8 Best Hotels in Yosemite National Park, California

Opened in 1899 as a place for budget-conscious travelers, Curry Village has plain accommodations that include standard motel rooms, simple cabins with private or shared baths, and tent cabins with shared baths. The tent cabins are a step up from camping, with linens and blankets provided; some even have heat. Happy Isles and the popular Mist Trail are a few minutes' walk away.

This collection of more than 125 homes in the Wawona area is a great alternative to the overcrowded valley. Fully equipped options range from cozy one-bedroom cabins to spacious six-bedroom houses with plenty of room for groups. Most have fireplaces, many have Wi-Fi, and all have decks with barbecues. The property rarely fills up, even in summer, so it's a good choice for last-minute lodging; there's a two-night minimum in the off-season and a three-night minimum in summer and on holidays.

Occupying 20 acres on a wooded hillside, this sleek, nature-inspired complex has a saltwater pool and hot tubs, a restaurant and tavern with indoor and outdoor seating, a guided recreation program, a spa and wellness program, a general store, nature trails, and outdoor play areas that include a zipline and a giant slide. The sister property of the Evergreen Lodge a few miles down the road, Rush Creek Lodge is just a half mile from Yosemite's Highway 120 entrance at the park's northwestern entrance. Choose among rooms and suites in the main lodge or in hillside villas; many rooms have gas fireplaces, and all have private balconies or patios.

Tucked away on the edge of the John Muir Wilderness Area, where cross-country ski trails loop through the woods, this 1924 lodge looks like something out of a snow globe. Rooms in the charming main lodge have spartan furnishings, and, in old-fashioned style, some share a bathroom. For more privacy, opt for one of the cabins, which range from rustic to downright cushy; many have fireplaces, full kitchens, or wood-burning stoves. In warm months, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking are right outside. The small, romantic Lakefront Restaurant serves outstanding seasonal, locally sourced dinners in a candlelit dining room. Reservations are essential.

This National Historic Landmark is constructed of sugar-pine logs and features Native American design motifs; public spaces are enlivened with art deco flourishes, Persian rugs, and elaborate iron- and woodwork. Luxury hotel amenities, including turndown service and guest bathrobes, are standard here. The impressive dining room is one of the most beautiful rooms in California. The lounge, with its tiered ceiling, has big, comfortable chairs and a quiet, contemplative air. Even if you cannot afford to stay here, take the time to stroll about the public spaces and have a drink on the patio shortly before sunset, when the view of Glacier Point is spectacular.

This 1879 National Historic Landmark at Yosemite's southern end is a Victorian-era mountain resort, with whitewashed buildings, wraparound verandas, and pleasant, no-frills rooms decorated with period pieces. About half the rooms share bathrooms; those that do come equipped with robes. The romantic, candlelit dining room lies across the lobby from the cozy Victorian parlor, which has a fireplace, board games, and a piano, where a pianist plays most evenings.

Set in a subalpine meadow, the White Wolf Lodge has rustic accommodations and makes an excellent base camp for hiking the backcountry. Traditional cabins have private baths, heaters, and two double beds; canvas tent cabins with shared baths sleep up to four persons. Breakfast and dinner are served home-style in the snug main building.

This 1915 lodge near Yosemite Falls is a collection of numerous two-story, glass-and-wood structures tucked beneath the trees. Motel-style rooms have two double beds; larger rooms also have dressing areas and patios or balconies. A few have views of the falls. Of the lodge's eateries, the Mountain Room Restaurant is the most formal. The casual Base Camp Eatery serves three meals a day. Many park tours depart from the main building.