Hotel Review: Yosemite Rose Near Yosemite, California

When it comes to lodging near U.S. national parks, a little off the beaten path is often a good thing. That’s why, after a recent whitewater rafting trip with adventure operator OARS, I chose to unwind at Yosemite Rose, a bed-and-breakfast set on 210 peaceful acres in Northern California’s Yosemite region.

The property is located just 20 miles from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance off Highway 120, but it feels worlds away from the sometimes-overwhelming crowds that frequent the iconic park. And after a thrilling but exhausting multiday rafting trip on the nearby Tuolumne River, I was ready for a little R&R — and a hot bath.

Yosemite Rose consists of a main manor building that houses seven bedrooms, a parlor, a library, a billiard room, a dining room and a veranda, along with a separate cabin situated near the manor that can sleep up to six guests. Each room in the manor is named after a member of the structure’s original owners. I stayed in the Mary room — named after the second-oldest daughter — which features a soft, muted color palette; Victorian mahogany furniture; and Asian-inspired decor such as wall murals, bamboo plants and a vintage Chinese birdcage.

The room was bright and airy and overlooked the side lawn, where I later sat in a lounger with a glass of wine under the full moon and listened to crickets chirping. The B&B is utterly charming, with many quiet nooks and ample public spaces. The manor home was built in the 19th-century Italianate Revival style, which is characterized by gently sloping roofs, deep overhanging eaves and elaborate ornamentation. Just two stories, Yosemite Rose is simple yet sophisticated, with elegant Victorian touches such marble fireplaces and a grand piano.

Normally, when I’m around decor that looks dainty, delicate or expensive, I stand in the middle of the room and try my best not to break anything. But Yosemite Rose invites its guests to get cozy — to sink into an armchair with a classic book from its library, to strike up a game of pool with a fellow traveler or to swap stories from the day’s explorations over a glass of port. I allowed myself to be welcomed into the family-run home and soak in the property’s peacefulness, and it was exactly the metaphorical sundowner I needed at the close of my Yosemite adventure.

As Yosemite Rose is a B&B, a full country breakfast is included for guests in the manor house, and the food did not disappoint. Cook-concierge-extraordinaire Scelestia (after whom one of the rooms is named) offered a freshly made quiche on the morning after my arrival, along with a small granola parfait and — after I quietly noted that I’m lactose intolerant — a beautifully arranged fruit bowl. During summer, breakfast is served on the light-dappled, screened-in veranda — a bright-white setting with views of the property’s surrounding oaks, pines and sequoia trees.

A stay here also includes afternoon tea and cookies, as well as evening desserts and port. While I might be lactose intolerant, I still ate a hearty slice of the incredible cake set out in the dining room for guests to nibble on at their leisure. Additional complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi access, dining reservations at local restaurants upon request, evening turndown service and special dietary requests with 48 hours’ notice.

I suggest taking advantage of the B&B’s 210 acres and going for a stroll around the property and meandering its (at times, very loosely delineated) trails. The family’s dogs may bark, but they’re harmless — and you’ll likely run into locals on horseback. Yosemite Rose is a country home away from home, and an oasis for those in need of a restorative stay.

The Details
Yosemite Rose
www.yosemiterose.com