Booked a two-night stay at The Awahnee in early May. Have the option of a room in the main hotel or one of the cottages. Rate is identical. Any advice on which is better? Or tips on the hotel in general? Aware that opinions vary on whether or not the experience warrants the price. We've made the decision to stay there. Now just looking to get the most out of it. Thanks for the help.
Yosemite and Ahwahnee: room or cottage?
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I haven't been there yet myself, but friends who have stayed at the Awahnee STRONGLY recommended the cabins. Have a great time, and let us know afterwards what you thought.
We stayed at the Awahnee last year inside the hotel. I opted for inside because we like to be around the activity...there's an awesome lounge/game room. I've never stayed in the cabins so I can't speak for those. Anyway...we loved it. It came at the end of a big trip to California and we stayed in many nice hotels along the way, but the Awahnee was everyone's favorite....I, like you made the decsion to stay there regardless of opinions on price...always wanted to since childhood...it was totally worth it.
I want to preface by saying that this was several years ago, but...we stayed in the main hotel and had room number 434. The view was so awesome I wrote it down! It was a corner room with two windows and a balcony all facing Upper Yosimite Falls. The hotel was worth it and I would eat dinner there in the main dinning room as well. Try to request a window table there.
Sorry, We've never stayed at the Awahnee, BUT we go to Yosemite at least once a year, and I always try to at least walk around in the lobby... aaaah... Wonderful architecture! I do recommend the great Sunday Brunch. You might want to make reservations a head of time. Ask them what they recommend. The dining hall is like an Arts and Crafts version of the great hall at Hogwarts. I keep expecting an owl to fly in with a letter for me! If you are a morning person, it is also nice to go for an early morning pre-breakfast walk along the river, before most folks are up and about. And the free valley shuttle is great for getting around the Valley. Sorry I can't help you with the room choice, but do tell us how it went when you get back.
Many thanks for the replies. I know I can count on other Fodor readers for good advice.