Observations
The sign on the structure reads "Cedar Grove Village" and goes on to list the various service offerings, the first of which states "Hotel." It's rather optimistic; Cedar Grove isn't much of a "village" and it definitely isn't a "hotel." There is the distinct possibility of a spelling error -- Cedar Grove feels more like a "hostel" than a "hotel." There is nothing wrong with any of this, exactly, assuming that prospective lodgers know what they are in for.
Cedar Grove Lodge is a utilitarian structure that was built in the late 1970s. The NPS and various local interests had long pushed for a massive "village" complex with hundreds of cabins and various shoppes and services to support a classic park lodge. For decades the project was stonewalled by the concessionaire, who claimed that Sequoia/Kings Canyon offered nothing to rival the wonders of Yosemite, and therefore required nothing more than simple canvas cabins. Once the old Kings Canyon concessionaire sold out, a new operator built a small, simple structure to provide groceries, a food counter, and a handful of rooms. Three decades later, it is virtually unchanged but for periodic modernizing and rehabilitation.
Notice the absence of the word "improvement." There hasn't been much; guests still complain about paper-thin walls and undersized bathrooms. Rooms are tiny and stark. No phones, no televisions, no coffee makers, not much of anything. No services after 9 pm in high season; 7 pm in early and late season.Patios (or decks if you will) on the south face of the building provide room to relax and chat with fellow guests.
by Robert Stone
by Laurel Scheidt