Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp

Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp

Gorgeous view from our cabin
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Room 141
Room & Suite (147)
Бассейн в мае :)
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About

#1 of 3 hotels in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Location
4.7
Rooms
3.6
Value
4.1
Cleanliness
3.7
Service
4.2
Sleep Quality
3.9
ALL-INCLUSIVE RUSTIC MOUNTAIN LODGE INSIDE OF SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA - Buffet meals and seasonal activities included in the room rate! Spectacular view of the Great Western Divide of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rooming options include newly-built Forest Cabins and Lake View Suites with private baths & decks, Vintage Lodge Rooms & Suites all with private baths. Rustic Cabins with a wood-burning stove and shared bathhouse. Property features an outdoor hot tub open year-round, and a seasonal pool, private lake, and hiking trails directly on property. Lodge is open year-round.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Archery
Boating
Books, DVDs, music for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Public wifi
Hot tub
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Fence around pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Canoeing
Game room
Hiking
Horseback riding
Ski rentals
Ski school
Entertainment staff
Evening entertainment
Patio
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Kids club
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
First aid kit
Room features
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Mountain view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
2.5 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English

Location

63410 Generals Hwy, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles907 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in the Sequoia National Forest, Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp offers a picturesque retreat that many travelers adore for its outdoor activities and scenic location. Guests commend the family-friendly amenities and all-inclusive dining, although some facilities might benefit from modernization. While the rooms provide comfort for families, there are notes on the need for better lighting and temperature control. The service at the lodge receives high marks for staff attentiveness, despite occasional disorganization. The atmosphere is deemed fun and welcoming, and the cleanliness of the accommodations has generally met travelers' expectations. However, opinions on the value provided are mixed, with some guests discussing additional costs.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Clean
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Abundant

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Detailed Reviews
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Karine D wrote a review Sep 2024
Saint-Denis, France
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It’s a kind of favorite: we booked this hotel because of its location in the heart of the 2 parks, but the reviews scared us and also the Award quite expensive. But finally it’s a nice surprise. Certainly the Pension deserves a real big renovation because it is very aging. But everything is excellently thought out: spacious, clean rooms, impec bedding, dinner service with rather good or very good dishes, vegetables or pasta / fries, meat and vegan products, a varied full breakfast with cereal fruits etc. It is a kind of kitchen where you can go home, you can store food in the fridges, you have access to the leftovers of the previous day to make a picnic or reheat it if necessary, and every morning there is a “sandwich” workshop to prepare picnics and everything is planned (tuperware, bags, breads of your kinds, tomatoes, cheeses, meat etc.), fruit availability, flavored water fountains to fill the bottles. Swimming pool, Things to do for children, fire in the evening with broiling chamallows, small lake and kayak etc. In the heart of the park so about 30 minutes from the must-see places. In short a nice surprise, a place like we love in the USA where everything is thought to make life easier. Worth the Award! Casual, family atmosphere, ideal for hikers!
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Nous avions pris un chambre avec coin enfants pour avoir de la place, mais toutes les chambres...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
541matts541 wrote a review Aug 2024
Brooklyn, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I went to Montecito Sequoia family camp growing up, and it was a magical experience -- the positive energy and kindness from the guests and staff is unmatched, and there are more fun activities than hours in the day.

My family went for the first time, and I'm pleased to say that 20 years later, the same magic and energy is alive and well at Montecito Sequoia today. The camp has evolved -- activities have changed and they've added new types of lodging -- but the fundamental values and magic of the place remains the same. Kudos to Trish, the new owner, for keeping it alive!

Montecito Sequoia is a place for families who are willing to get out of their comfort zone -- try new activities! meet new friends! put on a costume! do a skit! The food is great, especially at the scale they're preparing it (~250 people between guests and staff). It's worth noting that this is not a luxe hotel (although they do have a masseuse!). Much of the lodging is rustic (e.g. cabins, shared bathhouse), it's dry and dusty (especially in the late summer) and the WiFi is acceptable for casual email checking but not for doing video calls all day.

