Bristlecone Motel

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

abraham

Pet friendly with a full kitchen

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Keary

This motor lodge's aging and unassuming outside hides surprisingly well-maintained 60's era rooms with good shower, good bed, and some of the softest linens I've ever slept in anywhere close to this pricepoint. The hotel is run out of the general store/gas station next door which has all manner of food for your snacking needs, and both people behind the counter I dealt with were super nice and got me situated quickly. Both the coffee shop and the breakfast burrito/bbq place across the street were great for a morning meal, and this motel's proximity to the Bristlecone Forest made it really easy to get down 395, have a good night's sleep, and hit the park in the morning.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Dan

The Bristlecone motel is definitely not a five Star property. We were just at a five star, adults only, all inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas three weeks ago. You cannot compare the two but for an affordable, one night stay in the Eastern Sierras. I would give it a five star rating. The rooms are good size, nice in-room amenities, quiet, clean, comfy bed and pillows. It checked all the boxes for me. Parking is a bit tight but not a whole lot that can be done about that.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

21 May 2026

Greg

Decent place to stay gas station has everything you need

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2026

Paul

Set your expectations at the level of small community budget motel. From that perspective, this place is great. It's clean, the door locks look solid, and the bed is on the soft side. The shower is hot, the microwave works, and the TV turns on. The staff were really friendly, and check in took less time than Marriott with my gold status.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 May 2026

Brad

The property is in a good location, and the family room was spacious and well appointed. The overall property was a bit scuzzy, but ongoing work is being done to improve the facilities. Our family room had a brand new remodeled bathroom and shower. It was very nice. A lot of working people uses facility, so it is quiet at night. Only complaints are that the mattresses were were torn down and sagged, and the air conditioner was not strong enough to cool the room. So we were hot till about 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2026

Shelly

For a small town this was a good place to stay. Staff was kind and the place was quiet.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 May 2026

Megan

Place was clean and Parking was super convenient but the room we stayed in did smell like propane. They shut off the stove because we didn’t need it but then the bathroom started smelling like it so we closed off that door and opened the window. That seemed to help.

Family

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2026

Alejandra

It’s simple, got beds, shower with great pressure, I kinda liked the look.
Cleanliness was 4/5 though, shower mostly, and one of the beds kept rolling when watching tv, other than that, it was a good place to stay! I’d stay again!

Family

6/10

Pleasant

27 Apr 2026

Brandon

If you want a room that stares at 6 gas pumps 50 ft away along with the noise, this is the place for you! When I said something about moving rooms so I wasnt next to the gas pumps they offered to cancel my reservation for me. What a great owner!

They have dumb 2" lips on unnecessary curbs in front of the room and then a half foot tall step outside your door. I watched an old man trip on one the next room over as he was walking in for the 1st time. I asked if he needed assistance and he was ok.

I recommend paying a couple bucks more and skip this roach motel.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

26 Apr 2026

Alan

Decent for a one night stay, clean, convenient, price was okay, allowed pets

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2026

Joy

Pet friendly. Great staff. Quiet and safe. Would stay again

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2026

Gonzalo

Ty

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Beatrice

Parking was wonderful! Right in front of my room .

Pet

8/10

Excellent

25 Mar 2026

Danny

There was no kitchen except for a mini fridge and microwave oven and nice little table to sit at. Water pressure was great but the water temperature not so good

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2026

saverio

I love that the property had a fully stocked convenience store, gas station, and hardware store. My truck needed half a quart of oil and they even had the right oil. I also liked the big bathroom. I would definitely stay there again next time I'm at Big Pine.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2026

Ivan

We stayed in the family room and it was spacious like a cabin with an open floor plan and 3 beds. We all slept comfortably and woke up to a beautiful snow capped view of the mountains. The shower fixture
Sucked tbh but other than that we had a great stay!

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2026

Steven

Second time in three years ill keep coming back

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2026

Vincent

Solid place to stay, one of my favorites in the are. Places to fiah close by and Copper Top for dinner, cant ask for much more.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2026

Ellen

My husband got the best sleep of our 7-day road trip and said that the Bristlecone Motel bed was better than any of the other motels we stayed at.
Brewed Awakening, located just across the street, is a great spot for a quick breakfast. We both had their homemade cinnamon rolls.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

Brian

Has what you need

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2026

Alondra

I was impressed how clean was the room and bathroom extremely clean I felt like I was on my own home definitely I am booking again for my next trip

4/10

Poor

02 Mar 2026

Agustin

The room we stayed in had a chemical smell. Tried airing it out while we went for dinner but the outside reeked of cigarettes and weed

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Feb 2026

Jeff

Clean room, Helpful staff.

