View at Yosemite National Park in California with El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls behind Merced River,
tiffanynguyen/Getty Images/RooM RFSince 1890, Yosemite National Park has been welcoming visitors into its lush spaces. Along with its iconic Half Dome, mysterious waterfalls and giant sequoia trees, the park is also known for offering beautiful lodgings that allow guests to feel right at home inside this publicly owned treasure. Camping is popular at the park, but for those who want to hang out and sleep in more elevated accommodations, there are a few hotels and lodges inside Yosemite's borders that can make your visit even better.
Yosemite Hospitality, which manages and operates the three hotels and lodges inside the park, offers a range of amenities and services to guests. The biggest one being the ease of access to the park's grounds. Instead of driving to and from Yosemite National Park each day, visitors can set off on their adventures right from their hotel, with El Capitan and Tunnel View waiting just outside their door. By walking or using in-park transportation, visitors are also reducing their carbon footprint and saving themselves valuable time each day.
If you're planning a visit this central California hotspot, keep reading for everything to know about Yosemite hotels and on-site lodging options.
When to book Yosemite National Park reservations
No matter which on-site hotel or lodge you choose, reservations can be made up to 366 days in advance of your trip. Bookings for spring through fall fill up the fastest, so the moment you know when and where you want to stay, it’s best to book your room. Holidays are also a busy time, so if you plan on going to the park over Thanksgiving or Christmas, be sure to plan a year in advance. You'll have to pay a deposit upon booking and if you need to cancel your booking, be sure to do it at least seven days before your check-in date to get all your money back.
Where to book rooms at Yosemite National Park
Depending on your amenity preferences, these are the lodging options that are located in Yosemite National Park.
The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park is one of the inspirations for Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel.
Julie TremaineThe Ahwahnee
Ideal for: Adults traveling without kids or solo travelers looking for luxury.
The Ahwahnee, formerly known as The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, is the place for anyone wanting a luxury hotel experience inside Yosemite National Park. The hotel was designed to highlight the natural wonders that surround it, including Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls.
Lodgings at The Ahwahnee range from standard rooms and suites to cottages. Standard rooms are the most economical, though the trade-off is that they rarely offer a great view. Those who enjoy history will want to book the Mary Curry Tresidder Suite, which is where Queen Elizabeth stayed during a 1983 visit to California. The cottages are down a short path from the main lodge and are clustered together in groups of two or four.
Along with inviting rooms, the hotel also has a heated pool, Wi-Fi access, shuttle transportation, free parking, afternoon tea on Friday and Saturday and a concierge desk that can assist with whatever you may need. After spending your day out in the park, you can cozy up with a drink at the bar or enjoy a meal at the Ahwahnee Dining Room.
Find it: The Ahwahnee,1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389; 888-413-8869
Yosemite Valley Lodge surrounded by snow in Yosemite National Park.
Sam Isaac/Aramark DestinationsYosemite Valley Lodge
Ideal for: Families and groups traveling together.
If Yosemite Falls is at the top of your reasons to visit the park, consider making a reservation at Yosemite Valley Lodge. The charming spot has great views of the valley and the surrounding mountains from its 245 rooms and common spaces. It's important to note that there are no air conditioners in the rooms at Yosemite Valley Lodge, but the hotel does provide fans and heaters.
The lodge offers three room types: traditional, bunk and family rooms. The traditional rooms are laid out like typical hotel rooms with two double beds, one king bed or one queen bed. The bunk rooms are ideal for families with younger children, with one queen bed for parents and a bunk bed for kids. The family rooms are larger, with a king bed and a bunk bed, along with a complete living room and dining room table. This option is nice if you plan on eating meals in your room or playing board games at night.
Yosemite Valley Lodge offers multiple dining options, shuttle access, Wi-Fi access, free on-site parking and an outdoor pool. At the outdoor amphitheater, guests can watch movies, attend ranger talks or enjoy other entertainment. A full list of activities can be found at the front desk of the hotel. Those who want to explore the park can do so with bike rentals from the lodge as well.
Find it: Yosemite Valley Lodge, 9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389; 888-413-8869
The Wawona Hotel, built in 1875, is located in Yosemite National Park in California.
John Elk/Getty ImagesWawona Hotel
Ideal for: History buffs, equestrians, golfers and anyone looking for solitude.
Just inside the park’s entrance — and about 27 miles from Yosemite Valley — is the Wawona Hotel. The accommodations are designated as a National Historic Landmark and were established in 1856. A unique thing about this hotel is that it has stables, which are open to visitors from May through September. This means guests can check out the horses and mules, and even book a two-hour ride on the Meadow Loop Trail. A stay here also includes access to the on-site nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, hiking trails and free parking. On Saturdays during the summer, the hotel even hosts barbecues for its guests, and you can hear live music in the lounge every evening.
Wawona Hotel allows guests to book any of its 50 standard hotel rooms with a private bathroom or its 54 standard hotel rooms that have a shared bathhouse. Each of the six Victorian-era buildings on the property have antique furnishings and authentic period decor. Sticking to its historic appeal, those looking to completely disconnect from the outside world will also enjoy that the hotel does not offer TVs, telephones or Wi-Fi in its guest rooms.
Find it: Wawona Hotel, 8308 Wawona Road, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389; 888-413-8869
This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.