The Ahwahnee
Hotel Class: 
4 Stars - 16 Reviews and 539 Opinions
9005 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, California, 95389, United States
- Map
This Hotel - Hotel
Photos - Hotel
Amenities
Check Rates and Availability
of people enjoy staying here
555 Opinions
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Average
- Poor
- Terrible
Our Members Say
-
yosemiteed
- Reviews: 2
User Rating
Mid-Day fine dining without the cost of Dinner!
I have often visited the Awahnee Hotel Dining room.
The food is always excellent and is on par in price and quality with any better quality meal,
the difference, you get a taste of staying at the Awahnee, and a really wonderful meal and world class scenery, for 20 dollars per person. So if you are camping, or staying at a different hotel, you can still visit the Awahnee for lunch and have a great time there.
Unique Quality: Spectacular views, classic hotel, best fireplaces i can think of.
-
richiecdisc
- Reviews: 5866
Helpfulness
well, you don't HAVE to camp
Yosemite has many non-camping accommodation options that vary in price and amenities. The park features not one but two rustic old inns steeped in history but the premier one is certainly The Ahwahnee Hotel Built in 1927 with lots of stone and wood, it was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1987. It incorporates some Native American aspects and the overall feel of the place is charmingly rustic but decidedly upscale. This is a more grand place than those you will find in Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon but like its cousins, it being part of the National Park system, even those not staying in the hotel are welcomed to use its common areas. Big fire places make this a homey place to sit around and write post cards.
If interested in staying, you will pay dearly with lowered tiered rooms going for over $400 per night. Even at those prices, you will have to reserve in advance.
- Opinion of Price: most expensive
- Related to: Photography, Luxury Travel, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
The Ahwahnee Photo: must say it was grand and cosy too
-
sennaya
- Reviews: 574
User Rating
Helpfulness
Awahnee inYosemite
Unique Quality: Large logs and open design with many southwestern themes, beautirful architecture built inteh 1930s.
- Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
- Related to: Architecture, Road Trip
The Ahwahnee Photo: The Awahnee from the back yard
-
zejdl
- Reviews: 3
User Rating
Helpfulness
Yosemite's Best Hotel
Staying at the Ahwahnee during the Winter was on my "life goals" list and we did it. The view of the mountains and waterfalls from the huge lodge windows with a blazing fireplace is phenomenal. The hotel is aging and the bathroom tiles show it. The hotel room decor is rustic and sparse but the public areas and outdoors make up for it.
Unique Quality: Unsurpassed views. Risk: They have bears that will tear your car apart if you leave food inside.
- Opinion of Price: most expensive
The Ahwahnee
-
jadedmuse
- Reviews: 612
Helpfulness
My Dream Hotel
Yes, there are hotels and then there is The Ahwahnee. It is the hotel you WISH you could afford to stay at, but since you can't, you're glad you at least had the chance to see it.
I fell in love with it.....it was everything I love in a hotel and then some. And it was where I wanted to be staying in the WORST WAY....I vowed to stay here on a return visit one day.
As described in the website, The Ahwahnee was completed in 1927 and features a unique blend of design influences including Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and Arts & Crafts Movement. It is a member of the National Historic Hotels of America, and rightly so.
Unique Quality: In a word: breathtaking.
Both inside and outside. Actually when you come upon it as we did during a bike hike, you're awed at the stunning architecture and natural backdrop.
Unfortunately, rates are out of this world, starting in the $400 a night. That puts a big boo-hoo on the future plans, but maybe I'll hit the lottery and splurge one day....
The Ahwahnee will be worth it.
- Opinion of Price: most expensive
- Related to: National/State Park, Hiking and Walking, Adventure Travel
The Ahwahnee Photo: Courtesy of the Yosemite National Park website
-
mikelisaanna
- Reviews: 940
User Rating
Helpfulness
A Grand Old Lodge in a Beautiful Setting
We enjoyed the Ahwahnee. If you expect perfection (like a Ritz-Carlton or a Four Seasons), then you may find things about this hotel that annoy you, because it is not perfect. But that is part of its charm. It is unique - a grand old lodge in one of the most beautiful valleys on Earth. It is like stepping back into the past - men wear jackets to dinner and they have afternoon tea. We loved taking a dip in the pool after each day's sightseeing, then getting dressed up to go to a great dinner. Our daughter, who was 3 at the time, had fun as well, as there was plenty of space to run around in outside the hotel.
