Hi,

My retired parents are planning a mid-week vacation to Yosemite next month. They have never visited there (neither have I), so they would like some suggestions on accommodations.

My mother called the park and it looks like there are 2 options available:
1. Wowona Hotel - historic hotel, no private bathrooms, $101/room/night for double bed
2. Canvas Tent on platform - double bed with linens, $54/night

Does anyone have any experience with either of these?

Stayed at Wawona several years ago with kids. (I'm sure we had a private bathrooom). The hotel was clean and very comfortable. Excellent location. Cozy and pleasant.

I have also stayed at the Wanona & had a private bath. It is very old & has not been renovated to my knowledge. I like it but the bad part is (& this is a biggie) it is NOT in Yosemite Valley. It is quite a drive back & forth down to the valley especially at night. I mention this because we had dinner at the Awhanee hotel & driving back was a little scary in the dark. Yosemite is a magical place. I'd vote for the tents because it would be wonderful to wake up in the morning already in the valley.

The upside to not staying in the valley is there are a few more restaurant options--"lumberjack "breakfasts, nearby. Downside, is that you are not right in the valley. However, given that it is summertime, if one chooses to spend the day in the valley and dine and tour , it will still be light enough to traverse the winding roads. Agreed, that the roads can be scary in the dark. Yet, I would prefer the Wawona to the Awahanee and, surely would prefer a double bed on the outskirts to a tent.in the valley. Now, if they want luxury and a little proximity, they might want to investigate Chateau Seurat (not sure about my spelling)--sorry. I believe it is a member of the Relais et Chataeux--

Badgerfan: So this will be mid-week sometime in June? This should be the least crowded time of the summer high season (relatively speaking, of course). I have done the canvas tent thing in August - it was fine, but the tents are quite close together and it was crowded. If they have a very practical approach to their sleeping arrangements (i.e. they are strictly using the tents for sleeping and will be out sightseeing the rest of the day), then it should be fine.

There is nothing rugged or romantic about this set up - it's the location that is convenient. We were rarely in the Valley, anyhow, as we chose to drive to and visit different locations in the park that were more off the beaten path (and you would be surprised how uncrowded it can be, even in August - it seems most everyone stays in the Valley though the scenery elsewhere is just as fantastic and often better).

Personally, I would choose the Wawona, though I haven't stayed there, and drive to the Valley for sightseeing (park and use the shuttles). Hope they have a great time - it is a wonderful place.

We found, by looking on the AAA map of Yosemite, a great little cabin-based place at Mather called the Evergreen Lodge. Located about 5 miles north of Yosemite (and about 5miles south of the Lake) cost was about $90.per night. Restaurant on premises but we ate at the Yosemite Lodge in the park or picnicked.

They do have a website that is linked to the Yosemite website.

It is Chateau du Sureau in Oakhurst. Probably the nicest inn I've ever stayed at in the U.S., but it is incredibly expensive. One night's lodging in a typical room and dinner for two with a bottle of wine at their five star restaurant (Erna's Elderberry House) will set you back $725 - $800. The good news is breakfast is included .

Note the hotel is a healthy drive to Yosemite Valley.

http://www.chateaudusureau.com/chat_button.htm



[This message has been edited by Craig6z (edited 05-12-2002).]

I agree about Chateau Du Surreau. The price is very expensive but the experience is memorable. I was a guest of friends who had their 25th anniversary there and booked 8 rooms. They even supplied electricity by the pool (with extension cords hidden in the brush) so that we could play games on my laptop by the pool. Each room is exquisite, service is extrordinary, and the food and wine list are very special.

It certainly a "lifestyles of the rich and famous" place.

Thanks so much everyone for your helpful comments! I have passed them all on to my mother... they should definitely help my parents make the correct lodging decision.

There are many more options, check out: http://www.cr.nps.gov/habshaer/parki...odg/yose03.htm

Having been to Yosemite many times, personally like the Awhanee Hotel. The great dining hall is very impressive and has very good food.

While we have eaten at the Chateau du Surreau (very good) we have not stayed. Although we have stayed at many locations outside the park.

One very important (IMO) piece of information that I feel you should know (seeing as you have not been there before) is that driving into the park to get to the valley floor is not a picnic. If you are not comfortable with your driving skills on twolane, twisting roads it can be challenging. We have always enjoyed our visits to Yosemite much more when we have stayed in the park on the valley floor (where almost all lodging inside the park is located).

Do not miss the drive across the Tioga Pass (start early in the morning to be ahead of the rush).

Have fun, feel free to email with any other questions.