If you’re looking for the top Mammoth Lakes California hotels, check out our travel clients’ top 7 favorite places below. But, if you don’t know Mammoth, allow us first to make an introduction! Mammoth Lakes is a small mountain resort town in California’s Eastern Sierra. Generations of Californians have traveled here for family trips, yet it’s not super well-known outside the state.
Visitors are drawn to its proximity to noteworthy outdoor gems like Yosemite National Park, Mount Whitney, Reds Meadow, Devils Postpile, and Mono Lake — all of which are easy day trips. But the town is noteworthy for its friendly locals, thriving local businesses, and loads of easy-to-access adventure.Â
What Are The Best Mammoth Lake California Hotels?
After living in Mammoth Lakes for years, having skied here since childhood, and providing advice to friends, family, and our travel clients on where to stay, I have thoughts on the best hotels in town. The best Mammoth Lakes California hotels are Tamarack Lodge, Juniper Springs Resort, and the Alpenhof Lodge. However, things are evolving as The Outbound Hotel recently opened, and a high-end boutique hotel, the Limelight, is under construction.
7 Mammoth Lakes Hotels
The area has numerous campgrounds, but most visitors to Mammoth Lakes stay in town at a hotel or rental property during the winter. As with many a resort town, the weekday rates are lower, but advanced reservations are essential during weekends and holidays (especially winter holidays and Spring Break).
Deciding on where to stay depends on what you want to do. The town of Mammoth Lakes is not very big, so outside of a winter storm, you can get from one side to the other by car in a few minutes. The properties below are split among a few different locations: namely, those in the Lakes Basin, adjacent to the ski resort, in the Village (a walkable retail area in the town with access to the mountain), and the commercial district of Old Mammoth Road.Â
Tamarack Lodge (Lakes Basin) $$$$
Built in 1924, Tamarack Lodge is a historic lodge along the shores of Twin Lakes in the Lakes Basin, so you’re surrounded by nature. Because it is nearly a century old, Tamarack Lodge is big on rustic charm with vintage decor, a roaring fireplace, and log cabin vibes. The hospitality is top-notch; they have a cozy lounge that often has live music, and their delicious Lakefront Restaurant is among the best restaurants in town. During the warmer months, you can go horseback riding, rent bikes, head out on the lakes, or gaze at the area’s beautiful fall foliage. While in the winter, you can easily access the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center, where you can rent cross-country skis or snowshoes.Â
Because it’s an older property, most lodge rooms (in the main building) have shared bathrooms, so book a cabin for more privacy. Also, its location in the Lakes Basin means Tamarack Lodge is a couple-mile drive to either Canyon Lodge or Eagle Lodge ski areas. This property, Juniper Springs Resort, the Mammoth Mountain Inn, and The Village Lodge are all operated by the resort, so Ikon Pass Holders can save up to 20% when booking.Â
Skiing Proximity:Â Take the town shuttles, or you have to drive to the lodges (~10-15 minute drive)
Address:Â Tamarack Lodge, 163 Twin Lakes Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Juniper Springs Resort (Eagle Lodge) $$$
Located near the Eagle Lodge area of the ski resort (where there is a rental center, beginner runs, and ski school), the Juniper Springs Resort is steps from Chair 15 lift (aka Eagle Express) and ideal for families. This slopeside hotel has plenty of amenities —  including covered parking, equipment lockers, laundry, a fitness center, a coffee shop, a heated swimming pool, and multiple hot tubs — so it is in demand (and pricey) at the height of the ski season.
