The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park

The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.

This National Historic Landmark has seen numerous celebrities and presidents walk through its doors, been in movies like The Shining and is home to America's best known Christmas Dinner, the Bracebridge Dinner.

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The Ahwahnee Hotel

The Ahwahnee Hotel History

The Ahwahnee Hotel was the vision of Stephen T. Mather the first director of the National Park Service. Following the creation of Yosemite National Park in 1916 Mather campaigned to increase support and funding for the National Parks.

He wanted to upgrade Yosemite's concessions and accommodations. He wanted a hotel built that would attract guests and be open year-round. Gilbert Stanly Underwood was chosen as the architect in July of 1925.

Gilbert Underwood also designed two other highly recognized National Park Lodges in Southern Utah, the Bryce Canyon Lodge, and the Zion Canyon Lodge. The initial plans for the hotel consisted of a central tower seven stories high with three wings extending from it.

The east wing would contain and entry lobby and two floors of private rooms. The south wing would contain lots of public spaces including the Grand Lounge and meeting rooms plus three floors of private rooms. The west wing would contain an enormous dining room that could seat 350 people.

To reduce the hotel's vulnerability to fires there was very little wood used in construction. The primary building materials consisted of steel, granite, and concrete. The exterior would be granite and concrete that was stained to look like Redwoods.

The project was approved in March 1926 by Stephen Mather. A contractor was hired who proposed building the hotel for a maximum cost of $525,000 including construction fees by December 15, 1926. The cornerstone was laid for the hotel on August 1, 1926.

All of the building materials had to be trucked into Yosemite National Park. None of the park's natural resources could be used to build the hotel.

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As the building was being constructed it was not without issues. Additional square footage was added causing the price to climb to one million dollars and caused the project to be seven months behind schedule.

On October 12, 1926, The Ahwahnee was finally named. The name Ahwahnee was chosen by Yosemite Valley's first residents, the Ahwahneechee people, and translates to "place of large gaping mount".

The grand opening of The Ahwahnee was set for July 16, 1927, with a final price tag of 1.25 million to build the majestic hotel. Right before the hotel was due to open hotel employees realized they could smell the strong fumes coming off of trucks at the main entrance. They had to quickly construct a covered walkway and timber porte-cochere before the grand opening.

During World War II the Ahwahnee was used as a rest and relaxation hospital for naval personnel. The great lounge housed 350 men as a dormitory. Over a span of 2.5 years 90,000 servicemen and women relaxed at the hotel.

The hotel went through a $400,000 renovation in 1964 and reopened in time for Christmas.

The original large oak tables, secretaries, and wrought iron chandeliers in the Great Lounge can still be found today. You can see the original hotel rugs now hanging on the wall.

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The Ahwahnee Map

Did you know that The Ahwahnee was called The Majestic Yosemite Hotel?

On March 1, 2016, Aramark took over running the Ahwahnee hotel. The hotel's name was changed from The Ahwahnee to The Majestic Yosemite Hotel due to an ongoing trademark dispute with the previous concessionaire, Delaware North Inc., who lost the bid in 2014.

On July 15, 2019, the announcement was made that the ongoing trademark legal dispute was settled, and familiar names like Ahwahnee, Curry Village, and Wawona were restored back into Yosemite National Park.

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a stunning example of Parkitecture

You may be asking yourself, what is Parkitecture?

Parkitecture, also known as National Park Service Rustic Architecture, is a type of architecture designed by the National Park Service in an effort to create buildings that harmonized with its natural surroundings.

The Ahwahnee is one of four National Park Hotels to receive the Class 1 (Criterion) rating from the National Park Lodge Architecture Society including the El Tovar, Old Faithful Lodge, and Crater Lake Lodge. These magnificent structures should be on any park visitor's list of things to see and do in a National Park as they are breathtakingly beautiful and full of grandeur.

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a unique blend of Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern, and Arts & Crafts Movement.

Bracebridge Dinner

Every December since the hotel's opening in 1927, The Ahwahnee Dining Room takes on the air of eighteenth-century England. The tables are lit by candlelight as guests are treated to a spectacular seven-course meal and perhaps the most celebrated Christmas Pageant in the United States.

The first two seasons starred Ansel Adams as the Lord of Misrule (Jester) before rewriting the play and playing different roles within the play.

Room Types at The Ahwahnee

There are a few things to remember when staying in one of these historic hotels.

First off, these rooms were built in the 1920s and reflect what luxury was during that time, not 2020 luxury. 1920's luxury was seen more in the common areas where people socialized, had beautiful meals prepared for them, and enjoyed the lodge itself.

The room was merely a place to sleep and change clothes so don't be surprised to hear the plumbing rattle and beds and showers much smaller than today's standards. Technology is always a concern as we have become so accustomed to watching T.V. being on our phones and having the ability to search the internet for all of our questions and needs.

Don't expect wifi access, televisions with cable channels, etc., just take a look out your window, nature is providing one of the most picturesque places on earth just outside your room!

If you want something a little more modern but really want to be in the main part of the park, check out the hotel cottages. These rooms are thoroughly updated, roomy, and just all-around exquisite.