This is a great place for families that want to be present, to try new things, and to end each day a little dirty, a little tired, ready for a fantastic dinner, and excited to get up and do it all over again the next day, this is the place. Don't miss out on this incredible experience!
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Date of stay: August 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
Joyce Z wrote a review Apr 2023
California
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Originally, we had booked outside of the park in Exeter, but after realizing that we would be wasting a couple of hours driving to and from the park each day, it didn't make sense to be so far out even if it was cheaper since we only had 2 nights but wanted to see both parks.

What sealed the deal for me to stay at Montecito Sequoia is having the meals included since food within the park is very limited. You get dinner the day of your arrival, 3 meals for any night you stay after that and breakfast the day you leave.

I was expecting more cafeteria quality food but was treated to some great options like kalua pork, teriyaki steak, mashed sweet potatoes, asparagus, hawaiian mac salad and decadent salted caramel and blueberry chocolate brownies the first night. The second night had tri-tip, citrus herb chicken, scalloped potatoes, and honey glazed carrots. Even with one item falling short like the Hawaiian mac salad day 1, and the chicken day 2, still satisfied with their offerings. Since it was buffet style, I just went back for more of the ones I liked. If you're still hungry during the night, leftovers are available in the fridge for you to reheat in the microwave in the common area.

Snacks and fruit were available during the day and bagels, cereal, etc. all day in case you want to skip breakfast and get an early start.

Luckily it was during the slower shoulder season in October, so the rates were decent especially on the weekdays and if you stay in the Main Lodge itself, but be aware that activities are extremely sparse (just archery and s'mores night during our 3 days) if you wanted to hang out at the lodge. Since we wanted to eat in our room, we went for the Lake View Suite which was enough room for 6 people. The view of the lake from the deck is more between the trees but great for stargazing if you can stand the cold at night. Complimentary kayaks are available for you to take on the lake but be aware the lake is quite small.

