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Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn
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About
#1 of 1 B&B in El Portal
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn is a newly built, family owned and operated Bed and Breakfast - the closest to Yosemite Valley. The inn is on the banks of the Merced River, in sight of the cliffs at the entry to Yosemite National Park, on the Highway 140 entrance. All rooms have en-suite facilities with hair dryers, and Wireless Internet access on guests' computers. A full,cooked breakfast is included. Owners have lived in the Yosemite area for 40 years and are happy to help guests plan their days in the park and their itinerary.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Hiking
Board games / puzzles
Adults only
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Private balcony
Seating area
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range
Location
11132 Highway 140, El Portal, CA 95318
Getting there
5 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
If you are visiting Yosemite National Park, Blue Butterfly Inn is the place to stay. Its El Portal location enables easy access to the park, whether you are driving or are taking the YARTS. The gourmet breakfast is sumptuous and delicious and will power your Yosemite hike or sightseeing. The room is bright and temperature controlled, spacious, so comfortable, and lovely to stay at. The bed and sheets are of excellent quality and will help you sleep soundly. The owners Liz and Ron are caring, so friendly, professional and will look after your needs. The view and location - with the Merced River and mountains surrounding the inn is magical and very memorable. The beauty of Merced will be imprinted in your mind as you step out into the balcony of your room or the living room. You will be entertained by the activities of hummingbirds and the crashing power of the river and its ebbs and flow It is astoundingly beautiful and natural there. The inn has wifi too. A perfect experience and unforgettable stay, thanks to the owners Ron and Liz.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful B&B right on the edge of Yosemite National park. Rooms are very well apppointed with comfy beds and seating areas. A freshly made breakfast is available each morning with a good selection of different offerings, including proper English tea, a rare find in America. The hosts Ron and Liz are great with a wealth of knowledge about the area and the best ways to spend your time in the park. They have a lovely decking area overlooking the Merced which is great to chill out on after a days trekking and chat to other guests. It is an amazing place to stay and I would recommend it to anyone that really wants to stay close to the park, with just a short drive in each day.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our stay at The blue Butterfly Inn was very special, mostly because Ron & Liz are delightful people but the view is pretty spectacular as well. Ron & Liz gave us a warm & friendly welcome and showed us to our beautiful spacious comfortable en-suite (Lotus). Our room had a lovely balcony directly over the Merced river. Going to sleep with the windows open listening to the rush of the river was very soothing. Our room was lovely and cool, no need for the air con that is there if you need it, screens on the windows so no bugs joined us. A delicious breakfast was served on the terrace.The B&B is just a short drive away from Yosemite which was a blessing as the park can be pretty busy. Ron & Liz are wonderful hosts welcoming us with cookies and the best cup of tea I have ever had in the US. They have traveled extensively and we really enjoyed chatting to them about their travels.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Blue Butterfly.
Thank you Ron & Liz for making our stay so special.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Blue Butterfly.
Thank you Ron & Liz for making our stay so special.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.


The BnB was very charming, had a lot of character in a great location near the park. There is some dinner options nearby which is great. The rooms are very big and the beds are comfortable, the internet works well.
The breakfast was very tasty, and Liz did accommodate dietary restrictions well. However, 8:30 was a late start to our day, since we wanted to beat the crowds into the park (since you have to go through the entrance station). We were provided with a “hiker’s breakfast” one morning with coffee and cereal, but would have preferred an earlier regular start time.
It also did get a bit hot at nights after the AC was turned off. I’m not sure if there was some regulation or something, but the protocol was that the AC would shut off when the temperature got low enough and we would open the balcony door and add a fan. Unfortunately the wildfires had started while we were there, and we didn’t want to breathe in all the smoke, so the room got a bit hot a couple nights.
We enjoyed our interactions with Ron a lot. Liz was very friendly, which for us was a bit tough since we just wanted to relax after our long days. As a mid-20s couple there was also a bit of a generational gap with us. There were some stories that mentioned race that made us a bit uncomfortable in our conversations.
