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Reviews of Valerian Retreat - Jewel of a Cabin with HOT TUB & Fire Pit -Secluded on 5 Acres

Valerian Retreat - Jewel of a Cabin with HOT TUB & Fire Pit -Secluded on 5 Acres
Mariposa, CA

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 270 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 279 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great country get away, near Yosimite.
We loved this property. It's simple, well located, quiet, and restful. It had everything we needed.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Property is a nice little get away. Was quiet and relaxing. Not too far from any stores for extra amenities and hiking trails to stretch the legs.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marissa R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely retreat
We had a great time staying here. It is so well equipped and clean. We enjoyed sitting in the hot tub after a day of exploring Yosemite. The beds are very comfy and the rooms are spacious. Ted and Connie were lovely and very communicative.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jannellys R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
We enjoyed the views and privacy of the cabin along with everything that was provided!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aileen Z., Metro Boston

Liked: Cleanliness
A slice of heaven
Everything about Valerian Retreat was absolutely perfect and as expected. Shared 2 nights with adult son and his GF. Communication with the owner Ted was always prompt and helpful. The home is super clean. So comfortable. Kitchen very well outfitted - better than most! They even had a little cooler for us to use for taking lunch into Yosemite park. Beds and bedding incredibly nice. The large windows opened smoothly with screens and we slept with them open. The property is bucolic, and perfectly represents what I’ve always imagined the CA foothills to look like. We enjoyed the hot tub, and comfy patio furniture and we ate dinner outside too.. Grill worked perfectly and we took full advantage of the laundry. The home has a clever layout and is tastefully decorated. We truly didn’t want to leave!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin P., Orinda

Liked: Cleanliness
Location and comfort
Great location and a very comfortable home. The home is spotless and has all amenities needed. Ted was very helpful during booking process and a pleasure to deal with.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Valerie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Oasis
We had a lovely stay at this property. Truly peaceful and beautiful, clean, comfortable beds, and wonderful hot tub. Hiked in the area and traveled to Yosemite one day (90-100 minutes each way to Bridalveil Falls). Enjoyed eating in town, and cooking at home. Responsive host.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julia H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great private lacation
Well kept and clean property! Close to Yosemite. Wildlife on property, saw turkey and deer.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay
We came to mariposa to celebrate my fiance’s birthday and it was a really nice quiet time we had the fire going and it was just what we needed very peaceful and tranquil
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lacey C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
Wonderful property. Perfect getaway for a long weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aadya S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful!
We loved the property. Beautiful surroundings between nature, pretty accessible to Mariposa downtown. Cozy rooms and kitchen with all essential utensils, warm fireplace. We stayed for 2 nights with family, including elderly and kids. We wanted to stay more :) The highlight is the warm jacuzzi outside which was kept ready with perfectly warm water when we came in. Will definitely visit again :)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

J I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our Annual Retreat!
This most recent stay was our fourth visit to The Valerian Retreat. We keep returning for the beautiful views, the quiet and seclusion, and the cozy nights by the fireplace. During our stay, we even had several visits by beetles, deer, turkeys, and coyotes! We always feel at home when we are here, and our boys always ask to return. Both Connie, the property manager, and Ted, the property owner, made our visit comfortable. We will be back again next year! Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded and cozy, near Yosemite
The house is comfortable and has all the amenities you’ll need. The home is located on 5 acres and offers lots of outdoor space including a cute back patio and hot tub. Home was clean and comfortable beds we plan to stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Serene, Private and lovely!
My fiance and I wanted to go be in nature for a weekend before the holidays, this was truly the perfect spot! The bed was the most comfortable bed (better than our one at home, lol) and the house was the perfect space to cook, hang out, watch a sunset, be outdoors, etc. The wifi worked well too (I had to work one of the days). The location only a few min outside of downtown Mariposa. Management was also awesome! We definitely want to come back :).
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

R. M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
Beautiful and peaceful.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and relaxing stay
Stayed at this cozy spot with my husband, two kids and two small dogs. Loved the quiet of the spot, expansive grounds and starry night views.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawlene R.

