I know I should post this on the US forum... but anyhow... a question abot Yosemite (vaguely in the context of Venice?)
 

I "know" all of you all better here... and as I implied in the header, there is at least an analogy/"context" to questions that get asked here all the time about Venice.

We are planning a family post-graduation trip (USC, our middle daughter - - wow, did those four years go fast!) for May - - about 9 nights, with the first two in LA itself for the graduation. The rest of the itinerary is still in flux, but we are pretty cerain about the last two nights: in Yosemite (flying back home from Sacramento at noon the next day after our second night there).

So, for those fo you who can put this in a context of Europe destinations (and maybe there simply is no good analogy) - - and if you know specific properties in Yosemite personally - - can you make a recommendation?

I have read quite a number of threads on the US forum - - including a very nice posting by Patrick - - and I am struck by how similar they sound to the same advice "we" all frequently give here about Venice: you must stay IN, not simply nearby.

But of course, "IN" Yosemite can mean two different things: IN the valley? or to what extent can "in the park" be considered a reasonable alternative? There are a number of private homes/lodges in the Wawona area, but they are probably a good half hour from the valley, and it adds more like an hour to our getaway (headed for Sacramento airport) the final morning.

So, I think our choice will likely boil down to Yosemite Lodge (if we can get rooms there, trying only four months out), versus some place(s) in the El Portal area. As background, we stayed in Yosemite Lodge in 1981 - - when our 23 year old daughter was 5 months old. It was incredibly magical - - I am a lot more jaded now, and I think that the Yosemite Lodge is going to seem rather Motel 6 by today's standards - - and I know it can never compare to my rose-colored nostalgic memories of that trip 23 years ago.

And I feel like the Ahwanee really is NOT an option. There are seven of us (includes one boyfriend and my wife's mother) - - so that time two nights is really at least $1000 (if not $1500) more than we would like to spend.

So, if you know Yosemite - - and/or have perspectives to share on this, I will greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts.

Best wishes,

Rex

One of the best things about Europe is the ability to eat well AND enjoy the outdoors/surroundings.

After one trip to Yosemite (6 days), I think the choice of where to stay depends on your food needs. We stayed at the Cedar Lodge in El Portal, which was fine, but there isn't a town, or restaurants. My husband thinks that next time we should stay in Oakhurst, which has restaurants, then we could spend the day in the park, go back to the motel to clean-up and go out for a nice dinner.

The drive from El Portal to the valley IS pretty short, though.

Since it comes at the end of our trip, I am not opposed to maing a trip to a grocery store (in transit) serve our dining needs for most of our short stay there. After all, we MIGHT still go into the Ahwanee for dinner our last night.

I do read some horror stories about how a drive from El Portal into the heart of the valley can take up to 45 minutes? Seems impossible - - maybe not a reason to choose one locaton versus another?

I'll read up about the Cedar Lodge... thanks!

I always would prefer staying in the park. Even though it gets outrageously crowded in summer, it shouldn't be to bad in May. Plus by late in the afternoon until late morning, all of the day visitors are gone. If they are fully booked now keep trying because they do have cancellations. We have also rented homes on Bass Lake which is about a 30 minute drive from the valley. This actually was a lot of fun and the drive into the park wasn't bad at all.
I'm still tryning to figure out what this has to do with Venice.
JoeG

Thanks JoeG... what it has to do with Venice is that when I read about Yosemite lodging on the US forum... there is such a similar tone to questions and answers here, about whether to stay IN Venice - - versus Mestre or other "outside" locations.

Maybe too much of a stretch, to make any such comparison!

Hello Rex. In reply, I cannot compare valley lodgings to El Portal lodgings, as I have never been to the latter. I have, however, recently been to Yosemite and you likely will feel Motel Sixish about the Lodge. Perhaps you can see if one of the Ahwanee suites or cottages could more economically accomodate more of your family.

