Address: Yosemite National Park #1 Ahwahnee Drive Yosemite Valley, Ca. 95389
In 1927 Ahwahnee Hotel opened for business and is called the Grand Hotel, well known for its stunning interior and rustic architectural design. The hotel is also a Natural Historic Landmark. It has been previously visited by queens and presidents such as John F. Kennedy, Herbert Hoover, Eleonor Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philips, and many more. It provides guests with elegance, hospitality, and great history. The Hotel is also in close proximity to Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. The Hotel is 150,000 sq ft Y shaped building and has 123 rooms which are 99 hotel rooms and 24 cottages.
It took us 4 hours and 15 minutes (220 miles) drive from San Francisco to Ahwahnee Hotel via CA-140 El Portal way. The El Portal route is less switchbacks and winding roads compared to CA- highway 120. We were in awe when we arrived at the entrance of the beutiful Ahwahnee Hotel. We were immediately greeted by the bell hop attendants, took our bags and brought it inside the hotel. We only waited in the lobby for a few minutes as our room was ready. We were impressed and surprise by the rustic and architectural design of our room with a private balcony facing the Glacier Point and Half Dome. And we have to use an old room gold keys and not the more sophisticated key card being used nowadays. The rooms decor is very classic and rustic with one bedroom, bathroom and a living room space.
We decided to explore the Hotel and walked around their architecturally designed lobby with 2 huge fire place, piano and some old artifacts and collectible items. My wife ordered a cocktail at their Ahwahnee bar which serve cocktails, small appetizers, and are only open from 2-9 p.m. It’s a great place to unwind and relax after a day of outdoor activities. We also visited and had lunch at their famous elegant Dining room which was named the crown jewel of Yosemite dining. We were impressed at the elegant, large dining room with Cathedral windows and a 34 ft high cross beam ceiling. Due to covid restrictions, we had to order first by the bar and had to eat at the available tables on a first come, first serve basis. We ordered chicken tenders for $9.25, Ahwahnee Boysenberry pie for $13.50, Seafood pasta for $25, soup of the day (miso soup) for $8.50 and seasonal grill cheese for $18.50. We were lucky enough to find an available table right by the cathedral window overlooking the meadows and trees. The tables were consistently cleaned and sanitized by the restaurant staff members. All our food came in large portions and delicious especially the seafood pasta and the Boysenberry pie. My daughter was surprised and happy to see from our window a few deers hanging out by the meadows.
Overall, it’s a very nice and grand Hotel with lots of amenities and great service. We would definitely come back again and stay overnight in the future. Some of the amenities are free WI-Fi, shuttle, valet parking, concierge, swimming pool and childcare services.
Tips: The Hotel is very close to The Village Store for reasonable price grocery items, Park Clinic, Degnan’s Deli, picnic areas and there is a giftshop inside the hotel for basic necessity and snack items. They also sell a wide variety of high quality chocolates. There are also a few tables available outdoor if you prefer to be outside. The outdoor swimming pool is open but we didn’t get to try it. And you can walk around the meadows just be careful of the deers especially during mating season. They have ample parking but don’t leave any food or scented items as the bears can break into your car at night if they smell food or scented items.
Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about The Ahwahnee Hotel and Restaurant after your visit in the comments below. And kindly subscribe, comment, and share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.
Click here to find a hotel close to Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County.