The Best Hotels to Book in Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth in name and mammoth in size – this expanse of valleys and lakes in California has some seriously big mountains with more than 3,500 acres, or 1,416ha, of skiing and snowboarding trails, making it a must-visit winter destination. Find the best hotels in Mammoth Lakes with our helpful guide on Culture Trip.
Outbound Mammoth, for the newest stay in town
The Mammoth Creek Inn, for snowed-in siestas
Inn
Assessing the daily snow report is far from a mundane task at the Mammoth Creek Inn. Wake up in the master loft suite with toes snuggled in a pair of slippers and a hot cup of coffee in your hand. Your nose will sense the lingering smoke from last night’s cozy flames licking the dramatic stone fireplace. The chilly mountain air will threaten to cool your cortado as you step from your room onto the wraparound balcony to see with your own eyes that, yes, it is indeed snowing.
Snowcreek Resort, for gamers and golfers
Resort
For anyone playing the long con on your spouse, Snowcreek Resort is a gambit. Tell them all about this resort in Mammoth Lakes, particularly the relaxing Double Eagle Spa roosting within the on-site 30,000sqft (2,787sqm) Athletic Club. Then, show them photos of the same Mammoth Mountain views that your vacation rental showcases. When they give you the verbal confirmation to book the hotel, you can then mention that there also happens to be a nine-hole golf course for which you’ll receive discounted greens fees.
Empeiria High Sierra Hotel, for bringing four-legged friends along
Hotel
Content creators, influencers and anyone who fancies themselves a storyteller will want to set their sights on Empeiria High Sierra Hotel. This hotel in Mammoth Lakes loves seeing how its visitors weave tales of their travels, some of which the hotel features on its website. So, come prepared to shoot your vlog from the surface of the indoor swimming pool or edit your hiking photos from the top bunk of the family-size king room. Pets are permitted in some rooms, so include a b-roll of your pup prancing in the snow just outside your room.
Tamarack Lodge, for camp vibes
Resort, Lodge
No matter the season, the California craftsman-style studio cabins at Tamarack Lodge are exactly where you want to spend your Mammoth Lakes vacation. These warm abodes invoke the fishing camp cottages of the 1920s. However, the efficient kitchens within are certainly of this century. You’re welcome to turn off the lights at night and cook by the glow of the fireplace. Follow the flame’s dancing shadows to find a spot on the wood-paneled walls perfect for mounting your latest catch.
The Village Lodge, for cozy nights in
Lodge
Just minutes from all the restaurants and shops, this lodge in Mammoth Lakes is all about homey winter vibes. The welcoming condos range in size from studios to three bedrooms, making them perfect for family ski trips or groups of friends. After a day on the slopes, pick up a s’mores kit from reception and gather around one of the three outdoor firepits to roast the treats in the fresh mountain air. If the weather turns, spend an afternoon in the game room, which offers board games, PlayStation4, Xbox One and coin-operated arcade games.
Juniper Springs Resort, for a super ski base
Resort
This family-friendly ski-in, ski-out resort in Mammoth Lakes takes the hassle out of a ski holiday. It’s at the base of the Eagle Express and directly next door to the Eagle base lodge, which caters to all of your ski-resort needs. The condos and townhouses offer all the conveniences of home, including a kitchen, a dining area and an intimate lounge with a fireplace. If you’re feeling the effects of a day on the slopes, relax in one of the six hot tubs, or go for a dip in one of the two heated outdoor pools, which are open year-round.
The Westin Monache Resort, for a classic retreat
Resort
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the majestic mountains in Mammoth Lakes at the Westin Monache Resort. The spacious rooms, which range from studios to two-bedroom suites, overlook the picturesque mountains, and each one features a fireplace for chilly evenings. The Whitebark Restaurant, Bar and Lounge also has views over snow-laden trees and offers a varied international menu focusing on alpine comfort food. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center so that you can fit in a workout at your convenience.
Alpenhof Lodge, for après-ski relaxation
Lodge
This European chalet-style lodge is full of character. Choose from either a spacious king room or a timber-clad two-bedroom cabin, which has a full kitchen and a gas fireplace in the living area. There are two on-site options for dining. Petra’s Bistro and Wine Bar offers relaxed dining, more than 30 wines by the glass and hand-crafted cocktails, while the Clocktower Cellar is a casual pub with foosball tables, a pool table and an excellent multi-tap beer and whiskey bar.
Nick Dauk contributed additional reporting to this article.