We were traveling by motorcycle and did not have space for camping gear so we decided to stay in the lodge. Kings Canyon is truly magnificent and worth the trip down a long winding road. Most of the day trippers were gone by 5 PM and it felt like we had the canyon to ourselves and a few others. The lodge itself is in great need of a renovation to match the gorgeous surroundings. Our room was clean but very worn. Lighting is dim. Bathroom was tiny with cracks in the sink and shower. Linens old. The air conditioner was loud when it ran. Laundromat that we desparately needed at that point in our trip, was closed. Loud construction noises most of the day due to a bridge being built and road being paved next to the lodge. Staff was polite but also indifferent. We did buy a sandwich at the snack bar that was tasty. It's the only show in town so be aware of the times it is open when you will be visiting. Their hours are limited and it was closed by 7 when we visited, as was the store. We have stayed in a lot of national park lodges and know what to expect. This place is by far the worst. Stay here if you have no other choice. Next visit we'll camp. It is truly a shame such a glorious national park has such a dreary lodge.

We arrived on August 20th. As others have indicated, the room was adequate for the price. This is a terrific location by the river. However, the clerk checking us in wasn't friendly and I must admit a bit rude, continuing to talk to a friend while we stood behind the man waiting for at least a minute while they chatted about nothing important. The man turned, saw us and apologized but the clerk acted as if this was standard treatment. Later, he actually said "Good Morning" when we saw him in the hallway, surprising us.
Some of the snack bar help are simply wonderful and very accommodating. One older woman was having a bad day, but the next day was in a better mood. I wonder that perhaps they underpay the staff. With jobs scarce in California I guess you keep what you have, even if the hours are very long---which we found out from one of the help. One good thing---you can get your ice bucket filled and filled again from the snack bar. We had a small cooler in our room which we took in the car. However, during midweek the snack bar hours are limited to breakfast and dinner this time of year. They stop serving lunch, except on weekends
The menu is limited--this is only a snack bar---but the trout at dinner was tasty. The location close to Zumwalt Meadows and Roaring River Falls was our main reason for staying here for a couple nights. The drive into and out of spectacular Kings Canyon is time-consuming so this was our best choice.
There is no lobby, you check in at the market, which is next to the snack bar. There is seating on two nice balconies, one off the snack bar, and the other on the same level as the rooms. The problem with the three 'river' view rooms is there are no windows in those rooms, only glass in the door. You do get a picnic table if you wish to sit outside your room. .There is an extra $10 fee for these three patio rooms.

The location and drive down King's Canyon is amazing. However, the lodge is below average at above average rates (perhaps typical for many NPS properties). There aren't any other lodging options in the Cedar Grove area. Our room was very basic with thin walls (could hear the guy in the next room snoring), drab decor and a very simple bathroom. The bed was acceptable and the room was clean. There was intermittent wifi access (a bonus as I didn't think it would be available).

The staff wasn't overly friendly (with one exception) and services close rather early. There is a basic cafeteria with high prices and limited hours. The indoor seating area was no better than that of a Taco Bell. A general store is present with a decent selection of goods.

In summary, a substandard property in a beautiful area. I will probably check out camping sites in the area for my next visit.

I spent the day hiking in the vicinity and it was beautiful. I could not have asked for a more spectacular setting. I stopped at the lodge and it appeared to be a nice lodge for this somewhat remote vallye. The staff was friendly and helpful when I asked about staying there and the lunch was par for what you can expect this deep into a National Park.