
Yosemite View Lodge
Best for families and groups who want riverfront rooms, multiple pools (including an indoor pool) and on-site dining options.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Yosemite View Lodge is a family-friendly riverfront lodge in El Portal with multiple pools, hot tubs, on-site restaurants and river views — good for families and guests who want more on-site amenities. Cedar Lodge is a budget-friendly, 2-star El Portal motel-style option near the Arch Rock entrance for travelers who want a basic room close to Yosemite on a smaller budget.
Updated

Best for families and groups who want riverfront rooms, multiple pools (including an indoor pool) and on-site dining options.

Best for budget-conscious travelers seeking a simple, riverfront El Portal base close to Yosemite’s Arch Rock entrance.
When Yosemite View Lodge wins: pick Yosemite View Lodge if you want more on-site facilities — multiple pools (including an indoor pool open year-round), seven hot tubs, two restaurants, a fitness center, playground and a wider range of family-friendly room types with kitchenettes.
When Cedar Lodge wins: choose Cedar Lodge if you’re prioritizing a lower nightly rate and a straightforward stay near the Arch Rock gate; it offers basic river access, a restaurant and three hot tubs without the extras that drive the price up.
Bottom line: both properties are convenient El Portal gateway options on or very near the Merced River; Yosemite View Lodge is the fuller-service, family-oriented choice, while Cedar Lodge is the simpler, budget pick.
| Category | Yosemite View Lodge | Cedar Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Full-service, family-focused lodge with activities and facilities for kids and adults. | Budget-friendly, no-frills lodge focused on basic comfort and location. |
| Location (to Arch Rock/Yosemite) | Along the Merced River; about two miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock entrance (property materials). | On Highway 140 in El Portal; listed 8.3 mi (13.3 km) from Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance in the supplier listing. |
| Size | Multiple room types (10 listed types) across a large lodge property with event space and many guest facilities. | 210 guestrooms (supplier listing). |
| Who it’s for | Families, groups and guests wanting on-site amenities and river access. | Budget-minded travelers and simple-stay visitors to Yosemite. |
| Pools & hot tubs | Four pools total (3 outdoor seasonal, 1 indoor year-round) and seven hot tubs/spas. | Indoor pool and an outdoor seasonal pool listed; three hot tubs noted in supplier listing. |
| Restaurants & bars | The River Restaurant & Lounge (breakfast & dinner) and Parkside Pizza (seasonal). | Cedar House Restaurant for guests, plus a snack bar/deli and a bar/lounge (supplier listing). |
| Spa / wellness | No named treatment spa; in-room jetted spa tubs and multiple hot tubs are available. | No named treatment spa; supplier lists 3 hot tubs and typical lodge amenities. |
| Known for | Riverside location with family amenities, multiple pools/hot tubs and on-site dining. | Budget pricing and a riverside El Portal location close to Sierra National Forest and Yosemite access roads. |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking; YARTS bus stop on site for service into Yosemite Valley. | Free self-parking listed; no accessible shuttle and area shuttle available (surcharge) per supplier listing. |
| Notable room features | Nearly every room includes a kitchenette; select rooms have fireplaces and jetted spa tubs. | Many room configurations listed, several with fireplaces; some rooms include kitchenettes or spa tubs per room-type names. |
Yosemite View Lodge sits along the Merced River in El Portal, about two miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance and has a YARTS bus stop on site.
Choose Yosemite View Lodge if you want direct river access and easy public-transport options into the park.
Cedar Lodge is located on Highway 140 in El Portal and listed as on a river, a short drive from the Arch Rock gate area.
Cedar Lodge is convenient for drivers wanting a basic base near Yosemite; confirm driving times to the specific park entrance you plan to use.
Yosemite View Lodge offers a range of room types, nearly all with kitchenettes and several family-suite layouts.
If you want kitchenette-equipped rooms and family suites, Yosemite View Lodge provides more variety.
Cedar Lodge lists a long set of room-type names spanning standard rooms to multi-bedroom suites and some with kitchenettes or spa tubs.
Cedar Lodge can accommodate larger groups with suite-style rooms, but check the specific room description for kitchen or spa features before booking.
Yosemite View Lodge has two on-site dining venues geared to families and casual meals.
Yosemite View Lodge offers both sit-down and casual pizza options, useful for families and groups.
Cedar Lodge provides a single primary restaurant plus a snack bar/deli and a bar/lounge according to the supplier listing.
Cedar Lodge covers basic dining needs on site, but fewer venue options than Yosemite View Lodge.
Yosemite View Lodge emphasizes water amenities: multiple pools, hot tubs and direct Merced River frontage.
Yosemite View Lodge is the stronger pick if on-site pools and hot tubs matter to your stay.
Cedar Lodge lists an indoor pool and an outdoor seasonal pool plus multiple hot tubs in supplier details.
Cedar Lodge offers basic pool and hot tub options and river access but fewer total pools than Yosemite View Lodge.
Yosemite View Lodge provides family-oriented activities and modest wellness/fitness facilities rather than a full spa.
For families who want kid-friendly activities plus a fitness room, Yosemite View Lodge covers both.
Cedar Lodge supplies essential amenities and some on-site entertainment options but not a dedicated treatment spa.
Cedar Lodge covers basic recreation and support services but is not a wellness or nightlife destination.

Yosemite View Lodge — more pools, playground, game room and family-suite options.

Cedar Lodge — simpler rooms and fewer frills at a lower price point.

Yosemite View Lodge — direct riverside picnic areas, more pools and more hot tubs.

Cedar Lodge — a straightforward El Portal location on the river with on-site restaurant and three hot tubs.
Both are in El Portal and positioned for Yosemite access; Yosemite View Lodge is listed as about two miles from the Arch Rock entrance. Supplier listing for Cedar Lodge shows a longer drive to the Arch Rock gate (supplier distances).
Yes. Yosemite View Lodge says nearly every room includes a kitchenette; Cedar Lodge’s room-type names indicate some rooms include kitchenettes but you should confirm the specific room you book.
Yosemite View Lodge has more pools and hot tubs (four pools including an indoor year-round pool and seven hot tubs) compared with Cedar Lodge’s listing of an indoor pool, an outdoor seasonal pool and three hot tubs.
No named, on-site treatment spa was found for either property; both provide hot tubs and in-room jetted spa tubs in select room types (no formal spa menu published).
Cedar Lodge is positioned as the more budget-friendly option; compare specific dates and room types to confirm current rates.
Explore how Yosemite View Lodge stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·