Mammoth Mountain Inn

Oct. 11th, 2025. I arrived with no reservations, thinking it would be simple enough to book a room for a single night as a walk-in customer. I was wrong. My first attempt was to see if any rooms for under $400/night were available on Expedia. But the third party service, according to Expedia stated the property required a two night stay. (Their hotel policy does not state this anywhere on the hotel website) My second attempt was in person. I found the first person I could find with a black collared shirt embroidered with the Mammoth logo to help me. His behavior was a little disturbing, the simple act of asking for help at the front desk, was if I had to prove my citizenship to an ICE agent. Not at all, welcoming. When I did reach the front desk, after a long queue. I asked if there was any available rooms and to my astonishment, there was "zero" available. I asked if management could verify if there was indeed no rooms and not just an oversight from the computer systems. It was then I sensed, in my opinion, some sort of conspiracy to "withhold" vacancies. It is not uncommon for resorts, to "save" rooms for individuals who are willing to spend more than the desired room rate or to keep rooms available for staff. Perhaps even emergencies? I have seen this practice first hand at resorts near Yosemite. To add context to this scenario, I had just camped near Yosemite and was looking forward to a warm shower and bed. There was a film festival nearby and there was a tour bus of foreigners who purchased many of the rooms. However, according to the locals it was rumoured there was "seasonal change" (I'm paraphrasing) occurring that night and the management is aware of this because 9- 10 other properties used that same phrase when I called and inquired about available rooms. A "code" among the locals perhaps? What the phrase or code actually means and how it influences their operations is still a mystery. Travelers such as I are seeking friction-less transactions but I will admit third-party booking websites are not always "friction-less". The gentlemen browsing for available rooms at the front desk was a person of color and he seemed visibly upset by the act of asking for a supervisor. I certainly have respect for people of color as I am one myself and it was not my intention to offend him but am I wrong in thinking there was possible collusion amongst upper management and the withholding of vacant rooms for the sole purpose of a rate increase, given my first hand account?

I absolutely love this place. The staff are so friendly and helpful. They are well trained and have knowledge of the resort and lifts. Tatihana the manager at the front desk and her crew are on point. Would recommend anyone who wants to escape from the rat race. 10/10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Love & Cozy vibe.