Timberline Lodge - Arnold - Bear Valley - Murphys
A straightforward base for the Sierra Nevada foothills
A place to stay in Arnold
Timberline Lodge sits in Arnold, California, putting guests within reach of Bear Valley and the small historic town of Murphys. Rooms start at $170 a night, and free on-site parking is included. The hotel has five room types, ranging from a standard Queen Room to a Family Room that sleeps four. Every room has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and free WiFi. It holds a 4.3/5 guest rating across 77 reviews.
Who this stay suits
A practical, no-frills hotel in Arnold with free parking and clean rooms — suited to anyone using it as a base rather than a destination.
Best for
- Couples visiting Bear Valley
- Small families needing multiple beds
- Road-trippers through the Sierra foothills
- Guests who need free parking
Less suited to
- Travellers wanting on-site dining
- Those seeking resort-style amenities
Arnold, CA — the setting
Arnold is a small Sierra Nevada foothills town in Calaveras County. The location puts guests close to Bear Valley ski area and the gold-rush-era village of Murphys, making it a practical stop for both winter and warm-weather visits.
Room setup and comfort
All rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with shower. The Quadruple Room and Family Room both include a tea and coffee maker, and the Family Room also has a microwave — useful for longer stays.
Parking and practical perks
Free private parking is on-site, which matters here given the driving-heavy nature of the region. WiFi is included across all room types at no extra charge, and the property is entirely smoke-free.
Rooms & suites
Queen Room
1 queen bed
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wifi
- Free toiletries
Quadruple Room
1 twin bed and 1 queen bed
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wifi
- Shower
Queen Room with Two
2 queen beds
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wifi
- Free toiletries
Family Room
2 twin beds and 2 queen beds
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wifi
- Shower
Standout features
Inside Timberline Lodge - Arnold - Bear Valley - Murphys
Amenities at Timberline Lodge - Arnold - Bear Valley - Murphys
Most popular facilities
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Flat-screen TV
- Shower
- Private Parking
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Media & Technology
- Flat-screen TV
Food & Drink
- Tea/Coffee maker
General
- Air conditioning
- Smoke-free property
With 77 reviews and a 4.3/5 rating, the hotel performs consistently well. Specific review themes were not available at time of writing, but the rating suggests guests generally leave satisfied. Free parking and WiFi are the most frequently cited practical strengths of the property.
- Highway noise audible from rooms (though earplugs often provided)
- Thin walls — neighbors' conversations and snoring clearly heard
- Some rooms dated, dark, or not yet fully renovated
- Small shower, uncomfortable pillows, or poorly padded seating in certain rooms
- Price considered high relative to room quality by some guests
“Julie, at the front desk, made check in a breeze! The room was REALLY spacious - comfy bed, plenty of space in the bathroom. Just all around a great find!!!!”
“The walls are REALLY thin so you can hear neighbors.”
“It's small town charm… the lobby was warm and welcoming and the staff was incredibly kind and hospitable. The room was cozy with a little gas fireplace.”
“Loved the very rustic pine paneling but clean and updated! The noise from the hwy 4 was there but not too bad.”
“Clean, comfortable for family of 4 people. Great communication when there was a potential issue with our room. Walking distance to several restaurants in town.”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
Where exactly is the hotel located?
The hotel is in Arnold, California — a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills in Calaveras County. It is within driving distance of Bear Valley and the historic town of Murphys.
Is parking free?
Yes. Free private parking is available on-site at no additional charge to guests.
Is WiFi free?
Free WiFi is included in all room types.
What room types are available?
There are five room types: King Room, Queen Room, Quadruple Room (one twin and one queen bed), Queen Room with Two (two queen beds), and Family Room (two twin beds and two queen beds).
Which room is best for a family with children?
The Family Room has two twin beds and two queen beds, sleeps the most guests, and also includes a microwave and tea and coffee maker. It starts from $294 per night.
Do rooms have air conditioning?
Yes, all five room types include air conditioning.
What is the cheapest room available?
The Queen Room is the most affordable option, starting from $170 per night. It has one queen bed, a private bathroom, free WiFi, and free toiletries.
Is the hotel smoke-free?
Yes, Timberline Lodge is a smoke-free property throughout.
What is near Bear Valley from the hotel?
Arnold is the closest town to Bear Valley ski area, making Timberline Lodge a practical base for trips to the slopes. Murphys, known for its wineries and historic downtown, is also nearby.
Do any rooms have a microwave?
Yes. The Family Room includes both a microwave and a tea and coffee maker. The Quadruple Room has a tea and coffee maker but no microwave listed.
What languages does staff speak?
Staff speak English.
How do I book?
Rooms can be booked directly through the hotel or via major travel booking platforms. Rates start from $170 per night depending on room type and dates.