Cedar Lodge

El Portal 37.66014400, -119.85228900 , 9966 Highway 140 (Show on Map)
7.5
Good


Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsCedar Lodge offers a comprehensive and mostly positive experience for travelers, particularly for those visiting Yosemite National Park. Its prime location, nestled along the serene Merced River and merely 10 to 30 minutes from various park entrances, makes it an ideal and convenient base for exploration. This exceptional location, combined with amenities like swimming pools, a game room and ample parking, contributes to high guest satisfaction.

Rooms at Cedar Lodge are frequently noted for their spaciousness and cleanliness, offering comfortable stays with added conveniences such as fridges and modern bathroom fixtures. While some rooms show signs of aging and could benefit from updates, especially in decor and lighting, the majority of guests find the accommodations more than adequate for a restful stay.

The dining experience at Cedar Lodge receives mixed reviews. The on-site restaurant and bar are appreciated for their convenience and reasonable pricing with certain dishes like fish tacos receiving particular praise. However, the menu lacks variety and the operational hours are often restrictive. Breakfast services, in particular, are a common point of contention due to their high costs and limited options, leading many guests to seek alternative dining options.

Pool facilities at Cedar Lodge are widely praised, featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, a heated pool, an adult-only area and a hot tub. These amenities are especially popular among families, providing excellent leisure and relaxation opportunities after a day in the park. The overall cleanliness of the pool areas adds to the pleasure of guests' stays.

Staff at Cedar Lodge are commonly described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, enhancing the overall guest experience with their warm and attentive service. Though there are occasional reports of dissatisfaction, particularly in the restaurant, the general sentiment towards the staff is overwhelmingly positive.

Parking at Cedar Lodge is another standout feature with plenty of free spaces available right outside the rooms, adding convenience and security for guests. The setup is easy to navigate, further contributing to a hassle-free stay.

While the lodge does charge for Wi-Fi, which many guests find expensive and unreliable, this is a minor point compared to the overall value provided by the facility's amenities and strategic location. The beds receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable, while others report issues with firmness and outdated mattresses.

In summary, Cedar Lodge offers a well-rounded stay with its unbeatable location, spacious and clean rooms, enjoyable pool facilities and friendly staff. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in dining options and Wi-Fi services, the lodge remains a favored choice for convenience and value among Yosemite visitors.
Show more
Categories
Motel with Outdoor Pool
Offers an outdoor pool.

Motel with Indoor Pool
Cedar Lodge features both an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, catering to guests year-round. The indoor pool also includes a lazy river, providing an additional recreational feature.

Motel with Swimming Pool

  Indoor Pool    Outdoor Pool  


Accessible Motel

Room Types
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds Equipped with air conditioning, this room includes a TV with HBO film channels, a refrigerator, coffee-making facilities and an en suite bathroom.

King Room with Spa Bath Featuring a spa bath, this elegant room is equipped with a refrigerator and coffee-making facilities.

Standard King Room The spacious double room offers air conditioning, a coffee machine, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a hairdryer. The unit has 1 bed.

Deluxe King Room The unit offers 1 bed.

Deluxe Queen Room with Two Queen Beds The unit offers 2 beds.

Quadruple Room with Balcony The unit offers 2 beds.

Guest Reviews
7.5
Good
Location
Cedar Lodge boasts a superb location that makes it an ideal base for visitors keen on exploring Yosemite National Park. A mere 10 to 30-minute drive from various entrances of the park, the hotel offers unparalleled convenience for early morning starts and late returns from the park. Nestled along the scenic Merced River, the lodge provides a tranquil retreat amidst nature while being close to Yosemite Valley. The proximity to El Portal and other key entrances allows guests to evade long queues, making it a strategic choice for park access. Overall, Cedar Lodge’s prime location combined with reasonable pricing and ample amenities like swimming pools, a game room and convenient parking, make it a favorite among travelers for its accessibility and value.

Breakfast
Cedar Lodge has received mixed feedback about its breakfast offering with a significant portion of guests citing that breakfast is not included in the room price. The lack of variety and quality in the breakfast options was a recurring complaint with many guests finding the breakfast buffet, though available, to be overpriced and not worth the cost. Frozen and reheated products were commonly mentioned, diminishing the overall dining experience.

Many guests were dissatisfied with the limited food choices, often reduced to items like bagels, English muffins and microwaved sandwiches. Additionally, there were mentions of food running out, such as eggs and issues with kitchen operations impacting service. It's noted that service can sometimes be delayed with breakfast not opening on time.

The cost of breakfast has been frequently described as unreasonably high with some comparing it to the nearly $20 per person rates that don't match the quality provided. This sentiment extended to breakfast for children, where the costs were deemed just as high as for adults.

On a positive note, there were some mentions of the breakfast restaurant providing good service during breakfast hours, suggesting that individual experiences may vary. However, even this positive feedback often came clouded with comments about the inconsistency and reliability of the service.

Overall, it seems that potential guests of Cedar Lodge may want to explore nearby dining options or consider bringing their own meals to mitigate the concerns about the hotel's breakfast offerings.

