MommaFrog

Okay - I'm listening to all of you ...

I do have a room at Yosemite View in El Portal for two consecutive nights. BUT I may be able to switch some things around and get one night at the Ahwahnee, the next at Wawona... Any thoughts on this one or is it wasting too much time packing and unpacking.

Also, I've read recent reviews of the Wawona that it is really going down hill... with not a lot of bathrooms available ... could that be a problem with a 12 year old?????

Grasshopper

Hi MommaFrog, It would be a shame not to spend a night in the valley. Of course the Wawona is not in the valley so if presented with your choices I would spend one night at the Ahwahnee and one at in El Portal.

That said, I think the Awhahnee is terribly overpriced and over rated. I would much prefer a room at Yosemite Lodge. From there it's an easy walk in the early morning up to Yosemite Falls before all the tour buses come in. Can you get on a waiting list for the Lodge?

MommaFrog

Hi and thanks - I haven't seen one available date for the Lodge and to the best of my knowledge they go through the same central reservations desk as the Ahwahnee, Curry, and Wawona - am I right or am I missing something?

So far, I've only caught availabilities in the Ahwahnee, the Wawona, and tents in Curry, but my girl (and perhaps I, too) is somewhat "concerned" about BEAR activity. That would truly wreck this trip that is the extension of 5 days in LA where she is being honored (25 kids in the country) for community service.

JBC411

MommaFrog, you know from your other thread that I also agree that Yosemite Lodge should be your target, and that I think staying in the Valley is always preferable to not staying there, so if it's a choice between the Ahwahnee and staying outside the Valley, and you can afford the Ahwhanee, I'd go for the Ahwahnee. This despite the fact that almost anywhere else I'd be with the it's not worth packing and unpacking group.

Now the Wawona--that depends. That's not in the Valley, and it's kind of a unique place. I don't think it's really that it's run down--it has always looked beautifully kept to me--but you've got to understand it's intentionally kept as a museum piece.

It's an old resort hotel from the 1800's and they try to keep the experience as much like it was then as they can. This means that it's definitely below what you're used to in modern places on the creature conforts like private bathrooms, heat, air conditioning, lighting and so on. On the other hand, it's very unique, quite charming and beautiful, and an opportunity to pretend your a tourist in 1880's Yosemite.

So it depends on whether you or your daughter would like that sort of experience. I'd probably go for it, at least once, but it may not be your thing for this trip. If your daughter doesn't show much interest in old-time, historical things and really likes her comforts, she might not like it there.

It is outstandingly convenient for seeing the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which I highly recommend, and very convenient to the road to Glacier Point, which I think is an absolute must if it is open--some of the greatest views in the world.

Grasshopper

I can see how it is confusing. There are two main villages in the valley; Curry and Yosemite Village. Curry has cabins and the tent cabins. In that village there is also a cafeteria and a pizza parlor (and some shops and bike rental). In Yosemite Village there are cabins and hotel rooms. Also there are a couple of restaurants, shops, a store, a pool, bike rental... My preference would be Yosemite Village.

When you try to make reservations on the website, it only gives you what's available. I would call and ask how to get a shot at the lodge rooms as they may become available. Try 559-253-2057.

The Ahwahnee is in an area separate from both of these, but still in the Valley. The best thing about the Ahwahnee is the common areas. Anyone can visit and use those areas (although not the pool) and the rooms are overpriced for what they are.

I agree, you should drive to Glacier Point. The views are fabulous.

Good luck!

J62

I agree with the other posters. Spend a night at Ahwanee but don't move to Wawona for 1 nt. You can plan a 1 day trip to Wawona area then stop at Glacier point on the way back. I like Glacier pt best late afternoon, 2nd best early morning. Mid day the views are still magnificent but the lighting is better later or earlier.


All the in-park lodging is done through the same system. I have found that the telephone operators have found things faster than searching on the web site. They can pull up everything available by date and tell you in a sec.

Yes, there are bears in Yosemite, but as long as you follow the food lockup rules they are not a problem. Curry village would give you a totally different experience.

My choice is always Yosemite lodge. Something about an in-room shower, 4 walls, comfy bed and electric power.

IF you get into the lodge and IF at checkin you have a choice, ask for a room away from main road or the bus parking lot at Yosemite falls. The farther from the road the quieter it will be.

They were talking about switching to electric shuttle buses a while back - does anybody know if they made the switch or still run diesel buses?

maj

What do you plan on doing while there? If you want to see Tolumne Meadows and Tioga Road, the road to get there is very convenient to El Portal. I also thought that El Portal was very convenient to get to Glacier Point without having to go through the traffic in the valley. I didn't think there was much to see or do that would warrant a night stay at Wawona--other than Mariposa Grove, which you can do on a day trip from Yosemite Valley -- unless you are interested in what was described above by Jbc411. IMO I would get the room at Ahwahnee and the 2 at El Portal and keep watching to see what opens up closer to the time.

maj

Sorry, I was thinking you had 3 nights. Still would make the reservations for one night in the valley and one in El Portal and see if Yosemite Lodge opens up closer to the date.

MommaFrog

Hey to you WONDERFUL HELPFUL PEOPLE!!!!!!!

I have two nights - I can flop with my reservation in Gold Country if I can get two nights inside - I just want this to be the best possible experience. NONE of us have ever been and who knows if we'll be out west again. There has to be a reason that someone will hear the desire to treat this beautiful and giving girl to what she deserves. Yes, I know I'm partial - how can a proud MOM not be?

Best case scenario - 8/1 and 8/2 at the Ahwahnee - Dad says he'll pay. I could do 7/31 and 8/1 instead. I'm calling the 2057 # and am getting a lot of FAX noise.

I check the central # 3 times per week. Online - about 20 times per day. CRAZY - I KNOW!