Along California’s Highway 41, lies the mountain town of Oakhurst, California.
Oakhurst is not just any ol’ town – far from it.
For many, Oakhurst is the gateway to one of the world’s greatest treasures and the birthplace of perhaps America’s best idea, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Yosemite National Park.
Though I travel to Yosemite National Park several times a year, I never stayed at the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn. That is, until now.
But was it a good choice?
Review: Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
Editor’s Note: This article is part of my ongoing series on California.
Click here for more on Yosemite National Park, and here for more on Things To Do In The State of California
The entrance to the lobby is on the right
About The Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
Below is the some information from the official website: Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn.
Images: bestwestern.com
The Lobby And Check-In
The lobby was exactly like I expected it to be, a large rustic chalet with high vaulted ceilings, wooden panels, and a stone fireplace.
The front desk was located immediately to the left of the entrance doors.
I arrived late (really late), but I was warmly welcomed by the refreshingly friendly (and perky) front desk staff.
I was recognized for my loyalty, Best Western Diamond Status, and told that although the hotel was sold out, I would be getting an upgrade.
I’m a sucker for geometric photo ops
The Drive To The Room (And Parking)
Getting to the room required a small drive uphill to the top of the property where there was exactly one parking space left.
Image: TripAdvisor (but I had the exact same room!)
The 2 Queen Beds Room
Now, I had booked a 2 Queen Beds room, so I’m not exactly sure if I got an upgrade or not, although I suspect that if I did it was a “room view only” upgrade. Which was fine.
The room, like the lobby, looked exactly like I expected it to look. There was even a large mural of Bridalveil Fall.
The room itself was large and clean.
Although the mountain decor felt a bit tired, it also felt warm and cozy.
Room Amenities
The room came with a microwave, an [older] coffee machine, and an [empty] medium-sized fridge.
Behold, the all-in-one microwave, coffee machine, ice bucket, and refrigerator
The Bathroom
The bathroom was dated as well, but we were in the mountains and this was a Best Western, so it was par for the course.
This Best Western Plus used the Pharmacopia brand of toiletries (which I happen to like).
The Balcony (And Cherry Blossoms)
When we woke up the next morning, we were greeted by an unexpected and wonderful surprise, Cherry Blossoms in full bloom just below our balcony.
Breakfast At The Oakhurst Grill
The Best Western Plus Gateway Inn is one of the few Best Westerns that does not offer free breakfast to all of its guests.
However, thanks to my trusty American Express Platinum card, I had Diamond status and therefore received free breakfast (which was served at the Oakhurst Grill next door).
Related Link: How to Use Your American Express Platinum Card to Get Best Western Diamond Status
The Oakhurst Grill had a much better breakfast spread than I had expected, with several hot breakfast items, lots of assorted pastries (read: cheese danishes), fresh fruit, dark coffee, and great second-story views of the Sierras surrounding Oakhurst.
A wooden Statue of Liberty watches over the parking lot
Entrance to the Oakhurst Grill
Bear sighting at the Oakhurst Grill!
The waiting room
The hot breakfast buffet spread
The seating areas with view of the Sierras
As above, so below
The Bottom-Line Review: Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
“As expected”.
Usually, those words are not the most ringing endorsement of a hotel stay, but that’s not the case here. “As expected” is high praise for a Best Western in a mountain town.
The hotel had excellent, [dare I say] “over-the-top” friendly service, the rooms and the property were exactly how I expected them to be, the breakfast was hardy, and the coffee was dark and strong.
What more could you ask for before setting out to explore Yosemite?
Final Rating: 7.25/10 – As solid “on brand” hotel with a great location and a big “bang-for-the-buck” value, the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway is a perfect vacation choice for both families and couples.