Overall, a great stay with just two recommendations. Although the pool was understandably closed for the season, it would've been nice to be informed that their year-round hot tub was also closed so I wouldn't have packed a bulky robe. Also, thought they would have the firepits available for use during the evenings especially for s'mores night vs. trying to roast s'mores through the side grating of the fireplace.
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Date of stay: October 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rudolph B wrote a review Jun 2022
El Cajon, California
+1
2.0 of 5 bubbles
The good: The room was clean, the bathroom had nice Turkish towels and they provided a good breakfast, dinner and make your own sandwich for lunch.
The bad: For the price we paid (over three hundred dollars, weekday) we got a room that looked like a cheap fifty year old budget motel room. When we checked in at their check-in time of 4 PM we found a big heap of dirty bed sheets, towels, and plastic bags with trash in the hallway next to our door. The hallway of our room was not unique because there were two of such heaps of dirty laundry and trash in the adjacent hallway. Upon check-out, the following day, the trash was still there.
The room was small, had a rather comfortable king size bed but there was only one chair to sit on. No TV.
There was not a single appliance in the room, not even a simple coffee maker. Because we had an end unit, two walls had windows. From the end window we could see the small lake across from a dirt lot; the other window looked out over a big dumpster, filled with trash.
The shower was equipped with a single control valve which was hooked up in reverse. When the faucet was opened, scalding hot water came out; it had to be turned from the blue into the red zone for cold water.
When I complained about the trash issue to the front desk person upon check-out the following morning, she apologized but said that there was nothing she could do to make it right.
There will be no repeat visit to this lodge.
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Date of stay: June 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: There are other buildings on the property overlooking the lake, probably at a much higher price...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tricia Dally, Owner at Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp
Responded Jun 28, 2022
Dear Sir, We were happy to hear that your room was clean, available on time, had nice Turkish towels and a comfortable King bed, and that you enjoyed your breakfast and dinner, and the ability to make your own sandwich trail lunch (which was an additional courtesy we provided for our guests that is not normally included in your room rate). I see that you booked directly through our website portal. Your room rate for a small lodge room was $269+ tax per night midweek during summer high season, double-occupancy. Your room rate included self-guided activities (eg. boats on lake, tennis, basketball, ping pong, foosball, board games, hiking directly from our site, stunning night sky viewing, etc.), and meals (breakfast/dinner), with 24-7 snacks and non-alcoholic drinks all included. No additional charges for parking or any other add-ons to your rate. You complained that your room had no TV, but we detail this in our rate page, and we have the best free Wifi inside these parks, which guests can now use to download movies, watch TV on their phones, and make Wifi calls. Although with all the beautiful wilderness surrounding us and things to do onsite, why would one want to stay in your room and watch cable tv? We also have large outdoor public seating areas for our guests exclusively, with spectacular mountain and lake views. Our location is inside the park gates of Sequoia & Kings Canyon along the main thoroughfare through both parks, and we are right in between the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon and the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park. We probably have the best location in these parks to explore the parks' sites, and you definitely get much more for your money than just a room with a tv. Additionally, we have the spectacular view of the Great Western Divide Mountains from our back deck, and a small but beautiful lake, with plenty of public seating and access to canoes, stand up paddleboards, kayaks, etc. for our guests to use. We also have a play area and trampoline for children, ping pong and foosball tables, basketball courts, tennis courts and excellent hiking right from our property. I realize that not all guests take advantage of these amenities, but they are available to our guests at no extra charge. We are very transparent and state on our website that our lodge was originally built in 1970 as a leadership camp for girls, and that those who prefer more upscale/modern accommodations, should reserve our newly constructed and stunning Forest Cabins or our recently remodeled Lake View Suites. I do apologize that, due to a staffing shortage effecting the entire travel industry but especially those of us who operate in such a remote wilderness location, some dirty linens were left in the hallway during your stay. We continue to try to increase and improve our housekeeping staff, but high gas prices and a shortage of workers are definitely making that challenging to say the least. However, if you knew how hard we are all working during these challenging times, I think having to walk by some dirty linens in the hallway is a small and understandable oversite on our part that day. To want a significant discount, when we offer the best value for money inside these parks, is purely taking advantage in my view. Just so you know, our managers, myself, along with our staff in other departments are chipping in to help with housekeeping. Our family-owned lodge is dealing with the impacts of 2+ years of Covid on our industry and a major wildfire in our area that closed our lodge from September of last year until recently. I am proud of what we offer to our guests, if imperfect at times, but we are doing our best and working incredibly hard. A little patience goes a long way during these tough times. Of course, looking at your other reviews, I see that you are quite particular and seem to prefer standard hotel/motel rooms with TV and coffee-maker/mini-fridge. None of our rooms have TVs, because we feel this disturbs other guests and takes away from all that we are offering for our guests to experience the great outdoors. Although, our outer lodges have microwaves and mini-fridges, you were in a main lodge room, and merely had to walk down the stairs to our main dining room/kitchen for fresh made coffee, flavored waters, fresh fruit, bagels, cereal, granola bars, and other snacks - all included in your room rate. How much would you have paid for dinner, breakfast and a sandwich lunch for two out of pocket inside the parks? You are inside the National Parks in a premium location with beautiful views throughout our property and you photograph our dumpster area? I think other guests should look at all the pictures posted by other guests and you will get a better picture of just what a beautiful spot we are in. Granted, we are an older property and not everyone's cup of tea, we operate as a family camp in the summer and cater to families with children most of the year. We state we are a rustic lodge, but we are so much more to many of our guests, who return year-after-year and appreciate what we offer. For those looking for a "Marriott in the Mountains" in these parks, I suggest booking either the John Muir Lodge or Wuksachi Lodge, , if you can find a room available, and your rate only covers your room, with a tv/mini-fridge/coffee-maker, but you will be charged for any other food/beverages/snacks, etc. and pay more during the summer high season than you paid for our room including meals and self-guided activities. As I said, I am very sorry that we left some dirty linens in the hallway during your stay and we are improving our efforts, but otherwise, I think we were very transparent as to what our guests who stay in our Vintage Lodge Rooms can expect, and guests hoping to book with us should read our Lodging Rates page which is very explicit about what is and what is not included. We feel we offer our guests great value, especially in these current high-inflationary times, and especially for families with children. Additionally, we also have the nicest/most upscale accommodations anywhere in these parks - our Forest Cabins, which are architecturally designed to let the outdoors in and are stunning with more amenities, such as a mini-kitchen, living area, 1 1/2 baths, outdoor deck with Adirondack chairs, and more. Rudolph, I do hope that you at least had a wonderful time while exploring these magnificent parks and forests. I wish you better luck in finding the right accommodation for you in the future...but please be prepared to pay much more for it. I'm sorry we were not satisfactory in your book, but I do appreciate those guests who have a bit more understanding given the challenges the pandemic has had on our industry over the past 2 years, and continues to have in the form of the current staffing shortages, which is impacting the entire travel and hospitality industry at large. Best of luck on your future travels. Sincerely, Tricia Dally Owner Family Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mi s wrote a review Oct 2024
3.0 of 5 bubbles
About 2 weeks before the start of my reservation, I received an email from the lodge indicating that they were closing on Sundays and Mondays - which were some of the days for my reservation. While they offered to change my reservation to other days, or cancel my reservation, the problem was that I had already put down a non-refundable deposit for an excursion date within my original lodge reservation dates.

