Contents
The Ahwahnee | Introduction
The Ahwahnee is the most luxurious hotel in Yosemite National Park, with rates starting at over $500 per night during peak season. Built in the 1920s, this hotel has a rich history and was designed by renowned architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood.
The hefty price tag is largely due to the hotel’s unbeatable surroundings. Located on the east side of Yosemite Valley, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point even from inside the hotel. The Ahwahnee was originally intended to attract an upscale clientele to gain financial support for the national park, which is why the design inside and out is both grand and meticulously refined, a rarity among national park lodges. Even today, the dining room maintains a dress code. The hotel has hosted many famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Steve Jobs, who held his wedding here.
The interior of The Ahwahnee boasts ample public spaces. While fewer people are using these areas this year due to the pandemic, in normal times, guests can be found gathering by the cozy fireplace in the grand lobby or relaxing in one of the smaller lounges like the Winter Club Room or the Mural Room, all featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows for enjoying the surrounding scenery from the comfort of indoors. The Ahwahnee Dining Room is also a must-see.
The Ahwahnee | Accommodation Review
- View: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Comfort: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$$$$$$
Recommended Accommodation: Compare prices for The Ahwahnee?
Despite its age, the rooms are incredibly comfortable, with simple yet cozy furnishings that make for a relaxing stay. The best part is the view – sitting on the balcony in the morning, taking in the scenery, is a wonderfully calming experience.
The Ahwahnee Dining Room | Dining Review
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$$$$
Many visitors make a point of dining at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, with its soaring 34-foot ceiling. If you can snag a window seat, enjoying a meal with a view is truly a pleasure. We opted for dinner, a high-end buffet that cost $60 per person. During the pandemic, guests were careful to maintain distance while queuing, with staff serving the food. The dishes were excellent, especially the prime rib, which made you forget you were dining in a national park. The restaurant also features live piano performances.
Since it is a fine dining establishment, there is a dress code, and many people bring formal attire to change into. While we didn’t pack anything too formal, we were still able to dine there as long as we were clean and neatly dressed.
Further reading
- The Ultimate Yosemite National Park Guide: Must-See Attractions and Itinerary Planning
- Exploring Yosemite Valley: Must-See Spots for a One-Day Visit
- Exploring Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows: One-Day Adventure and Summer Camping in Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite’s Iconic Glacier Point: A One-Day Journey Along Glacier Point Road
- The Ahwahnee Experience: Dining and Lodging at Yosemite National Park
- Fall Colors Road Trip: Taking Highway 395 through June Lake and Mono Lake to Yosemite's East Side
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