Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [18]
Reservations are required at most of Yosemite’s campgrounds, especially in summer. You can reserve a site up to five months in advance; bookings made more than 21 days in advance require prepayment. Unless otherwise noted, book your site through the central National Park Service Reservations Office (P.O. Box 1600, Cumberland, MD 21502 | 800/436–7275 | www.recreation.gov | D, MC, V | Daily 7–7.
IN THE PARK
TIP →Reserve your room or cabin in Yosemite as far in advance as possible. You can make a reservation up to a year before your arrival (within minutes after the reservation office makes a date available, the Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge, and Wawona Hotel often sell out their weekends, holiday periods, and all days between May and September).
Fodor’s Choice | The Ahwahnee.
$$$$ | A National Historic Landmark, the hotel is constructed primarily of concrete and sugar-pine logs. Guest rooms have American Indian design motifs; public spaces are decorated with art deco detailing, oriental rugs, and elaborate iron- and woodwork. Some luxury hotel amenities, including turndown service and guest bathrobes, are standard here. The Dining Room is by far the most impressive restaurant in the park and one of the most beautiful rooms in California. If you stay in a cottage room, be aware that each cottage has multiple guest rooms, though all have an en-suite bath. Even if you cannot afford to stay here, take the time to stroll about the main floor. Reservations are made through Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts. Pros: best lodge in Yosemite (if not all of California); concierge. Cons: expensive; some reports that service has slipped in recent years. | Ahwahnee Rd., about ¾ mi east of Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Village | 1 Ahwahnee Rd., Yosemite National Park 95389 | 559/252–4848 | www.yosemitepark.com | 99 lodge rooms, 4 suites, 24 cottage rooms | In-room: no a/c (some), refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, tennis court, pool | AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Curry Village.
$–$$ | Opened in 1899 as a place where travelers could enjoy the beauty of Yosemite for a modest price, Curry Village has plain accommodations: standard motel rooms, cabins, and tent cabins, which have rough wood frames, canvas walls, and roofs. The tent cabins are a step up from camping, with linens and blankets provided (maid service upon request); some even have heat. The guest lounge and reservations buildings underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation during the winter of 2008–2009. Happy Isles and the popular Mist Trail are a few minutes’ walk away. Reservations are made through Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts. Pros: comparatively economical; family-friendly atmosphere. Cons: can be crowded; sometimes a bit noisy. | South side of Southside Dr., Yosemite Valley 95389 | 559/252–4848 | www.yosemitepark.com | 18 rooms, 390 cabins | In-room: no a/c, no phone, no TV. In-hotel: 3 restaurants, bar, pool, bicycles | AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Redwoods Guest Cottages.
$$$–$$$$ | The only lodging in the park not operated by Delaware North, this collection of individually owned cabins and homes in the Wawona area is a great alternative to the overcrowded Valley. Fully furnished cabins range from small, romantic one-bedroom units to bright, resortlike, six-bedroom houses with decks overlooking the river. Most have fireplaces, TVs, and phones. The property rarely fills up, even in summer, so it’s a good choice for last-minute lodging; there’s a two-night minimum in the off-season and a three-night minimum in summer. Pros: staying in private homes can be very nice; peaceful setting; some rooms have a VCR. Cons: remote from the Valley; some rooms have no TV. | 8038 Chilnualna Falls Rd., off Rte. 41, Wawona 95389 | 209/375–6666 | www.redwoodsinyosemite.com | 130