Unique Quality: The Ahwahnee is a grand old lodge that was built during the 1920's in an effort to lure wealthier travelers to Yosemite. While maybe not quite up to Ritz-Carlton standards, it is far and away the nicest place to stay in Yosemite National Park. It is very expensive (rooms are around $300 per night, and the restaurant is around $100 per person for dinner), but we loved it. The hotel has large lodge-style public areas with 25-foot ceilings and fireplaces. The surrounding views are magnificent, because the hotel sits in the valley right below the cliffs. The grounds were pleasant and there is a small swimming pool, which our daughter liked. The restaurant served excellent food and its staff was friendly. The only thing that was a little lacking was the bar, which was so-so, but most people don't come to Yosemite for drinks.
- Opinion of Price: most expensive
The Ahwahnee Photo: The Great Lounge in the Ahwahnee Hotel
-
100ACRE
- Reviews: 209
User Rating
Ahwahnee Hotel
Premier place to stay: The Ahwahnee Hotel.
- Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
The Ahwahnee Photo: Ahwahnee Hotel
-
jessicadf
- Reviews: 704
User Rating
Helpfulness
A place of history and grandeur
The Ahwahnee is a national historic landmark, and one beautiful building. Built to attract the wealthy to Yosemite National Park, in the hopes of getting them to support the fledgeling National Park System, this hotel still exudes elegence and rustic beauty.
While looking like it's built of rock and wood, it is actually made of steel and cement, with plenty of rock on top. The exterior structure that looks like wood is actually cement that's been poured in to wooden frames and then stained to have a redwood color. The idea behind this being that the structure of the building is fireproof. So far, so good... much history has taken place here, and it's worth the expensive price for a night here.
We got a standard room with a semi-obstructed view of Glacier Point. It was a pretty normal room, with nothing really special except for a neat view. It was definitely comfortable, and the bathroom was tiled nicely and had great light. The toiletries provided were top notch, too.
When you're here, make sure to enjoy complementary afternoon tea and cookies in the Great Lounge, and grab your coffee in the first floor elevator lobby in the mornings.
- Opinion of Price: most expensive
The Ahwahnee
-
Robachu1
- Reviews: 98
User Rating
Helpfulness
Yosemite's Best but still overpriced
We only stayed for two short days but are glad we had the experience. That isn't to say that the experience was perfect or even what I was anticipating. Unfortunately the hotel chose to remodel during the time of our visit. They were kind enough to send me an email notifying me of the fact about two weeks prior however. When we arrived much of the hotel was surrounded by scaffolding (it really distracted from the beauty of the hotel).
It also seemed as though the front desk staff had never heard of early check-in. One might think that a place which charged almost $400/night might allow their guests to enter their room a bit early.......
Our room however was quite nice. The only thing available when I booked on the internet was a cottage room. It was large and surrounded by shade trees and quite comfortable. There was no air conditioner but even though we were there in the middle of summer (temp. 90 to 95), the ceiling fan was more than enough to keep us cool.
Unique Quality: The Ahwahnee is a beautiful hotel both inside and out. It is wonderful to just relax in the common areas surrounded by wood and stone and step back into a quieter more elegant time.
- Opinion of Price: most expensive
The Ahwahnee Photo: Hidden by the trees
-
acemj
- Reviews: 4857
Helpfulness
For the big spenders
Got $350 to $400 per night to spend? If not, skip this tip and move on! If so, read on my rich friend (and email me about a great investment opportunity . . . the Acemj Dream Trip fund).
This place is a true luxury hotel with concierge service to take care of all your needs, a five star restaurant and rooms with spectacular views. The setting in the Valley is convenient and breathtaking.
- Opinion of Price: most expensive
The Ahwahnee
Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful
More about The Ahwahnee
Photos
Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel
The gorgious lobby of the Ahwahnee Hotel
The lovely Ahwahnee Hotel
Forum Posts
Ahwahnee Reservations
I understand that you can make reservations for the Ahwahnee 1 year and 1 day before you intend to stay at the Ahwahnee. I also hear that is can be tough getting a room there in the summer. If your plan is to visit there in the summer, are there any suggestions for improving your chances for getting a reservation for your desired dates ? For example, is it better to make your reservations by phone, or is making a reservation online better ? Is it better to call first part of the week or latter part of the week. Just curious. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Re: Ahwahnee Reservations
Having booked at national parks before, I don't think it matters how you do it - just do it as soon as you are allowed to (like 1 year and 1 day in advance). If you are trying for THIS summer, just call them now - it doesn't matter what day of the week. You might be out of luck but you never know...
Does their website allow you to try and book online - with results that show you if they're already booked?
Re: Ahwahnee Reservations
Yes, I just checked their website and it does allow you to place your requested dates and then shows you if those dates are open and what's available. Try that first - you'll at least see right away if you need to pursue different options.
Re: Ahwahnee Reservations
....and do be agressive and get a room there, - it is a one of a kind hotel. I stayed there every two weeks for a whole summer season with my tours, and I loved it every time. The dining room is an amazing place to enjoy a leisurely dinner.
When you get there, - just for fun - asks them about the batcave. They will likely fall over as no one is supposed to know about that room. The tour managers often volunteered to stay in the bat cave as we know it is perfectly harmless. It is a room with the ceiling about three stories up and the ceiling is full of bats, but they never came down from there. ( It is possible that they eliminated this "problem" after they renovated the hotel, but it was fun back then....)
Re: Ahwahnee Reservations
LOL!!! Only you would know about a thing like that, Erik!
Re: Ahwahnee Reservations
....there is more to this kid than meets the VT eye........d:o)
Re: Ahwahnee Reservations
You're killin' me here....
And back to the subject at hand:
Yes, do be aggressive, and check back - reservations DO cancel. Just don't hold out hope until the last minute as then closest surrounding accommodations are also likely to be full. You do need a bed somewhere and you'd prefer it to be decent rather than the only option left.
Re: Ahwahnee Reservations
.....and if all else fails, - tell'em you'll take the bat cave.....d:o/
Re: Ahwahnee Reservations
Both the online booking engine and the telephone agents work off of the same inventory.
The benefit to using the online service is no waiting in queue for the next telephone agent.
Explore the World
- Grand Palladium Palace Resort, Spa & Casino
- Grand Hyatt New York
- Holiday Inn Bandung
- City Garden Hotel Makati
- Parc 55 Hotel San Francisco
- Grand Hyatt Dubai
- Holiday Inn Midtown 57th Street
- Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa
- Holiday Inn St. Augustine Beach
- Indigo Pearl
- La Calcina
- Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa
- Las Arenas Hotel
- Shangri-La Singapore
Travelers also viewed
The People
Our Members Say
The Ahwahnee is a beautiful hotel both inside and out. It is wonderful to just relax in the common areas surrounded by wood and stone and step back into a quieter more elegant time.
6 members live in Yosemite National Park
- The Ahwahnee: Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
- Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
- The Ahwahnee: Great Rooms. Great Rates.
- Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
Sponsored Links
Hotel Helper
Yosemite National Park
Near The Ahwahnee
Great Hotels for Less
Questions and Answers
Q: Driving San Fran-lake tahoe-yosemite and back... "Hi, Myself and 3 friends are planning a big trip around America and our last week is spent in San Fran/LA. We have been told that..."
A: "Leave San Francisco on the afternoon of the 12th, drive to Yosemite, spend the night, then haul back to the coast to Monterey and follow it down from there. Skip Tahoe...."
- The Ahwahnee: Save Up To 50% On Hotels
- ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
- The Ahwahnee: Compare hotel Rates !
- Booking.com Excellent choice, Save money
Sponsored Links
Latest Yosemite National Park hotel reviews
- Yosemite Lodge At The Falls
- 838 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 12, 2012 - Housekeeping Camp
- 115 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Nov 7, 2011 - Curry Village
- 676 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 12, 2012 - Wawona Hotel
- 467 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 13, 2012 - Yosemite Foresta Hilltop Cabins
- 10 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Aug 15, 2011 - Upper Pines Campground
- 21 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 12, 2011 - E. C. Yosemite Motel
- 34 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Dec 6, 2011 - Hodgdon Meadow Campground
- 21 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 9, 2012 - Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort
- 173 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 8, 2012 - Crane Flat Campground
- 13 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 3, 2011 - Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- 27 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Nov 8, 2011 - Cozy Bear Cottages
- 49 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 14, 2011 - White Wolf Lodge
- 24 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 17, 2011
- The Ahwahnee: Great Rooms, Great Prices
- Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-45-HOTEL
- The Ahwahnee: Save on Hotel + Flight Packages
- Expedia Vacations Book with Best Price Guarantee. Click or call now: 1 - 800-713-8214
- The Ahwahnee: Book Now - Pay Later!
- Venere.com Best Prices & No Cancellation Fees! Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs and More!
- Yosemite National Park: Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
- Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Sponsored Links
- Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
- Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
- Low Hotel Prices Made Easy
- ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
- Find the perfect activity!
- Expedia.com Book early before things sell out. Skip long lines and save on tickets!
- Save up to 60% on hotels.
- Hotwire.com Hotwire: Get a 4-star hotel for a 2-star price.
Sponsored Links
The Ahwahnee
We've found that other people looking for this hotel also know it by these names:
- Ahwahnee Yosemite National Park
- Ahwahnee Hotel Yosemite National Park
Address: 9005 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, California, 95389, United States