Upscale Air-Conditioned Yosemite West Vacation Home Inside Park Gates

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Cedar Star at Yosemite - Tri-level home with street level parking and entry

Spacious main floor kitchen with 36" induction cooktop and convection oven.

Main floor dining room with mountain views through the trees

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8307 sq m

Popular amenities

Hot tub

Fireplace

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Yosemite National Park, CA

Yosemite National Park11 min walk
Badger Pass Ski Area15 min drive
Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance36 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Futon and 1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Separate dining area

Dining Area

About this property

Cedar Star at Yosemite is designed to maximize guest comfort and convenience. This first-class house features air conditioning, a whole-house automatic standby generator (there are frequent utility power outages in Yosemite), king size beds in each of three bedrooms, a queen-size sofa bed, well-appointed bathrooms (including 2 with steam showers and 1 with a jetted tub), 2 full-size gourmet kitchens (including a 36-inch induction cook-top and convection oven on the main floor), and large covered wraparound decks on each floor to enjoy the view of local mountains and sunsets.

Plenty of space to gather as a group inside and outside on the decks, and also quieter, more private areas when you need some quiet time.

Additional features include hardwood and tile floors, high-end room-size rugs, 2 television areas with 60" LED screens, Wi-Fi internet, satellite TV, off-street all-season parking for 5 cars, washer and dryer, and easy access to the main floor from the street so you don't have to carry luggage and groceries up flights of stairs to enter the house.

Please note that there may be doorbell and/or other type of security camera(s) located on the exterior of the house. Guests will be advised of each device's exact location prior to check-in if any security camera is installed and active.

Cedar Star at Yosemite strongly recommends that guests purchase travel insurance. Refunds and/or credits outside of VRBO's cancellation policy will not be granted unless the house is inaccessible due to park closure, evacuation orders, or major utility failure.

Follow all local safety advisories regarding travel in California.

Property manager

Donald Caldwell

Premier Host

Languages

English, German

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

House Rules

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Small children must be supervised at all times.

Events

No events allowed

Wedding parties and corporate events not allowed.

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Children are not allowed to use steam shower functions.

Commercial activity is not allowed at this property.

Neighborhood quiet hours are 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Note from host: Wedding parties and corporate events not allowed.

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Yosemite National Park

This holiday home is located in Yosemite West, a neighbourhood in Yosemite National Park, and is in a rural area and in the mountains. The Ahwahnee is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Travelling with kids? Consider Yosemite Museum and Nature Center at Happy Isles. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Yosemite National Park, CA

What's nearby

Yosemite National Park - 11 min walk
Yosemite Valley - 13 min drive
Badger Pass Ski Area - 15 min drive
Tunnel View - 16 min drive
Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance - 36 min drive

Getting around

Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite) - 85 min drive

Restaurants

‪The River Restaurant & Lounge - ‬40 min drive
‪Parkside Pizza - ‬40 min drive
‪Yosemite View Restaurant & Lounge - ‬40 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Upscale Air-Conditioned Yosemite West Vacation Home Inside Park Gates pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Upscale Air-Conditioned Yosemite West Vacation Home Inside Park Gates located?

This family-friendly Yosemite National Park holiday home is located in the mountains, within a 15-minute walk of Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley and Badger Pass Ski Area are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Angela S.

15 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, clean, comfortable, and with privacy for a multiple couples

Fantastic property!!

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather F., Los Altos

16 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place for a relaxing getaway

We stayed for four nights and loved it. It couldn't be more thoughtfully planned out, and well appointed. We came ready to enjoy family company and cook memorable dinners, and the kitchens have everything to do that. There are also more games and movies and beautiful views to fill the rest of the time. It's a well built and beautiful home. Everything is written out, and check in and check out is easy.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dilly H.