Dinner
Cedar Lodge offers a dining experience with notable highs and a few lows. The on-site restaurant and bar are appreciated for their convenience, especially after a day of excursions. Many guests praised the food quality at the restaurant and bar, noting that it was good, reasonably priced and delicious, particularly the fish tacos and bar fare. The bar and grill were described as fun with the ambiance enhanced by amenities like a fire pit, making for a pleasant dining experience. A small grocery store and a souvenir shop at the reception added to the convenience for guests.

However, the dining options at Cedar Lodge are often limited. The restaurant menu is quite small and repetitive, featuring mainly burgers, fries and other fast food items with a lack of healthy options like fruits and vegetables. Guests found the restaurant's operational hours to be restrictive, often closing as early as 8 pm with only bar snacks available afterward. Additionally, on several occasions, the restaurant was closed, leaving guests with even fewer options and necessitating trips to other nearby eateries.

The service received mixed reviews; some found the staff welcoming and friendly, while others reported unpleasant experiences, including a waiter who seemed intoxicated. The dining experience occasionally suffered due to overbooking and long queues and there were mentions of issues like the restaurant being noisy and certain food items being overpriced and greasy.

In summary, while Cedar Lodge's on-site dining options are convenient and have received positive remarks for their quality and reasonable pricing, there is room for improvement in menu variety, service consistency and operational flexibility.

Rooms
Cedar Lodge offers rooms that many guests find spacious and clean, providing ample size for comfort. The large rooms often come equipped with fridges and some even boast balconies and whirlpool tubs. Renovations appear to have been made to several rooms, which are well cleaned and equipped with modern bathroom fixtures, giving them a cozy and comfortable feel. The location is convenient for visitors and offers a peaceful, quiet environment, augmented by amenities such as pools and a restaurant on-site.

However, some aspects of Cedar Lodge's rooms show signs of aging and wear. The decor is described as dated and the lighting in many rooms is poor, making them appear dark and less inviting. Issues like musty smells, old furniture and torn bed sheets have been noted. Additionally, while some rooms have undergone renovations, others still need updating to improve overall comfort and appeal. The absence of free Wi-Fi, lack of consistent cleaning services and outdated amenities occasionally detract from the experience.

Despite these drawbacks, guests generally find the rooms satisfactory for a restful stay, particularly after a day of exploring the nearby park. Cedar Lodge provides basic but adequate accommodations that meet the essential needs of travelers.

Beds
Cedar Lodge offers a mixed but generally positive experience when it comes to the comfort of its beds. Many guests have praised the beds as comfortable, cozy and even very comfortable with some describing them as super comfy. The beds are often noted to be large, king-sized and come with comfortable bedding and pillows, contributing to an overall satisfactory sleeping experience.

However, it's important to note that not all reviews were favorable. A number of guests found the beds to be uncomfortable, describing them as hard, old or soft to the point of being spongy or hollow in the middle. Some mattresses were criticized for being very old and outdated with complaints about squeaking noises and even springs being felt. The bedding occasionally fell short of expectations in terms of cleanliness and maintenance.

In summary, while many guests find the beds at Cedar Lodge to be comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, there's a notable disparity in experiences with some guests encountering issues with the age and condition of the mattresses and bedding.

Cleanliness
Cedar Lodge has received mixed reviews regarding cleanliness, though many comments highlight positive aspects. A frequent remark is the cleanliness of the rooms; guests often noted that the rooms were very clean, well-kept and spacious. Specific mentions include spotless rooms and perfectly clean bathrooms, making for a generally pleasant stay. The cleanliness of the towels and friendly, helpful staff have also been appreciated.

However, some reviews pointed out issues. There are mentions of dirty carpets, rooms not being cleaned daily and occasional lapses in housekeeping service. Infrequent cleaning services appear to be a common issue with several guests reporting rooms not being cleaned for multiple days. Carpets were sometimes described as very dirty and there were occasional remarks about bathrooms not being clean enough.

While the frequent praise for room cleanliness suggests that many guests had positive experiences, it's evident that housekeeping consistency could be improved to ensure all guests find Cedar Lodge as clean as they expect.

Staff
Cedar Lodge boasts a widely appreciated staff that’s consistently described as friendly, helpful and accommodating. The team, including front desk personnel, reception staff and management, often go out of their way to ensure guests have a pleasant stay by providing great customer service and assistance. Many reviews highlight the staff's willingness to accommodate special needs, assist in challenging situations and provide early check-ins, making for a flexible and supportive environment. The interactions are typically described as warm, welcoming, smiling and attentive, contributing to a positive, hassle-free experience for visitors.

However, there are instances of dissatisfaction with some guests encountering unwelcoming or uninterested staff members. Specific comments mention issues with service in the restaurant and a few note a lack of helpfulness or courtesy at the reception. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall sentiment reflects a high regard for the dedicated and amiable nature of Cedar Lodge’s team, who frequently enhance the guest experience with their kindness and efficiency.

