Westin Monache Resort

Description:

• Don't worry, I didn't pronounce it right the first time either. It's Mon-ah-she, which I think is ancient Native American for condo-hotel. Located in the Village at Mammoth adjacent to a 15-passenger express gondola, this new 230-unit condo-hotel is Mono County's first upscale full-service resort hotel, featuring 24-hour room service, concierge, and bell staff; ski valet and rental shop; and a pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, and underground parking. Accommodations consist of plush one- and two-bedroom suites (most with panoramic mountain views), Westin's signature Heavenly Beds, kitchens or kitchenettes, gas fireplaces, and 32-inch flatscreen TVs. The two-bedroom suites are big enough for the entire family, with two private bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a queen sofa bed in the living room. The hotel's Whitebark restaurant serves contemporary cuisine such as gilled steaks, seafood, and pizzas, or you can walk over to the numerous other restaurants in the village. Tip: Check the Monache website for "Hotel Offers," which can lower the rate to around $150 a night -- a pretty good deal for the county's fanciest digs.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010