10 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property with a SUPER ATTENTIVE host 👍

We had a exceptional stay at this 3 floor home nestled in the Yosemite wilderness! Check in was super easy and we were greeted with the most extensive welcome pack we had ever seen! Pretty much any amenities you could think of were provided (even toothbrushes) and a really extensive guide to the park with suggested hikes and places to visit. The property was set up with so much care and it was greatly appreciated. We would definitely come back and we recommend it to everyone! Thank you Donald

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Raja M., Phillips Ranch, Los Angeles County

2 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Newer and Upscale Accommodation in Excellent Location inside YNP

Fully equipped and abundantly stocked house/kitchen, located inside the YNP conveniently located to many of the popular points of interests. Our experience right from the booking to checkin to checkout was very smooth and flawless. Communication with the owner was very pleasant and prompt - the owner was very prompt and thorough in answering our questions and providing clear instructions. Our overall experience of staying at this property was very enjoyable. The house was well maintained, spacious, clean and tidy. The view from the balcony was very good. Our overall rating is 5- stars. Only recommendation is to install grab bars in bathrooms for seniors.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy A., Houston, Texas

26 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house in Yosemite West!!

We loved our stay. House was perfect for our family and very well appointed. Because it was inside Yosemite park, we didn’t need to sit in traffic going through the gate each day. House provided everything you could think of and has our highest recommendation.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

28 Feb 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Experience

The house is tremendous! Very clean, well-furnished, well-stocked (including toothbrushes and toothpaste), comfortable, large, and in a scenic area. The owner and caretaker also went above and beyond when we left behind a wedding ring to make sure it was safe so that it could be returned. All in all a great experience!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

sara n.

18 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, excellent views, responsive host

This house is in an epic location ! You have views from almost every window. It looks like you are in a tree house. Every floor has stunning views of trees and the mountains. The amenities provided are plentiful. The kitchen is fully stocked, as is toilet paper and paper towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste . There are board games , a second kitchen on the lower floor, and you could easily stay here with 3 separate families or 3 separate couples .Donald was very responsive . We will definitely stay here again. A couple of things that could be improved: 1) egg crate mattresses since the beds aren’t comfortable ( too hard ) 2) this place needed a thorough dusting. We were sneezing a lot and there was a lot of dust on things indicating that probably no one had stayed here recently or a deep clean was needed 3) outdoor parking in the winter . When we arrived, there was a ton of snow blocking the walkway and entrance into the home and a very small red shovel to dig our way out , that was located inside the house. On the second day, a crew arrived to help us dig our car out ( after more snow blocked our way out) and they provided us with shovels. In the future , having a clearer access to the place on our first day would be helpful , including a good shovel .

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy D.

8 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular views!

This house was amazing. I wish we could have stayed longer and really enjoyed hanging out in the house more. The house was very nicely decorated, the kitchen was well stocked and the views were priceless.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maria P., Amityville

4 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A dream property in a dream location!

This house was perfection. Don provided every amenity we could have ever needed, and the decor was beautiful and comfortable. The multiple levels allowed our family to gather together or have alone time. The only negative to this house was having to leave it!! Five-plus stars.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy I.

28 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly Recommended!!

What a great house! Everything you could possibly need to make yourself comfortable is supplied for you. We were so impressed!! My four adult children and their two guests all fit comfortably. Having the three floors made everyone feel like they had their own private space. We especially LOVED gathering upstairs in the kitchen and cooking family meals together every night. Everything you need to cook a meal plus a grill is supplied for you. We would finish off our evenings watching the sunset and playing cards and board games outside on one of their beautiful porches. I can't say enough good things about this place! I HIGHLY recommend staying here.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dennis C.

26 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing house in an amazing park.

All those 5 star reviews were all so true! The house is three levels with decks with terrific views on each level. You can tell our host, Donald, wants to make sure you have a wonderful stay in his house. We were greeted by a welcome gift and a very warm letter. The kitchen is so well stocked (frosty beer mugs in the freezer!) from utensils to great coffees and teas. The beds and linens are all so comfortable. Great showers that include a steam shower. Plus, Donald is there as a resource to insure that your trip is everything you want it to be. If you are looking in Yosemite, stop looking and just rent this house!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chrysti J.

3 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely gorgeous home in Yosemite!