8/10

Excellent

16 Feb 2026

Emma

Room was very clean. Beds were ok. Wish it had a bigger fridge in the room for the amount of people staying in there. The place was perfect for bring the center of our adventures we did daily

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2026

Mateo

Easy check in/check out. Very clean place.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

05 Feb 2026

ANTHONY

Clean room. Friendly staff.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2026

Jorge

Ample parking, nice staff

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

20 Jan 2026

ANTHONY

Affordable accommodation. Clean room. Friendly & helpful staff. Good parking.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2026

Frank

The room was clean and the staff was very friendly! I will stay there more in the future.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2026

Chris

spotless

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

09 Jan 2026

Chester

Do not use! THERE IS NOT A 24 HOUR LOBBY! We could not check in and no one answered the phone. So we had to find somewhere else to stay.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2026

YeongCheul

Clean and kind

2/10

Poor

06 Jan 2026

Steve

Super noisy. Waked up several times. Worst experience ever

Business_and_leisure Family

2/10

Poor

02 Jan 2026

Mengqing

The room was not clean—there was hair and visible stains on the bed sheets, pillowcases, and other furnitures. We only had properly hot water for the shower on the first night. For the rest of our stay, we couldn’t shower since the water was lukewarm at best. Very disappointing stay for our year-end trip. We will not return.

Leisure

4/10

Poor

31 Dec 2025

Christoph

Got some overflow room behind a laundromat, barebones room. wifi & tv not working, small space heater that couldn't keep the room above 55F, showerhead came flying in my face when trying to take a shower, for 120 a night handsdown the worst place I've stayed

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2025

Shyamsundar

Nice room

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

07 Dec 2025

Elliot

A bare bones motel. I'll deal with the minor complaints for the cheap price: some lights flickered and had to be turned off. Only one restaurant open nearby. No major complaints.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2025

Robert

Great place to stay

8/10

Excellent

14 Nov 2025

Michael

Nice room. First time checking in at a gas station! But — no problems!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

Tamara

I love this hotel. The store is in the same parking lot so you can get anything you need right there. Easy check in and check out. Plus they have an Apple TV for you to sign in and watch your shows after a long day of hiking.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

Tony

great cozy place to stay

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Nov 2025

John

The room was clean and the check-in staff who are actually at the gas station were helpful. Parts of the room in the bathroom seemed a little worn but the microwave and fridge functioned well and the fan unit was good for blocking out noise.

Self

8/10

Excellent

31 Oct 2025

Serge

The room was spacious and clean and with a modern layout.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Oct 2025

Nicole

Staff were friendly and very helpful. Room was very clean. The walls were paper thin and you could hear neighbors VERY easily. If you’re a heavy sleeper, this is your place to go with friendly service and clean rooms. If you’re a light sleeper, choose somewhere else.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2025

Mary

Room was clean a spacious and it was great for our dogs as it had its own little fenced area.

Leisure Pet

6/10

Pleasant

23 Oct 2025

Jill

The bed was okay. It was a little loud at night.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2025

Ben

It was a quaint no frills stay. My husband and I are backpackers and needed a place to stay before we started the trail in the morning. Staff was incredibly friendly. Room was clean although the bed a tad lumpy. All in all, we enjoyed our stay. We will stay again next time we visit the Eastern Sierras.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Oct 2025

Josh

Easy parking, good for a last minute stop, comfy bed. Loud traffic from highway

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2025

Keith

Pet friendly, food nearby, perfect for my use.

Leisure Pet

8/10

Excellent

18 Oct 2025

Marjorie

This place was pretty nice for an older, renovated, classic motel. It wasn’t fancy, but it was clean and fine for a night or two. It is located right on the main highway. Parking was easy. You check in at the Chevron next door. There is a good sized market there for a gas station and the staff was friendly. If you are hiking at Big Pines Lakes, this is a great place to stay. The only downside was the bed, which was very uncomfortable and I didn’t get the best nights sleep.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2025

Jason

Very nice.

Partner

2/10

Poor

16 Oct 2025

William

The nighttime temperature on October 15th was 32 degrees. When starting to get in bed, we turned on the room heater. It didn't work. Being late at night and not wanting to pack up to move to another room, we endured a miserable, cold night. The heater should be periodically checked and obviously was not. We should have a free accommodation at a different lodging or a refund.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2025

Robert

Check-in was easy after a long day of travel.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Oct 2025

John

Room was clean, staff was good and informative. Parking was decent. A little tight but doable.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2025

Michael

Its a very clean well run older property. I've stayed there many times and have never been disappointed.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2025

haibing

Clean and quiet. Exceeding expectations,

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Oct 2025

Anthony

The room was a bit outdated, but we appreciated the simple and budget-friendly option in this great location close to tons of hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The staff were great - even though they are busy running the gas station, the person who checked us in was quick and efficient.