Although a bit further from the valley floor than the Wawona, you may also look into the Tenaya Lodge, just outside the South entrance of the park.
It may be slightly more affordable than the Ahwanee, and I understand it is quite nice.

As an aside, since you'll be in the neighborhood, don't miss the opportunity to visit Relais & Chateau's Chateau du Sureau in Oakhurst, just over 1 hour from the valley floor (www.chateaudusureau.com). It is an extraordinary property and you can have dinner (or arrange a picnic lunch) in their dining room, Erna's Eldeberry House.

Congrats on your daughter's upcoming graduation!

My advice is to stay in the Valley. Moonlight walks, and watching the morning sun rise over the granite cliffs make it worth it. In May the falls will be full and every room I've ever stayed in has interestingly had a view of the Falls from at least one window.

There are so many different lodging choices through the park, from tent cabins to cabins without baths to hotel like rooms. You should be able to find something in your price range that fits your needs. Consider lunch at the Ahwanee as a less expensive way to enjoy the beautiful dining room.

"Moonlight walks, and watching the morning sun rise over the granite cliffs make it worth it. In May the falls will be full and every room I've ever stayed in has interestingly had a view of the Falls from at least one window."

Oh stop it, grasshopper! This is EXACTLY what I remember from 1981, and I know that we are not going to be able to relive that.

I just called Yosemite central rez, and I think that the chances of finding what we will need are slim and none. I don't think my MIL could deal with tents at Curry... and the Ahwanee is SO ouch!

The input from tripadvisor.com is all over the map on Cedar Lodge; makes me lean back towards the Tenaya or private homes in the Wawona area.

Europe seems easier than this!

Hi Rex
We stayed at the Yosemite Lodge last spring and loved the location! Yosemite Falls could be seen from outside our room! However, it does compare with a Motel 6. The plus is that it was exceptionally clean. The minus was there is NO TV or music and in the evening after a day of walking and a good dinner and a hot shower, I need to curl up with a book and music or a movie. SO, if this is important to you, take along a boom box and some CD's. Also, in the restaurant, right beside the lodge, you can make reservations for window table and you will be able to dine while looking at Yosemite Falls. We did eat one dinner at Ahwanee, the food was good and the view great (go before it gets dark)Right beside Yosemite Lodge is a store that you can buy pre-made sandwiches and wine if you want something for a picnic. They also have a cafe where you can have breakfast. We enjoyed being on the Valley Floor and just walking out our door into beauty. We took a drive to the Maraposa Grove and absolutely loved the Redwoods! They are huge! To acually walk thru a tree and know that a small car could drive thru was one of my favorite things we did in Yosemite. There are no coffee makers at the lodge if that cup of coffee first thing is important, but the cafe was just a few minutes walk from our room.

Rex,

Another option - unless you must have a hotel - is to rent a home in the Yosemite West area, which is about a 20 minute drive from the Valley, and technically "inside" the park.

You would be much closer than Wawona. We stayed there 3 years ago and are returning this summer. We rented from Yosemite 4 Seasons (www.yosemitelodging.com). They have a wide variety of properties. Our house was quite nice, and in a secluded forested area. (No granite cliffs and waterfalls however).

Actually, Foresta is looking better and better to me - - even closer than the homes of Yosemite West. And it appears that they DO have availability when we need it. Afraid to even type this, for fear of jinxing it!

Most folks who love Yosemite love it for the surroundings and scenery - NOT for the accomodations. To stay outside of the valley to have a little bit better room makes absolutely no sense to me. The magic of Yosemite Valley is being in the Valley - not the long drive in.

To give you a European analogy - would you rather stay in a decent 2 star place with an amazing view of the Grand Canal or in a 4 star place 45 minutes outside of Venice???

Besides - there are very few "4 star" places within a reasonable drive of Yosemite Valley.

But the whole question may be moot - there may not be any rooms avalaible at the lodge - especially if the dates are anywhere near Mem. Day Weekend.

