Last Updated on July 29, 2024 by Katrina

Photo credit: Rush Creek Lodge and Spa at Yosemite

Tucked in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is a bucket-list national park, whether you want to hike through Yosemite Valley, scale El Capitan, or watch the dramatic Yosemite Falls. While the park has a variety of onsite campgrounds and lodges (the most iconic being The Ahwahnee), you can also find a wealth of lodging options just outside the park’s five entrances. These hotels near Yosemite offer both easy access and mountain ambience.

Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn (40530 CA-41; 559-683-2378) Oakhurst

Enjoy a blend of mountain ambience with crowd-pleasing perks at this Best Western that is 15 miles south of the park entrance. “This place has so much personality,” writes a Tripadvisor user. “Each guest room has a large mural painted by the owner, no two alike. The indoor pool and hot tub were exceptional and our nightly hangout. The check-in building has a two-story rock fireplace.” One Google reviewer likes that “our balcony was looking towards a play yard with deer walking, and the breakfast was great.” >> Book this hotel for less

Tenaya at Yosemite (1122 CA-41; 559-683-6555) Fish Camp

You’re just a few miles from the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias at this AAA four-diamond property near the park’s south entrance. Condé Nast Traveler writes that it has “upscale mountain décor” and a “little something for everyone, from spa-style soaking tubs to communal fire pits and rustic cottages.” Guests can enjoy a spa, a game room and seasonal activities like snowshoeing and guided flashlight hikes. “Staying in the cabins was totally worth it,” a Google reviewer writes. “We loved having the living room space to sit by the fire, read books, and play games. There were so many complimentary items at the clubhouse and the staff were extremely nice.” >> Book this hotel for less

AutoCamp Yosemite (6323 CA-140; 844- 993-9888) Mariposa

Stay a blinged-out Airstream or a luxury tent cabin 25 miles from Yosemite’s El Portal entrance. The AutoCamp chain is for “the glamping fanatic with high standards,” writes Condé Nast Traveler. “Each of the property’s modern Airstream trailers is bedecked with crisp white linens and spa-like bathrooms with sensuous Ursa Major bath products,” and “the safari-style tents are no less luxe, with memory foam mattresses, high thread-count sheets, and private campfire seating.” A Trip Advisor user calls it “the best bits of camping without the worst … and the pool is just what you need after a day exploring the park.” >> Book this hotel for less

Chateau du Sureau (48688 Victoria Lane; 559-683-6860) Oakhurst

Not into roughing it? If you’re looking for place that seemless blends luxury and the Great Outdoors, this intimate Relais & Chateaux property is it. Conde Nast Traveler calls this five-star gem “a storybook castle that looks like it belongs in Provence.” All 10 elegantly appointed guest rooms come with fireplaces and there’s a European-inspired spa and wonderful restaurant.  A Tripadvisor user says this “might just be the most magical hotel we’ve ever stayed at!” Meanwhile, a Google reviewer was nearly at a loss for words, saying “Just wow. Thank you all so much for the perfect weekend.” >> Book this hotel for less

Rush Creek Lodge and Spa at Yosemite (34001 CA-120; 209-379-2373) Groveland

Choose from rooms, suites and villas at this 143-room lodge with a saltwater pool and hiking trails, located just outside Yosemite’s western entrance. Condé Nast Traveler writes that “kids will flip for the on-site zipline and complimentary nightly s’mores, while grownups will fall in love with the property’s Yosemite-themed spa, complete with hot waterfall coves and alpine meadow aromatherapy.” A Google reviewer writes that the “every meal at the restaurant was excellent. The creek that runs through the property and the lighted pathways are great. With the sliding glass doors open, we could hear the creek from our villa.” >> Book this hotel for less

Related: