The Ahwahnee - Yosemite Valley, California

Alexandra H

This is a beautiful and authentic historic treasure. Our stay was a birthday gift from my husband and, while it took me 70 years to get here, the reality met the dream. We stayed in the Mary Curry Suite which is charmingly reminiscent of what Queen Elizabeth may have seen when she visited. From the comfortable bed to the cozy reading area, to the table large enough to play a game of rummikub, all matched our idea of a lovely getaway. The staff was very cordial and helpful (though one dining hostess seemed weary of repeating to people that there is a wait list). The buffet breakfasts were hardy and varied and the evening buffet had just enough variety with thoughtfully prepared meats and fish. And the dining room, itself, is a marvel to enjoy during a meal. Housekeeping was prompt and respectful of our hours. I encourage those visiting the Ahwahnee to recognize that it is historic and authentic. It was designed in 1927 to feel like a luxurious country home, and the present day rooms reflect that. Renovations must be thoughtful, careful, and respectful of its status on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also open to a public that is likely hiking the park during the day, with the attendant gear. Personally, I find its somewhat worn appearance charming and comfortable and would not hesitate to sing its praises.

Bruce W

Sometimes it’s best to bulldoze and start over again, yes we booked two nights but mandatory. Valet parking at like $30 per day. The day we checked on we were told there was no electricity from 8 AM to 4 or 5 PM as work was going on. So when we got to room it was cold. DR must be reserved and price was $60 pp before tips and taxes for semi warm cafeteria type food, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and 50 degrees temperature in DR. But when I complained to mgmt they offered no price cuts on anything. If they new work was going to be done one would think they would just shut down property for a week or two. There are 5 floors and elevators do not work without electricity. I would love for Elon and Trump to visit this place and fire many idiots, as they need it. I believe my charges were either $346 per night or $386 per night. They charged an extra $20 for my spouse per night. Essentially a very bad experience from corporate staff that does not care.

CJ T

We stayed at the Ahwahnee from 11/17- 11/20 and can genuinely say it was the worst hotel experience I've ever had and borderline fraud. The hotel website said "please be advised there will be construction going on that will impact the view from the dining room". We figured that was fine and booked anyways, excited to bring our 7 week old baby on his first trip. After being stuck there, it was revealed that: ||||- There is NO kitchen on premises- therefore they cannot serve food ||- No room service||- Dinner is now buffet only ($60 pp), so if you'd like to eat at all, your choices are pay $60 or leave the hotel and go somewhere else ||- The dress code is currently waived (which was nice, but we had packed triple to try to adhere to what the website said was their dress code) ||- There would be NO POWER from 8am- 4pm on 3 of the 4 days we were there (they told us this when we arrived)- no lights, no heat, no wifi, no lights, no elevators, no hall lights, no in room phones... we had to hand carry our stroller down 11 flights of stairs in the dark, with the baby strapped to our chest- then go back up and carry the crib down, as you can't even call the bell men and there was no elevator. Of course, no staff offered to help. ||||You would think they'd offer to move us or provide a discount (esp given we had a 7 week old baby), but instead they doubled down and said because we booked through a third party, our options were leave (after we had already unpacked) OR PAY for a new hotel to be moved!!!! ||||In addition to lying about the extent of the construction, the hotel experience overall was subpar:||- Check in is hard core at 4pm- our room was not ready until 4:30 and they acted like we were lucky to get into our own room ||- They gave us a sheet and fleece blanket. We called for a quilt or comforter to sleep with (given it was 17 degrees), it never came. ||- When we had power, the front desk did not pick up the phone once (we called multiple times), the concierge picked up twice out of the 5 calls we made ||- They blamed us booking through a 3rd party (Expedia) for why they can't make changes or communicate with us (instead of admitting their system is outdated and they shouldn't be on third party sites if they can't figure out how to send an email to guests) ||- Staff was rude and acted like we should be grateful to be there in almost every interaction. ||||Pros: ||- Debbie at the bar was amazing and a hoot (trying to keep our spirits high)||- Hotel dining room was pretty

Sergei P

Being able to stay a couple of nights in The Ahwahnee is simple a dream come true. To stay in the heart of Yosemite, in the middle of the Valley is just priceless.|We got two rooms next to each other inside the main Hotel. We had the view of the Half Dome from our window. If you can ask for this side of the hotel, DO IT. Cottages also seemed magical right outside the Hotel's backyard, but I couldn't do it with three little kids. |Hotel itself is a bit run down of course, with needed attention here and there. I know there are remodeled cottages, which I would strongly consider if I were to go as a couple or an adult's trip.

Madelline Castillo

We loved our stay! I was so hesitant based on the reviews. The grounds were lovely, our room was ready 2 hours ahead of time, the service was very good. We requested a microwave and they brought it instantly. Everyone working there had a good attitude. Rooms were clean.

We got an ADA Junior Suite for 3 people which was spacious.

Here is the thing, for $800 a night you are not getting the Four Seasons but it is a peaceful place and the location is great.

Dinner was forgettable but service was good.

There is some construction but didn’t affect our stay in mid October.

Ronnie J

We've been coming to the valley for over 10 years and we have stayed at this property for 7 of those visits. This past visit will be the last. We got advance notice that the food offerings would be limited but it was worse than we anticipated. No bar food option available in the evening which means you had to visit the restaurant. What they did not tell you in advance was there was no room service, the restaurant evening service was a buffet and no option of getting food and returning to the room. And for the price/quality, I'll just say I've had much better. When I quizzed the two young twenty-something ladies at the front desk and expressed some exasperation, let's just say they couldn't be bothered. You can uncheck the box for Helpfulness. ||As to the accommodations--we've stayed in the hotel and the cabins. Our cabin visits were always special because the cabins were special, sort of a little luxury in the middle of the valley. Not this time. All I can say is the cabin was dated, it smelled, the drapes were virtually impossible to close because they were off the hooks, and the decor was circa 1960's Howard Johnson's. Indeed the HJo rooms were nicer. As the highest priced place to stay in the valley, you expect more.||No self park available now which increases the cost of the stay.||And the property was generally unkept and worn. The area behind the hotel was once a nice green area to sit outside the bar and have a glass of wine, Now it looks ike a college fraternity volleyball field. ||We won't be back.

Florida Sunshine

We stayed for four nights at this beautiful, historic hotel. Anyone can take the historic tour at 2:00pm (not just hotel guests). You'll get an appreciation for this hotel and learn some interesting facts. Please tip the tour guide if you can.

The room itself looked onto the back of the hotel with a beautiful view of Half Dome. I think I stood there for at least 15 minutes staring out the window. The bed was comfortable and everything was nice and clean.

Some things to consider before you decide to stay here. Like most national parks, they are undergoing many construction projects. For The Ahwahnee, they are currently working on the roof and kitchen. We only saw two days where they used the cherry picker to access the roof and it didn't affect our stay at all. However, the restoration to the kitchen is another matter.

Due to the kitchen construction, they are halting room service. Food is not available in the bar for now. You can only eat in the Dining Room and it's pretty pricey (dinner was excellent though). Other food locations are in Yosemite Village or Curry Village. The Sweet Shop in this hotel has basically sweets and drinks only.

There were little inconveniences that were a little annoying such as no access to hot tea or hot chocolate after 9:00pm. At minimum, they can at least sell tea bags or hot chocolate packets in the Sweet Shop so we can prepare it ourselves in the room by using the coffee maker. No microwave in the room, so you can't reheat anything, but they do include a small fridge.

There were other little things about the room and the hotel that can be improved, but it might take an act of Congress just to make minor changes because this hotel is a National Historic Landmark. Lots of BS for them to go through to make changes.

Overall, we would stay here again, preferably after all their projects are completed. Just know these projects are needed for everyone's safety and enjoyment.

Laura Ferrick

This property is very special, you can feel that the moment you walk in. It is one of the historical greats in our country. If you are looking for a destination for a special event or wedding, you will not find another like it. I could go on and on about the special details of the actual building but the service and care here is second to none. The events manager Janis has taken great care with our events and thought through every special detail in the day. The entire staff on this property makes you feel special and cared for in a way that we do not encounter very often today. The grounds are pristine, the rooms are incredibly comfortable, and the food is delicious. I don't have to tell you about the scenery, you are in the middle of the great Yosemite Valley and it is the stuff of daydreams and magic.
I'd like to give a very special thank you to Janis, Josie, Tyler, and the entire team at The Ahwahnee for the great love and care they showered on us a couple of weeks ago. It was a glorious weekend!