I had the choice of losing my non-refundable deposit (several hundreds of dollars) by cancelling my lodge reservation, or change my lodge reservation for days that did not include Sunday/Monday. I could not find alternative accommodations in the park. I changed my lodge reservation. But that prevented my traveling companion from accompanying me.

The single ceiling light in the king room was not enough to read in. Luckily, I had a headlamp.

WiFi was spotty most of the time.

Shower pressure was quite low.

On the plus side, the included meal buffets were convenient. Most guests were quite friendly.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony S wrote a review Oct 2022
Brisbane, Australia
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Located in the National Forest beside a man made lake the resort is the perfect location which is why we stayed here for one night.

The forest cabin was superb although lacking in any cutlery, crockery of glasses even though it did have a full kitchenette. On a cold night the heating was excellent and the beds very comfortable and we slept well. Great view of the forest from the main room.

Dinner, breakfast and snacks were included and the snacks were great as long as you beat the construction workers to them in the morning. Unfortunately the dinner and breakfast food was not up to the accomodation standard being very poorly presented, appearing to be thrown into the baie maries and quite unappetising. Worse still, there appeared to be no heating in them and the food was quite cool to cold.

Staff were excellent but the food presentation really let the whole operation down.
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Date of stay: October 2022
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelin_for_fun6009 wrote a review Oct 2024
California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at Montecito-Sequoia Lodge for the first time during the second week of October. Normally a 4-season resort, the Lodge has had to shut down for the winter season since a weather event (in 2023, I think) took out the bridge over the creek that is the direct route to the property entrance. The "Montecito Detour" is a real adventure on its own, over winding dirt roads that add an extra 15 mins. or so to our 4 -hour plus drive. Fortunately, the detour is very well described in a pre-arrival email and the signage was excellent. The resort was scheduled to close for the season that weekend, so we expected it to be fairly quiet. Not so! It was fully booked with couples and family groups (including out-of-country guests) enjoying it as a base for day hikes into the Sequoia National Park, and even a wedding party on Thursday evening!

I cannot overstate what a wonderful experience we had during our 2-night, 3-day stay. The staff is extraordinary: extremely dedicated to this historic property, and very committed to providing the best possible experience for guests. The food was plentiful, healthy and tasty (served buffet style, with snacks, juices and iced tea, and regular and specialty coffees available all day). We stayed in the Main Lodge in a comfortable corner room that is set up for families with a king bed and a bunk bed. There are a variety of accommodations to choose from, from the very rustic to the newer Forest Cabins that are quite posh.