Room classifications in the Ahwahnee Hotel include:

Standard Hotel Rooms
Junior Suite
Hotel Parlors
Hotel Cottages

Room Amenities

Hair Dryer
Flat Screen TV
Refrigerator
Telephone
WiFi Available
Pillow-Top Mattress
Iron and Ironing Board
One King Bed or Two Double Beds

The outdoor pool is heated and can be enjoyed year-round. It is gorgeous during Yosemite winter months when the pool is surrounded by snow and you can see the steam coming off the pool.

Ahwahnee Restaurants

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The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Fine Dining

Breakfast served 7:00 AM-10:00 AM. The dress code is casual

Lunch served 11:30 AM-2:00 PM. Dress Code is Casual

Dinner served 5:30 PM-8:30 PM. Men are required to wear long pants and a shirt with a collar and women wear a dress, skirt, or long pants with a blouse. Children over age 4 are also kindly asked to dress for the occasion as well.

Sundays brunch is served 7:00 AM-2:00 PM. The dress code is casual.

Reservations can be made online or by calling (209)372-1489 between the hours of 9:00 AM- 8:00 PM

The dining room is a place that needs to be seen to fully appreciate its grandeur. The ceiling is a staggering 34 feet above the floor with massive trusses. There are wrought-iron craftsman style chandeliers and the stained glass is absolutely breathtaking!

The Ahwahnee Bar

Casual Dining

Coffee Bar open 6:00 AM-10:30 AM

Open Daily 11:30 AM-11:00 PM with a bar, wine, and cocktail menu.

Here is a look at the Ahwahnee Bar Gastro-Pub Flair menu.

Things to know when booking a visit to The Ahwahnee/The Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Deposit - A deposit of 100% of the first night at the time of booking if paid by credit or debit card.

Cancellation Policy - Cancellations or changes in reservations must be received 7 days prior to reservation arrival date to assure refund of deposit.

Check-In at 4:00 pm

Check-Out by 12:00 pm

Pets - There are no pets allowed on the property.

Smoking - Smoking is strictly prohibited

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Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

Lodges In Yosemite National Park

Ahwahnee Hotel
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The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.

Yosemite Valley Lodge
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The Yosemite Valley Lodge is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park and is located close to Yosemite Falls making it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.

Wawona Hotel
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(Currently Closed for repairs). Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.

Curry Village Tent Cabins
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The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley.

Lodges near Yosemite National Park

There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Here is a few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst:

Chateau du Sureau
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Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!

The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
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Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!

Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
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At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
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4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa

Yosemite National Park Tours

California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
Death Valley's Unique Geology
Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

Private Full-Day Fly Fishing for Beginners and Experienced Anglers
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🎣 Check Rates and Availability

Here is your chance to enjoy fly fishing in Yosemite with your private guide! This full-day adventure (Approx. 8 hours) is where you can fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout on the catch-and-release excursion. The tour includes:

all fly fishing gear, fishing license, Peak Season Reservation, and entrance fees
round-trip transportation from Yosemite Valley or Groveland
snacks/lunch

Private Family Hike in Yosemite
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-6 Hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability

Experience the monumental scenery of Yosemite on a guided, half-day hike designed especially for families. Choose from a beginning to moderate hike to suit your family's experience level, and embark on a series of trails that wind through the famous natural attractions of either Yosemite Valley or the high country. Enjoy Spectacular views from on of America's favorite National Parks, and stop for a scenic picnic near a stream, lake, or meadow.

4 Days Guided Yosemite Half Dome Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 Days | 🥾Check Rates and Availability

Ready to turn your bucketlist into a brag list? This 4 day Yosemite adventure takes you from secret swimming holes to the iconic half-dome cables without the crowds or the chaos. Every detail is covered, from wilderness permits to those elusive Half Dome Spots. Just bring your personal camping gear including a tent, sleping bag & pad, and headlamp. A full packing list will be provided after you register. With expert guides, chef-style meals, and starry skies, you'll hike, relax, and conquer like a pro!

Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$0.00 for Education/Academic Group

$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Yosemite National Park Peak-Hours Reservation Required

A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM on dates in 2025 listed below:

May 24 - May 26 (Saturday-Monday)
June 15 - August 15 (Daily)
August 30 -September 1) (Saturday - Monday)

During the dates listed above, visitors can enter Yosemite with either of the following:

Peak Hours Reservation are available through Recreation.gov
- (Click here to get your Peak Hours Reservation) or by calling (877)444-6777
Wilderness or Half Dome permit
In-Park camping including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hogdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds.
In-Park Lodging including Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and High Sierra Camps.
In-Park Vacation Rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta.
Regional transit ot tour group

Additional Peak Hours Reservation information:

Reservations for all dates were released on May 6, 2025
Additional Reservations are available on recreation.gov seven days before the arrival date at 8:00 AM PDT.
There is a $2.00 Non-Refundable fee (This does not include the park's entry fee requirement)
Each visitor can make one reservation for each three day period. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
Peak Hours Reservations are good for three consecutive days (Including arrival date)
You can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation.