
Tenaya at Yosemite
Best for families and travelers who want on-site activities, multiple pools, and a full spa close to Yosemite’s South Entrance.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Tenaya at Yosemite is an upscale, family-friendly resort in Fish Camp with multiple pools, a full-service spa, and on-site dining; read this if you want a resort-style base two miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance. Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn is a practical, midrange chain hotel in Oakhurst with free breakfast and easy highway access; read this if you want a budget-conscious option for visiting Yosemite from the Oakhurst side.
Updated · about 9–10 miles apart (≈15–20 minute drive)

Best for families and travelers who want on-site activities, multiple pools, and a full spa close to Yosemite’s South Entrance.

Best for budget-minded Yosemite visitors who want a reliable chain hotel in Oakhurst with free breakfast and easy parking.
When Tenaya at Yosemite wins: pick Tenaya if you want resort amenities (indoor + multiple outdoor pools, kids’ splash features), on-site restaurants and a full-service spa, and if proximity to Yosemite’s South Entrance (about 2 miles) matters most.
When Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn wins: choose the Best Western if you want a lower-cost, straightforward stay in Oakhurst with complimentary full breakfast, convenient highway access, and simple family-friendly rooms with an outdoor pool and hot tubs.
Bottom line: Tenaya is the choice for an amenity-rich, resort-style stay near the park entrance; Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn is a sensible, well-rated practical option for travelers prioritizing value and a base in Oakhurst.
| Category | Tenaya at Yosemite | Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Upscale family resort with organized activities and resort services | Midrange chain hotel focused on practical amenities and value |
| Location (to Yosemite) | About 2 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance (Fish Camp) | About 9–10 miles from Tenaya; Oakhurst location ~14.6 mi from Yosemite per supplier listing |
| Size (rooms) | 302 rooms across lodge, cottages and cabins | 133 rooms |
| Guests | All ages; family-oriented facilities (kids’ splash pool, family cabins) | All ages; family-friendly chain hotel |
| Pools & hot tubs | One indoor pool + three outdoor pools, kids’ zero-entry splash pool, cabanas | Outdoor seasonal pool and 2 hot tubs (plus one indoor pool listed as number of indoor pools - 1 in supplier listing) |
| Restaurants & bars | Five on-site eateries (Jackalope's, Embers, Timberloft Pizzeria, Gold Rush Barbecue, Bearfoot Bar, plus Parkside Deli) | On-site restaurant (Yosemite Gateway) and a bar/lounge; free full breakfast daily |
| Spa & wellness | Ascent Spa (12 treatment rooms, saunas/steam rooms, fitness center) | Fitness facilities on site; no full-service spa listed |
| Known for | Resort-style amenities, spa services, easy South Entrance access and family programming | Chain consistency, convenient parking, complimentary breakfast and good guest ratings |
| Parking & transport | Complimentary self-parking; optional valet (paid); on-site lodge-to-cottage shuttles | Free self parking and 24-hour front desk; no accessible shuttle |
| Pet policy | Pets allowed in designated rooms with prior approval; one-time $125 fee per reservation | Pets allowed in specific rooms with a USD 25 per pet, per day fee |
Tenaya sits in Fish Camp about 2 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance, adjacent to Sierra National Forest.
Choose Tenaya for the shortest drive into Yosemite and immediate access to south-side attractions.
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn is on Highway 41 in Oakhurst, serving as a convenient base for visitors approaching Yosemite from the town side.
Choose Best Western Plus for more town services in Oakhurst and straightforward highway access.
Tenaya offers a wide mix of lodge rooms, cottages, cabins and suites designed for families and couples.
Tenaya gives more room variety for families and groups who want cottage or cabin options on-site.
Best Western Plus supplies standard hotel rooms in queen/king and accessible configurations.
Best Western Plus is a straightforward chain offering standard, accessible and family-sized rooms with basic in-room conveniences.
Tenaya has multiple on-site dining venues from casual to more formal options.
Tenaya suits travelers wanting varied on-site dining without leaving the property.
Best Western Plus has a single on-site restaurant and includes a complimentary full breakfast.
Best Western Plus is practical for guests who value a free breakfast and a simple on-site restaurant.
Tenaya’s pool complex is a major draw with indoor and several outdoor pools plus kid-focused features.
Tenaya is a better pick if multiple pools and family pool programming matter.
Best Western Plus has seasonal outdoor pool facilities and hot tubs for guest relaxation.
Best Western Plus covers basic pool needs and a couple of hot tubs for casual downtime.
Tenaya provides a full spa program and evening dining/drinks at multiple venues.
Tenaya is the pick for travelers wanting a full spa and a broader range of evening dining and activities.
Best Western Plus offers fitness facilities and a simple bar/lounge but no listed full-service spa.
Choose Best Western Plus if you need basic fitness and a bar, not a full spa experience.

Tenaya at Yosemite — Ascent Spa with 12 treatment rooms, saunas/steam rooms, fitness center and couples options.

Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn — complimentary full breakfast and reliable chain comforts.

Tenaya at Yosemite — multiple pools including a zero-entry kids’ splash pool, family cabins, arcade and on-site activities.

Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn — Oakhurst location with easy highway access and free self-parking.
Tenaya at Yosemite — it’s about 2 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance. Best Western Plus is in Oakhurst and requires a longer drive.
Tenaya at Yosemite has Ascent Spa with multiple treatment rooms, saunas/steam rooms and a fitness center. Best Western Plus lists fitness facilities but not a full-service spa.
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn includes a complimentary full breakfast. Tenaya does not include breakfast in standard rates.
Tenaya has one indoor pool and three outdoor pools; the supplier notes seasonal outdoor pools. Best Western Plus lists an outdoor seasonal pool and hot tubs; the outdoor pool is seasonal.
Explore how Tenaya at Yosemite stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·