This Cherished Hotel Near Yosemite Is Now a Thrilling Culinary Destination

Our Take at Dinogo

One of the most captivating aspects of Château du Sureau is its setting. Firstly, this beloved retreat, inspired by European architecture, feels wonderfully private: the castle-like hotel is nestled within nine acres of towering sugar pines, Douglas firs, and ponderosa trees, with the nearest town, Oakhurst, just a 15-minute stroll away. Moreover, it's only a 20-minute drive from Yosemite National Park, which attracts over 4 million visitors each year.

Château du Sureau is also a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, a distinguished collection of luxury boutique hotels and fine dining establishments, each with its own unique story. With a new culinary director at the helm, the hotel’s previously European-focused menu is now receiving a fresh, seasonal twist inspired by California cuisine.

Inside the Château, you’ll discover a grand salon featuring a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, shelves lined with leather-bound books, antique sofas, and a grand piano that once resonated with music from Yo-Yo Ma in a beautifully frescoed alcove.

Interestingly, the original vision for the property didn’t include a hotel. The first owner, an Austrian named Erna Kubin-Clanin, imagined a fine-dining restaurant tucked away in the trees. In 1984, Elderberry House, the on-site restaurant that still operates today, opened with tasting menus priced at $5. The restaurant quickly gained recognition, leading Kubin-Clanin to open a hotel in 1989, sourcing unique antiques from European shops and auctions to decorate each of the ten individually designed rooms. One suite even boasts a wooden bedroom set that current owner Jonathan Rosenson claims belonged to a German princess.

Who’s it ideal for?

For couples seeking charming hotels that celebrate history, national park lovers who desire convenient access to outdoor activities and a tranquil retreat (perhaps in the art nouveau spa or while enjoying a book in the parlor), and food enthusiasts who center their vacations around exceptional dining experiences.

The Setting

As you travel from Fresno Yosemite International Airport to the Château, about an hour’s drive away, you'll find rolling hills adorned with vibrant poppies and lupines along the single-lane highway. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains, you’ll encounter a variety of oak trees, including scrub, live, white, black, and red oaks. The iconic giant sequoias, like the ancient Grizzly Giant estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old, await you inside the park.

The property boasts a vast network of gardens linked by rustic pathways, where you might discover a wooden swing set overlooking a serene pond, a giant chessboard, a charming gazebo, or a bocce ball court—all nestled among ferns, daffodils, and tulips. Additionally, there's an outdoor pool and a full-service spa situated in a separate building behind the main house.

The Accommodations

The hotel features 10 guest rooms, each adorned with decor inspired by various flowers and herbs from the south of France, along with the exclusive two-bedroom Villa du Sureau. A heavy, rectangular metal keychain engraved with the name of the plant your room represents is attached to your room key.

I had the pleasure of staying in the Lavender room, which was filled with purple accents. It featured a king-size sleigh bed dressed in marshmallow-soft duvets and an abundance of pillows. The suite boasted a wood-burning fireplace, antique oil paintings of the countryside, wood-beamed ceilings, a metal chandelier, fresh flowers in vases, and a Juliette balcony overlooking the garden—a perfect spot for my morning coffee. The bathroom offered L’Occitane amenities and a deep soaking tub accompanied by jars of bath salts.

Upon check-in, each guest room is stocked with Gugelhupf, a rich Austrian bundt cake, and a bottle of certified organic natural red blend wine from the owner’s vineyard, Coquelicot, named after the red poppies that bloom in the French countryside. During turn-down service, the staff provides sweet treats (cookies one night, chocolates the next) and a handwritten note wishing guests pleasant dreams.

Culinary Offerings

At the close of 2022, Chris Flint took on the role of culinary director at the hotel. Previously, Flint was the executive chef at the Michelin-starred Maude in Beverly Hills, executive chef at NoMad in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and chef de cuisine at the prestigious three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park.

In spring 2023, Flint introduced his inaugural tasting menu (which changes quarterly), aimed at “bringing Yosemite to the table.” All ingredients are seasonal and sourced from local Central Valley farms. Some highlights from the six courses include marinated ahi tuna with radish and sorrel, black truffle tortellini with Parmesan, asparagus, and pickled mushrooms, as well as smoked duck breast with strawberry and spring onion. Guests can pair their dinner with wines selected by sommelier Erica Ruiz or choose from over 800 bottles available.

Nestled at the back of Elderberry House is the Cellar, a cozy bar with stone walls and wooden beams, serving more casual dishes like raclette burgers and butternut squash pappardelle. The cocktail menu here also changes with the seasons.

Breakfast is served on the patio of the main building each morning, featuring fresh juices, warm croissants with a selection of jams, and a daily entrée, which could include vegetable quiche or eggs Benedict.

Staff and Service

The delightful and attentive staff at Château du Sureau are ready to assist with everything from booking a spa appointment to organizing private tours of Yosemite National Park through their partner, Discover Yosemite, which includes packing a picnic for your adventure.

Accessibility Features

Château du Sureau offers one accessible room, known as the “Thyme Room,” along with ADA-compliant pathways leading to the Elderberry House and the spa. However, some rooms may present challenges for guests with mobility issues.

The Crest

As you stroll through the property, you may spot a logo featured on the robes, engraved into a wall, and painted on tiles, showcasing a wine chalice, a redwood tree, and a fleur-de-lis. This is the official crest of Château du Sureau (the original owner, being European, wanted the hotel to have one)—and it is slightly tilted, as only royalty can display a perfectly straight crest.