Are you looking for the best hotels in Mammoth Lakes CA? Perfect! We’re going to show you the 10 top rated hotels available to you, including cheap, mid range and luxury Mammoth Lakes hotel options.
Instead of trawling through randomly listed hotel search engine results, use our research and data driven guide to find the best hotels near Mammoth Lakes CA for your visit based on location, value, previous guest ratings and our own experiences.
Here’s how we will break down the best hotels in Mammoth Lakes California to help you find the perfect place to stay:
- Why stay in Mammoth Lakes?
- Things to do in Mammoth Lakes
- 10 best Mammoth Lakes hotels
- Previous guest ratings and scores
Let’s find you the perfect Mammoth Lakes CA hotel for your trip to the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains!
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Why Stay In Mammoth Lakes CA?
Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful year round resort for skiers, hikers and lovers of the great outdoors. The small town is one of the most popular places to stay around California’s mesmerizingly beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains.
It also happens to be fortuitously located bang smack in the middle of several top tourist sites in the American southwest.
Yosemite National Park east entrance is on the doorstep, Death Valley National Park is just a few hours drive to the south and Lake Tahoe is a similar distance to the north.
However, Mammoth Lakes is more than just a stop gap between these major tourism hotspots. We highly recommend you plan to spend at least one day exploring Mammoth Lakes in summer.
Winter visitors to Mammoth Lakes are of course in town to ski Mammoth Mountain.
Things To Do Around Mammoth Lakes
So what can you do if you decide to spend a night or two in the Mammoth Lakes area?
Well, let’s take a look at what is in store for your visit:
- Hike to several picturesque lakes in the area
- Swim or kayak on the lakes
- Day trip into Yosemite National Park
- Play a round or two of golf
- Hike to 101 ft tall Rainbow Falls
- Ski and snowboard the mountain
- Visit Devils Postpile National Monument
- Photograph the strange Crowley Lake Stone Columns
- Visit nearby salty Mono Lake
We know how precious your days are when driving on the eastern side of the Sierra’s. We’ve done it twice ourselves!
But if you can squeeze an extra day in, Mammoth Lakes is well worth a slightly less hectic day on your road trip itinerary.
Want to try something unique near Mammoth Lakes?
Very close to Mammoth Lakes you can bathe in some of the very best natural Northern California Hot Springs, find the locations on our travel site Where Are Those Morgans.
Are Mammoth Lakes Hotels Expensive?
Hotel prices in Mammoth Lakes are very reasonable for California and compared to other towns with access to Yosemite National Park.
However, because Mammoth Lakes is a year round resort of its own, hotel prices aren’t as cheap as many other small towns along the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
For instance, hotels in Lone Pine CA closer to Death Valley are far cheaper when compared to Mammoth Lakes.
There are three important things we want to make you aware of before booking your hotel in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
1. Bed Tax In Mammoth Lakes
The first thing you should bear in mind when booking hotels near Mammoth Lakes is “Bed Tax”, which is officially known as Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Mammoth Lakes is located in Mono County, California which levies 12% bed tax on all stays, no matter how you book your hotel room.
So let’s say a room costs $200 for one night in Mammoth Lakes, your total cost is going to be $224.
- When booking your hotel using Booking.com look under the price for “includes taxes and fees“. This means the price you see is final and will not be subject to further add ons.
- Conversely, if you see text reading something like “+$30 for taxes and fees“, that means you will pay the hotel room cost + the additional 12% fee for bed tax and other fees.
This is something to be aware of so you avoid any nasty surprises when you come to pay!
2. Mammoth Lakes Resort Fees
On top of the standard TOT tax of 12% as listed above, certain “resort” hotels in Mammoth Lakes will charge an additional fee per day to use facilities such as hot tubs, gyms and swimming pools.
We really don’t enjoy paying additional charges like “resort fees” but this is typical for higher end lodging in places like Mammoth Lakes.
When you go to book your hotel Booking.com, you can see under the total room rate whether “resort fee” or “facility fee” is additional.
If you use another platform like Hotels.com, check the fine print to see if they mention something like “this property will charge $25 resort fees per day which will be payable upon arrival.”
3. Seasonality In Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes has two distinct peak seasons and two very clear low seasons.
Peak season in Mammoth Lakes consists of summer months June, July and August, plus the winter months of December, January and February.
Off season in Mammoth Lakes consists of March, April and May in spring, plus September, October and November in fall.
What does this mean for booking hotels in Mammoth Lakes?
Well, it means seasonality will play a role in hotel availability and affordability for your visit.
You stand a better chance of picking up a lower nightly rate if you book a Mammoth Lakes hotel in spring or fall.
