Tioga Lodge, Lee Vining

If I could give this place ZERO stars, I would. Their website makes this place look great; it is not. There is a reason they make you pay the entire amount upon making a reservation. The customer service at this place is worse than I could have imagined possible. Here's my story: I booked online a month in advance for 3 nights in the summer. I carefully selected my dates, choosing by their calendar. While I selected my room, their system defaulted back to the day-of date, meaning it selected my arrival date as the day I was actually booking. I had no idea of this error until I arrived at Tioga on my supposed check-in date, only to be told that my reservation was for the previous month, beginning before I even made the reservation (how that is possible, I do not know). They had no more rooms available, and would not refund a single cent of the nearly $400 they had charged in advance. I understand that mistakes happen, and that it's possible I didn't check the dates carefully enough, but common decency would suggest that if someone books for 3 days and doesn't show up after the 1st day, you call them to see if they are still coming, or at least charge them for the first day and then cancel their registration. That is common courtesy for even a Motel 6. This place soaked me for every cent. According to the manager, I was considered a "no show" which entitled them to keep all of my money for ALL THREE DAYS that I apparently had not shown up. When I asked why they didn't call me, since it was OBVIOUS that there was a mix-up with the dates, she simply said, "Well, people come and go and change their minds all the time. I can't be expected to keep track of their plans." Seriously? Who would book 3 nights starting "NOW" and change their plans within an hour only to let you keep all their money? It is obvious to me that their online registration system is flawed. As soon as she couldn't find my reservation, she asked if I booked online, then said, "You know it defaults to the current date. You have to watch it closely." Apparently, this happens often. I learned the hard way. There is only one reason this place would require full payment up front and then not call to follow up on a reservation--to fleece you out of your money

Clean, older lodge. Cherish and Art the managers were extremely friendly and helpful. Typical lodge style rooms - no tv, telephone, hair dryer. Some rooms do not have shower, bath tub with hand wand only. Read rental policy carefully, especially "insurance" agreement. Traffic noise when trying to sleep.

The grounds are very cute...the restaurant and its staff is wonderful...but we had to check ourselves in and out of the lodge. We also had to check in other couples that couldn't speak English. We were literally behind the front desk assigning rooms and keys, etc. They really lack service. I have no idea how they stay in business. The room itself was clean, cute and simply decorated in a country/mountain decor. It was charming.

We discovered the heart of California! We experienced California's rich history by staying at Tigoa Lodge. Tioga Lodge was fantastic and the area attractions were awesome. Our family will go again! RB