This resort is close to local attractions like the Town Loop trail and the Sierra Star Golf Course, so it’s also a great option in the summer. Note that residential areas surround the hotel, so no restaurants or shops are within walking distance, so when Eagle Lodge is closed, this area can feel a bit remote.Â
Skiing Proximity:Â Eagle Lodge is across the parking lot
Address:Â Juniper Springs Resort, 4000 Meridian Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Alpenhof Lodge (The Village) $$$
The locally-owned European-style Alpenhof Lodge is a gem because it’s just across from the town center (aka the Village) and has an outdoor pool. Though the hotel has been around for decades, its 58 rooms were recently renovated, with various features like refrigerators, ski racks, gas fireplaces, and full kitchens. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be in the mix, as they have the beloved restaurant, Petra’s Bistro, and the rowdy basement bar, Clocktower Cellar. Take advantage of the nearby shuttle to get access to the various ski resort lodges or to get to other parts of town.Â
Skiing Proximity: Village Gondola (which leads to Canyon Lodge) or free shuttles can take you to the other lodges across the roadÂ
Address:Â Alpenhof Lodge, 6080 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Mammoth Lakes California Hotels FAQs
Tamarack Lodge, Juniper Springs Resort, Alpenhof Lodge, Outbound Mammoth, Mammoth Mountain Inn, Austria Hof Lodge, and Mammoth Creek Inn are considered top hotels in Mammoth Lakes.
Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort, and Austria Hof Lodge are notably close to skiing areas, being steps away from Main Lodge, Eagle Lodge, and Canyon Lodge, respectively.
The Limelight Hotel Mammoth, expected to open in 2024, is a luxurious mountain resort offering a range of amenities and experiences.
Outbound Mammoth (Formerly Sierra Nevada Resort)Â (Old Mammoth Road) $$$
The 50-year-old Sierra Nevada Resort was recently renovated and reopened as Outbound Mammoth. The result is a (pet friendly!) newly refreshed 179-room property made up of deluxe rooms, fireplace suites, and chalets. There is an on-site bar and restaurant, and they often have live music.
One of the town’s best food trucks, Cafe Crepe, is on the property, and because it’s in the middle of town, you are within walking distance of everything from gear shops and the grocery store to restaurants and bars. A $25 daily resort fee (plus tax) per room provides complimentary parking, wifi, a welcome beer, and a 20% discount at Black Tie Ski Rentals.
Skiing Proximity:Â Take the town shuttles, or you have to drive to the lodges (~10-15 minute drive)
Address:Â Outbound Mammoth, 164 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Mammoth Mountain Inn (Main Lodge) $$$
Having been around for more than half a century, the Mammoth Mountain Inn is a classic lodging option in Mammoth Lakes, California. Its slopeside location adjacent to Main Lodge means its ski-in ski-out so winter visitors can access the heart of the resort and its services (including a rental center, food options, the Panorama gondola, and more) within a few steps.
Like Juniper Springs, this hotel has a fitness center, hot tubs, and heated pools, but it also has a bar and restaurant that afford some of the best views of Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort. During the summer months, you can hop the shuttle drive to Devil’s Postpile National Monument, do activities at the Mammoth Adventure Center, or hop the closest lift for some mountain biking.Â
Note that this property comprises various buildings, and the rooms can differ, with some in need of renovation. Though this hotel is very convenient for skiing, it can be expensive in high season. Keep in mind that you don’t have amenities there beyond the mountain and the Yodler restaurant, so you either eat at the hotel or have to drive down to town, which can be a bit of a challenge in the colder months if you are not accustomed to winter driving. Finally, the mountain will kick off a Main Lodge Renovation in the next few years, so the hotel’s days are numbered.Â
Skiing Proximity: Main Lodge is across the parking lot
Address:Â Mammoth Mountain Inn, 10400 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Austria Hof Lodge (Canyon Lodge) $$
Book a room at the family-owned Austria Hof (aka “the Hof” to locals) in winter because it is walkable to the Canyon Lodge ski area. It’s more salt-of-the-earth and rustic than other spots but has a complimentary breakfast, knotty pine furniture, thick duvets, and a sundeck hot tub. What it lacks in style, it makes up for spirit, thanks to the kind staff and jovial guests, many of whom have been coming for years.
The restaurant downstairs serves dinner, while the adjacent bar is one of the more happening spots in town for a no-frills apres ski experience. All-in-all, we consider this one of the best value lodging options in Mammoth. However, keep in mind that Canyon Lodge is not open the whole ski season, so the skiing proximity is dependent upon whether it’s open or not.