Nightly prices for guest rooms will inflate in both summer and winter.
Where To Stay In Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a small town but it has several pockets of activity. The best hotels in Mammoth Lakes are spread throughout the town and mountain areas.
Let’s split the town up:
1. Old Mammoth – Quieter area to the south of Mammoth Lakes, featuring some of the highest rated restaurants in town and access to Twin Lakes.
2. Main Street – The major built up area of Mammoth Lakes with the cheapest hotels, plenty of places to eat and loads of shopping.
3. The Village – Classy part of town with ski lifts and major skiing area approaching Mammoth Mountain. Best location to stay in winter.
Personally, we chose to stay around The Village. It is more expensive but it is also more lively and in the heart of postcard-perfect Mammoth Lakes.
10 Best Hotels In Mammoth Lakes CA
OK, let’s take a look at each of the best hotels in Mammoth Lakes.
We have hand picked the top 10 Mammoth Lakes hotels by compiling and comparing previous guest ratings, location and value for money.
Important – Hotels are listed in three price range categories; cheap, mid range and luxury.
You will find 3 x cheap hotels, 4 x mid range hotels and 3 x luxury (expensive) hotels.
1. Tamarack Lodge Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.8 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, seasonal bike and boat rentals, on site lakefront restaurant and bar, pet friendly
- Location: Old Mammoth
Tamarack Lodge is your home away from home on the shores of Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes mountains. Guests can stay in a room at the lodge or in a cabin with kitchen.
Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness and location the highest at Tamarack Lodge, which we have to say is one of the best hotels in Mammoth Lakes CA in the cheap or low budget category.
>> Book Hotel: Tamarack Lodge
2. Edelweiss Lodge Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 7.6 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, kitchen, fireplace, pet friendly, free parking
- Location: Old Mammoth
Edelweiss Lodge is a basic and budget friendly place to stay in a quiet area of Mammoth Lakes. Dogs are very welcome in this rustic cabins. Just be aware of minimum stays at certain times of year.
Reviewers rate free WiFi and location the highest at Edelweiss Lodge, which is one of your top options if you are looking primarily for cheap hotels in Mammoth Lakes CA.
>> Book Hotel: Edelweiss Lodge
3. Motel 6 Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 7.2 / 10
- Google – 3.7 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, free parking
- Location: Main Street
Motel 6 offers the top rated low cost hotel in Mammoth Lakes CA. You know what you’re getting with Motel 6, it isn’t going to be the Ritz, but it is going to be as cheap as it gets in this area.
Reviewers rate staff and location the highest at Motel 6. It is located right in town close to amenities and places to eat, plus it is pet friendly and dogs stay for free.
>> Book Hotel: Motel 6 Mammoth Lakes
4. Snowcreek Resort Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.5 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, restaurant, bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, spa, pet friendly, free parking, laundry
- Location: Old Mammoth
Snowcreek Resort is a wonderful mid range budget Mammoth Lakes hotel. Warmly decorated apartments come with fully equipped kitchens and fire places.
Reviewers rate comfort, cleanliness and location highest at Snowcreek Lodge. Guests have full access to Snowcreek Athletic Club which features 2 pools, gym, steam room, spa and massage services. In addition, guests receive complimentary green fees at Snowcreek Golf Course.
>> Book Hotel: Snowcreek Resort
5. The Mammoth Creek Inn Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.4 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, fitness center, hot tub, sauna, steam room
- Location: Old Mammoth
The Mammoth Creek Inn is a simple but effective mid range budget hotel in Mammoth Lakes. It is highly regarded by previous guests and is right on a free bus line up to the mountain.
Reviewers rate staff and location the highest at The Mammoth Creek Inn, which is located in a quiet area close to some of the highest rated places to eat and drink in Mammoth Lakes.
>> Book Hotel: The Mammoth Creek Inn
6. Alpenhof Lodge Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.2 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, 2 on site restaurants, bar with happy hour, seasonal outdoor swimming pool with hot tub, plus indoor hot tub with sauna
- Location: The Village
Alpenhof Lodge offers basic, clean and comfortable guest rooms at a fair rate in a highly sought after location. The pool is great for summer visits and the hot tub is ideal for winter stays.
Reviewers rate staff and location highest at Alpenhof Lodge, which is a great mid range hotel selection if you want to be close to the major Mammoth Mountain ski gondola in The Village.
>> Book Hotel: Alpenhof Lodge
7. Austria Hof Lodge Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 7.7 / 10
- Google – 4.2 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, ski to door, free breakfast, outdoor hot tub, seasonal on site restaurant and bar with happy hour
- Location: The Village
Austria Hof Lodge is one of few slope-side Mammoth Lakes hotels located right up in the ski resort. A basic complimentary breakfast is provided but there are very few amenities in the area.