Rex,
Since at this late date your chances of getting into Yosemite Lodge are slim, I'd recommend Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal. I don't know where you heard about traffic jams, but we stayed there for a week and always made it into Yosemite Valley (12 miles away) in about 20 minutes.
The Yosemite View Lodge is actually closer to the valley than most of the lodging within the park.
It's actually the closest accommodations outside the park, and it's close enough that you can avail yourself of moonlight walks and other evening park activities.

These last two posts are the most "spot on" of all. Of course, I would rather be in a 2* place on the Grand Canal - - but as you point out, the Yosemite Lodge (which might be 1*) - - is apparently going to be moot. It's the Thu-Fri 10 days BEFORE Memorial Day - - but it might as well be the holiday itself. I just don't see myself getting in there.

More and more, going to come down to El Portal versus Foresta.

I think I misread traffic/driving estimates from Big Oak Flat, nd confused them with Arch Rock.

Rex, your decision really isn't between staying on the canal and away from the canal. The canal view (i.e., Yosemite Lodge) probably isn't an option at this late date!
Believe me, we didn't feel that much out of it staying outside the park. As I previously said, the Yosemite View Lodge is closer to the action than most of the in-park facilities!

Hi,
I live in Fresno. For me it's one hour to the entrance of Yosemite and about 45 minutes from the entrance to the valley floor. Staying on the floor has much more atmosphere than anywhere else. The accomodations are not the best but you must take into account where you are .
Usually if you are persistant you can find a room on the floor at the Lodge . At 6 pm everyday they start on a waiting list and I have never seen anyone not get a room.
There's more a sense of community when you stay on the floor.
Good luck.
==Mike

Hey Rex, If you see someone with a mai tai in his hand it might be me. My wife and I are spending the week before Memorial Day in Gold Country, Yosemite and Kings Canyon Sequoia.

Man do you believe the prices of some of those places, especially the Ahwanee, which a friend of mine told me recently wasn't up to its former glory when he and his wife visited. Good luck.

No Europe until Christmastime for us, and then we are undecided as to where we want to go.
((H))

Hi Rex, look at
http://www.yosemitesincline.com/

My friends stayed here and rave about how wonderful it is.

Rex, Do yourself a huge favor and post this on the US Board requesting help from Utahtea... she's the Ysemite expert! Good luck! lso, my tip is, go to the Awahnee for afternoon tea, or cocktails to soak up the beautiful view and atmosphere, but NOT for dinner. The food is usually at best, fair.

Stay in the valley itself is you still can get reservations. Have Sunday brunch at the Ahwanee, which is very nice, all you can eat buffet, and not excessively priced. The ress code is moreover more casual than for evening meals.

If you do decide to keep trying for rooms at the Yosemite Lodge, don't limit yourself to the internet resevations line. Even when the online service tells you there is no availability, keep trying by phone. Yes, you could try a few times a week. You never know when the cancellations will come in.

My one experience at Yosemite was also in late May, also after my daughter's graduation. What a perfect time to be there, when the melting snows had the falls full and sparkling! But not all the snow had melted--I stepped into a patch that was up to my knees as I made my way from one parking lot to a trail. And the glorious lake at the end of the trail, that I expected to see reflecting the distant mountain was...frozen and snowcovered.

At the end of the month, Tioga Pass had j-u-s-t opened. (Correct me if I'm wrong on that name, folks.) So check on driving conditions.
And don't forget the mosquito repellent!

rex, Why don't you go to Venice instead of Yosemite? At least then this thread would have some relevance to the Europe Forum.

Rex,
First, "in the park" really means in the Valley.
Second, if you're going to be up there over Memorial Day weekend, you're going to have to hunt hard for a place in the Valley, and this includes the tent cabins. Do keep checking back with the lodging, because they do have cancellations.
Third, May is the BEST time to visit Yosemite because the waterfalls are full, the Merced is full, and if you hit it lucky with weather, you will never want to leave.
Fourth, as you remember, Yosemite Lodge looks dead on to Yosemite Falls, and I can't imagine a prettier place to kick back and relax, breathe in and out, and just take it all in. Also, it has the best pool, which they heat up in May. Imagine swimming in that big pool and looking up at the falls looking back at you. Do you really care where you sleep? Who's going to be inside anyway?

