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ranchland, this beautiful Victorian-style B&B is a product of the 21st century: Built in 2000, the inn was modeled after the Mountain View, California, home of Henry Rengstorfer, the 19th-century owner of the land now known as Silicon Valley. From the sumptuous public rooms (featuring a pool table, murals, and a player piano) to the grounds (with a stocked fishing pond, stables, and an olive orchard) to the rooms (with top-end soft goods and compelling antiques), innkeeper Katherine Davalle has left little to chance. Many of the furnishings have amazing stories behind them: The Scelestia Room's antique Danish headboard has a face of a demon in the grain, and the bedstead in the cottage was brought in on a settler's wagon.

ALONG CALIF. 140

Best Western Yosemite Way Station–Mariposa

4999 Calif. 140, Mariposa, CA 95338. ☎ 800/ 528-1234 or 209/966-7545. Fax 209/966-6353. www.yosemiteresorts.us. 77 units. A/C TV TEL. $79–$109 double. Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.

These are typical motel accommodations—comfortable and attractive, but nothing fancy—and a good choice for many park visitors who are seeking a comfortable bed and a hot bath for a reasonable price. The motel has an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool tub, lies within walking distance of restaurants and shops, and is near public transportation into the park.

Cedar Lodge

9966 Calif. 140 (P.O. Box C), El Portal, CA 95318. ☎ 800/321-5261 or 209/379-2612. Fax 209/379-2712. www.yosemiteresorts.us. 210 units. A/C TV TEL. $99–$135 double; $289–$429 suite. AE, MC, V.

Eight miles outside the park, this lodge offers ample-size rooms and easy access to the Merced River. Variety makes this property an attractive option, with units ranging from standard motel-type rooms to luxurious king suites with whirlpool tubs for two. There are also family units and kitchenettes. The three-bedroom suite has a private pool and Jacuzzi. On the premises are two restaurants, a large outdoor swimming pool and a smaller indoor pool, plus a whirlpool tub. Rental VCRs and movies are available, and public buses to the park are available.

Highland House Bed & Breakfast

3125 Wild Dove Lane, Mariposa, CA 95338-9037. ☎ 209/966-3737. www.highlandhouse inn.com. 3 units. $95–$135 double. Rates include full breakfast. AE, MC, V. From Mariposa, head east (toward Yosemite National Park) on Calif. 140 for about 4 miles, turn south (right) onto Triangle Rd. for about 6 miles, and shortly after a 1-lane bridge, turn left onto Jerseydale Rd. Go 1½ miles and turn right onto Wild Dove Lane, then watch for marked driveway on the right.

Secluded on 10 forested acres, with easy access to hiking and horseback trails that lead into the nearby Sierra National Forest, this inn is a wonderful place to relax. A mix of Cape Cod and Colonial styles of architecture, Highland House is comfortably and tastefully decorated. Common areas include the living room, with a large stone fireplace and wood-stove insert, and a great den with a pool table. All three rooms have forest views; we like the Forest Retreat, with a four-poster king and a soaking tub and separate shower. The big deal, though, is breakfast, with fresh baked goods and a hot entree such as blueberry pancakes or orange French toast.

Mariposa Lodge

5052 Calif. 140 (P.O. Box 733), Mariposa, CA 95338. ☎ 800/966-8819 or 209/966-3607. Fax 209/966-5021. 45 units. A/C TV $69–$99 double. AE, DISC, MC, V.

Three generations of the Gloor family have run this top-notch motel on Mariposa's main drag for over 30 years, and their standards are surprisingly high. The place has grown over the years from one building to three, with smaller rooms in the original structure and larger units in the newer two. All rooms have refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, and iron. The suites are actually oversized rooms, with Mission decor and impressive vanities; many have private balconies. Landscaping is superlative for a roadside motel, especially in the garden courtyard around the pool and Jacuzzi. Restaurants