The Inelle, Oakhurst Yosemite, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel — Hotel in Oakhurst

The Inelle is a cozy, comfortable, and beautifully designed property with minor quirks. The spacious rooms provide a wonderful retreat after long days exploring Yosemite.

At off-peak rates (mid-November), my stay was an incredible bargain, though I'd hesitate to return during peak summer season when rates climb to around $300 on weekends.

Recently opened in September 2024 after extensive renovations of a former Best Value Inn, the property feels brand new. My room was immaculate, likely among the first dozen stays since the renovation. The bed proved exceptionally comfortable, and the spa-like bathroom features a large vanity, huge illuminated mirror, and premium aromatherapy toiletries. EV charging in the parking lot was awesome to see.

As a Platinum Elite member, I tested the "Premium WiFi," which averaged 20mbps download and 18mbps upload. While adequate during my stay when the hotel was nearly empty, capacity during peak season remains uncertain.

Several quirks prevented this from being a true 5-star experience:

Poor noise insulation between rooms, particularly around connecting doors. I could clearly hear all my neighbor's conversations and footsteps throughout my stay. Even stuffing a towel under the concerningly large gap beneath the connecting door only helped slightly.

Confusing parking situation: Reviews mentioned a $32 nightly rate, booking showed $18, yet I wasn't charged anything. This inconsistency is particularly odd since no other properties in the area charge for parking, despite having similar lots.

No elevator access in the two-story building. This proved especially challenging during my late-night arrival, requiring three trips up and down stairs with suitcases and heavy photography equipment. For a property marketing itself as premium, this is a significant oversight.

The check-in experience felt impersonal and awkward. Staff, while friendly, barely engaged beyond basic transaction necessities. The front "desk" setup - really just a low table requiring guests to lean down while staff work on laptops - needs rethinking.

Amenities were poorly communicated: The advertised 24/7 gym was actually closed from 11 PM to 5 AM, restaurant/bar hours were nowhere to be found, and room service menus in rooms were misleading as the service wasn't actually available.

Disappointing Bonvoy elite recognition as a Platinum member: No complimentary welcome water (instead found $6 bottles in room), and no suite upgrade despite extremely low occupancy and visible suite...

It really depends on your expectations! All the Marriott brands are a staple of business travel. I've stayed in all of them and was a Gold member when I traveled actively for business. I'm now long retired and traveling with my wife on vacation. When a Marriott property is branded as " a Tribute Portfolio Hotel" we expected much much more........

Our first surprise was that there was no elevator☹️. If this was for business, no problem, normally just travel with carry-on. But this was an extended vacation in multiple locations, we had 3 heavy bags. They put us on the second floor. Well, not all bad right? At least we would have a view, right? ....... WRONG, unless you count a view of the main road running through Oakhurst as a view .

During check-in we inquired about breakfast because we had booked the earliest Yosemite tour and expected to have to leave the hotel quite early the next morning around 6am. We were told by staff that it shouldn't be a problem, that they should be able to accommodate us with something. Surprise.... The breakfast staff told us there wasn't anything available quickly no fruit, danish, muffin, we were lucky to grab coffee that morning.... Because the next day they didn't even have coffee out in the morning. I've been in all Marriott brands all over the world, and never have I been in one that didn't offer lobby coffee or coffee in the room. This property apparently doesn't provide either consistently.

This same week we had stayed at a Marriott Courtyards, and a Marriott Fairfield and we can honestly say both were more enjoyable than this property!

Sure, this place has a boutique feel to it, and it's clean, and decorated nicely, but if it's representative of Marriott 's Tribute Portfolio Hotels, we will steer well clear of them in the future. We enjoyed ourselves more in the Courtyards and the Fairfield this week, and they were definitely better value hands down.

The staff was always agreeable, but the actual service did not match their words.

Someone could buy an old old Motel 6, gut it to the bones, remodel the exterior and interior and have a similar property. And if they added an elevator, it would be better than this property. Putting lipstick on a pig, doesn't make it...

When my dad and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Yosemite, I cashed in my Marriott points for a stay at the Inelle Hotel in Oakhurst, CA. And honestly? It was a great choice.

First off, the staff was amazing—like concierge-level hospitality but with small-town warmth. They had top-tier recommendations for restaurants and local spots, and they genuinely seemed happy to help. I can’t say enough good things about them.

The hotel itself is brand new, built in summer 2024, and it shows. Everything is modern, clean, and up-to-date—none of that "this lamp has definitely seen things" vibe you get at older hotels. USB and USB-C outlets by the bed? It's a small touch, but it is much appreciated.

The "Still Figuring Things Out" Phase

Since the hotel is so new, it felt like they were still ironing out a few kinks—nothing major, just little things that reminded me they were still getting into the groove. The bar and restaurant unexpectedly closed on our first night due to a chef/bartender (same guy? Unconfirmed) having a personal emergency. But the staff rolled with it, allowing us to BYOB, and we ended up having a great time chatting with them and a local artist (shoutout to WingDesign.co!).

My only real critique? The artwork. It was the kind of generic hotel decor that felt like it was bulk-ordered from a corporate catalog. Given how artsy and vibrant Oakhurst is, I would have loved to see local artists showcased instead. Seriously, Marriott—missed opportunity there.

Perfect. Restaurants within a mile, Yosemite a straight shot away, and Oakhurst itself? A hidden gem. The locals were friendly, helpful, and really made our experience memorable. It’s one of those places where you instantly feel welcomed.

Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Without hesitation. The hotel is new and still finding its rhythm, but none of the minor hiccups affected my stay. If you want a modern, comfortable stay with small-town hospitality, Inelle Hotel in Oakhurst is the way to go. Just bring a little patience and maybe some extra art...