Getting to Yosemite National Park<  Yosemite Vacation > Restaurants & Dining

Falling for Yosemite: Hotels, Where to stay in Yosemite National Park

By: Barbara Steinberg

Answering the lodging question may be the toughest: Is this a family outing? A romantic getaway for two? The budget Lodging possibilities range from the 4-diamond grand dame of the park, The Ahwahnee Hotel and the family-oriented Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, to the Victorian elegance of the Wawona Hotel and Curry Village which includes motel rooms, cabins with and without baths, and unheated canvas tents.  Checking online will provide additional information about accommodations, amenities and rates, plus the availability of wonderfully priced packages. Plan early to give yourself the best options!

The majestic lady of Park lodging is The Ahwahnee Hotel. This celebrated, 4-diamond resort rests grandly among the pines and by the Royal Arches, a dramatic granite wall popular with climbers.  The Ahwahnee’s regal architectural details combine the best of the Art Deco and Arts & Crafts movements with a splash of Native American and Middle Eastern influences.  Spacious common areas and 99 elegantly appointed rooms – there’s not a bad view in the house – are romance personified.  Surrounded by dogwood trees, 24 cottages provide a private showing of dazzling red foliage during the Fall season. Hotel rooms have stunning views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Lower Yosemite Falls (dry this time of year).  Yosemite Village is an easy walk or shuttle ride from the hotel.

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is ideal for families with kids (or not).  There are 245 rooms including four family rooms – which include one double bed, three single beds, a sofa bed, and a dining table.  Daily maid service is available in each of the rooms.  After registering, be sure to check out the tour desk for upcoming activities.  The Lodge is located near Yosemite Falls.  Even though it’s dry this time of year, Yosemite Falls (the highest waterfall in North America) is still worth a look and a stroll along the Merced River. The Lodge complex also includes an outstanding gift shop and small convenience store, just in case!

Whether romance or family-time is on your agenda, the Victorian-era Wawona Hotel provides the best of all possibilities.  Located in the southern end of the park, this oldest of Yosemite accommodations is reminiscent of a soft Southern Belle. Sweeping verandas and Adirondack chairs whisper your name. Rooms with or without baths are available. If you’re really looking to escape any of the “crowds” in Yosemite Valley and still have endless possibilities of things to see and do…come to Wawona. 

Outside of the Park boundaries, Evergreen Lodge offers couples and families a rare opportunity to enjoy all of Yosemite, including the little-visited Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.  A variety of fully-furnished cabins and cottages accommodate up to six guests. Or if you want something more natural, check-out their new “custom camping” rates.  It’s the beauty of sleeping under the stars, without any of the hassles of pitching a tent. 

The closest hotel outside the Park is Yosemite View Lodge.

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