OK, I'm really conflicted about where to stay in Yosemite. I'm already planning a trip for next spring (late May/early June), and I figure since I'm 13 months ahead of schedule, I should be able to get a place in the valley - probably at the Yosemite Lodge, since the Awhanee seems absurdly expensive. But here's my confusion. For about the same price, I could get a nice little cabin in Foresta, where we could cook meals, hang out sipping wine watching the sun go down, etc. More space, more freedom, etc. But then what do we do with our car? Foresta is only about 7 miles from the valley - but can we park down in the valley and then take shuttles to see different parts of the park? Is it worth it to stay right in the valley at the Lodge for close to $200 a night for a small hotel room that I've read will be very unimpressive? And then all meals have to be eaten in restaurants. The third option would be stay outside the park, but everything I've read on this forum tells me that's not a good idea. We'll probably stay 4 days/3 nights. Thanks for any Yosemite wisdom that you can offer.

Apparently there a few motel rooms at Camp Curry. Since you're calling so far ahead, maybe you could get one of those?

I don't think Foresta is all that attractive, and I do think it's worth it to stay inside the park, even if all you can afford is a tent or cabin.

We just stayed at Yosemite Lodge, and it is crummy for the money ... I don't care if it's in a national park or not. We also spent one night in Mariposa in a great little lodge, then rode the YARTS bus into the park to stay overnight. That's what we'll do next time ... I'll never stay in the Yosemite Lodge again! You can catch the bus in very early and take a late one back out, riding the free shuttles to what you want to see during the day. You also won't have to spend a bundle on the overpriced restaurants in the park. To many people, the location is worth putting up with the Lodge conditions; I'm not one who feels that way.

I think you'll enjoy your Yosemite visit no matter which lodging you choose. Foresta is in a meadow-y area at a higher altitude. It'll be quieter and cooler. We had a decent room at Yosemite Lodge - far nicer than a pitiful room we had at North Rim Grand Canyon. But we had rowdy neighbors, so we shortened our stay there. We probably enjoyed the very very rustic cabins at Camp Curry best. We disliked the tent cabins - too close to other snoring guests. We've also stayed in lodging outside the park in El Portal and enjoyed it. If the type of lodging is important to you, pick what's comfortable. You'll enjoy the park.

Google for "Yosemite West" -- there are condos, about a 20 minute drive from the valley. Fully equipped with kitchens, televisions, fireplaces etc. It's no problem to drive to the Valley and shuttle (or bicycle) around once there.

Thanks for all your thoughts. We're definitely not very interested in staying in the tent cabins or rustic cabins where we'd have to walk to shared showers. There was a time when that would have been fine, but we're beyond that now. I think we're leaning towards renting a place either in Foresta or Yosemite West. I understand Foresta has been somewhat de-forested by a fire a decade or more ago, but that doesn't bother me. Foresta supposedly is 7 miles from the Valley, Yosemite West about 16 miles. Either way, does anyone know if the shuttle that goes through the park goes anywhere near these places, or would we have to drive each day to another location to get that bus? We're considering going with another couple, and it would be nice if we could go in different directions occasionally (we'll only have 1 car between us). Thanks again for any help or advice.

We stayed at Yosemite Lodge in 2005 and thought the room was fine. My recollection is that the free shuttles only run within the park and not the entire length of the valley. To get to some places, you either have to drive or take a paid bus trip.

we stayed at Yosemite View Lodge outside the Park- the room was nice, nice restaurant, some rooms have river views, we had a small kitchenette in our room
The bus into the park stopped right at the hotel - we didnt use it but it certainly was an option.
The drive into the park only took us about 15 min- but that was in May over Mothers Day so not too crowded yet.
I think my preference would have been to
stay in the Park as there were some evening activities that I would have enjoyed doing but Curry Village looked terrible in my opinion- would have stayed at the Lodge but no rooms.
We went to the Awhanee for drinks and appetizers several times- so got to enjoy it some but too expensive to stay there.

Our preference has been to rent a cabin. The following are a few sites to check out. While the valley is great, it is always nice to get back to your cabin after a long day of hiking, fishing or rafting and start a fire, have a glass of wine and cook a meal while the sun goes down. Staying at the Ahwanee would be OK, but it is expensive. We always enjoy driving into the valley for the day and then taking a shuttle or just driving where you want to go for that day. Parking has never been a problem when we were there, but others may disagree. I thing overall your experience will be much better than staying in a hotel. Have fun!

www.redwoodsinyosemite.com/
www.4yosemite.com/
www.yosemitelodging.com/

Our preference has always been to rent a cabin. The following are a few sites to check out. While the valley is great, it is always nice to get back to your cabin after a long day of hiking, fishing or rafting and start a fire, have a glass of wine and cook a meal while the sun goes down. Staying at the Ahwanee would be OK, but it is expensive. We always enjoy driving into the valley for the day and then taking the beautiful drive back to our cabin. I have to say that I think overall your experience will be much better than staying in a hotel. Also, for a unique experience, staying at the Wawona Hotel is great. It really takes you back in time. The area around Wawona is beautiful...as the Washburn family said over 100 years ago when they built the hotel, "sublime". Have fun!

www.redwoodsinyosemite.com/
www.4yosemite.com/
www.yosemitelodging.com/

There are some cabins in the park (in Curry) that have private bathrooms/showers. But they are definitely rustic. The Yosemite Lodge rooms were pretty good, modern and clean enough with a great balcony, perfect for sipping wine in the evening and enjoying the view. (We just had the bad luck of loud neighbors).

Here is a link to info about Foresta- only one person's opinion, but several photos. http://www.yosemitefun.com/foresta.htm

When we visit Yosemite we always stay in Mariposa.It's a lovely drive to the park.Paul

Profsuzy:
I visited last year and we stayed in a cabin with scenic wonders, it is about a 45 minute drive from the valley, but everything is so pretty driving around there that time flew. They have really nice cabins (I had stayed with them back in 97 too)it's like having your own home and they come fully equipped. You should check out there site too. I also found it to be not too far from Glacier Point (or was it el Capitan) now, I can't remeber either way it was close to go and watch the sunset. HOpe this helps
Gina

ProfSuzy--
We visited Yosemite in August 06 and stayed at Yosemite Lodge. The room was as expected...not luxurious but like a mid-range, dark Holiday Inn. We spent our money eating dinners at the Ahwahnee (which was excellent) and enjoyed the ease of staying in the Valley.

I never considered Yosemite West and don't know about Foresta...but I will add one thought. It's important to assess your love of winding, high roads. If you have any issues with motion sickness or fear of heights (my daughter has the former and I have the latter) you will definitely prefer to stay in the Valley. The driving into, out of and around Yosemite is not for the faint of heart or weak stomach. I would have enjoyed my trip FAR less if I knew that each day I had to do that driving twice.

That isn't to say that we didn't drive around and see places like Glacier Point and Wawona. It's just that I would not have wanted to do extra driving if not necessary.

Yosemite is beautiful...just be ready for lots of people!