Liked: Cleanliness
FABULOUS Cabin/Cottage!
We felt so relaxed the minute we drove up! The house was so clean, Connie and Theodore were SUPER responsive for anything we needed. This house was amazing for star gazing/porch sitting and of course simple relaxing! The dogs were welcomed and LOVED the property! If it rains at all get ready for tiny frogs to be all over the porches and then scrunching themselves under the doors to get in when you open it! They are cute and easy to catch and release back out and if you turn out the porch lights they will disappear soon! What a GREAT way to have celebrated my Mother's 80th birthday! Thank you so very very much!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Short, but wonderful stay while visiting Yosemite
The Valerian Retreat was excellent. My only regret is we didn't have more time there. The cottage was immaculately cleaned. Lots of nice touches like maps of Yosemite and every kitchen utensil you could need. I was so excited to visit Mariposa Coffee Company and when we checked in we found a bag of their coffee on the counter! It's the little things ya know! We visited the town of Mariposa and had some great dinners there. Fredricks of Savourys was really good, we even checked out the Hideout Saloon, which was a great little hidden dive bar. We visited Yosemite of course, and the cottage location was great for both the Valley entrance and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias entrance. We made great use of our 2-night trip and we stayed busy, but it made it so nice to return to such a cozy home to rest. Very memorable trip! Thank you for the wonderful hospitality!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eileen B., San Jose, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved this quiet secluded cabin
We came with our 2 fur babies, and they ran around the property having a ball. It was nice to not be able to see the street as the dogs ran around on the main property without being distracted. (So loved the driveway that turned into a private yard). The cabin was very nicely furnished, The bed was SUPER comfortable. The kitchen had everything I needed to cook a dinner on stovetop and roast veggies in the oven. We had lovely fires in the fireplace on cool evenings. We enjoyed 3 wonderful meals in downtown Mariposa (only a quick 10 minute drive away). The property was very quiet and relaxing. Thank you for a lovely visit, Eileen n Jim
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sallee A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet, Solitude with a foothill panorama
Comfy, homey house with classic sweeping view out over the Sierra foothills. Very private, very clean and very quiet! Good beds! Close to town and a short drive to Yosemite.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
From the first discovery of this property to our departure, every part of our holiday was perfect. Ted, our host, was helpful, attentive, and available for every question. The cabin exceeded all expectations. The Valerian Retreat is just minutes from every convenience of civilization, yet entirely secluded and absolutely peaceful, allowing us to relax and soak in California's idyllic beauty. Even in late October, we we able to eat and play cards on the comfortable outdoor patio. The cabin is thoughtfully appointed and charmingly decorated. We can't wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris M., San Luis Obispo, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquil cabin
This cabin is located 10 minutes outside of Mariposa, which has a few lovely restaurants to dine in. It offered us the tranquility and quiet that we wanted just an hour from the gates into Yosemite.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Spot
We had a lovely time at the Valerian Retreat, only problem is that I wish we were there a little longer. We were on a trip from New York, and this was a peaceful, restful spot between San Francisco and LA. Good proximity to Yosemite, and a beautiful drive. Plenty of restaurants and shopping not far away. Cabin was clean, and roomy enough for my 1 year old to wander around safely. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Seongeun K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place for family vacation
We stayed here for 4 nights during our family vacation, and we brought along our fluffy dog too! I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a spot to unwind and also plan a Yosemite trip. It takes about an hour to get to the park, so the location is quite convenient. Additionally, the property was impeccably clean. Connie and Ted were amazing hosts; they responded promptly whenever we needed assistance. My family had an exceptional time here, and I would definitely consider revisiting this place in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Craig L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable, Clean, and Relaxing
Great property, very well maintained. Owner end manager were communicative and quick to resolve any issues
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Francisco B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for the family!
Our daughter love the place and didn’t want to leave. Its equipped with all your basic needs!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe, Palmdale

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Valerian Retreat was absolutely amazing! So incredibly relaxing. We brought our own hammock and watched the stars. We stayed almost a week, celebrating our anniversary. Steve’s Sports-bar is very close. We ordered from them several times. The property is very beautiful. We brought our dog and he really enjoyed the open country. Lots of wildlife. Beds are cozy! Mariposa is about 15 minutes away. Go check out the Hide-Out Saloon. Great tri-tip sandwiches. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. We will definitely be back! Would love to visit during the snow season. My wife loved taking pictures. We had a blast! Ted and Connie will make sure you have a wonderful time. Go check it out!

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect property
A lovely property that 100% suited our needs. Great location and very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

ANNA W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peacefull
Very relaxing, enjoyable surrounding, The beds and pillows are comfy which to me is very important. Our little granddaughter did not want to leave. She usually wants to go back home after 2 days.... This speaks volume to us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Addy O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Most Enjoyable Stay Experience
Super nice, very private location home that I would highly recommend and consider again next time I visit Yosemite National Park. Clean, modern appliances, outdoor grill, laundry room as wonderful amenities to staying At a home vs a hotel where you could pay the same price. The town location is short distance to National Park and has local supermarket, restaurants and nice street stores. What a great find.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kaori

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had such a good time during our stay here! It was super clean and we could find pretty much anything we need in the amenities. It made us feel at home. It was pretty educational to have a glance of their life in the cozy town and the neighborhood. It was about an hour to get Yosemite National Park and we liked the scenery very much. Thank you so much for letting us stay and have so many experiences. We would love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Yixin S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
It is an excellent place, quiet and beautiful. We loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Restful and Cozy
We had a nice time at the property. I especially liked the patio in mornings. Saw bunnies, squirrels, and a lizard.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Cabin
We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect fit
Clean and as advertised. Had a great time exploring Yosemite Valley/Wawona from this home base.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

George M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Comfort
Great short getaway. Clean and comfortable. Quiet with nice little town close by.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing place
Really enjoyed staying here for three nights while exploring Yosemite Valley. The house was about an hour drive away from Yosemite, not too bad but what I liked about it was how quiet and remote the property was. Very relaxing! Will definitely stay here again if staying in the area. Gas station and a cafe was within a mile away.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel H.