Partner

2/10

Poor

28 Sep 2025

Crystal

I didn’t stay. (Female solo traveler) the room was off-site in an alley behind the main hotel. It felt very unsafe. Once inside the carpets were very stained, the room smelled off and again locks felt insecure and unsafe. 3 men worked the front desk and would’ve all been aware that I was alone. As the desk person walked me to the room (because again, it’s off-site) he’d even commented that the owner was back there all the time and I’d “be safe”. I think even they are aware that space would make a solo traveler very uncomfortable. This particular apartment needs additional disclaimers to be rented to the general public.

Business Self

4/10

Poor

28 Sep 2025

Joe

Very small and loud

Business

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2025

Marrian

The motel accommodated for a late checkin through the Chevron station. We checked in at 9:30pm with no problems. The room was clean and quiet. The bed was comfortable.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2025

Ted

Good place to stay in Big Pine

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2025

Kevin

easy check in and check out. spent one night as I was passing through big pine. no complaints.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2025

Joe

This is a great place to stay, clean, quiet and you can park right next to your room. Only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because the WiFi is really bad, I got 1 bar at best

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2025

Alejandro

Would recommend staying at this motel

8/10

Excellent

20 Sep 2025

Amr

Nice spot and great people

8/10

Excellent

19 Sep 2025

Kendall

Everything was ok. Disappointed at no place to eat just across the street as was told when making reservation. Other than that all's well.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2025

Scott

It was old fashioned and convenient. Clean rooms. Confortable bed

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2025

Amit

I stayed here for 6 days while hiking Big Pine Lakes and visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. The location is excellent—quiet, clean, and perfectly positioned for outdoor exploration without the bustle of Bishop. If you're looking for peace, proximity, and a clean room with a decent bathroom, this motel delivers.

However, don’t expect a traditional hospitality experience. The motel is run out of a gas station, and while the setup may be efficient for the owner, it lacks the professionalism you'd expect from a hospitality-focused property. The on-site office isn’t used, and staff interactions varied—some were courteous, others clearly untrained in guest service. A gas station clerk simply isn’t equipped to manage guest expectations.

Overall, I’d give it a B. For my hiking-focused trip, it met my needs. But if customer service and hospitality matter to you, this may not be the right fit.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2025

amit

I stayed here for 6 days while hiking Big Pine Lakes and visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. The location is excellent—quiet, clean, and perfectly positioned for outdoor exploration without the bustle of Bishop. If you're looking for peace, proximity, and a clean room with a decent bathroom, this motel delivers.

However, don’t expect a traditional hospitality experience. The motel is run out of a gas station, and while the setup may be efficient for the owner, it lacks the professionalism you'd expect from a hospitality-focused property. The on-site office isn’t used, and staff interactions varied—some were courteous, others clearly untrained in guest service. A gas station clerk simply isn’t equipped to manage guest expectations.

Overall, I’d give it a B. For my hiking-focused trip, it met my needs. But if customer service and hospitality matter to you, this may not be the right fit.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

10 Sep 2025

Stacy

Old facility but clean.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2025

Marlys

The property was clean and parking was right outside your room. The room is pretty bare minimum, no fancy linens or pictures on the walls. BUT, it was super clean, quiet,and the bed was comfortable! AND, it had a fridge, microwave AND I was able to watch Netflix for free!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2025

Sindy

Loves that it was so close to the big pine lakes trail head.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2025

Richard

Close to mountaineering destinations

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2025

Richard

Close to mountaineering destinations

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2025

greg

Loved this place! Old fashioned and simple. I’ll be there again if I’m in the area!

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2025

Barbara

Convenient and comfortable

We stayed one night on the way to L.A. from the north. Our unit was like a little apartment, with a bed in the "living room" and one in the bedroom. It was very pleasant and right next door to a gas station and a country market. The unit had a kitchen too! I think The Bristlecone Motel is designed for people who are staying longer than we are, but it worked for us as well.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Clean and Comfy

Excellent value for money. Clean, comfortable, and very conveniently located!

