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
- This historic 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
- 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 hotel itself. - Parking is free, even if you use the valet parking service
- Wireless Internet is free
- 100% non-smoking
- Heated swimming pool
- Tripadvisor reviews
- Annual Ahwahnee 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
Often mis-spelled as Ahwanee, the Ahwahnee Hotel gets its name from the Miwok word for "valley that looks like a gaping mouth." Built in 1927, it's "a stylish marriage of architecture and setting. A jewel that equals the natural beauty of Yosemite... the most luxurious hostelry in the national Parks," according to makers of the Public Broadcasting series Great Lodges of the National Parks.
Many have reviewed the Ahwahnee before me, and you've probably already heard about it. It's grand national park lodge, 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 Ahwahnee's biggest drawback is price: twice that of Yosemite Lodge. Even if you have the budget, it may be hard to get in: rooms fill up fast and early. Try calling for reservations 7 days in advance (when the cancellation policy takes effect) to snag a newly-canceled spot.
Dining options 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 review. 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.
