We'll be in the Yosemite area in February - if we decide to stay overnight, where would you recommend? (good loacation, nice, good food available),,,, thank you

Hi eb. In the Yosemite Valley, I've stayed at both the upper tier accomodations (The Ahwanee) and the lower tier accomodations (Curry Village cabin). I personally do not believe the Ahwanee is worth the money. Although the public rooms at the hotel are very nice, the guest rooms are pretty plain and quite expensive for what you get. I believe that the Ahwanee is the only hotel in the valley that has t.v., but they sure charge a premium for it. Besides, who needs t.v. in Yosemite? I'd opt to stay elsewhere -- the Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village -- and visit the public rooms at the Ahwanee during the day. Perhaps someone else can comment on lodging outside the park, as I've never been. Have fun!

It's not clear that you will get a reservation at this late date, unless you mean February 2005. Apparently the cabins attched to the Ahwanee, with individual fireplaces, are quite nice (second hand report).

Stay in the valley if at all possible, which means Ahwahnee or Yosemite Lodge at this time of year.

You shouldn't have much problem getting a room in midweek in feb. The Ahwahnee is a neat place for its location and setting, but expensive (~$300). If you don't stay there, have a meal there at least. Yosemite Lodge is more standard motel style rooms - there is a decent restaraunt and a cafeteria there.

If you don't mind staying outside the park, the Tenaya Lodge can be quite reasonable and is a beautiful place to stay. It is located south of Yosemite in Fish Camp. They have a wonderful restaurant on site. The Mariposa Grove is about 10 - 15 minutes away. Tenaya Lodge usually has rooms available when the other hotels inside the park are unavailable. Be aware that it is about a 45 minute drive to Yosemite Valley from the Tenaya Lodge.