Self

2/10

Poor

23 Aug 2025

constantine

My room was given to someone else but luckily they had vacant rooms. The worst thing was that I was woken up in the middle of the night due to TV turning on on its own. It happened 2 times until i eventually unplugged it from the power source. No sleep at night for $120

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2025

Zesen

Nice little motel, easy check in and check out, friendly employees

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2025

Elizabeth

Rooms are HUGE, very clean, and rates are the best in the area. We always stay here when we’re in the Sierras.

8/10

Excellent

15 Aug 2025

Tyler

Bristlecone Stay.

Was only here for a night. Stopping at a halfway point from hiking Mt Whitney. Hotel Lobby was closed. I saw one guest drive in circles in confusion. But a note on the lobby door directed me to check in at the chevron gas station next to the building. Middle of summer - I get the temps are pushing 100 degrees. Would have been nice if the room had been prepared for a guest with the AC on. When I walked in, the room was hotter than being outside.. I quickly turned the AC on, which was a challenge to navigate as all of the buttons had worn off. - Since Lobby was closed I handled the situation myself, I was too wasted from the hike to look for help. The coffee shop across the street was legit though. Def would go out of my way to stop in there again. Brewed Awakening.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2025

Elena

Wonderful stay!!! It was more than I would expect from an affordable motel. Room was super clean, bed was pretty comfy, smooth check in and convenient location for hikes and nature experiences!!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Aug 2025

Susan

Quite and restful

The bed was very comfortable! It was quiet and restful.

Self

8/10

Excellent

09 Aug 2025

Ashton

Cute old school rural motel

What a cool little spot to stay! We picked them because it looked like a nice quiet place to get away for a night. Staff at check in was helpful and polite, even pointed out a nice coffee shop for the morning. No dedicated lobby and the website was a little out of date but overall great older place to bunk near lots of cool old school charm. We will definitely be back

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2025

Andrew

Nice Motel (Looks Old, because it is) in a beautiful part of the country.

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2025

Lynda

We just wanted quiet, clean, comfortable and affordable. Thats exactly what we got!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Jul 2025

Carolyn

Nice One-Night Stay

I thought checking in at the Chevron next door was a little strange, but the process was quick and the staff was friendly and helpful with my questions. Being unfamiliar with the area, he was helpful in suggesting to me hiking trails and a good local place to eat. The room was clean and comfortable and quiet for the one night I was there. Found a beautiful hike just a short drive away.
The only negative was having to take the ice bucket to the Chevron to get ice from the soda fountain.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jul 2025

Joseph

Place was clean and well kept but the furniture and bed were old

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

17 Jul 2025

Sarah

I needed a room for the night before backpacking the next day. The room was clean and had all of the basic amenities. Nothing fancy, but excellent for the price. I would definitely stay there again. There was nothing that I disliked about the room.

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jul 2025

David

Checking in at the Chevron Gas Station was very odd. Your office door was locked with a sign directing us to th gas station.

Business_and_leisure

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jul 2025

Nicole

The room was very clean and spacious. It is a one story motel so you can park right outside of your room. Check in was quick and easy at the gas station. To get ice, you go to the gas station next door. We did not have an ice bucket so we just used a bag. When the worker at the store said, “There’s a bucket in your room.” And we responded with there wasn’t one(and we didn’t mind). He quickly responded, “Well you should have told us.” in a curt manner, but whatevs. The real downfall is that you can easily hear the neighbors.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2025

Anna

Extremely convenient - probably best location for hikers. Chevron store (also the hotel check in desk) has all the gear and food you need. They even have some exotic options. Location is not very quiet but safe, AC works. 40 mins away from all the major trails

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

05 Jul 2025

Heather

It was fine.

Leisure Pet

2/10

Poor

04 Jul 2025

Connor

BED BUGS

RED ALERT
BED BUGS
When me and my gf woke up in the morning she was covered in bug bites and there were many blood spots on the mattress.
Avoid for now.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jul 2025

Eric

Quiet and convenient.

One night stay on on work related trip. Room was clean, and what I expected to find in a small, local, high dessert town. Not luxurious but old school charm with modern amenities, surprised how quiet it was especially on main HWY. (395). Could not beat the price, and everything in town is within walking distance. Would definitely stay here again

Business

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2025

Edna

One night stay on our way to Los Angeles. Friendly staff, remodeled room. Pillows were too thin. Besides that, everything was great!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2025

William

Easy check-in & check-out. Staff was friendly & accommodating. Easy decision to book again when my travels take me through here.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2025

John

Nice old style motel. Clean and modern. The streaming on the wifi tv could have worked better, but all in all, we would stay there again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2025

Tamara

Room was perfect with a little kitchen. I love that they don’t charge extra for pets. It’s convenient to have the little store right there for all your needs.

Leisure