John Muir Lodge

The park access is extremely convenient, and the food was pretty good. Staff were helpful. The cabin was basic and mostly clean, with nice towels and comfortable full-size beds. It had good wall heaters for late fall, and the shower pressure was fine. The bathroom, though, was in poor shape: floor tiles coming loose, mildew around the tub and sink, and wobbly fixtures. Those seem like inexpensive fixes, but the cabin looks as if it’s had little investment.

Free tea and coffee, plus snacks, fresh cookies, and quick microwave meals available any time, made our three-night stay especially convenient. We chose the green stay option, so there was no daily housekeeping, though daily cleaning is available for those who want it. The staff were all very friendly, and the lodge itself is great. It’s an easy walk to Grant Grove, about a three-minute drive to panoramic point, and a convenient starting point for a day driving into the canyon. We thought John Muir Lodge was an excellent choice while exploring Kings Canyon, and I’d highly recommend it for a couple of days in the park.

For the price and location, I expected a clean, quiet room and a decent bed, but John Muir Lodge fell short on all of it. The carpet was visibly filthy and looked like it hadn’t been deep-cleaned in ages. The bed was soft, saggy, and extremely uncomfortable, like a worn-out sponge. Paper-thin walls let us hear everything from nearby rooms and the hallway, so it was hard to relax or sleep. Staff seemed uninterested and unhelpful, and met our questions and concerns with indifference. I rarely write reviews, but this stay was disappointing enough that I felt I had to. I wouldn’t recommend it.

The location is outstanding, and we loved our stay. The rooms were large and very clean, and the staff were professional and friendly. The lobby is beautiful, with lots of seating and family board games, and it’s a comfortable spot to read a book.