Yosemite
 

Also looking to do a few days at Yosemite. It looks as if lodging in the park is full. Any thoughts on nice lodging near the park?

Start at this URL
www.yosemite.com/tripplan/lodging.html
that will help you focus on what type of accommodation you want, in the location you want, with the amenities you want, and at the price you want.

Unfortunately, what someone else considers "nice" may be completely irrelevant to what you are really looking for.

Thanks. The web site is very helpful. Any thoughts on Evergreen Lodge or Tenaya?

When looking for lodging within the park, don't restrict yourself to the online service. Take the time to phone and check for vacancies. And remember that people can cancel without penalty up to three days before the start of their reservation, so, while park facilities may be fully booked now, rooms/cabins may become available closer to your date.

Tenaya Lodge is great but it's at the south entrance to the park and more than an hours drive to Yosemite Valley. If you can't get lodging in the park take a look at lodging in El Portal. An easy 20 -30 min drive to the valley. Yosemite View is right on the Merced River and has some nice accomodations.

http://www.yosemite-motels.com/yosemiteviewlodge/

Here's a mileage chart that you can use to determine if your lodging is too far from the valley for you:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisi...ages9-2007.pdf

We like to stay at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. When I am told there is no availability, I keep calling until somebody cancels--and somebody always cancels. I've stayed in the park and outside the park. Inside is better--much better.

Hang in there, HTTY

We enjoyed a wonderful stay at Tenaya for 4 or 5 nights in June a few years ago. We explored Mariposa Grove, ate breakfast at Wawona (very old school park hotel) and went for a hike from there, we rode a narrow gauge steam train (Sugar Pine) near the south entrance, we spent a full day in the valley including dinner at Ahwahnee (definitely recommend, great way to experience the grand lady). We went on several short hikes and a evening flashlight hike led by a ranger out of the hotel. The kids loved swimming in the pool everyday and we liked the hotel robes so much we bought two. The restaurant was good and there was a really good one just up the road (but I don't remember the name).