I'm not sure about some of the other reviewers expectations for a motel that is located this close to the park, some of the reviews had me outright nervous for choosing Cedar Lodge, but this place was so much better than I expected. It is a good location as a base for your Yosemite adventures. Overall I am glad we stayed here and I would definitely come back to this location for another stay at Yosemite.

We stayed here for a few days for a late fall getaway as a family (6 in all). We had a Junior Suite, which is basically a one bedroom apartment. Dated, yes, but clean. There is a kitchen with full size fridge - we cooked diner for two of the three nights we stayed. Can't speak to the onsite restaurant/bar - our one night out we had diner up the road located at the other hotel. On arrival we noticed a hinge to the bathroom door was broken, we let the front desk know and they fixed it right away, other than that, the room was clean and roomy. The heaters warmed the room right up. There was an indoor pool which the kids looked forward to swimming in every night, and we mostly had it to ourselves which was nice. This place is about a 20 minute drive from the park, the other motel is closer, but did not have the facilities we wanted as a family - a kitchen and the ability to stay in one room. There is a small onsite store, but you can also get food and supplies at the El Portal market about 5-10 minutes up the road.

All staff were efficient and friendly. Our room at Cedar lodge was quiet, clean and practical. We had a nice shared decked area outside our room ideal for an evening drink. Only two dining options available at this hotel, so book a table on arrival as it can get busy - would recommend the restaurant rather than the bar area. Good choice of food, reasonably priced.
Good location, only a 20 min picturesque drive to the edge of the National Park.

Cedar Lodge is a motel. It is well run, the staff are helpful, the pool warm and the location 10 miles west of the Highway 140 Yosemite NP entrance is very convenient. If you don't have a car (we did) the bus stops here on the way to the park. Rooms are a little dated but otherwise comfortable and spacious.

Our only problem was that during our stay (winter/midweek) the restaurant wasn't open in the evenings, so the only dining option was the fries-with-everything bar menu - which would be ok for 1 night but hard work if you are staying longer. The nearest alternative was 10 miles away. Earlier in the year you could simply stay in the park and eat there, but in November it gets dark and cold too early to hang around.

Charging 9$ a day for wifi seems a bit mean, especially as it is only available in the lobby - I guess it shows how little competition there is.

We stayed here for 4 nights as part of our San Fran to LA road trip. Driving there was slightly daunting (first time driving in US) as there are lots of twists and turns but the Cedar Lodge sign all lit up, the cute bear statues and rustic feel of the hotel was very welcome.

The staff at reception are great and give you all the info you need to know - free coffee in the reception area is great but the wi-fi you pay to use fir 24 hours at a time in the reception is pretty bad lol. Be prepared to stay a while to get anything done.

Our room was fine, it was functional and warm, the noise from the shower/cistern unit in the room bleow was pretty loud but overall the room was fine and what you needed after a few hours hking in the park.

The drive to the park was around 15 - 20 mins but we didn;t mind as it was quicker than taking the shuttle bus and meant we could leave when we wanted without having to wait.

The restaurant and bar in the hotel were fine - lots of fried food on offer so don't expect too much in the way of healthy options or vegetarian options, but the breakfast in the mornings were amazing and i would go back for the bacon, cinnamon french toast and their coffee alone!

Racoons playing in the car park area at night, pretty surroundings and a nice pool added to our experience at Cedar Lodge and despite a slightly odd toy bear collection in reception (you'll know what i mean when you see it!) i would definitely recommend staying here.