesque surroundings. All rooms have a balcony which overlooks the Merced River, and is a lovely view. Also an excellent location for seeing the various sights of Yosemite. Took us 5 hours to drive from San Francisco.

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Rooms:
Very good size. If I remember correctly, the beds were ridiculously high! Two double beds come as standard. They also have a kitchen (microwave, stove, fridge, plates and cutlery), which can be handy if you are not wanting to spend too much money on food. There is a store next to reception which sells food and drinks. There are parking spaces outside every room, so not too far to carry bags!

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Staff:
Friendly and helpful.

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Restaurant:
Seemed to be frequented more by locals than hotel guests, but was still friendly and welcoming. All the meals came with a free clam chowder and salad. We had just come from San Francisco, a city known or its clam chowder, so this one seemed a bit bogstandard in comparison. The meal itself was so-so. We cooked in our room the following evening, which I think says it all!

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Overall:
I liked this place. It had a bit of a motel feel to it. You are surrounded by nature, but it's big enough that you don't feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. It was cold when I was there, but I imagine that in the summer it would be nice to sit out on the balcony and watch the river.

Summary: Excellent hotel, but cook your own food, and you'll need a car.