Please don't be deterred by the negative reviews about unfortunate cancellations during the early Fall season. The Lodge faces many challenges that are outside its control caused by severe weather and the staffing shortages that have become endemic to the hospitality industry. But, when you're "on campus," the experience cannot be beat! Anyone who has spent any time at a summer camp will be reminded of those wonderful outdoorsy times. We look forward to returning to the Lodge for its Family Camp during Summer 2024.
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Date of stay: October 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ekbrew wrote a review Aug 2024
Waterbury, Vermont
3.0 of 5 bubbles
When turning off the General's Highway we were greeted with a detour sign and no idea how much longer to drive. It ended up taking an extra 10 minutes on a very slow, dirt road with lots of tight turns, bumps, and potholes. It would be nice if this had been mentioned on the website. If it was, we would not have booked, since it is such a hassle that we ended up changing our plans and staying in instead of going out to all the planned excursions.

We stayed in the lakeview lodge on the 2nd floor. We paid a premium price for the so called private deck. It was not private. We had access through the glass door, but others guests also had access to our deck from the hallway and also from the stairs from the ground below. People came up and checked out our deck twice in 2 days that we know of. Not much privacy when there isn't even anything to cover the glass wall. The deck next to us actually was truly private. The view of the lake from our room/deck was occluded by trees, nothing like the pictures on the website. All the other pictures were accurate. However, there is nothing in the cabinets. Not plates, bowls, glasses, or utensils. Hard to use the microwave and coffemaker without those things.

The whole place is pretty dated and somewhat in disrepair. The pool was empty of water. The food was edible, but not as good as the several 3 star all-inclusives we have stayed at in riviera maya mexico.

The staff seemed rush and rarely made eye contact. It was hard to tell who staff were as they were in street clothes.

