Has anyone stayed at The Ahwahnee lately?
 

We are planning an August trip to Yosemite and was wondering if anyone has been to The Ahwahnee lately? Thanks.

Lots of people probably. It would go out of busines otherwise.

Let me be more specific...If anyone has stayed at The Ahwahnee lately, what did you think of it?

Topping this thread for you. I assume you've read the more recent reviews on Trip Advisor.

Yes, we generally stay there once a year in the summer. Let me explain what I love about it, and what I think is not so great.

Pros: The building itself is, imo, gorgeous, historic. The common areas are a pleasure to relax in, be it the bar, the grounds just outside, the great room with its fireplace, and the small, heated pool. Especially in summer, I like the fact that the guest rooms are air conditioned, have internet connections, and television. Some of the guest rooms have balconies. The better (imo) guest rooms overlook the common area lawn where people have weddings and children play. The location cannot be beat: everywhere you look, there's a majestic view of something. I even love the smell of the firewood emanating from the fireplace in the great room. The dining room is beautiful -- but best to visit during the day. The staff is generally superb and friendly.

The Cons: being an historic property, it has age related issues (I like to think of them as quirky, like an aging great aunt). The bathrooms are small. A number of the rooms are small. I'm not terribly fond of the cottages, since I don't think they are as well kept as the main part of the hotel. The nightly cost at all times, but especially summer, is outrageous. Sometimes there's a carpenter bee issue, and there's lots of mosquitoes around the pond area at the front entrance. But again, it's in a park, where aside from the deer, squirrels, raccoons, bears, and what not, you must expect flying insects.

Surfergirl: Thanks so much - this is very helpful!

Dukey1: Yep - I've read tripadvisor. Appreciate the reminder though.

In order to enjoy the pros but avoid the cons, I like staying at the Yosemite Lodge but visiting the Ahwahnee for lunch or dinner and enjoy walking around the beautiful hotel lobbies and outdoor grounds. They are very hospitable to visitors who are not staying there. It's a very special place. Not to be missed.

Your welcome.

Let me just add a few more things -- it can get extremely hot in the Valley in late July through early September, which is another reason I enjoy staying in the Ahwahnee's air conditioned rooms, especially if you have heat sensitivities or are going through menopause :D Seriously, Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village cabins, Curry Village tents (and we've experienced all of them) -- no other place has a/c. Of course, it cools down a lot at night, but I've been there some nights camping out where it's been miserably warm and uncomfortable, and the other places without a/c are stuffy from a day baking in the heat. Mind you, during the day, you can chill by using the fabulous pool (for a small fee) at Yosemite Lodge or going rafting down the Merced from Curry Village, or just taking a dip in the icy waters, but night time is a different story.

Also, while I love historic hotels, there have, I will confess, been hotels that I wouldn't recommend, such as the Empress Hotel in Victoria -- as gorgeous as the common rooms are, the rooms are the size of a postage stamp, and half the rooms overlook the parking lot and dumpsters which get emptied at 6 a.m.!

Yes, a/c is a must for all the reasons mentioned! We are not campers but have a great appreciation for nature. :)

We have stayed at El Tovar so I think we have realistic expectations about a 'historic' National Park Hotel and as mentioned, location is important to us. Any other tips or suggestions?

Surfergirl, on the other hand we had a wonderful experience a few years ago at The Empress.

They just reopened, after closing for several weeks for a face lift. Never stayed there, they were always booked, only had dinner. I understand the rooms have been updated, so perhaps whatever people were somewhat unhappy with has now been improved.