Yosemite Lodge at the Falls Hotel Photos Yosemite National Parkk

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls provides accommodations that are comfortable, casual and well-suited for travelers.   One the brightest and most memorable impressions you'll arrive with and take home from your visit to Yosemite National Park is the view your room affords from most Yosemite National Park hotels. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls sits next to the highest waterfall in the North America, and I've had the pleasure of visiting twice when the falls were flowing. One warm winter several years ago the falls outside my hotel patio were running slowly but were majestic.   Inspiring views from the hotel property with its village dining rooms, amphitheater, gift and convenience shops, and main lobby all renew the tired spirit and energize worn souls.   The rooms, themselves, are simple and functional, featuring earth tones in bed spreads, carpets and drapes. Sharing a room with a travel mate, the double beds were firm, yet comfortable, and I slept like a baby. I was surprised to find the furnace next to my bed but did discover it after smelling something odd. My comforter was slightly on the heater and began to cook, which was upsetting. I asked my roomie why she didn't tell me she turned on the heat and she said she was cold and needed a shot of warmth. All turned out well, once I knew to avoid the heater next to my bed and not let the blanket get too close.   With an outcropping of two story buildings that contain the hotel rooms, at night you can dine on a hearty meal at one of several restaurants ranging from cafeteria style to full service, then stroll along the pathways to your accommodations. The scent of the forest, the chill in the air, and the darkened skies far from city lights all provide an experience that tells you this is right. It is the way life could be if you were willing to give up the city.   Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is the Food Court, Mountain Room Restaurant, and Mountain Room Lounge are the three dining options. Due to bears that wander the area hunting for food, guests are taught about leaving food in their cars, and must sign a paper stating they were informed and will adhere to the rules.  Maybe you have a banana, an apple or even chewing gum. The bear's nose is extremely sensitive and can find them.   With that in mind, the Yosemite Lodge Food Court is your best bet for breakfast and lunch. Kids will be happy to pick and choose their food favorites, and pre-packaged items are perfect for backpacking or hiking. After a day of sightseeing, unwind next to the Swedish-style fireplace at the Mountain Room Lounge where libations and lite-fare are available for lunch and dinner. The stylish Mountain Room Restaurant features more of Yosemite’s epicurean cuisine and provides a children’s menu for those under-developed taste buds.    The Lodge has a swimming pool open during summer months, and this becomes the favorite spot for kids to splash and play the day away if you let them. Many pint-size treats and touches are apparent throughout the family-friendly hotel. For instance, when you enter the main lobby, a stair step allows the kids to climb up to the counter and get something, usually a coloring book. With many rooms and suites suited for families, this hotel doesn't cut corners as far as kids are concerned.   The lobby is a popular hang-out for two reasons--internet access and the tour desk. You can get free wi-fi in the lobby, and you can buy tickets for the valley tours. The lobby is an interesting place to sit, check your email, and watch the constant motion of people with many accents, customs, and enthusiasm for the awe-inspiring location.     v      Yosemite National Park:  YosemitePark.com and www.NPS.gov/yose;           or call 559/252-4848.  Reservations for activities can be made seven days in advance by calling 209/372-1240 or when you arrive at your lodging. v      Evergreen Lodge: EvergreenLodge.com or 209/379-2606; 800/93-LODGE (USA). v      Yosemite Association: www.Yosemite.org. v      CalTRANS Road Information: 800/427-7623. v      Fall Foliage: v      Some babysitting services can be arranged at Yosemite Lodge or the Ahwahnee – but you need to arrange as far in advance as possible.