Despite all this, I'm still giving a 3 star review, because the are in such a remote location that I can imagine it being hard to run the place.
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Date of stay: August 2024
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tricia Dally, Owner at Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp
Responded Sep 4, 2024
Dear ekbrew, Our sincere apologies for the dusty detour. Our lodge experienced back-to-back natural disasters due to a wildfire in 2021, and a once in a hundred year snow crush over the winter of 2022/2023 (for which we were in a federally-declared disaster zone), which buried our entire property and our main lodge in snow (over 20 feet deep) and permanently damaged our entry bridge. Our staff had to be evacuated on December 2022, and we could not get back in to the property until late May to assess and start to repair all of the damage. Since we are in a remote and environmentally-sensitive area, we just recently received design approval and will repair the bridge next spring/summer, for a cost of over $1 million dollars (which was not covered by insurance due to our location in a wildfire zone). We did send an email all of our guests with reservations about the detour, but please accept my apologies if you didn't see/receive that info prior to your trip. Based on your review, however, I did update our website to prominently display the 10-minute detour information, so thank you for that feedback. Additionally, we paid to have the road re-graded and graveled since your stay. We know the detour is an inconvenience to our guests, but otherwise we would have had to close our lodge for 2-years in a row (and probably permanently), after a very, very difficult recovery from the pandemic, the wildfire in 2021 and then the snow crush of 2022/2023. In terms of the Lakeview lodge - you were staying in one of the nicest accommodations available throughout these parks, and honestly, throughout almost any park property. These are 2-bedroom units, able to accommodate up to 6 people, with private bath, living room, and mini-kitchen (mini-fridge, sink, microwave, coffee-maker). They are finished in high-end and sustainable materials/furnishings including granite countertops, Amish-built mission-style furniture, and Old Hickory brand furniture. We used high-quality mattresses, pillows and Pendleton bedding for the King bed, and The Company Store bedding for the kids' bunk beds. The accordian-style glass wall in the living room area opens up completely to the private deck, which features sustainable Polywood adirondack chairs and a coffee table. The deck is private for your suite only, however, due to California State regulations, there is a door from the hallway shared by the two upstairs suites and an external stairway exit down to the ground in case of fire. I apologize if there were "looky-loo" guests who came up to check out your deck, but honestly, that is not a complaint I have heard before (although we do have guests from all over the world, who may not follow expected norms). The deck has a lovely lake view. Yes, some trees may obscure part of that view (we are not allowed to chop down healthy trees as we are located in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, but it is an excellent view none-the-less. The view of the lake on the website is from the first-floor suite in that same building. In terms of the kitchen supplies, we did remove a few items you mentioned during the pandemic, however, since all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are included in your stay, there is no need to include these items in your room, as you are located about 15 feet from the main lodge dining room, where you can access any glassware, plates, coffee cups, drinks, and snacks 24/7 during your stay. Many of our guests will bring these items to their rooms, if they desire. One more note, you are staying in California, one of the most expensive states in the U.S. to operate, and, since we are in a remote wilderness area, you do pay a premium for staying with us on a Saturday night in the middle of the August National Park high season and by choosing one of our premium units (similar to staying at an ocean view property in high season). However, if you break out the cost of your included meals, snacks, drinks and available activities (lake boats, foosball, pingpong, hiking directly from the property), you will realize that we are bargain compared to the other lodges within the gates of these parks, which only include the room rate, not any meals, snacks, drinks and no real amenities outside of access to hiking. When you stay with us, just about everything you could need is included in your room rate. In terms of the food, we are extremely proud of our kitchen staff, and have received amazing compliments all summer regarding their hard work, especially to accommodate the many dietary needs of our guests (including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc). Comparing our food to that at a Mexican all-inclusive resort (where all costs, including labor, are so much lower than at our remote location) is hardly an apples-to-apples comparison. You are quite right when you state that you can imagine it is being hard to run the place in our remote location, but we understand that most of our first-time guest are not aware of our back-to-back natural disasters. We are in recovery mode and are very proud of the work we have done to date (over a million dollars spent this past year, and over a million to go to recover from the snow crush...again, business insurers have pulled insurance in California for those of us located in wildfire-prone areas, so all these funds come out of pocket...in our case, if we didn't run other businesses outside of this remote area, we would have shut down permanently), and we are very proud of our staff, who normally receive wonderful reviews. Sometimes we are extremely busy or stressed (especially on a Saturday-night in summer), so, again, my apologies if we were not at our best during your stay. However, based on your comments, I feel we were probably not the property for you. However, I don't think any property inside the park gates would have met your expectations. Perhaps, Wuksachi would have been a better fit? Since this is your first trip to a National Park, it is sad to me that you felt driving 10 minutes longer to access sites within the parks was too much. Most visitors stay outside the gates to these parks, and have to travel 45 minutes or longer just to get inside the parks, even longer to access the most popular areas. These parks are vast (even inside the park gates), and require quite a bit of travel time to reach the many interesting sites and landmarks. I wish you all the best in your future travels. I am sorry we did not meet your expectations. We are not everyone's cup of tea, and we know that the detour road is upsetting for some guests (while some enjoy the 10-minute "off-road" adventure through the scenic forest). Traveling to a new place can be challenging, as we all know. Thank you for your feedback to improve the areas mentioned, and to give me the opportunity to more fully explain the challenges our small family business has been through in the past four years. The good news is that most of our guests have been very happy this summer. We do understand that the detour can sour a guest's attitude and then it negatively impacts their stay. Other guests have a great time despite the inconvenience...especially families. On Labor Day Weekend, we had many guests traveling to all the park sites and returning to our lodge nightly, and were very positive about with their stay. Again, my apologies that your stay was not what you had hoped this time. I hope some of my explanations above help you understand the many challenges we have had to navigate over the past four years. We do believe that by next summer, with a newly built bridge and ongoing cosmetic repairs, guests will be more satisfied than those who came this summer. Sincerely