This is the second time I have rented this house and it is absolutely beautiful. There is every attention to detail— beautiful bedrooms, extremely well stocked kitchen, welcome snacks, tons of games, towels and pillows. This host has thought of everything! Plenty of opportunities for the whole gang to hang together or escape to your private levels, bedrooms, and decks. Hope to come again in the future.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jill R., Avon

1 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and Spacious Yosemite Retreat

Our family of 8 adults had a wonderful stay at Cedar Star! It would be hard to ask for more in a vacation property. Donald, our host, was very responsive to questions and requests, and the house has seriously just about anything you could need in it. I have never been in a rental that was so well outfitted and supplied. It is spacious, comfortable, beautifully decorated, and the location is as good as it comes for visiting Yosemite. You are inside the gates but outside the crowds. You have to accept a little drive in and out of the Valley for some hikes, but it's one of the most beautiful drives in the country! Trust me, it never gets old. We were there in high season, and Yosemite Village was congested with people. It was so nice to retreat to Cedar Star at the end of the day. Open a bottle of wine, prepare a meal, relax on the multiple decks, let the steam shower soothe your sole muscles. Ahhhh! Two notes for prospective guests - First, your group should be prepared for stairs. One bedroom and the main kitchen (there are two!) and living area are on the entry level, but everything else is one or two floors below. Wasn't a problem for our group, but for people with mobility issues it could be. 2- The only other small down side was that two beds are in alcoves rather than actual bedrooms. If everyone sleeps at the same time, no problem, but if you have a combination of early risers and night owls, it could be tough to have quiet for the people in those two beds. We were delighted with our stay and would wholeheartedly recommend the property to others!

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

25 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We'd give it more than 5 stars if we could!!

This property is a true gem. The location is amazing, right in the park and about 1/2 way between the Giant Sequoias and Yosemite Village. The house is really beautiful and the views are spectacular --and the decks were especially wonderful to sit out and enjoy. We travel a lot and have rented a number of VRBOs but have never stayed in a property that was more comfortable or well appointed. From our check in to the accommodations, everything was smooth and wonderful- they thought of everything in terms of instructions, and supplies (kitchen, bath). It was super clean. I cannot recommend highly enough!

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelene M.

1 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

Nice furnishings

Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monisha R., camarillo ca

19 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly recommend!

We have had multiple stays in a variety of places but this was by far one of our best experiences. Beautiful place with an INCREDIBLE location inside the park. Every detail was thought through and taken care of. We can't wait to plan our next trip to the park and to this house. Thank you Donald and if you have any other places, do let us know;)

Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth I.

6 Jan 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous home in Yosemite West

This house is great for extended family vacations to Yosemite. The valley is a 20-30 minute drive and the house itself has 3 levels that allow for different members of the family to have their separate spaces. The 2 kitchens were great for allowing extended family to have their space. The internet didn't work so we were given a generous partial refund. Cell service is spotty so you need to be prepared with downloaded videos and offline games / activities. A beautiful home in a beautiful location.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ann K.

8 Dec 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home in the trees

The home is beautiful and the owner has seen to every last detail. Both kitchens are fully stocked. The laundry rooms have detergent. The bathrooms have tooth brushes etc. If you are looking for a beautiful home in a gorgeous setting this is it. You will not be disappointed.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Scott N.

2 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Immaculate house.

Great house and great condition upon arrival. Had all the amenities/cooking supplies you could ever want.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dalton R.

27 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yosemite trip

My family, ages ranging from 2-64 had a great stay in the Lodge at Cedar Star. The house was spacious, comfortable, well stocked, and offered privacy for multiple couples and families. We had 2 guests sleep on pull out sofas which were comfortable for the purposes. The decks and views were beautiful, fireplaces great at night, and the location was very convenient to the Valley. Thanks for a great stay!

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lorri B.

9 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect attention to EVERY detail!

