Yosemite Gateway Chalet — Hotel in Mammoth Lakes

This was my first vacation staying in June Lake (a full week in August) so my observations are based on comparing to the vacation rentals we have had in Mammoth Lakes.

As a party of seven, the cabin was comfortable and had ample room for everyone to get together, or have some quiet time. Our stay (including the cleaning fee, taxes, service fee and an additional $118 per night for the 6th and 7th guest) totaled $685 per night.

The cabin is large (3,900 square feet), is in a classic wooded setting with running streams, beautifully appointed throughout with American Indian décor, exposed wood, and plush carpet in the living areas. The overall feel is that you are in a home that has been enjoyed by a family for generations. The rooms in the main cabin areas are palatial. The main entry and the bedrooms in particular have great views and natural light and every room was immaculately clean. Any time we had questions the Property Manager (Robert) was easy to reach and quick to resolve.

A few things we would pass on from our experience, you need to start heating the outdoor tub at least five hours in advance. There is an entertainment center with DVD but If you are a sports fan or have a favorite show you are waiting for be aware there is no satellite or cable (the internet is robust so if it is streaming you can watch on your computer). Also be aware you can easily lock yourself out if the side door (where the lock box is) closes behind you and the key is in the house. Same applies for the garage door to the laundry area. I would suggest keeping a key in the lock box at all times ;-) All of the drink ware is glass so if you have kids you might want to bring your own plastic drink ware. We also had an unexpected half day of no electricity due to a scheduled power outage but Robert was apologetic and made allowance for the inconvenience.

What would have made our stay stellar would have been having all working screens on the patio doors, screens and working mechanisms on all the windows, laundry soap in the garage, hand soap in the kitchen, and a small compliment of foil, plastic wrap, and basic cooking necessities (salt/pepper/oil/sugar). It would be nice to have small lotions/shampoos in the bathrooms (it’s what makes it say vacation in my book!) and more pillows on the beds (pillows=luxury).

We had an enjoyable stay despite some of the details, which were minor and I only included in the review because it would elevate the chalet from great to superb. I would recommend this rental, particularly for a family, our kids loved playing on the lawn and wading in the stream, swinging in the hammock, and so much more. Best wishes and...

First trip July of 2010. Thank you Bob and Nadia for a fantastic turn key vacation at Sierra Vista Chalet. My kids are still talking about it. We fished, hiked, rented a kayak, soaked in the jacuzzi, read some books, enjoyed the fresh air and relaxed. Best part of it was spending quality family time together in the cabin. We absolutely loved it! We are looking forward to the next trip. My son especially liked the climbing wall in the garage and my daughter was amazed by the owl and deer in the yard. Thanks again for a fantastic time. Lonnie Reynolds and the Reynolds Family

Second Trip Sept. of 2011. My family and I recently stayed a week in June Lake at this fantastic cabin. It was clean, had all of the amenities a family of four could ask for and was close to everything that we wanted to see and do. I have a teenage son and a daughter so every day required an activity. We went in September and were able to fish and swim in the lakes that were close by. We also went canoeing and hiked around the local lakes that were within walking distance from the cabin. My son caught many fish and this was his first time fishing. We were able to swim in the lake since the weather was beautiful. No chains were required and the roads are maintained and cleared year round. We also went on some short hikes and were able to see a fantastic waterfall. Wildlife is everywhere. We saw birds, squirrels, deer, a skunk and a badger. Mammoth is only a short drive away and we enjoyed riding bikes down the ski trails and enjoyed the views from the ski lift. We also hiked to a close by hot spring and enjoyed 2 days in Yosemite National Park which is a short drive away. We were able to enjoy Yosemite by day and return to the cabin every night. This was especially nice since every camping spot in Yosemite was booked. I was surprised how close Yosemite and Mammoth were to the cabin. Less than 6 miles as the crow flies! As for the cabin itself, I would hardly call it a cabin. It was huge and had a flat screen tv, huge rooms with views, full kitchen with all utensils and it was warm, clean and beautiful. My kids especially enjoyed the outdoor hot tub while looking up at the stars at night and my wife loved the master suite which had a jacuzzi tub in the room. We still talk about it and look forward to...

The chalet has been a spot we have vacationed at the past two summers both in July and in September. The location is idyllic and the Chalet is luxurious, voluminous, and replete with stellar views of Carson Peak, some larger peaks to the North, and the beautiful creeks running through the property's aspen and spruce trees. For a family that loves, to fish, hike, kayak the spot is Shangri La.

There are great hikes everywhere in the June Lake Loop, not to mention its surrounds (Ansel Adams, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Hot Creek, etc.) In fact there are great walks right out the back door both easy and strenuous. After the walks the hot tub or big bathtubs and walk in showers are awesome. Fishing on the Gull, Grant, Silver and June Lakes can be epic. Either plunking bait or spinning panther martins with the little ones, throwing streamers for lunker browns in Grant, dragging Rapalas in June, or teaching kids to make there first casts to the planted bows in Rush creek the loops fishing opportunities offer something for any angler. Obviously, my family likes to fish and we have done a little of everything from float tubes and kayaks to creek wading and shoreline beach chair fishing. We have had fine days in the dog days of summer on Rush and some exciting fishing in September for larger models with mixed weather conditions in the lakes and creek mouths. I have heard there are a few nice alpine lakes with brookies right out the back door, but we haven't ventured up with the lakes and Rush creek right out the front door. All the spots mentioned above are within seven minutes car time of the Chalet and if you want the local up to date lake information, stop by Ernies for the latest. Over the years I have been in June every month and have had some of my best fishing days in the late spring and early fall.

The chalet regularly has big mule deer and other wildlife browsing on the property. The amenities are superlative from the kitchen to the beds and bathrooms. If a family fishing hiking vacation in a log mountain mansion sounds like the ticket, give Yosemite Gateway...