We really wanted to love grant grove but, unfortunately, we just didn't.

We came here for two nights as part of a honeymoon trip and stayed in a "Rustic Cabin". We had reasonable expectations and knew this was a rustic environment. We both have extensive camping and hiking experience and we were looking forward to "being one with nature". This did not deliver.

Pros:

- Excellent location and very convenient to the visitor center and several lovely hiking routes.
- Reasonably comfortable beds.

Cons:

- Filthy!. this was our biggest concern with this place. It seemed as if the carpets had not been cleaned in decades. The door and window sills were caked with dust and we had several unidentified "lumps" of dirt stuck above the door. The sheets on both beds were covered in black specks of something. The heater was so dirty we did not want to touch it. It is gas operated and the whole room smelled heavily of gas.

We had serious concerns our first night. We were scratching ourselves bloody after spending some time in bed. However, I don't believe there were bed bugs, I am not sure what caused it, maybe it is just the dirt in bed or the sheets. Either way, we found it scratchy.

- Service: we found it mediocre on several occasions. Upon check in we were told that showers were 25 cent for 3 minutes and that they were coin operated. We later realized that you actually had to feed the shower 4 quarters to even make it start (unfortunately not until after we found ourselves naked in the shower with no more quarters on hand and no way to shower). This information was given to us by a fellow guest, it is not explained anywhere.

Housekeeping was not very good either. Aside from the above mentioned filth, we also had the previous guest's trash in the room upon arrival. This was not hidden out of sight, the trash can had simply not been emptied.


To sum it up - next time we will go camping instead, it will be cheaper and cleaner.

I have stayed at Grant Grove Cabins over 30 times since 1973; the last time 2 weeks ago. It is not comparable to a hotel, or resort or luxury anything. It is nature, gussied up for us humans to tolerate.Once you hit the tree line at 4000 feet, it begins to turn surreal. Trees begin to grow beyond anything youve ever seen. The air smells different. But for me-it's the light. It behaves different. It beams, and bends and sets totally different. It's here that Grant Grove Cabins are
nestled. Book a cabin, anyone you can get. You didn't come for the cabin. Yes, they are backwoods and primitive, but stay home if you want the Ritz.. The cabins are fine. Break the mold. Show the kids where God walks..and walk it yourself! I promise you, your heart aches when you leave. You might not feel it when you do leave, but when you get home, you know you left it under the trees, because something is missing. You will go back!

We stayed in a Grant Grove Cabin in late August. Typically for us we got there after dark but the cabin was easy to find and there was plenty of space to park. After staying in a perminant tent a few years ago in Yosemite, I was expecting something similar however this was luxury in camparison! Wooden chalet with pine furniture and 3 beds (there were only 2 of us!), plenty of space, the room was clean and there were additonal bedding/ towels provided. We had an open front porch with table and benches and wood burning stove, The cabins arent too close to each other and are arranged in a non-uniform way - this makes it appear more organic and gives more privacy.

Bathrooms are shared and are just a short walk from any of the cabins. They are basic but fine, especially for only a night or 2.

The cabins are in the heart of a wooded area so you feel quite close to nature despite it being so populated.

Top tip - Panaramic Point is accessed through the campsite and is an absolute must. We wouldnt have made it a priority except my husband got talking to a ranger as he was taking the bin out and he'd recommeded it. We're glad he did. The scenery is spectacular. The access road is narrow but can be driven and despite what the sign says in the car park, the vista point is just a very short walk away. Watch out for wildlife on the way up - we stoppped to watch a deer.

We thoroughly enjoyed our night and day spent here (even saw bears near Morro Rock).

The only thing that was slightly annoying though was a loud talker sat outside in a cabin a few over from us late into the evening - he really liked the sound of his own voice and it travelled! You can get inconsiderate behaviour anywhere though - we always travel with earplugs and this sorted the problem out!

We stayed at the Azalea campground in the tent-only section and loved it. (Site 6 is awesome--secluded and right by a little green meadow. It faces a picnic area, but the picnic area is closed at night.) The flush toilets and sink for dishes are a short walk up the hill.

The restaurant at the Grant Grove village was surprisingly good, much better than I was expecting. They are open for B, L and D but close in between meals.

The "store" at Grant Grove is horrible. Prices are exorbitant ($8 for a bottle of mayo and $5 for a can of tuna) and selection is exceedingly limited. Go to the market at Lodgepole instead; it was great!

DO NOT expect anything other than a cold shower and wet belongings from the shower house in Grant Grove village. Showers cost 4 quarters for about 3 minutes, but the design of the CURTAINLESS showers lets needle-sharp water spray all over your belongings (so your dry clothes get wet) and the UN-adjustable water never exceeded lukewarm. The showers at Lodgepole cost $5 but there are shower curtains and you can control the water temperature.