General Info

A Vintage American Experience At A Historic Landmark Next to two National Parks and two National Forests. Our nine vintage rooms make up this classic roadside motel. It was built in 1939 just after the historic Highway 180 was extended from Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park to Fresno in 1933.​ The Sierra Inn has been part of the fabric of classic American history for nearly 85 years. In fact, the first “motel” in the world was built right here in Central California during the year 1929.​ In the early 20th century, the emergence of the affordable automobile in the United States inspired many average people to begin traveling beyond the confines of local town destinations. The lack of accommodations to fill the need for travelers inspired entrepreneurs to combine convenience and affordability with the comforts of a hotel making Central California the birthplace of “motel”.​ Here at Gena's, we've retained the original design and layout of the classic era which featured smaller, more intimate units than today's mega resorts. Designed for a clientele who needed a comfortable place to stay with private bathrooms , our inn is an excellent, economically-priced spot to sleep before venturing on to your ultimate destination at the nearby National Parks and Forests. We think of Sierra Inn as the perfect basecamp to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Giant Sequoia Forests.​ In 2022, we expanded to add four 180 sq/ft cabins. These units contain sleeping quarters only but come with shared access to our kitchen/laundry facility and a campground-style enclosed bathroom unit, complete with hot showers. Like our rooms, each cabin is furnished with a TV, free WIFI, air conditioning and a heater. There is a ground floor with a bed and an upper loft with another bed, however we do not recommend the loft for people with mobility challenges since access is via a short ladder.A Vintage American Experience At A Historic Landmark Next to two National Parks and two National Forests. Our nine vintage rooms make up this classic roadside motel. It was built in 1939 just after the historic Highway 180 was extended from Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park to Fresno in 1933.​ The Sierra Inn has been part of the fabric of classic American history for nearly 85 years. In fact, the first “motel” in the world was built right here in Central California during the year 1929.​ In the early 20th century, the emergence of the affordable automobile in the United States inspired many average people to begin traveling beyond the confines of local town destinations. The lack of accommodations to fill the need for travelers inspired entrepreneurs to combine convenience and affordability with the comforts of a hotel making Central California the birthplace of “motel”.​ Here at Gena's, we've retained the original design and layout of the classic era which featured smaller, more intimate units than today's mega resorts. Designed for a clientele who needed a comfortable place to stay with private bathrooms , our inn is an excellent, economically-priced spot to sleep before venturing on to your ultimate destination at the nearby National Parks and Forests. We think of Sierra Inn as the perfect basecamp to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Giant Sequoia Forests.​ In 2022, we expanded to add four 180 sq/ft cabins. These units contain sleeping quarters only but come with shared access to our kitchen/laundry facility and a campground-style enclosed bathroom unit, complete with hot showers. Like our rooms, each cabin is furnished with a TV, free WIFI, air conditioning and a heater. There is a ground floor with a bed and an upper loft with another bed, however we do not recommend the loft for people with mobility challenges since access is via a short ladder.