Gold Lake Lodge — Hotel in Portola

I normally camp in a tent. Or stay in our motorhome, or in a hotel or motel. This was my first stay in a cabin tent. I can't say I was impressed, but the bed was nice, comfortable and clean. There was a one light bulb ceiling light. We used our booklights instead of the overhead but the bugs were drawn to the light so we gave up on reading by about 9pm and turned out the light. ||||We were in Cabin #2 and it was a short walk to the facilities. Those were different. Campgrounds generally have the showers, toilets and sinks all in one building. The rustic campgrounds don't have showers or flush toilets. So this lodge has two flush toilets in their own two separate rooms. You walk out of there (outside) and go down to another little room that has a sink and mirror, with paper towels. Then you walk (outside) to two separate shower rooms. They are clean, and it works, but is a little strange. The place was built around 1912 or so, so that may explain the oddities.||||Dinner was wonderful, and breakfast was good. ||||The cabin tent was cheaper than a cabin. The tent cabin is very basic. The tents we own are watertight and keep bugs out. ||||Gold Lake Lodge Cabins have the facilities inside each cabin.||||We did the 4.5 miles hike to Round Lake, Veronica, Silver, Cub, Big Bear and Little Bear Lakes. The lakes are wonderful and great for swimming. I have done that great hike before, and have visited their cabins. I visit a lot of the Sierra forests for camping and hiking, but never stayed at a lodge before. Gold Lakes Lodge was very pleasant but to me it is a bit overpriced. Maybe I am just cheap and jaded. If it was the first visit to the woods for a city dweller, it might be much appreciated.||||There is no wifi, no...

We've camped and stayed in cabins all over CA for decades. This was our first trip to the Graeagle area. I chose the Lodge because it offered meals and the location looked good for hiking.|The experience was good from the start. We were welcomed warmly by the staff. They remember who you are throughout the stay and address you by name each time you come to the main lodge. |The cabins are rustic but comparable to all the other rustic cabins we have stayed at over the years. So no complaints there. If you're looking for a modern hotel experience, this is not it.|You can find the trailheads for two interconnected hikes right from the Lodge grounds. You can drive to other nearby trailheads as well. It's a beautiful area.|The dining experience really made the trip exceptional. You eat at communal tables and the other guests are friendly, interesting people. There is a choice of entrees for breakfast and dinner. The dinner meals are exceptionally good, including desserts that are outstanding. The presentation of the meals includes a soup course (unique and flavorful) with bread, salads - varied and visually beautiful, the entree - wonderful, and as mentioned, a great choice of desserts.|We...

We just returned from a stay at Gold Lake Lodge. If you love the outdoors , love meeting new people and adore eating, this is the place for you! The cabins are comfy and include your own bathroom. You are steps away from several small mountain lakes, so there is a lot to do and much to see. The best part of Gold Lake Lodge is the opportunity to meet interesting people. Breakfast and dinner are included and they provide a chance to meet the folks who are staying at the lodge. So many stories and so much fun. Then, there are the meals. In particular, I can't think of another place where you can go out and hike in the Sierras for the day and come back to culinary treats for dinner. Rob (the owner), Mary & Jenny (his daughters) create gourmet treats every night -- really fine dining and save room for dessert because you have to partake! The staff members are friendly, smart (college students from the US and Europe. Rob, Jenny and Mary have created the perfect blend of great food, great people and...