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Vacation Rental

Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn

Adults-only riverfront B&B on the Merced, minutes from Yosemite's gate

(70)
El Portal, CA

About

The Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn is an adults-only bed and breakfast set on the bank of the Merced River in El Portal, just outside Yosemite's western entrance. It holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating across 70 reviews, with guests consistently pointing to the riverfront setting and the personal touch of the innkeepers.

Riverfront Suites and a Terrace on the Water

Suites are airy and elegantly furnished, and several open onto private balconies overlooking the Merced River. Guests describe watching hummingbirds and listening to the current from the deck, and a shared terrace on the property looks out over the same stretch of river. The location is close enough to the park entrance that guests heading out for a Half Dome hike have grabbed an early breakfast here first.

Run by Ron and Liz

Innkeepers Ron and Liz cook a home-cooked breakfast every morning and are repeatedly credited by guests with deep, practical knowledge of Yosemite — helping plan itineraries and sharing decades of local history, including Ron's own climbing background on El Capitan. Rooms are furnished with antiques the couple has gathered over years of travel.

Good to Know Before You Book

  • Adults-only property
  • Confirm your room's guest limit directly with the inn — reviewers note occupancy caps vary by room and extra guests can add a nightly charge
  • The inn does not accept credit cards; plan to pay by cash or check
  • Call (209) 379-2100 to book

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn adults-only?

Yes — it's listed as an adults-only bed and breakfast.

How close is it to Yosemite National Park?

It sits in El Portal near Yosemite's western entrance; guests describe it as a quick, direct drive to the park gate.

Does the inn take credit cards?

No — guest reviews note the property does not accept credit cards, so plan to pay by cash or check.

What's included with a stay?

A home-cooked breakfast is served daily, and several rooms have private balconies overlooking the Merced River.

Reviews (70)

See all on Google
4.6

70 reviews

Write a review
Monique Jimenez
Monique Jimenez

a month ago

I think my experience was compromised because of what I was trying to do, then it just went downhill. I brought my son and daughter with me. Immediately, upon entering the house, a discussion ensued about my son having to get a room somewhere else because only 2 people were allowed in the room I rented. When I spoke to Ron over the phone to book, I asked him how many people the room sleeps and he asked well how many are you trying to bring? I told him I have adult children and I just put the invite out to them but I wouldn’t know who would show up and who wouldn’t. It ended up that 2 came with me. I wish Ron would have said if more than 2 people are in the room, you will be charged $125 more per night. That is the surprise that came upon arrival at the b&b after spending $794 for 2 nights. The other option was to get another room at the lodge on the same property for $300+ per night or something cheaper 45 minutes away. Not at all the experience I was trying to have. If it’s a couple staying, there would have been no surprises, so I accept that I was trying to make the b&b fit my needs but how did $125 more per night make the “insurance liability” go away? That’s the reason I was told initially that my son couldn’t stay. On the flip side, the room was huge (Meadow Lily), balcony overlooks the Merced River. Amazing!! Hosts were very attentive and friendly, aside from the upsetting interaction at arrival.

ric moss
ric moss

2 months ago

Awesome stay for Yosemite, the hosts a wonderful, they make you feel at home, and have so many fabulous stories to share. It felt like home, sitting on the deck over the river watching the humming birds and other wildlife. Only a few minutes drive to the park. We wish we could have stayed longer. Highly recommend this amazing B&B.

Jeff Salmeri
Jeff Salmeri

12 months ago

Ron and Liz were the most gracious of hosts. The property is perched on the edge of the Merced River, a gorgeous spot. Located just outside the gates of Yosemite, park access was quick and easy. Each room is adorned with antiques that they have gathered through their life of travels. Thoughtfully decorated, clean and homey we would not stay anywhere else. Although they choose not to take credit card, do not be concerned. The process is simple and they are great people. They are both very knowledgeable about the park and will gladly answer any questions you might have. I have no doubt that you will enjoy your stay at the Inn.

Prakhar Gupta
Prakhar Gupta

a year ago

This is a lovely place, run by a beautiful old couple. The place is next to the river and they have balconies to almost all rooms. Liz makes a scrumptious breakfast and the conversations on breakfast table were something I’ll cherish for a good part of my life. The place is right between two blocks of the Yosemite view lodge and only 5 mins from the park entrance. If you don’t have a large group this might be the best place to stay in near the park Also, the photo is of a bat lamp they had in our room. The shadow of a bat on the ceiling had me the moment I saw it

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