Finally, Yosemite Lodge rents bikes right there, and the best way to travel around the valley is by bike. Everyone, including your MIL, can do this and it is so much fun going in a group through the pastures and along the Merced. If you have to have a t.v., bring along a portable DVD player with DVDs or a portable computer to watch movies.

I agree with the other suggestions on going to lunch or buffet breakfast at the Ahwahnee. We had dinner there once and find it over-rated and over-priced. Plus, at night you can't see the beautiful views from the windows.

We go to Yosemite every year, usually over Labor Day. While we usually camp out (which is really the best experience), we like to spend the first night recovering from the long ride from L.A. either at the Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp (2 miles from the park entrance) or the Ahwahnee. Gives us time to bathe, relax, and take a dip in the pools. The Tenaya has 2 pools, one indoor and one out, and an outstanding bar. Last May, we had the interesting prospect, due to Memorial Day lodging issues, of spending 1 night at the Ahwahnee, 1 night in the tent cabins (which weren't that bad!) and the last camping out. We had one of the best rooms at the Ahwahnee, because it had a balcony. The thing is, the wood bees were out in force over the balcony, so you find yourself always dealing with something. The pool there is nice, but small and round. The tent cabins are surprisingly decent, but making noise after 10 p.m. and you get people yelling at you to shut up. And you have to leave the tent to use the loo. The showers are good. Small pool, not as good as Yosemite Lodge. As dirty as we get, I think we all prefer camping, not that this is an option for you.

We always wanted to try the Wawona Hotel. because it is so beautiful from the outside, lovely grounds, and also the place with the last gas station before you hit the valley itself. You will pass it on your way to the Valley. Maybe that's an option.

Again, if you are there for Memorial Day weekend, you are better off in the Valley, because there is bumper to bumper traffic and you would not get out of the Valley until midnight and you will be grumpy.

On Venice: I'd rather stay in a dump in Venice to be in Venice so I can stroll the canals and lose myself without having to worry about time. Being in the Valley is like that: you don't have to worry about how long it's going to take you to get back to the stupid hotel where you're only going to sleep anyway. Especially with you MIL with you!!!

I am really, really grateful for all this outpouring - - it's interesting to see how much Yosemite expertise there is here on the Europe forum.

I believe that we are comfortable with my tentative decision to go with a house on Foresta - - which is not "IN the valley" but may be out next best choice, given the late date and my wish to avoid the high prices of the Ahwanee. We have chosen Half Dome View, about 10-15 minutes from the valley - - closer than Yosemite West, and accessible from Hwy 120, as opposed to having to go via Oakhurst for our departure to go to Sacramento airport.

Having the requisite number of rooms/beds is important to us - - and this particular house seems to come as close to our criteria as we are going to find. I definitely will investigate Incline House, as it looks to have almost all the same features as the house we have chosen, with similar access (though we will avoid having to go through park admission gate from where we are).

I apologize for the "abuse" to this forum, asking this question here, but it felt good to get advice from friends.

I don't think we will cross the "MaiTai trail" as we are leaving to go home the 22nd - - but have a good trip, Tom.

I think you have a good plan, Rex. One more thing, and this is on the subject we often hear about "will my cell phone work in Venice?" (!). My cell phone works all over Europe, but guess what -- not in Yosemite! There were a few people who could actually use them in the Valley (on the weakest signal) -- they were AT&T, and better to have an analog than digital. Believe me, I took a poll on this, because we planned (party of 10) to keep in touch by cell in the Valley. Go figure.

Rex,

I agree with Howard. The Yosemite View Lodge is a good option if you can't find something in the Valley. Nothing fancy, but in close proximity. We were there a few years ago during 4th of July and traffic from El Portal to the valley wasn't all that bad. Could be because we started early and came back after dark.

