Heidelberg Inn & Resort in June Lake, California

Guests gather around the five-sided stone fireplace in the lobby, a space lined with historic photos of the movie stars who once stayed at the inn. Capra's piano from It's a Wonderful Life sits in the lobby, and the story of Charlie Chaplin falling asleep by the fireplace is part of the property's history. The lobby's central fireplace has four openings, with couches and wingback chairs arranged around it.

The hotel offers one- and two-bedroom condos with kitchenettes, separate bedrooms, and sofa bed seating in the living area. Kitchens include a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, electric burner, and a Keurig coffee machine; toaster ovens are available from the front desk upon request. Some rooms have balconies with views over June Lake and Carson Peak.

The hotel sits on June Lake's main street, within walking distance of June Lake Brewery, Tiger Bar, June Pie, and Balanced Rock Grill & Cantina. The General Store, Ernie's ski rental, and tackle shops are also nearby, and guests receive 10% off at multiple local eateries with their room key. Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, and Bodie Ghost Town are a short drive away, with downhill skiing at June Mountain, plus fishing and boating on June Lake and Gull Lake.

On-site recreation includes an outdoor hot tub, an indoor dry sauna, and BBQ facilities. The hotel has a dedicated fish cleaning room with sinks, knives, freezer bags, and a freezer for storing the catch, plus ski storage for winter guests. Laundry washers are available in the evening, and the hot tub overlooks the town.

The hotel is family-friendly, with movie nights on Mondays and Wednesdays, ice cream night on Tuesdays, and root beer floats on Thursdays. Families can borrow board games and DVDs from the front desk, and the game room offers billiards, table tennis, and darts. Staff organize daily activities and community events, and the property provides free parking and luggage carts for easy arrivals.

Architecture: Bavarian Alpine-style lodge built in 1921

History: Hollywood royalty retreat with Capra's piano

Events: Root beer floats, ice cream night, movie nights

Fishing: Dedicated fish cleaning room with freezer

Skiing: 5-minute drive to June Mountain

Dining: 10% off at local partner eateries

Family: One- and two-bedroom condos with kitchenettes