I just got notification through the mail that Yosemite is offering deep discounts for 20 rooms each at the Ahwahnee ($199.00/nt.) and at the Yosemite Lodge ($79.00/nt.) for the following dates: March 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and 31. I know I can't use this, but perhaps some of you can. You can book online or call, using special code #71E9KQ. Have fun!

ttt

We are currently booked on our honeymoon at the Yosemite View Lodge for $105 a night on March 14 and 15. The room is supposed to have a king bed, jacuzzi tub, and kitchenette. With this code on my days I am seeing availability online (at this post time). I LOVE HOTELS! Is it worth it for us to cancel YVL and pay one night at each Ahwahnee and the Lodge? (to keep cost down) Or should we just stay put and enjoy the Ahwahnee one afternoon and into the evening for dinner? Or, still one night at YVL and one at Ahwahnee? How long is the drive from the Ahwahnee to outside the park to Yosemite View Lodge? (if reasonable we will probably stay put) Thanks for sharing the info Iregeo

Hi chris. I don't know how much help I can be, because I've never stayed in Yosemite outside the Valley. If you have your heart set on the jacuzzi, stay with what you've got. I've heard good things about it. But, if you intend to spend most of your time in the Valley, you may wish to consider the special rate at the Ahwanee. After all, it is your honeymoon! the Ahwanee is beautifyul, but its the public rooms that make it special. the guest rooms are really quite average.

Oops, accitentally hit the post button! Anyway, if you have specific questions, please ask. Otherwise, good luck and congrats on your upcoming marriage!

I've never stayed at either the Awhanee or the YVL, so I can't comment on the accomodations, but I can say that the Awhanee is in an absolutely beautiful spot and the public rooms are very nice. I think it would be a perfect honeymoon spot.

I have stayed in the valley (housekeeping camp, which is basically camping-lite) and the Tenaya Lodge which is near the south entrance to the park. I prefer to stay in the valley rather than outside the valley. Just being able to wake up, spend all day long, and go to sleep in that environment is wonderful and not having to drive anywhere is very relaxing.

For me personally, the romance of Yosemite itself would outweigh any in room jacuzzi.

The Awahanee Hotel is gorgeous. You must have the Sunday brunch there. We had the buffet one Easter after church and my husband still raves about that buffet.

I was having lunch at Ducey's on the Sunday after V-Day and was chatting with my son's ex-wrestling coach. He said the district is offering the rooms for 79/night there to district employees. Oh, if only I was still teaching!! LOL ***kim***

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a gorgeous building with lovely common areas. That said, the rooms are sort of "Courtyard by Marriot" quality, if you know what I mean.

The Yosemite Lodge is best compared to a Motel 6.

That said, I always advise people to stay in Yosemite Valley if they possibly can. It's a twisty turny route into the valley, about 45 minutes from the western entrances.

Motel 6? ugh! Go for the Ahwanee!! The Tenaya Lodge is also very nice. Indoor-outdoor pool, on-site restaurant (we had my birthday lunch there last year), beautiful lobby with fireplace, etc. It is a four diamond destination resort. www.tenayalodge.com

The Wawona Hotel is a Victorian place. We haven't stayed there, but did enjoy a very nice dinner a couple of years ago out on the patio. The salmon chowder is excellent! A very nice property inside the park. ***kim***

ChrisF101:
I agree with one thing with Bay Area-the public rooms are lovely, the actual hotel rooms at the Awahnee are nothing to hoot about. IME this past October we felt a little lingering at the bar followed by dinner was just enough Awahnee. We loved the Yosemite VIEW Lodge, sooooo much nicer than the Yosemite Lodge (Yes, Motel 6ish). You are 5-10 minutes from the Arch Rock entrance-(there is absoulutely is no 45 minute winding drive) and then another 5-10 to the intersection of Bridal Veil falls parking lot and the road that leads to the Tunnel View, Badger Pass and Wawona Hotel. In any season I can advise on the purchase of the Lonely Planet Guide for Yosemite!
Congrats to you both!
R5
Mariposa Redwood Grove.
At the YVL, be sure to request a 3rd floor river view room-trust me as the sun comes up and you peak your head out the door to your very private balconly
(right over the river)
you'll see massive boulders and the river below and you will definetly "feel"' you are "in the park" -not good enough?-walk east 50' up the road and and your have picture taken
with the "'Welcome to Yosemite" sign!

chris, not to add to your dilemma, but if you want a SPECTACULAR place, for even one night, look at the Chateau du Sureau in Oakhurst, about 1 - 1 1/2 hours from the valley floor. It is one of the nicest properties I have been to in any country. I would spend my honeymoon there...next time, of course! www.chateaudusureau.com.

Irageo, you're right about the Chateau du Sureau. We were just at the property a couple of weeks ago. We did the wine tasting there in their wine cellar.

A couple from SF was staying in the Sweet Geranium room and said it was just wonderful. The restaurant, Erna's Elderberry House is a five-star dining establishment.

We want to try their bistro sometime within the next couple of weeks. Will post a report when we do!! Excellent suggestion!! ***kim***

Hi kimamom. I know you were there -- I read and thoroughly enjoyed your post!

My husband took me to Chateau du Sureau and the Ahwanee for my 40th...I mean my 27th birthday, a few years ago! What an experience! Understated elegance in every detail, no matter how small. I cannot recommend this property highly enough. What a great place to spend at least part of a honeymoon!

Which room did you stay in and did you dine at the Elderberry House? My hubby wants to take their cooking classes sometime soon. ***kim***

kim, we stayed 2 nights in the Thyme room, which was lovely, but I'd opt for one of the upstairs rooms next time. We did have a wonderful dinner on our last evening at Erna's. Each course was paired with a wonderful wine. It was a birthday to remember!

how do you get notified of deals at Yosemite?

I live in SF and visit quite often.

thanks!

Not to downplay YVL, or the Ahwahnee, but I stayed at the Yosemite Lodge last month, and think it's a little nicer than a Motel 6. They are in the process of adding (don't ask me why) satellite TV, and the rooms were nice and clean, with decent bathrooms. The personnel were very accomodating. The only other NP lodge I've stayed at was Zion, and this place was much nicer. And there is something to be said for looking out your patio window and seeing Yosemite Falls, as well as simply walking out to the road and catching the Yosemite Park shuttle. I will stay there again, and at that rate, it's a deal.

Hi tarocake. My son and I stayed in a Curry cabin in November '03 and in Feb '04 I received a postcard notifying me of this sale. I haven't received one since.