El Dorado Motel

The desk woman was so friendly and helpful, she made us feel welcome right away. The rooms were clean, quiet, and had what we needed. I also love the old-fashioned sign. It's a cool retro place in a great spot, and we'll stay at El Dorado again whenever we're in this mountain area. El Dorado really is gold.

The coffee maker was caked in dirt, and there was mold at the bottom of the ice bucket. In the bathroom, towels were stained, and used toilet paper was tucked between the sheets. The sink had what looked like puke in it. Floors and walls were grimy too, so the place felt filthy from end to end. The staff's cleanliness seemed to match the rooms. If you're in town, the El Dorado Motel offers disappointment along with its neon sign.

I wouldn't book here again. The shower floor wasn't clean, and the sheets had stains. We always check the bed when we arrive, and these sheets were obviously unchanged, all wrinkled under a cover thrown on top to make it look made. I've done housekeeping, and it was clear someone hadn't done the job. The room isn't big, so this just felt lazy. Check the sheets if you do stay.

We chose the motel as a base for visiting Yosemite National Park. It's a bit of a drive, but the rate was fair, and there's a beautiful lake nearby, a golf course, and some good restaurants, including the rock of twain Harte. The room had a slight smell, though it was fine, and the owners were very friendly. The bathroom was small, but the shower was surprisingly good. It's a good fit if you plan to spend your time exploring nature instead of hanging around the motel.