Description: In planning for this trip, we really wanted to stay inside Yosemite National Park but were fearful that we might not be up for the full drive coming in from the San Francisco Airport. This was especially a concern since we had to start our travel day at what would be 4am local (California) time. We were very happy that we did choose to stop for the night approximately 45 minutes from the west entrance to the park.
Yosemite Westgate Lodge is located right on CA 120, on the eastern side of the town of Groveland. As we passed through Groveland, we thought we had missed the hotel but soon realized that it was another 11 miles in the direction of Yosemite. So we stopped for dinner first, and then finished the last few miles so that we wouldn’t need to go back out after checking into our room.
As it turns out, we arrived literally as the office was getting ready to close at 9pm. Fortunately, they do have a "late arrivals" telephone that will permit guests to contact the lodge owner who lives onsite in the building that houses the front desk. Additionally, it should be noted that the front desk reopens at 8am so if you need a receipt upon your checkout, you should ask for it the night before. We went to eat breakfast and returned to check out as we headed out for Yosemite National park.
The property and lodge itself was very well maintained. They call it a "lodge" but it is really a collection of four two-story motel type buildings. The rooms were spacious, quiet, and clean with decent furnishings. We were very happy with our night’s sleep. If you plan on staying here, please be aware that they did not provide any soap or toiletry items (shampoo). We travel with our own so it really didn’t matter to us, but you should be aware of this if you are planning to stay here. The grounds at the Yosemite Westgate Lodge are nicely landscaped, including a playground area for kids and a swimming pool with hot tub at the center of the property.
I booked our accommodations on the Internet, obtaining a rate of $149/night for two people and two queen sized beds. With tax, it came to $165 which seemed a bit pricey but worth the close proximity to Yosemite National Park. They do advertise that they are the closest accommodations to the west entrance to the park, which is probably true. You can stay in Groveland, however, for a few bucks less. The Charlotte Hotel, a bed and breakfast located right on Main Street across from the Iron Door Saloon looked very interesting and is advertised on the Internet for $95 to $140 per night, which includes a pancake breakfast for all guests.
Additional information on the Yosemite Westgate Lodge can be obtained on their website at:
www.yosemitewestgate.com.
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