The Bottom Line
Pros
- The Ahwahnee Hotel is the nicest place to stay inside Yosemite National Park
- Rooms have views of the surrounding valley, granite walls and trees
- The historic Ahwahnee Hotel has much character, its design preserved while it's been updated
- Like the Yosemite Lodge, the Ahwahnee Hotel is a convenient base to explore the Yosemite Valley
Cons
- The Ahwahnee Hotel is so popular that it's filled up far in advance
- Winter events such as the Bracebridge Dinner can disrupt the public spaces and close the dining room
Description
- Ahwahnee Hotel
1 Ahwahnee Road, Yosemite National Park, CA
801-559-5000
Website - 99 rooms
24 cottages. From what we read, the cottages are not up to the standard of the main hotel.
Pets not allowed - Parking is free, even if you use the valet parking service
- Wireless Internet is free
- 100% non-smoking
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Restaurants on premises include the Ahwahnee Dining Room and the Ahwahnee Bar - and they offer room service
- Tripadvisor reviews of the Ahwahnee Hotel
- Annual Ahwahnee Hotel events include Vintners' Holidays (Nov), Bracebridge Dinners (Dec), Chefs' Holidays (Jan-Feb).
- Even if you don't stay at the Ahwahnee, you can visit. Sign up for a guided tour at the concierge desk, or just hang out.
Guide Review - Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel gets its name from the Miwok word for "valley that looks like a gaping mouth." This grand hotel is one of the classic national park hotels. Built in 1927, its architecture is influenced by Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and Arts & Crafts styles.
Many have reviewed the Ahwahnee Hotel before me, and you've probably already heard about it. It's well worth a visit. The rooms are comfortable and nicely modernized while retaining their historic character. Ours had a comfy king-sized bed, table and armoire - enough room for two adults. It was clean enough to satisfy my fastidious sweetie, had a nice view of the valley walls and was quiet at night.
The Ahwahnee Hotel is one of the few this writer has stayed in that enticed me to stay put. Especially in winter, the big public rooms, warmed by enormous wood fires and filled with comfy chairs and sofas make it hard to find an excuse to go outside, even in such a beautiful place.
The biggest drawback to the Ahwahnee Hotel is price: twice that of nearby Yosemite Lodge. Even if you have the budget, it may be hard to get in: rooms fill up fast and early. If you don't have any luck, try calling for reservations 7 days in advance (when the cancellation policy takes effect) to snag a newly-canceled spot.
Dining options at the Ahwahnee Hotel include the main dining room and a limited menu in the bar. The restaurant can be disrupted during the Bracebridge Dinners, Vintners and Chefs Holidays.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary accommodation for the purpose of reviewing the Ahwahnee Hotel. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
