Chateau du Sureau: 5-Star European Luxury Just 16 Miles From Yosemite

The Château du Sureau is an award-winning boutique hotel with ten luxurious rooms located in Oakhurst, California, just south of Yosemite National Park.

Chateau Du Sureau in Oakhurst California

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Chateau du Sureau: Award-Winning 5-Star Luxury Near Yosemite

Chateau du Sureau offers an old-world charm set in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains in Oakhurst, California.

The Chateau is 48 miles (55 minutes) from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport and 16 miles (30 minutes) from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

Each guest room is decorated in an old European style that matches the feel of the entire Estate by the Elderberries. We stayed in the Chamomile Room, which was gorgeously appointed and had a king-size canopy bed.

Most of the guest rooms are located on the second floor of the Chateau, but a few are located on the main level. They do have ADA-accessible access to the main floor for guests needing it.

The first morning, we awoke to the smell of fresh croissants baking downstairs in the kitchen. We had scheduled ourselves to be up and out of the hotel by 5:30 am to get into Yosemite National Park for sunrise and to take photos of the gorgeous fall leaves. Right then, I seriously questioned our schedule as I had to crawl out of the crazy, comfortable bed.

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The staff was unbelievable and put together a breakfast package with fresh croissants and fruit for us since we would be missing breakfast. We paired the fresh croissants with jam and brie from the Yosemite Valley grocery store, and it may have been the best car picnics we have had.

Thankfully, we learned our lesson after the first morning and made it to breakfast the following day. The fresh croissants are not to be missed! Each morning, we were greeted with a personalized breakfast menu detailing the morning options and information on Yosemite.

The service at the Chateau is impeccable. The staff greets you by name and ensures you are happy during your entire stay. Every staff member we talked with went out of their way to ensure our stay was terrific.

The sitting room in the Chateau is what dreams are made of. It's the perfect place to relax by the fire with a book and forget about all your stresses.

I could have easily spent an entire afternoon curled up in the corner of the couch with a good book and just relaxed.

Our Stay in the Chamomile Room: King Canopy Bed & Limestone Soaking Tub

We walked into the Chamomile Room and had to take a second to soak in the gorgeous room. There was a king-size canopy bed, a writing desk, two comfortable chairs, a fireplace, and a limestone soaking tub. This room was created for luxurious relaxation.

I wish we had planned more time to relax and do nothing at the Chateau. On our final morning, we decided to change our schedule and spend a few hours genuinely enjoying the peaceful luxury of our room and the Chateau. It was pure bliss.

Sitting in the Chamomile Room with open windows looking out over the grounds was beyond relaxing. I could have happily spent the entire day relaxing with a good book and a cup of hot tea.

One of the little luxuries that truly impacted our stay was the sweet little notes left by the staff during the turndown service. After spending 10+ hours out exploring Oakhurst and Yosemite, we would return to the room to find a couple of house-made chocolates or sweet treats, along with a small card wishing us a good night.

One of the cards said, "May all of your dreams be filled with Magic!" This small card now sits on my nightstand and makes me smile every night before I go to sleep. It is a reminder to savor the luxury in life and take time to dream big.

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Wine at Chateau Du Sureau in Oakhurst California

Villa Sureau: 2,000 Sq ft Private Parisian Manor with Butler

If you are looking for a private getaway, look no further than the Villa Sureau. This 2,000 sq. ft. Parisian Manor features two bedrooms with private baths, a sitting room, a library, and a gorgeous balcony to look out over the grounds.

Amenities:

Fine antique furnishings
Precious art
Charming details abound
Two lavish marble bathrooms
Whirlpool tubs and steam showers
Luxury with sumptuous bathrobes, towels
Finest toiletries
Personal butler

Planning Your Stay: Essential Information

Address:
48688 Victoria Lane
Oakhurst, CA. 93644

Check-in time: 3:00 PM If arriving before check-in time, please call to make arrangements.

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Pet Policy:
Pets are allowed on the downstairs floor only. Pets are allowed in the Mint Room, The Ciboulette Room, and The Sweet Geranium and Thyme Room. Pets must be over one year old and under 15 pounds. There is also a non-refundable pet fee.

Accessible Rooms:

The Thyme Room is an Accessible Unit

Luxury Amenities and Features

Complimentary newspapers
Premium bedding
Free valet parking
Complimentary wi-fi
Outdoor pool
Pillowtop beds
Breakfast included
Air conditioning
Electric car charging station on-site
TV in common areas
Restaurant/bar, spa on site.
So many more! My personal favorite was treats left in the room and in common areas!

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Elderberry House: Fine Dining with Farm-to-Table Excellence

The Elderberry House, formerly Erna's Elderberry House, is the Chateau du Sureau Restaurant located on-site near the chateau. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience with 3-course and 5-course dinner options. The restaurant is comfortable and luxurious, perfect for a fantastic dinner.

The Elderberry House features ingredients from local farms that harvest local ingredients exclusively for them. There is also a charming cocktail menu and a sommelier on-site to help you pick the perfect wine pairing with your meal.

Dinner at Elderberry House Restaurant Oakhurst California

The dinner menu changes nightly based on what is fresh and available. Here is a look at our dinner options:

Ora King Salmon Tartare - beet, avocado, creme fraiche, mustard

Cast Iron Seared Diver Scallop - Burgundy truffle risotto, pea tendrils, parmesan

Estate Grown Zucchini Velouté - curry creme, cilantro, borage

Brandt Farm's Beef Ribeye - Anson Mills polenta, long bean, radish, bell pepper jam, local okra

Stone Fruit Ravioli - herb chevre, pecan, arugula, red onion

Lemon Mascarpone Mousse - salted caramel, white chocolate, strawberry

Hazelnut Financier - dark chocolate, raspberry, praline crumble

Vegetarian Menu

Local Beet Tartare - avocado, creme fraiche, mustard

Burgundy Truffle Risotto - pea tendrils, parmesan, autumn flora

Estate Grown Zucchini Velouté - curry creme, cilantro, borage

Bounty of Seasonal Vegetables - Anson Mills polenta, long bean, radish, bell pepper jam, local okra

Stone Fruit Ravioli - herb chevre, pecan, arugula, red onion

Lemon Mascarpone Mousse - salted caramel, white chocolate, strawberry

Hazelnut Financier - dark chocolate, raspberry, praline crumble

If you have any dietary restrictions, the restaurant requests advanced notice so they can craft a menu you will love.

You will want to dress for dinner with a nice jacket and tie for men and a casual dressy or elegant outfit for women. We saw everything from church dresses to formal gowns during our dinner.

Reservations are accepted by phone Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at (559)683-6800 and can be made online.

Hands-On Cooking Classes With Master Chefs

Chateau Du Sureau does offer cooking classes on occasion. Check before your arrival to see if there are any class offerings. We had a genuinely fantastic experience taking the Sweet Treat Hors d'Oeuvres class.

The Sweet Treats Hors d'Oeuvres class was excellent, and I want to return to every class they offer. The chef led us into the kitchen for a hands-on class filled with great baking tips and tricks.

We laughed, learned, ate more than enough sweet treats, and honestly had the best time. I would take another one of these classes in a second. I now dream of taking the three-day immersive cooking school they offer that covers everything from bread to wine to main dishes.

A few of the recipes we learned to make include these Lemon Butter Cookies, Pate a Choux Craqueline with Vanilla Mousseline, Seasonal Pate de Fruit, Cinnamon Apple Tartlet with Chantilly Cream, and Thumbprint Cookies.

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Spa du Sureau: European Kurs & Luxury Treatments

Spa du Sureau offers luxurious treatments, including facials, massages, and body care. Each treatment starts with the signature Elderberry footbath and a taste of local honey.

They offer three traditional European Kurs: Thalassotherapy (Marine Therapy), Krauter (herbal baths), and Thermal Mineral (mud & medicinal elements).

If you are plus size, the robes fit up to about a size 2x, and then get a bit tight. If you are heavier in the chest or above a size 2x, you may want to bring a swimsuit under your robe before your treatment. The foot bath is done in the main lobby of the spa.

Tours of the Oakhurst/Bass Lake surrounding area and to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1-3.5 Hours | 🚂 Check Rates and Availability

Step back in time on this historic narrow-gauge railroad where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra National Forest, just 10 minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. The conductor-narrated rides (1 to 3.5 hours) take you through majestic woods while sharing the area's logging history, with options ranging from the classic steam train to special themed trips like the Moonlight Special and Yosemite Jazz Train. Perfect for families and multi-generational groups, the experience includes gold panning, a logging museum, and the Kids' Depot Toy Store, all wheelchair accessible with leashed dogs welcome on board.

California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
Death Valley's Unique Geology
Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

Visit Yosemite National Park on a full day tour from Oakhurst that starts early to beat the crowds, with time to see the very best of the spectacular Yosemite Valley. Take in Bridalveil Fall, Sentinel Bridge, and Half Dome, then eat lunch at the base of Yosemite Falls and spot rock climbers from the El Cappitan Meadows. Includes pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Oakhurst.

Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point(Denny's in Oakhurst).

The tour includes stops at Glacier Point(April-November), depending upon the weather, and several stops in the Yosemite Valley. The valley stops include Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge, Chapel, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more!

Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!

If Chateau du Sureau is Full: Other Oakhurst Hotels

Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas are very popular, making it difficult to find a room. Below is a list and map of additional hotel options in the Oakhurst Area.

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The Pines Resort is the only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting just 17 miles from the park's south gate on the shores of Bass Lake. Choose from lakeside suites with wood-burning fireplaces and soaking tubs, chalets with full kitchens, or larger cabins perfect for family reunions, all with stunning lake and mountain views. After exploring Yosemite's waterfalls and giant sequoias, head back to enjoy the seasonal pool, private beach, boat rentals, and farm-to-table dining at Ducey's on the Lake restaurant right on the property.

⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Chuckchansi Gold Resort & Casino - Click here for Rates and Availability.

This AAA Four Diamond resort sits 16 miles south of Yosemite's gateway in Coarsegold, offering a perfect blend of mountain relaxation and entertainment after your park adventures. All rooms feature modern furnishings, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and stunning foothill views, while suites include fireplaces and jetted tubs for unwinding after a long day on the trails. With seven restaurants (including the excellent Vintage Steakhouse), a full-service spa, hot tub, casino gaming, and prompt room service, you'll have everything you need between your Yosemite explorations.

⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - The Inelle Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The Inelle is Oakhurst's stylish boutique hotel and part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio, located minutes from Yosemite's southern entrance with thoughtful details throughout that pay tribute to John Muir and the Sierra Nevada. Each room features pillowtop mattresses, mini-fridges, ergonomic workstations, walk-in showers, and Yosemite travel guides right on your nightstand to help plan your park adventures. After a day on the trails, head to the Hemlock Restaurant and Bar for craft cocktails and farm-to-table dining, then relax in the gorgeous outdoor seating area or work out any trail soreness in the well-equipped fitness center.

Click this link or the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Oakhurst/Yosemite.