Reviewers rate staff and location highest at Austria Hof. We think this is one to consider more so in winter for its proximity to Mammoth Mountain.
>> Book Hotel: Austria Hof Lodge
8. The Village Lodge Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.6 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, gondola access, seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool, 5 hot tubs, 3 gyms, free airport and area shuttle, ski to door
- Location: The Village
The Village Lodge is one of the best hotels in Mammoth Lakes CA. Yes, the price is higher, but the quality of facilities and location increase to match. Fantastic option if your budget can stretch.
Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities and location highest at The Village Lodge, which is a firm contender for the best hotel Mammoth Lakes. Stay here for luxury and indulgence.
>> Book Hotel: The Village Lodge
9. The Westin Monache Resort Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, kitchenette, pet friendly, seasonal outdoor pool, 2 hot tubs, fitness center, on site restaurant and bar, ski to door
- Location: The Village
The Westin Monache Resort by Hilton is one of the best places to stay in Mammoth Lakes CA for luxury and prime time location. Accommodations here are excellent if you can stretch your budget a little.
Reviewers rate comfort, staff, facilities, cleanliness and location highest at The Westin Monache, which is another strong candidate for title of the very best hotel in Mammoth Lakes, California.
>> Book Hotel: The Westin Monache Resort
10. Juniper Springs Resort Mammoth Lakes
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.2 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, heated outdoor pool and hot tub, kitchen and balcony, shuttle service into town
- Location: Old Mammoth
Juniper Springs Resort is a condo hotel located just 150 steps from Eagle Express ski lift. This hotel is isolated with few amenities or places to eat nearby but its proximity to the ski lift is ideal in winter.
Reviewers rate staff and location the highest at Juniper Springs resort. This is a quieter alternative to the two major luxury hotels in The Village but we suggest comparing prices for all three hotel options.
>> Book Hotel: Juniper Springs Resort
What Are The Best Cheap Hotels Mammoth Lakes?
Are you driving between Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and Death Valley areas on a California road trip?
You’ll probably be looking for cheaper places to stay in Mammoth Lakes!
Here are the top rated cheap hotels in Mammoth Lakes CA:
What Are The Best Luxury Mammoth Lakes Hotels?
Are you looking to splurge on your vacation to Mammoth Lakes?
Well, there are only two real luxury hotels in Mammoth Lakes California:
What Are The Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Mammoth Lakes CA?
Are you planning a visit to Mammoth Lakes with the dogs?
Here are the top rated dog friendly Mammoth Lakes hotels:
What Are The Best Mammoth Lakes Hotels Near Ski Lifts?
Looking for a Mammoth Lakes hotel near the ski lifts?
Here are the top rated hotels close to major ski lifts so you can ski-in, ski-out in winter:
Don’t want to spend the money on one of the more expensive hotels listed above?
Well, you can book a much cheaper room in town and hop on a free shuttle bus with direct access to the gondolas.
Best Hotels In Mammoth Lakes CA FAQ’s
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions about where to stay in Mammoth Lakes, California.
Is It Worth Visiting Mammoth Lakes?
Yes, it is worth visiting Mammoth Lakes. Many visitors tend to use Mammoth Lakes as a stop gap between Death Valley and Yosemite or Lake Tahoe, but there are plenty of fun hikes and picturesque lakes to enjoy, which makes Mammoth Lakes a worthwhile stop of its own.
How Many Days Do You Need In Mammoth Lakes?
You only need one full day to see the best of Mammoth Lakes in the warmer months. However, two days would allow you to hike more trails, kayak more lakes, try more restaurants and enjoy the crisp mountain air a little longer.
Which Is Better Lake Tahoe Or Mammoth Lakes?
Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes are close enough and have similar enough characteristics for comparisons to be drawn, but they are actually very different. Mammoth Lakes is a great place to stay between Yosemite and Death Valley but Lake Tahoe is a better place to stay for hiking and relaxing around the lake.
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We hope this guide to the best hotels in Mammoth Lakes CA helps you book the perfect hotel for your visit to the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains!
Please let us know if you have any questions about any of the hotels in our list of best places to stay in Mammoth Lakes by commenting below.
Happy Booking,
Mark and Kristen
Best Hotels Anywhere
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are experts at finding and booking hotels. They’ve been traveling the world for over 6 years, staying at more than 500 hotels across 4 continents.
They only write about places they have personally visited themselves, which means every article you read on Best Hotels Anywhere is created directly from first hand experience. Read more about us.