Skiing Proximity: Canyon Lodge is across the parking lot
Address:Â Austria Hof Lodge, 924 Canyon Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
The Mammoth Creek Inn (Old Mammoth Road) $$
If you’re searching for budget hotels in Mammoth Lakes, the Mammoth Creek Inn is a great option, if not the best in town. This quaint inn is set on Old Mammoth Road in downtown Mammoth Lakes, which provides easy access to everything from beloved local eateries like The Stove, Dish Bistro, and Mammoth Tavern, as well as walking distance to the Town Loop trail. Though this is one of the most affordable lodging options on this list, they don’t skimp on amenities. We’re talking terry robes, down comforters, a hot tub, and even some rooms with views of the stunning Sherwin Mountains.
Skiing Proximity:Â Take the town shuttles, or you have to drive to the lodges (~10-15 minute drive)
Address:Â Mammoth Creek Inn, 663 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
The Village Lodge (The Village) $$$
If you’d prefer to stay in a condo rental property rather than a hotel, The Village Lodge is our top recommendation. Thanks to its location in the Village and its amenities — underground parking, kitchens, hot tubs, and retail and restaurants downstairs — this is a super convenient option for families. Of course, this is a condo, not a hotel, so you don’t have on-site staff or breakfast. While Mammoth Lakes has many vacation rental options, the quality tends to vary. Contact us for advice on what to rent or go with a rental managed by a more extensive property group (as with the Village Lodge). Â
Skiing Proximity: Village Gondola (which leads to Canyon Lodge) or free shuttles can take you to the other lodges across the roadÂ
Address:Â The Village Lodge, 1111 Forest Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
New Hotel In Mammoth Lakes
Limelight Hotel Mammoth (The Village) $$$$
Mammoth doesn’t have much to offer in terms of luxury hotels, but that’s actively changing as a luxurious mountain resort, the Limelight Hotel, is now under construction. Being built next to the Westin Monache Resort in Mammoth Lakes, the Limelight Hotel is expected to open in 2024. The project is by Aspen Hospitality, which has the Little Nell in Aspen and other Limelight locations in Aspen, Snowmass, and Ketchum.
The new Limelight Hotel Mammoth will include 149 rooms, 15 private residences, a restaurant, a lounge, and the Mammoth Mountain Club — a secret, members-only ski and social club. Its location on the corner of Lake Mary Road and Canyon Boulevard is within walking distance of the Mammoth Village, the Village Gondola, and the Lakes Basin Path.Â
Skiing Proximity: Village Gondola (which leads to Canyon Lodge) or free shuttles can take you to the other lodges across the roadÂ
Address: Limelight Hotel Mammoth, 5 Canyon Blvd. Mammoth Lakes CA 93546
Why Travel To Mammoth Lakes?
You’ll want to travel to Mammoth Lakes because it has stunning outdoors and small town charm. The landscape of Mammoth Lakes is dotted with jagged peaks, glimmering Alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and dense pine forests, so it’s often called the Alps of California.
The small town is best known as home to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, which, at 11,053 feet, is the highest-elevation ski resort in California. It is a great place to ski because the resort has varied terrain (i.e., suitable for all levels!) and has one of the longest ski seasons in North America. It’s also an incredible spot year-round, with bluebird days in the spring, long summer days allowing for ambitious day hikes or fishing, and some of the best fall foliage in California.
Where To Eat In Mammoth Lakes
Where you’ll want to eat in Mammoth Lakes depends f you’re looking for healthy food, fine dining, or family friendly. Many restaurants in Mammoth Lakes serve everything from delicious daily breakfasts to creative dinners. While the Village has many convenient dining options, a few of our client’s favorites include the homey Dish Bistro, the casual Mammoth Tavern, and the innovative Skadi. Read on for our top picks of Mammoth Lakes restaurants.
Photo Credit: Opening photo by Pabkov; woman with bicycle by Umomos