Overall the accommodations are great, and you need to know yourself if Liz and Ron will be a match for you. I think an older couple will feel more comfortable than we did.
The breakfast was very tasty, and Liz did accommodate dietary restrictions well. However, 8:30 was a late start to our day, since we wanted to beat the crowds into the park (since you have to go through the entrance station). We were provided with a “hiker’s breakfast” one morning with coffee and cereal, but would have preferred an earlier regular start time.
It also did get a bit hot at nights after the AC was turned off. I’m not sure if there was some regulation or something, but the protocol was that the AC would shut off when the temperature got low enough and we would open the balcony door and add a fan. Unfortunately the wildfires had started while we were there, and we didn’t want to breathe in all the smoke, so the room got a bit hot a couple nights.
We enjoyed our interactions with Ron a lot. Liz was very friendly, which for us was a bit tough since we just wanted to relax after our long days. As a mid-20s couple there was also a bit of a generational gap with us. There were some stories that mentioned race that made us a bit uncomfortable in our conversations.
Overall the accommodations are great, and you need to know yourself if Liz and Ron will be a match for you. I think an older couple will feel more comfortable than we did.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Make sure you get the permit if you are there in the summer
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Liz Skelton, Owner at Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn
Responded 29 Aug 2022
We are happy to provide an earlier 'hikers' breakfast'...but a full, cooked breakfast is not possible before around 8 am...as the cooking begins at least an hour earlier. Part of the time this couple was here our electrical power company, PG&E, was requiring that the power usage be lowered from 4 pm. until 9 pm. ...and they were raising the rates for that time period if it was not . We cooled the rooms down, then turned of the ACs as required...and turned them back on at 9 pm.. Yes...we were a bit hot, too...but after 9 pm., it cooled off nicely....Then, one or 2 days, along came the smoke from the fires! It was not dangerously heavy...not as bad as the 'smog' in big cities...but it was not good... However, the Park Service did not 'deem' the air to be 'unsafe', and did not close the park at all. It was just wood smoke like there used to be when everyone used to have a campfire in Yosemite Valley.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our 3 night stay at this lovely B&B couldn't have been more perfect for showing Yosemite to our friends visiting for the first time. We had two lovely rooms on the second floor, both with balconies overlooking the Merced River which lulled us to sleep at night. Hosts Liz and Ron made us feel welcome and comfortable. Their knowledge of Yosemite was a huge help and took us to points of interest we hadn't seen on previous visits. A delicious breakfast started our day, and dinner from an adjacent restaurant was very convenient. We have been spoiled for future visits to Yosemite. This was the best!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We just got back from the Blue Butterfly Inn, which is located just outside Yosemite National Park. The Inn is located right on the banks of the roaring Merced River, so try to get a room with a balcony. We very much enjoyed the Sunflower (top) room, which had great views or the river, mountains, as well as the very numerous hummingbird's coming to the inn's feeders on "ground floor" (where delightful & healthy breakfasts are served by Liz). Liz's artistic background comes through is apparent in the inn's beautiful decore. I especially loved the custom-made stained glass front door, and the ambiance of nature found throughout the inn. The inn is conveniently located adjacent to both a pizzeria and full service restaurant -- meaning sitting down to dinner after a full day out at Yosemite is quite easy. Liz and Ron couldn't be better hosts. Hearing their stories about the area, including past climbs on El Capitan, was an extra bonus. We wish them well, and hope to return one day.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Get a balcony overlooking the river
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do yourself a favor and stay here! Ron and Liz are the most welcoming, wonderful hosts, the location is amazing and the rooms are so clean and have so much character. My husband and I stayed for 2 nights in the "Sunflower" penthouse suite and oh my goodness- it is just gorgeous! The room is very spacious, beautiful hardwood flooring throughout, so many windows and so much sunlight! Liz is an artist and you can really see that peeking through in the decor of the room. Every little detail has been thought out, down to the bedding (I fell in love with the embroidered sheets!). Your view is the Merced River just below and a beautiful hill/cliff/mountain directly across from you. The room has a wrap around terrace with a table on each end where you can enjoy your breakfast and dinner while breathing in the mountain air and watching wildlife visit the river below (if you have a camera keep it at the ready!) My husband and I love hiking and Ron and Liz both had great recommendations. If there are any climbers visiting the park, Ron is a seasoned climber and I'm sure he'd have the best recommendations! Staying here truly enhanced our experience and we recommend Ron and Liz's B&B to anyone and everyone we encounter. To Ron and Liz, thank you so much for a truly wonderful stay, we hope to be back soon!!