I can't say enough about this unique, beautifully-appointed property, or Donald, the attentive, thorough, and responsive owner. Before we ever got there, Donald promptly answered every question and provided every detail we needed for visiting Yosemite. Upon our arrival, we were all blown away by the unusual but very effective "treehouse" layout made easy for everyone with a clean, quiet elevator. We thought we'd never use it, but after hiking all day, it came in handy! Donald left a generous and greatly appreciated welcome basket with a folder of EVERYTHING you might want to know for a park visit greeting us on the kitchen counter. This included the weather forecast for our Yosemite visit, a star map for the excellent stargazing sky, and several versions of suggested hiking opportunities and maps, plus much more. Although the layout is very vertical, it never felt tight or small. We loved the decks on all the levels, and opted to bring food back rather than dine out so we could enjoy the gorgeous sunsets on the deck. Our family of six adults, three kids and a baby had plenty of room between the 3 comfy king-bedded bedrooms and pull-out sofas placed strategically throughout the house. Donald has thoughtfully appointed the house with all the baby equipment you need, as well as everything you need for meal prep. Everything is organized and easy to find. Furthermore, the house's location within the national park boundaries was convenient, and meant we automatically received a Yosemite day reservation. We LOVED our stay in Yosemite, and would love to stay here again on our next visit to this amazing park. Five stars for this luxury property which is even better than the listing!!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

David K., Winter Haven, FL

21 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely amazing

This place is ridiculous. It is so nice. Just book it.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charles N.

6 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing home for our Yosemite visit!

This house is absolutely perfect for any family visiting Yosemite! The home was beautiful, clean and well stocked! The owner was responsive and wonderful to work with. The location was so close to all of the Yosemite "action" that we could get there early and stay late without having to drive long distances or go in and out of the park. This was HUGE! We were visiting in late June and were concerned when we arrived about the lack of air conditioning. However, this ended up not being an issue at all as there was more than enough airflow to keep us cool and comfy! Our family HIGHLY recommends this home and will surely book again on our next trip to Yosemite!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jon L.

14 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adult Family Vacation in Yosemite June 2021

Everything you read in the other reviews is accurate. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would because it would deserve it. I’m in my 50’s and have been using VRBO for decades. Donald’s property was the cleanest and best maintained that I have ever stayed in, period. The location is ideal being inside the park. It is in a development of other upscale homes that look out on a valley, but you are not bothered by traffic there; the homes are spread out. You are close to Tunnel View, Glacier Point, The Valley, Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, Fish Camp and the South Gate. This is something you want to consider because it takes time to get around Yosemite NP, being the average speed you can drive is 35 MPH or sometimes less. Very narrow, winding roads. Donald has the place stocked with all that you need . And then there is Donald himself. I asked him quite a few one or two sentence questions leading up to my trip and he came back with multiple paragraphs for answers. Very articulate and dedicated to your comfort. Bravo! He even emailed me during the week to see is there was anything that we needed. He sets the bar very high when it comes to hosting and made me feel very secure. Book with confidence.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ben P., Charlotte

4 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ben Proffitt

Our family travels a lot during the year. This house is outstanding. It is likely the "best stocked" house of any we have stayed in. It is very clear the owner takes a personal interest in making sure guests are happy. Thank you.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

About the host

Hosted by Donald Caldwell

My family emigrated to Gold Rush California five generations ago from France and Germany. Though they didn't strike it rich in the gold fields, they were very lucky to have settled and remained in California, where they thrived.

I am a fifth-generation, native-born Californian, and enjoying the majesty of Yosemite is part of my family's history.

It brings me great pleasure to introduce (or re-introduce) Yosemite National Park to visitors from all over the world, and to provide a special, welcoming place for them to stay during their visit.

Why they chose this property

Cedar Star at Yosemite was designed and built over the course of 39 months with a close eye on guests' comfort and convenience. The building lot was selected for its location at a higher altitude than others in the neighborhood in order to minimize the threat of driving on black ice in the winter during ski season, though that decision added a significant amount to construction costs. The furnishings were chosen to allow guests to enjoy a level of comfort unique to vacation houses, not only in Yosemite, but also in the Sierra Nevada. And the house is centrally located among the best parts of Yosemite National Park--including Yosemite Valley and The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. In winter it's just a 15 minute drive to Badger Pass ski area ... Good downhill skiing, World Class x-country and snowshoeing.