Food in El Portal is the main issue since there is not much around and I wouldn't recommend the Yosemite View Restaurant. Terrible food and worse service. Maybe they just had an off night. However, since they have a captive clientele, it is my guess that there would be no incentive to improve either. I think there is also a pizza joint with a few tables to eat outside, though. We opted for having both lunch and dinner in the Valley. We had lunch (pretty casual) at the Wawona and the Ahwanee. We enjoyed both.

No matter where you stay, my one recommendation is to start your day early before the mid-day rush. Have a wonderful time!

Dare I beat this dead horse again? Getting down to the final planning...

Any recommendations for restaurants likely to appeal (especially) to "Euro-dites"...

in SF?

in Berkeley, Sausalito or Marin county (is Chez Panisse stil at the top of its game)?

in Carmel?

Thanks in advance...

In San Francisco? What a silly question, of course Rex hotel and Rex cafe >:D<

Are you kidding? SF is FULL of wonderful restaurants. Head to North Beach for a pretty authentic Italian meal. And hit the Saturday Farmer's market for what surely rivals Campo dei Fiori.

Rex,
We had a really good dinner last fall at Kokkari- an upscale Greek restaurant at 200 Jackson Street--Fabulous moussaka, excellent wine list.

http://www.kokkari.com

If you want French, Absinthe is a fun, brasserie-type restaurant at Hayes and Gough.

http://www.absinthe.com/

(Notice that I kept these European-- staying on topic!)

Marcy ;;)

Rex, may I suggest breakfast at the Awahnee? It is a beautiful room and the views out of the windows are lovely during the daylight hours. It will be a little bit more expensive than other places but it is a wonderful way to start the day. You can dress casually and fit right in. Dinner is more pricey - OK but not great - and you would want to be more dressed up.
You plans to stay in Foresta sound good. Have a wonderful time!

>...is Chez Panisse stil at the top of its game?<

Is anything as good as it used to be?

My California daughter tells me it is still worth the candle.

Rex, Blow for the Ahwanee. Our daughter was married there a couple years ago. It is worth it.

Next time stay someplace cheap.

You gotta know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em.

Even when I started looking back in May, I think that four rooms at the Ahwanee were not available. Not to mention the fact that their cost would have exceeded the entire lodging budget for the other seven nights combined.

Unless I am very mistaken, the main appeal of a rip to Yosemite is <i>not</i> <b>any</b>where <i>in&lt;/&gt;doors.

We do, nevertheless, plan to go the Ahwanee for a meal; we've gotten some slightly conflicting signals about the relative value of going there for dinner versus a sumptuous breakfast. Thanks for the other suggestions as well.
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Living just 90 minutes south of Yosemite Valley, I know you and your family will love it all--but do suggest breakfast at the Ahwahnee (or lunch) versus dinner--driving back to Foresta along the &quot;river&quot; after dinner in the dark isn't fun, and far less so after a glass of wine. Glacier Point overlook is not to be missed--take a picnic--and it's one of the few places in Yosemite where your cell phone might work--for the adventurous, the shuttle from the Valley will drop you at Glacier Point for a 4 1/2 mile DOWNHILL hike...and the Wawona Lodge has bbq dinners on the weekends...(Plus that 9 hole golf course) Yes, stop at a grocery store before you go--food in the Valley is pricey and cafeteria-like and not at all reflective of the agricultural bounty of the Valley, with the exception of the Ahwahnee and the Yosemite Lodge's Mountain Room (think that's the name--good steak with a fab view of Yosemite Falls best at sunset)

Don't forget charcoal, marshmallows and good coffee--wine if you like it, or you can buy Gallo for three times retail in the Valley...

The valley shuttle buses are a far cry from a vaporetto, but it is elbow-to-elbow with the &quot;locals,&quot; and allows all the rubbernecking you can handle.

With a family group the house rental is a better spot--and fyi the Cedar Lodge is where those 3 tourists were kidnapped a few years ago (yuck).