I'll be in Yosemite for two days in late July and was looking at either staying at the Wawona or the Yosemite Lodge. While the Wawona is considerably cheaper, I was wondering if it's more important to stay in a central location as I'll only have two days in the park.

I've heard amazing things about Yosemite so I want to maximize my time there. Thanks!

Do you know both those places have availability for your dates (I know the economy is bad, or maybe there have been recent cancellations, but places in Yosemite in summer are hard to come by!). Anyway, if you really have a choice, and only two days, personally I'd stay at Yosemite Lodge, because it's a fairly long drive from Wawona into the valley that you'd have to do multiple times.

I would also recommend the Yosemite Lodge. It is surrounded by the most spectacularly beautiful geological structures in Yosemite. It is in the part of the park that most first time visitors would want to see and, from the lodge, all the beautiful scenery and waterfalls are easily accessible by either walks, bike rides, or free shuttles.

Have fun!

Agree and as sf says, I'd be amazed if anything is available at this date. If the Lodge is full and you can get in to Wawona, I'd still take it. We've stayed there before and it's perfectly acceptable. It is a long drive, but pretty scenic.

If a choice, I agree with the Yosemite Lodge. Just walking out your front door and looking up is awesome. Taking a walk to Yosemite Falls and time you feel like it and hoping on the free shuttle to have lunch at the Ahwahnee with it's beautiful views! A great location.

I've had the experience of driving to Yosemite when the Lodge is booked up and walking up to the check-in desk and getting a room due to a last minute cancellation. I wouldn't risk trying this, however, unless I already had a firm back-up reservation somewhere else.

Thanks so much for the quick responses! I made a reservation at Wawona about a month ago and today I saw there was an opening at the Lodge so I quickly grabbed it. Based on everyone's feedback, I'll go ahead and cancel my Wawona reservation for some other lucky last minute visitor.

For those that stayed at the Lodge before, is the breakfast there worth it? It sounds like there's also a cafeteria nearby.

We ate at the Mountain Room often, asking for a window table to view the Falls. We were there in the spring so the falls were really full. It was a great way to have breakfast, lunch or dinner. However we ate in the cafeteria also, it is faster and the food is ok. There's also a store on the property that sells wine, sandwiches, etc so you can take a picnic lunch somewhere if you are going to hike, bring a packpack!

Are there any must have sights or hikes? I enjoy hiking but am not quite fit enough for Half Dome!

blue, here some recommended in the Valley: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm