Starlight Motel
511 S Main St, Big Pine, CA 93513, Big Pine, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.6 / 5
Starlight Motel is a modest, family-owned motel set along Highway 395 in Big Pine, California, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra. The 3-star property offers straightforward, clean rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, microwaves, and tea and coffeemakers, with rollaway beds and cribs available for an added fee. On-site amenities include a sundeck and BBQ grills, an airport shuttle, and 24-hour reception, making arrivals and departures flexible for road-trippers. Pets are welcome with prior arrangement, adding to its appeal for travelers exploring the outdoors with companions. The motel sits about a 14-minute walk from Mendenhall Park and roughly 24 miles from the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, while nearby natural landmarks include Big Pine Lakes, Temple Crag, Klondike Lake, and the Big Pine Creek Trailhead. Several local bus stops sit within a few hundred meters, and Eastern Sierra Regional Airport is about 24 kilometers away. It functions less as a resort and more as a practical, personable base for exploring the Sierra Nevada's alpine lakes and trails.
Best for
Starlight Motel suits hikers, road-trippers, and outdoor travelers heading into the Eastern Sierra, given its proximity to Big Pine Lakes, Temple Crag, and the Big Pine Creek Trailhead. Its BBQ grills, sundeck, and pet-friendly policy also make it a fit for casual travelers seeking a low-key, no-frills overnight stop along Highway 395 rather than a full-service resort experience.
Travel tips
Guests without a car can rely on the Big Pine bus stops located just a few hundred meters from the motel, while those flying in should note Eastern Sierra Regional Airport is about 24 kilometers away and the motel offers an airport shuttle. Plan for roughly a 45-minute drive to reach the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (about 24 miles), and consider an early start if you intend to hike toward Big Pine Lakes, First Lake, or Temple Crag, all of which are 17-19 kilometers away and require significant trail time.
What guests say
Reviewers consistently highlight the warmth and personal attentiveness of the on-site host or manager, describing welcome gifts of fruit, cookies, snacks, water, and even a cold beer offered late in the evening. Cleanliness and a quiet, comfortable atmosphere are frequently mentioned as strengths, with guests calling it a solid experience for a small town. A recurring minor critique is that room quality feels basic relative to the roughly $118 nightly rate, suggesting the accommodations themselves are simple even as the service stands out. Overall, hospitality and guest care emerge as the property's most distinguishing and praised feature.
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