It would help if you said what you don't like about the lodging within the park, plus how far you're willing to drive to/from the park (just Yosemite Valley? other places?). Of course you can stay outside the park. Also, what time of year (I haven't followed your other posts)? You find the Ahwahnee underwhelming, too expensive, or what? We stayed in Camp Curry tent cabin the last time we were in the park, but it's not for everyone. Yosemite Lodge is, I think, as good as many hotels you'll find outside the park, unless you need a pool, etc., and you can't beat the location. The Wawona is historic, pleasant and quiet. Not fancy, and also not cheap, and isn't in Yosemite Valley, but is near the redwoods. If you get a room with its own bathroom, why commute from outside the park?