Wi-Fi
The Wifi situation at Cedar Lodge has received considerable feedback from guests and it's apparent that the service leaves much to be desired. The hotel does not include free Wifi in its room rates and instead, guests must pay an additional $10 per day for internet access. The lake of free connectivity is a frequent point of contention among visitors, especially given the remote location, which also affects cell phone reception.

Many guests found the paid Wifi to be inconsistent and slow and some even described it as expensive given its poor quality. The service is managed by a third-party provider and several reviews indicated difficulties in activating and utilizing the internet. The added cost and troublesome access have led some to feel the overall experience at Cedar Lodge is overpriced when considering the lack of reliable network connectivity.

Pool
At Cedar Lodge, guests can look forward to enjoying an extensive array of pool facilities that have garnered positive feedback. The lodge features both indoor and outdoor pools with the indoor pool often praised for being heated and well-maintained. Visitors have particularly enjoyed the hot tub and the adult-only pool area, enhancing the overall relaxation experience after a long day of outdoor activities.

Families especially appreciate the variety of swimming options with several reviewers noting that their kids loved the indoor, outdoor and kiddie pools. The presence of three different pools, including a large one open until late, provides ample space for swimming and cooling off, even during crowded times.

For those looking to unwind, there's a pleasant pool and jacuzzi area with a nice view of the river. Alongside these facilities, the game room adds a bonus for keeping kids entertained. The pool area is generally nice, though a few reviews indicated the need for better towel availability and cleanliness.

In summary, Cedar Lodge offers a satisfying pool experience for all ages with multiple options and scenic surroundings making it a highlight for many guests. The pools are a great spot to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy family-friendly fun.

Parking
Cedar Lodge boasts a commendable parking situation, highly regarded by its guests for its convenience and ease. The highlight for many is the free parking feature, allowing visitors to park right outside their rooms, providing seamless access to their accommodation. With plenty of parking spaces and ample options around the lodge, finding a spot is hardly an issue.

The parking area is described as spacious and easy to navigate, though one reviewer mentioned it could feel like a maze. Nonetheless, the majority appreciate the multiple parking options and the availability of spaces even during busier times. It's noted that parking can fill up quickly, but there are generally enough spots to accommodate everyone. Safety is also a key point with guests feeling assured about the security of their vehicles.

Overall, Cedar Lodge offers a stress-free parking experience that significantly enhances the convenience of staying at the hotel.

Accessible
Cedar Lodge has received mixed feedback regarding its accessibility for guests with disabilities. Many guests noted its secure and accessible location, highlighting easy access to everything including convenient parking facilities. However, some reviews mentioned challenges such as the absence of elevators. While it is recognized as an accessible hotel for handicapped guests, the overall accessibility rating was described as average, suggesting room for improvement in certain areas to better serve all visitors.

Outdoor Pool
The Cedar Lodge stands out for its remarkable outdoor pool, highly praised by guests for their enjoyable experiences. The outdoor pool is described as great with many guests appreciating the addition of a heated option. Though the pool area itself is noted to be somewhat small, it compensates with a very big pool that offers extensive swimming opportunities. Guests highlighted the fun they had in the large pool and appreciated its availability, further enhanced by the option of an indoor pool as well. The outdoor pool consistently receives positive comments, alongside the appeal of a nearby river and beach area, creating an attractive combination for leisure. The pool is acknowledged as a key feature of Cedar Lodge with its overall positive reception underscoring its popularity among guests.

Indoor Pool
Cedar Lodge offers a delightful selection of aquatic amenities that have garnered favorable reviews from its guests, particularly highlighting the indoor pool. The heated indoor pool is a standout feature, consistently described as pleasant, clean and a great place to unwind. Many guests appreciated the indoor pool's warm temperatures, often cited between 75-80 degrees, making it especially inviting after a long hike.

Those seeking variety will enjoy the convenience of both indoor and outdoor swimming options with the indoor pool being a mere 75 feet away for easy access. The indoor pool's popularity is further boosted by the inclusion of a hot tub and jacuzzi, adding to the overall relaxing experience.

While a few reviews mentioned the pool could benefit from additional heating, most guests found the temperature refreshing. Cleanliness is another praised aspect, ensuring a pleasant swim. There was a minor hiccup for some when the indoor pool was unavailable at times, but overall, the facilities, including the heated pool, have been well-received.

The availability of both a private pool and common swimming areas provides a mix of seclusion and social swimming opportunities, catering to various preferences. Cedar Lodge’s indoor pool is a top choice for travelers looking for a comforting and enjoyable swimming experience.


Yes, Cedar Lodge has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Cedar Lodge.

No, Cedar Lodge doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Cedar Lodge.

No, Cedar Lodge doesn't have a gym.

Location Show Map
More Options
  • Motel in El Portal

  • 8.8 Excellent

  • From $203

  • Lodge in El Portal

  • 7.8 Good

  • From $132

  • Hotel in Mariposa

  • 7.4 Good

  • From $134

  • Motel in Mariposa

  • 7.8 Good

  • From $107



6,893,169

Hotels

60

Categories

49,805

Regions

209,065

Cities


×
×
Checkin
× Home About Press Categories Blog Hotel Awards Travelmyth GPT Contact Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookies Policy FAQ