OliverB

I just called to book four nights at the Ahwahnee Hotel but am told they are already completely sold out of all room classes save for those in the basic "Classic Room" category for New Year's weekend. I was hoping to book a Parlor Suite w/ stone fireplace and balcony with a view towards the mountains. I wanted to ask whether anyone has stayed in a "Classic Room" at this hotel before, and if so, I'd appreciate your feedback. I would also like to know whether there's any chance or possibility that suites may free up between now and the holidays, or is this highly unlikely? I'm really bummed that I didn't act on this sooner. I wanted to surprise my girlfriend with this, but I'm hesitant to book into a basic room at an old lodge hotel like this as it's really not the experience I wanted. Is this property always so packed, or is it just the holiday timing?

Kagehitokiri

so not sold out (surprising/economy?)
only 123 rooms, 3 months outthere are only 4 parlors and 2 jr suites, but there are 24 cottages
***

FYI re holidays - some destinations/properties reserve by invitation only more than a year in advance

Ahwahnee >
elsewhere >

OliverB

I'm specifically speaking of the suites and parlor rooms though. Is there a likelihood that these may open up before the holidays, or not much chance of that? I'm really disappointed in myself for not planning sooner.

obscure2k

I suggest counting your lucky stars that there was any availability. Take what they are offering and have a very special NYE. Lock up your dinner reservations. This is one venue where I would not be concerned about upgrades. Walk outside..and inhale the beauty.

mstraveler

I would second this. Bring some special wine, bath salts whatever/etc to make the room special. The dining room and the outdoors have enough "wow" factor to make you grateful to sleep in the middle of it even not in your first choice of rooms. A very special place to spend NYE.

[As an aside, you might be able to get suites or cabins at the Tenaya Lodge, which is just outside the park. But NOT the grandeur of the Ahwahnee and not in the valley. Nice for what it is, and the rooms are quite decent if you want space and access to the park.]

OliverB

Yes, the surroundings are unmatched anywhere. I know this, but was really hoping for a 'special room' as I'm surprising my girlfriend with this as a delayed Christmas present, and wanted to book a special suite for the ocassion. Plus 3-4 nights in icy snow capped cold and wintery temperatures can feel a lot longer and I wanted to enjoy the outdoors from the indoors just as much, if that makes sense. A wood burning fireplace and balcony in historic lodge settings would have been really nice over a standard basic hotel room... that won't dissuade me from booking! I'm just wondering if there's any chance of something more ideal freeing up between now and January? The Mary Curry, El Dorado, JFK, or Library Suites for instance, or any of the scenic parlor rooms.

Ericka

How about finding another nice hotel with woodburning fireplaces and gorgeous views? There are always other options.

Kagehitokiri

the question has no answer

1. i presume you got on waitlist before posting
2. you could call frequently to check in

3. what if - talk to hotel about whether they would be willing to talk to booked guests about downgrading for compensation. harder to do when there is a budget, vs no budget, but theoretically still possible to ask/negotiate. just depends on property. talk to management only.

RichardInSF

Not in or near Yosemite Valley, AFAIK. The Ahwanee is the best and only. It is unique (like the Furnace Creek Inn in Death Valley and the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone), but is not luxury.

For that time of year, you take what you can get.

I've never tried Erna's Elderberry House, rooms associated with what is supposed to be an excellent restaurant. No one ends up n Oakhurst, CA, by accident! However, it is south of the park and close to an hour's drive from Yosemite Valley.

bubb1

The "JFK" suite (which is actually 2 separately booked rooms if you want full exclusivity) at the Ahwahnee sounds ideal for your needs, but this property is often fully booked at peak periods (late spring to early fall, holidays and special events). Unfortunately the only way I've ever secured this room (when I knew it was essential to do so) was booking it precisely when it first becomes available, which is a year in advance.

Please report back if you have any success with alternative methods, good luck!

Ericka

I guess I meant to say, why does it have to be Yosemite Valley? I personally would rather travel a little farther to have the right room in the right hotel. Or even the right cabin for that matter. IMHO, nothing replaces a woodburning fireplace and a deep soaking tub. I doubt you're going to get either of those things in a "classic room".

Anyway, just keep in mind what is important to your girlfriend. Maybe she doesn't care about a fireplace. Maybe she doesn't care about a big tub. Maybe she does.

Kagehitokiri

so a bunch of people are sitting around waiting for a clock to strike a certain time then calling/clicking/etc? better than invitation only.

***

Ericka, sounds like its unmatched location and worth at least one trip at some point. (but to your point - any time, its not going anywhere.)

i believe this is everything in this forum (outside this thread) >

squeakr

bubb1

Well, I don't think the suites are listed online, so we call them when they open for the day, however it is probably overkill unless you have no flexibility on specific suite and/or date during peak times mentioned above.

Agree with others that the location can outweigh the room/hotel, but the "unlisted" suites here are a vast improvement over the basic rooms, and in winter having a view from indoors with a proper fireplace is spectacular!

mike_la_jolla

This is maybe the only hotel in the world that I'm happy to find ANY availability during the dates I need. Take what you can get and be happy. I'd alter an international itinerary if I could fit in the Ahwahnee.

Truthfully Yosemite Lodge is fine also. I'd avoid Curry. Always disliked it there .... Actually, if forced, I'd take a tented cabin at the lodge. Yosemite is that good.

Don't you run into the Bracebridge people on those dates?