Bishop Inn

The room smelled awful, like feet or something, and the host at reception was unfriendly from the start. Our toilet clogged within minutes of arriving. When we asked the manager to deal with it, she said she couldn’t for medical reasons (???). Her suggestion was to knock on another guest’s door because apparently they were the only ones with a plunger in the whole complex. No one answered, so we had to get through the night by using restrooms at restaurants and bars. Absolutely ridiculous. Never again.

I was traveling a long distance by myself with my animals, and this place was just what I needed for an overnight stop. It’s close to the main road, so it’s easy to find. The bed was soft, the water was hot, and the room was clean and comfortable. It’s no Ritz, but the price was right for a pet-friendly place. At 11:00pm I locked myself out when I took my dog outside, and the front desk was open 24/7. The woman there was very kind.

Between my wife, my mom, my uncle, and me, we’ve stayed at this inn several times. This time we booked a room but never got a confirmation email or code. When we tried to book again, it was full, so we naturally reserved somewhere else. Then we found out we’d been charged for a room we never got a confirmation number for. The front desk representative was very rude and impulsive. I won’t stay here again.

The room was surprisingly clean, and the bedding was fresh, with plenty of pillows and blankets for a tired traveler. Hot water, a working toilet, and a heater that kept the room warm all did their jobs. There were a few DIY wall patches that looked like someone had been through a rough time, though. Bishop Inn is a budget roadside motel about an hour from Mammoth, just the sort of place you’d expect if you’re saving your money for lift tickets instead of luxury. It’s also within walking distance of enough restaurants and bars for a weekend of eating and bar-hopping after a day on the mountain. It’s totally fine. I wouldn’t bring a date unless she considers questionable drywall repairs “rustic charm.” With a laid-back wife, maybe. Single guys, this could be your undiscovered paradise.