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SanFranAnne wrote a review Jul 2023
San Francisco, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Want a vacation in a spectacular setting where you can all choose your own version of fun, and no one has to cook or clean up? This is it!! Montecito Sequoia Family Camp has it all: enthusiastic young staff, amazing location surrounded by spectacular Sierra mountains, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Kings Canyon National Park, incredible range of activities from hiking and horseback riding to lake swimming to archery, riflery and paintball, arts and crafts, and even a massage therapist. The food is decent with accommodation for kids, adults, vegans and carnivores. There is a perfect balance of supervised group time for kids and family time. Accommodations vary from rustic cabins to traditional lodge rooms with private bath, some old, some recently built or renovated. Many families return year after year, so booking early (up to a year in advance) will give you a better choice of rooms. May family has been visiting for over 20 years, now with 3 generations.
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Date of stay: July 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ebaren wrote a review Jun 2022
Walnut Creek, California
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Although the Montecito Sequoia Lodge was understaffed during our visit, I wish to commend the patience of those that were working at the desk, the kitchen, housekeeping and activities. Some of the staff are doing multiple jobs and are working hard to make your stay an enjoyable one. There are not many accommodations within the National Park and this lodge is very family friendly. Although the pool was not yet operable, there is a lake where you can swim, canoe, kayak or paddle board. There is a volleyball and a basketball court, ping pong, trampoline and other amenities for children.
The food was plentiful and there was enough choices for vegetarians and omnivores. When you consider that you were provided with three meals per day and snacks available throughout the day, the cost of your stay is reasonable. Upon checking out, we encountered a bit of confusion in billing. This was because there had been a change in the data system. I want to give kudos to Celine who had the patience to deal with over 30 senior citizens in straightening out this problem. She never got flustered and managed to make all the necessary corrections. Although I also love Yosemite, for costs you should consider a longer stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. It is less crowded and the Montecito Sequoia Lodge is a good base to stay.
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Date of stay: June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LucyLucy321 asked a question Mar 2023
Mooresville, North Carolina212 contributions19 helpful votes
Do the New Forest Cabins have A/C?
Traveler200012 asked a question Oct 2020
San Diego, California11 contributions8 helpful votes
Is there snow in November? Which month would be best to go in the winter? Many thanks!
Answer from MSLodge
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California73 contributions
Hi Traveler200012, We sometime do receive snow in November, but February is our best month to enjoy peak winter sports activities. Hope that helps! Best, Montecito
Hyun Joo L asked a question Nov 2019
Manhattan Beach, California
Hi, are small dogs allowed? and fees? Thank you.
Answer from MSLodge
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California73 contributions
Hello Hynjool, We are very sorry, but we only allow a guest to bring a dog if they are staying in our Dandy's Cabin (which is a large vintage cabin on the other side of the lake from the main lodge), so as not to disturb other guests. If you have further questions you can call our front desk @ 559-565-3388. Hope that helps! Also, I believe Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia allows small pets in some of their rooms for a fee.
Ankan2015 wrote a tip Oct 2024
Stockholm County, Sweden241 contributions55 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Bring extra bottles to fill with water, prepare for being in the middle of nature! Good shoes!"
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Nick C wrote a tip Oct 2024
Galveston, United States2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Can hear hallway sounds at night so may want a noise machine for babies and light sleepers."
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David Z wrote a tip Sep 2024
2 contributions2 helpful votes
1.0 of 5 bubbles
"Do NOT stay here"
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Choobyrooesq wrote a tip Sep 2024
Los Angeles, California318 contributions55 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The main entrance to the lodge is closed due to a partially washed out bridge. The detour route takes about 10 min more"
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Joyce D wrote a tip Sep 2024
Irvine, California, United States7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"No need to bring food and snacks with you - the resort provides just about anything you need."
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park area.
PRICE RANGE
$268 - $357 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
montecito sequoia hotel sequoia and kings canyon national park, montecito sequoia lodge
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
54
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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MONTECITO SEQUOIA LODGE & SUMMER FAMILY CAMP

Frequently Asked Questions about Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp
Which popular attractions are close to Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp?
Nearby attractions include Congress Trail (0.5 miles), Hospital Rock (0.5 miles), and Redwood Canyon Trail (0.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Montecito Sequoia Lodge & Summer Family Camp have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
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