doogs

I promise I won't go overboard with the questions although I have a bunch.

#1 - I'm assuming that my tent cabin in Curry Village doesn't come with a fire pit so we can hang out next to a fire before bed - is that right? I've heard there is a curfew - is it 10 p.m.?

#2 - Do we rent bedding for the tent cabins or are they equiped with everything we need?

#3 - the showers/bathroom facilities - are they usually pretty packed? We're only there for two days so I'm looking at two showers at the most, but figured it's good to know the answer to this question.

#4 - food - we're planning on one dinner at Ahwahnee, but looking for some advice on the food front. Should our culinary expectations be pretty low, but our costs be high? Is Ahwahnee worth it?

Answers to any of the above questions would be appreciated. Getting very excited for our trip in just about 6 weeks. Can't wait!

curmudgeon

I *think* that there are a couple of spots around the Curry facilities that will have a communal fire, but there are no individual ones. Bedding (and an electric light) should be included in the tent cabins. Shower facilities generally have adequate capacity.

The Ahwahnee choice is more for the setting than the food (which is reasonable, but not outstanding). Another decent choice is the Mountain Room over at Yosemite Lodge; similar food without the grand dining room and less expensive.

Surfergirl

1. No, it doesn't and no, there is no fire pit in the vicinity, but there is at least one (or two) fireplaces in the buildings. Alternatively, you can get some firewood, and go AFTER 6 p.m. into one of the campgrounds, see if someone hasn't shown up for their spot, and make a fire in the vacant pit. If you do that, try and get it out before 10 p.m., or the ranger or campground host will come over and tell you to put it out. There's also two fireplaces at the Ahwahnee, including one in the bar. You can also book a camp site if one is available JUST to eat and do the fire pit. I've done that even when we stay at the Ahwahnee!

2. Bedding comes with the tent cabin. It's basic, but fully equipped. Includes a towel as well.

3. It depends. It's all about the timing. Mid-day is the best for the shower. Suggestion: if you like to swim and can deal with the freezing Merced river, pay the $2 and go over to Yosemite Lodge. They have a really great pool, fabulous view of Yosemite Falls to watch while you're working on your tan, and showers! I go there sometimes just for the showers when I'm camping out, since there is no line in the mornings.

4. Ahwahnee, to me anyway, is all about atmosphere. Most dine at night at the hotel, and I just don't see the point, since it's the big windows and fab view that is the most impressive. Breakfast there. Yes, it's overpriced. Try the new (sort of) Mountain Room at Yosemite Lodge if you want more upscale Yosemite dining (can still wear jeans, of course!). Good food, nice atmosphere, decent prices. At Curry Village, the pizza place and deck dining is outstanding, and cheap. Full bar.

Have a great time!

doogs

I know there is a dress code for the Ahwahnee dining room, but how about the bar? Could we stop by for a drink in some shorts and tshirts or is it a bit more upscale than that? Thanks Surfergirl for your very thorough feedback. Love having some insider tips!

don76

doogs
You should be able to transfer your reservation from Curry Village tent cabins to a Housekeeping unit. Housekeeping is located next to the river about a mile away.
You are permitted to have fires in the provided fire rings and you may rent bedding at the Housekeeping check -in office.
Food is not permitted in the Curry cabins but you may bring food to the provided lockers at Housekeeping.
If you opt for Housekeeping reserve a river-side unit.

ladystack

Last summer we enjoyed an early (5:30) light supper in the bar....salads, soups and appetizers. You can also eat outside on the terrace and order the same bar menu. It was a great way to see the hotel.

sunbum1944

we had drinks and appetizers at the Awhanee in our shorts and T shirts after a day of light hiking - sat outside- so no particular dress code-
it was a great way to end the day in the park

J_Correa

We prefer Housekeeping Camp over Curry as well. The units by the river are nicely situated and we like being able to cook out and have a campfire.

doogs

If only it was to be. Nothing available in Yosemite except Curry Village...I'll keep checking back though. Thanks!

MrsJenn

One of my favorite pictures of Yosemite, besides the obvious ones of all the beautiful scenerey, is that of my husband with a huge smile on his face pointing to a small hole in our tent at Curry Village. When we walked into our tent, we saw little tiny footprints on our clean white bedding that had been laid out for us! We assumed it was a marmot, because they were everywhere. We made sure to block the hole before bedtime. I did not want to wake up with a marmot in my face the next morning!
Besides that, we were perfectly satisfied with our little tent cabin. It was clean (minus the footprints) and we were so tired in the evening that we had no problems sleeping through the night. I should also say I don't love roughing it much, but I had no problems with the tent or shower facilities. Have some pizza and beer on the deck and enjoy the view. Star gazing is a great way to spend an evening.