Bristlecone Motel

Fantastic motel along the 395. Very clean and comfortable bed. Rooms are spacious and conveniently located next to the gas station that operates it which is fully stocked. Beware that nothing is open Sunday evening so finding food may prove to be difficult. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic stay.

Very easy check in at the gas station store, clean room, outlets/wifi worked well, right on the main road.

Stayed for a few nights. Was happy enough with the location and the room for being out most of the time. Easy check in and check out at the gas station. They have their own supermarket making it convenient. Parking can get packed if you go late but there is always a spot available. The lights dim in and out rather occasionally and there was some sort of dripping noise coming from outside of the room which closing the bathroom door fixed.

Booked this place for a weekend trip to Big Pine Lakes. It ended up being not bad for a motel. Our room was decently clean and spacious. The nice thing is that it is also pet friendly! Would recommend for anyone that is looking for an affordable, convenient, close place to stay.

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. The area didn’t have a great reputation when it came to motels, and most of the options nearby had reviews that made my skin crawl—literally. Talk of dirt, pests, and overall poor conditions didn’t fill me with confidence. So, when I stumbled upon this motel, I was prepared for the worst. But, wow, was I wrong. This motel may not be a luxury resort, but it’s clean, comfortable, and miles ahead of anything else in the area. The room was simple, but everything was in great condition. I honestly couldn’t believe I found a motel this good, especially given the price and the competition around here. If you’re looking for a decent, affordable place to stay in this part of the world, this motel is a great choice. It might not come with all the bells and whistles, but it does exactly what a good motel should: make you feel comfortable and welcome. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

Stayed here for our hike to Palisade Glacier and chose this motel for it's location. Honestly I was unsure of what to expect - I mean you check in at the Chevron that is next door...so.... BUT - this place, while simple and basic, was super clean, the standard double queen room was large and had everything you need - ice cold ac, super great water pressure in the shower, comfy beds (they added nice pillow toppers) - and most importantly for us, very CLEAN!! Checking in at the Chevron is actually a plus - as it is much more than just a gas station, it serves as a local market and hardware store, with lots of fresh foods, a sandwich counter and snacks galore! And the staff was as accommodating as they could be! If you need a home base for your Sierra adventures, I highly recommend this little motel - not fancy, but just right!!

Quiet. Good hot water pressure and drains work. A/C worked quietly and well. Spacious. Clean towels. Soap and shampoo dispensers in shower area is wonderful and environmentally friendly. Some cosmetic improvements can be made eg repaint interior and add a tablecloth to dining table. I would stay again even though it is not new or fancy because it is a functional place to stay and the market next door is convenient and location is excellent.

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. I was out each day by 9/10 a.m. and returned in the evening, using the room solely to sleep. For that purpose—a peaceful spot with a clean bed and bathroom—it was ideal. The only issue I had was at check-in. I’d called a day earlier requesting a quiet room, but when I arrived late afternoon, I was given one closest to the road. I was tired from a long drive and stayed the night, but emailed to request a switch. To their credit, they moved me to a room toward the back the next day, which was much quieter and made a big difference. That said, 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.