Liked: Cleanliness
wonderful retreat
It's very peaceful and relaxing. It's a short drive off a road which is, itself, a few miles from the main road so it's very quiet. Nice grill on the wonderful back deck area. Amenities are perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dave H., Koloa

Liked: Cleanliness
Sierra Hideaway
Great escape to a very special part of our great Country. I hope to return with other family members
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our own space
The property location and setting were perfect. The wildlife sights and sounds provided a sense of escape. Our little family traveled to the park every day possible (three days sandwiched between our two travel days), leaving in the morning and returning each dusk. Good news for all the guests suggesting a hot tub- it’s in the works, according to Connie. Although personally I dont feel it necessary, many expressed in the journal that they’d like to soak in hot water after a long day hiking. . . Mariposa and Oakhurst have plenty eating options and are 15-20 min away. We stocked up at Raley’s. The west entrance was by FAR the superior route to enter Yosemite- the Merced was flowing with force and the spring flowers blooming everywhere. We ONLY used the south entrance to visit fish camp and hike to the Giant Sequoias. Remember to drive slowly/safely especially in early morning and at dusk because wildlife; deer in particular, dart on to the roads often, and we unfortunately witnessed one get hit by oncoming traffic right at dusk on day two. Wish we couldve stayed another few days but love the memories made!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jaclyn S.

Liked: Cleanliness
GREAT!
All around, a wonderful stay! The property was incredible and perfect for what we were looking for.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful getaway, stellar communication
The property was stunning. They have provided everything you could need to have a nice home cooked meal (basics, crock pot, mixer, toaster, bbq - even a cooler if you’d like a picnic). The beds were comfortable with high quality linens. The bath towels were fluffy and soft but had a few stains. The used brick fireplace and large picture windows were the stars of our stay, allowing us to enjoy the great indoors during rain while watching the various wildlife roaming the property. Unfortunately we had very little water pressure during our stay (by very little we mean if a toilet was flushed, there was no more than a dribble from any faucet until some time after the water system recharged). We were able to contact the property manager and she was wonderful but unable to resolve the issue during our stay. Showering was a challenge but we made do. The only other issue we encountered was that the dishes were dirty and we had to clean them before using them. We assume the low pressure contributed to dishwasher’s inability to clean them properly. Thankfully they provided soap, sponges and towels to hand wash the dishes. We were surprised by a lovely welcome gift of local coffee and wine along with a personalized card. This was unexpected and much appreciated. My husband would mention that the internet wasn’t the best (wouldn’t handle more than some light video streaming), but that was a plus for me since I was hoping to unplug. We’d definitely consider staying again if in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Apr 2023
Hello Nancy, So happy that you had a nice time. Sorry about the water pressure and the dishes. We did find the cause; the well water filter was clogged. Now corrected. Your comments are much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cabin
The cabin and location were amazing. We were only there 2 nights and spent most of our time out and about in Yosemite. Next time we will stay longer to enjoy more of the cabin and its surroundings.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S., California

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Weekend Getaway
You will not be disappointed with your stay here. Definitely a space for relaxation. We have been to many VRBO locations and this one was by far the cleanest which was much appreciated. I fully enjoyed falling asleep on the couch being warmed by the fireplace. Thanks Ted for being a responsive host and thank you for being pet friendly and letting us bring our dog, it makes our trips away so much more enjoyable to have her with us! Plus there is nothing like the memories we have taking her to the snow in Yosemite.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alexander A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Phenomenal
We love staying here. It's the perfect retreat. Plan to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful getaway
We had a amazing time. Ted had made sure to think of everything. We enjoyed walking around the property which made hard to leave. Thank again for a wonderful experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing cabin, perfect getaway
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Mariposa. The cabin was so clean, organized, and cozy. It was an escape into a rural shangri-la we desperately needed. The beds are so comfortable and linens so soft you won't want to leave. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin R., Berkeley, CA USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy and private
I wanted a place to get together with close friends for a few days and relax. This space offered a combination of comfort and privacy that can be hard to find.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa B.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Valerian
My family and I enjoyed ourselves. The valerian is a beautiful log cabin located perfectly. It was peaceful. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful venue
Loved the solitude, nature and the house!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022