Mammoth Mountain Inn

You'd be hard-pressed to find a ski lodge more classic than Mammoth Mountain Inn. The A-frame chalet was built in the 1950s, and in winter it's packed to capacity with skiers here to experience Mammoth Mountain’s excellent slopes. The atmosphere is unsurprisingly mellow and the decor exceedingly cabin-cozy, with wood beams running across vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and a fireplace in the lobby. Clusters of weathered leather sofas and chairs offer plenty of spots to sink into pre/post check-in or after a day on the mountain. The restaurant and bar on the upper level, with a huge window offering fantastic mountain views, is a favorite gathering place, as is the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. This property is open year-round, and summer months bring a good deal of tour groups who are also visiting Yosemite National Park.

The Inn is located at Mammoth Mountain's base, with a gondola on the property for guests to ski-in/ski-out on several runs. A couple of popular eateries are right across the street. Mammoth Lakes, about 13 minutes away by car or the hotel's free shuttle, has local ski-town flavor and shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Yosemite National Park (via Tioga Pass Road) is about 90 minutes by car. 

Guest rooms at Mammoth Mountain Inn are a little bland, but they're tidy, spacious, and pleasant, and offer enough in the way of amenities for a comfortable stay. Decor can vary slightly, but expect muted earth tones, traditional lighting, and light wood furniture -- some of which shows wear, as does the carpeting. All have coffeemakers, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some accommodations have balconies with mountain views. Bathrooms are ultra-basic, with budget-quality acrylic shower/tub combos, but Aveda products are nice perk. No AC is a significant drawback, but fans are provided. 

Some of the doubles have lofts and there are condos ranging from studios to two-bedrooms that feature full kitchens. Be aware that many guests note hearing noise from neighbors. 

This property has a solid roster of amenities, with a gondola next to the lodge as the highlight. In addition to convenient ski-in/ski-out access, there's ski valet service, equipment rentals, and lift ticket sales. 

There's also a full-service restaurant, which serves classic American cuisine, and a lovely bar that faces the mountain. For soothing tired muscles after hitting the slopes, there's a large, heated outdoor pool and whirlpool off an expansive patio that includes a gas grill and tables, three indoor whirlpools, and a sauna. 

The property's gym is a bit cramped but has several Life Fitness cardio and weight-training machines, free weights, and a small yoga room. For those feeling peckish or in need of sundries, there's a general store with breakfast items, soups, salads, and sandwiches, plus clothing and souvenirs. 

Other amenities include a laundry room, concierge services that handle valet dry cleaning and laundry, and two desktop computers that are free to use. Wi-Fi throughout, evening shuttle service from the hotel to nearby Mountain Lakes, and parking are all free as well, though note that the property has limited underground parking spaces.

For kids, babysitting services are available in the winter, and, for kids of all ages, there's a video game room. Pets are welcome at the hotel for a fee.