Unquestionably one of the most well-known national parks in the nation is Yosemite National Park. Deep valleys, magnificent waterfalls, tranquil streams, and the ideal hiking trails can all be found here for your next journey. Hotels and campers are located in the Yosemite Valley, which is the center of the national park, from where you can embark on hiking excursions. Discover the significant Native American tribes that inhabited this area, and understand the rich history of the region. Exploring within and near Yosemite National Park is a must-do on your trip to California. The park rangers advise tourists to schedule guided treks in advance to experience the many areas of the park. You would need to apply for wilderness permits in advance if you intended to spend the night in the park.
There is a wide range of accommodation at Yosemite to choose from, ranging from tent cabins, lodging, hotels, to several other unique options. Many of the available stays are located near Yosemite’s South Entrance, and you’ll find other stays either near either the Yosemite West Entrance or the Merced River.
Here are the best Yosemite lodging options you must consider while exploring Yosemite National Park!
The 8 Best Yosemite Lodging Choices
Yosemite Valley Lodge
This cozy, rustic lodge is trendy among visitors and has all the necessary amenities. Yosemite Valley Lodge is located right in the middle of Yosemite Valley and needs to be booked months in advance owing to its prime location, the access it has to all the major attractions and hiking trails, and the stunning design of the lodge with a glass wall and wooden interiors, blending right into its surroundings. It’s close to Yosemite Falls and you can enjoy lovely views of the falls from the hotel. It has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, several dining options, an outdoor amphitheater, a gift shop, and an activities desk to plan your hikes. You can also rent bikes from them.
Tenaya Lodge
The Tenaya Lodge is located near the park entrance and is another popular option. It provides a more luxurious experience than most other lodging options, featuring a spa, an on-site gourmet restaurant, and more. The hotel is designed to look like a chalet, and the hotel provides all the amenities you’d need, including a daily guided nature hike, an outdoor pool, a concierge desk, an indoor pool, pet-sitting services, a game room, a fitness center, and even hot tubs. Get in touch with the concierge to plan your adventures in Yosemite National Park, from rock climbing to skiing. The rooms also come with fireplaces and heaters that can be used in the colder months.
The Village Lodge
The Village Lodge has access to a ski lift, and a gondola, and features a heated outdoor pool, five hot tubs, three gyms, and free WiFi. You can book a condo-serviced apartment here which has a fireplace, a dining area, a kitchen or kitchenette with appliances, and also has a balcony with a view of the mountain vistas. There are two restaurants on-site as well as a place where you can grab sushi. The Village Lodge stays very true to its name, having a village town-like layout. This is perfect if you’re traveling with family and want to have a cozy, comforting experience.
Rush Creek Lodge
Surrounded by lush forests, the Rush Creek Lodge is raved about by visitors for providing a true mountaineering experience. The lodge has a spa, spacious rooms with large bathrooms, comfortable furnishing, and even games and a radio. The rooms intentionally do not have a television to encourage people to spend quality time with their families. To watch television, you can head down to the Tavern, which is their on-site restaurant. They also have a bar, a seasonal pool outdoors, and two hot tubs, with one being adults-only. They have a Recreation Team dedicated to planning games and fun activities for guests.
Wawona Hotel
Previously known as Big Trees Lodge, the historic Wawona Hotel is the true epitome of a Californian escape in the midst of one of the most iconic national parks in the country. The hotel is located 45 minutes from the valley floor and is calm, peaceful, and quiet. Enjoy piano music in the lounge, relax by the cozy fireplace during winter, or sit by the carefully manicured lawns during the summer, experience their sunroom, enjoy their barbecue nights during the summer, and admire the fountain – this Victorian-style historic hotel has so much to offer.
The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth
One of the best resorts in the area is The Westin Monache Resort in Mammoth. Bringing you the best of being both indoors and outdoors, this resort is as luxurious as it promotes adventurous activity. It’s perfect for those who want to go hiking, cycle, or just enjoy the stunning views of the park in the summer, and also perfect for those who want to go skiing in the winter. The resort is even located close to Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort.
Mammoth Estate Rentals
Mammoth Estate Rentals offer unique private rooms and is one of the most unique Yosemite lodgings. They provide private units ranging from a studio size to a luxury 5-bedroom condo, so whatever your budget and size of the group are, it can be accommodated here. This is one of the best options for a cozy, true-to-its-nature family lodging experience in Yosemite National Park. The private estates come equipped with fireplaces, full kitchens, BBQs on the balcony, heated rooms, and even heated hardwood floors. The property has amenities such as a hot tub, a dry sauna, a seasonal swimming pool, and everything you would need to make this a memorable vacation.
The Ahwahnee Hotel a.k.a The Majestic Yosemite Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel, recently renamed to The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, is the most popular stay in Yosemite National Park and holds the prestigious “Premier Lodge” classification by the Yosemite National Park Lodging Reservations. With stunning log-beamed ceilings and a granite front, this hotel highlights the rich Native American heritage of the region with its artwork and interiors. You can easily access the base of Half Dome and Glacier Point from the location of this hotel. This hotel is a National Historic Landmark and was built in 1927.
FAQ
What part of Yosemite is the best to stay?
Yosemite Valley is the best part of Yosemite to stay at as all the main spots are easily accessible from here.
Is it better to stay inside Yosemite National Park?
Staying inside Yosemite will give you the best experience of this park with stunning views and all the major attractions being easy to access. You can also beat the crowds this way.
Are there cabins to stay in Yosemite?
Lodging including hotels, cabins, and tent cabins, is handled by Yosemite National Park Reservations and you’ll find several amazing options in the park. We highly recommend booking as in advance as possible as bookings open a year in advance and bookings for summer to autumn fill up very quickly.
How many days is enough for Yosemite?
Spending between 2 to 4 days at Yosemite is ideal to be able to enjoy all it has to offer.
What is the closest city to stay near Yosemite?
Merced is the closest major city to Yosemite and the drive takes close to two hours.
CuddlyNest provides all accommodations to all travelers at the best price. Find unlimited travel inspiration on our blogs and social media channels Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
You May Also Like:
The Ultimate Guide To Yosemite National Park
7 Amazing Hotels in Miami, Florida
The Best Guide To Downtown Nashville
The 5 Best Miami Resorts
The Ultimate Guide To The Miami Design District
The 5 Best Downtown Miami Hotels
Best Dog-Friendly Vacations In The United States
7 Most Instagrammable Places To Eat At In Chicago
The Ultimate California Travel Guide
