Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [448]
Miners Inn
5181 Calif. 49 N., Mariposa, CA 95338. ☎ 209/742-7777. Fax 209/966-2343. 78 units. A/C TV TEL. $69–$139 double; lower rates in winter. AE, DISC, MC, V.
Miners Inn is a standard motel that strives to recapture the Old West. Deluxe rooms include spa tubs and fireplaces, and kitchenette units are available. The property has a wine shop and a small display on Bigfoot—the owner is a true believer in the big hairy fella.
Poppy Hill Bed & Breakfast
5218 Crystal Aire Dr., Mariposa, CA 95338. ☎ 800/58-POPPY or 209/742-6273. www.poppyhill.com. 3 units. A/C. $120–$150 double. Rates include full breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Take Calif. 140 east out of Mariposa (toward Yosemite National Park) 3 miles, turn left on East Whitlock Rd., go 1½ miles, turn right onto Crystal Aire Dr., and continue ⅛ mile to the B&B.
This restored country farmhouse, surrounded by large oak and pine trees, provides a delightful escape. The inn is decorated with a variety of antiques, most from the 1800s, but also holds "new" furnishings such as the 1925 Wurlitzer baby grand piano in the parlor. (You're welcome to tickle its ivories.) Each attractive room declares its name in its decor—Mariposa lily, iris, and, of course, poppy. Rooms have queen-size beds (the Mariposa lily room also has a twin-size day bed), down comforters, bathrobes, and lots of personal touches. The Mariposa lily room has a tub/shower combo; the other two rooms have large showers.
There are outside sitting areas, with a preponderance of rolling lawn and flowers. The second-floor balcony overlooks an ancient spreading oak tree, enticing the birds to entertain you while you relax. A whirlpool tub nestles in an attractive rose arbor. The full homemade breakfasts are extra special, with a hot entree such as eggs picante, puffed apple pancake, or croissant French toast. The entire inn is nonsmoking.
The Yosemite Bug
6979 Calif. 140 (P.O. Box 81), Midpines, CA 95345. ☎ 209/966-6666. Fax 209/966-9667. www.yosemitebug.com. 67 hostel beds, 20 private rooms with private bathroom, 8 private rooms with shared bathroom, 12 tent cabins. Hostel beds $15–$18 per person, private room with bathroom (2–5 people) $65–$125, private room with shared bathroom (2–5 people) $40–$70, tent cabin or walk-in campsite (2–4 people) $17–$50. DISC, MC, V.
On the site of a former children's camp, the Yosemite Bug started as a hostel in 1996, but it grew and grew into much more. The place literally has something for everybody, with accommodations that range from dorm rooms and tent cabins to delightful private units, a good restaurant, a spa (new in 2006), and loads of personality.
Situated in the forest, most of the units have woodsy, national park–like views. The dorm rooms (single-sex, coed, or group) are basic, with bunk beds, heat, ceiling fans (no air-conditioning), individual lockable storage boxes, and conveniently located communal bathrooms. The tent cabins have wooden floors and framing, no heat, and different bed combinations, including family units with a double and two single beds. Private rooms offer a variety of bed combinations and fun motifs ranging from modern Western to Victorian to the tie-dye-heavy "Austin Powers" room. Some rooms and cabins are accessible to travelers with disabilities, and a kitchen is available for those who are staying in the hostel dorm rooms. In addition, there is a computer for checking e-mail ($1 for 10 min.) as well as a Wi-Fi network in the lodge. The Yosemite Bug is along the route for the YARTS bus into Yosemite National Park ($10 round-trip). Maybe the best feature of all, especially during the dog days of summer, is the idyllic swimming hole right down the slope from the main lodge.
Yosemite View Lodge
11136 Calif. 140 (P.O. Box D), El Portal, CA 95318. ☎ 800/321-5261 or 209/379-2681. Fax 209/379-2704. www.yosemiteresorts.us. 279 units. A/C TV TEL. $119–$149 double; $189–$689 suite. AE, MC, V.
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