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I don't have any experience staying inside the park, but the Blue Butterfly Inn was absolutely amazing for my friend's and my trip to Yosemite! The location is so convenient and literally less than a 5 minute drive from the Arch Rock entrance into the park, and from there probably a 10-15 minute drive to get to the valley and various parking/trailheads. Liz and Ron will send you very detailed instructions on how to find the Inn ahead of time, also with two restaurants next door to make dinners convenient. As far as the accommodations, the house is beautiful and parking is convenient. Our room was well appointed and the bathroom stocked with towels and basic toiletries. Breakfast each morning was delicious and the views (and sounds!) cannot be beat, directly on the Merced River with plenty of wildlife. Liz and Ron acted not only as great hosts, but knowledgeable tour guides, being truly experts on the area. Bonus that they requested COVID vaccination proof. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: August 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the moment we arrived Liz and Ron made us feel very welcome.
Liz always had a plateful of cookies along with fresh tea / coffee ready for when guests arrived back from their adventures.
They were very informative on the best adventure to suit the weather conditions on the day and best sights / waterfalls to visit.
The view from our room over the river was amazing, as was eating our freshly cooked breakfast on the terrace overlooking the river.
Liz always had a plateful of cookies along with fresh tea / coffee ready for when guests arrived back from their adventures.
They were very informative on the best adventure to suit the weather conditions on the day and best sights / waterfalls to visit.
The view from our room over the river was amazing, as was eating our freshly cooked breakfast on the terrace overlooking the river.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We find the Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn by chance, when searching for alternatives to the nearby motel, and we are so thankful we did! The BnB is run by Ron & Liz, who are the sweetest owners, who genuinely care about you and ensuring your trip is amazing. Their hospitality is second to none, our rooms was spacious and immaculately clean and had a balcony overlooking the river, which was the perfect place to relax after visiting the park. The location is right at the entrance to the park, and Ron & Liz helped us choose our routes for our days in Yosemite, as well as providing very useful safety advice! We had a wonderful stay exploring Yosemite, but it was truly made better by our stay in the Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn - thank you so much!
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Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi their, as far as I'm aware it isn't pet friendly which is a shame as it's and amazing venue.
Sadly they don't allow children at Blue Butterfly. It is adult only.
LynnAndyGibson asked a question Sept 2019
Chesterfield, United Kingdom87 contributions27 helpful votesHi there!
I would like to know if you have a room available from 23rd Sept to 27th sept. I have tried many times on the website but cannot find the prices for your place. We were recommended to stay here. Many thanks
Lynn and Andy xx
Hi.
I am not the owner, just a co9mmentator. Contact the owners (see web site)
"It was expensive to stay here No television. Was told not to use air conditioning Breakfast was limited Nice people . "Read full review
"If you can’t get a park pass you can use the YARTS bus system which is just outside their front door. Drops you off in the heart of Yosemite"Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
yosemite blue butterfly hotel el portal
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaEl Portal
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Claim Your ListingYOSEMITE BLUE BUTTERFLY INN - 2024 Reviews (El Portal, CA) - Photos of B&B - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn?
Nearby attractions include El Portal Market (1.5 km), Elizabeth Lake (3.1 km), and John Muir presentation by Lee Stetson (5.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Parkside Pizza, The River Restaurant & Lounge, and Canyon Lodge Bar and Grill.
Is Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 1.0 km away from the centre of El Portal.
Are there any historical sites close to Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Yosemite Valley Railroad (6.8 km).
Does Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.