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Where to stay in Yosemite

The 1920s stone-and-timber Ahwahnee below Half Dome, or a family-friendly lodge by Yosemite Falls, both in the valley.

  1. The AhwahneeLuxury · Yosemite Valley, east of Yosemite Village$$$$
  2. Yosemite Valley LodgeFamily · Yosemite Valley, near the base of Yosemite Falls$$$$
Standout pick
The Ahwahnee · $$$$
Easy choice
Yosemite Valley Lodge · $$$
Best time
May–Jun · Sep–Oct
Ideal stay
2–3 nights

In Yosemite, sleeping in the valley saves hours of driving every day. Both our picks are inside Yosemite Valley: the grand 1920s Ahwahnee as the exclusive choice, and Yosemite Valley Lodge, near Yosemite Falls, as the accessible one. Prices are shown as a level, from $ to $$$$: rates move with the season and the room, so check the live price before you plan.

The Ahwahnee

$$$$
Pick no. 1 · The standoutLuxuryYosemite Valley, east of Yosemite Village

Historic grand hotel inside Yosemite Valley, a National Historic Landmark

Photos: The Ahwahnee, official website. Shown courtesy of the property.

Yosemite's 1920s stone-and-timber landmark in the valley, with views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

  • Waterfall and cliff views
  • Heated pool
  • The Ahwahnee Dining Room
  • Lounge and bar
See prices (official website)Opens the hotel’s official website.

Why we picked it

We would book it to be inside the valley at the best hours: walking out at dawn with Half Dome in view, then dinner in the great dining room in the evening, when the day visitors have left. It is the park's grand historic hotel, with the stonework and timber of the 1920s, and a Prime View room makes the granite walls part of the stay.

Best for

  • Couples
  • History and architecture lovers
  • Special occasions
  • A 1920s National Historic Landmark built of stone, steel and timber, with views of Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls
  • The Ahwahnee Dining Room under its timber trusses, plus a bar, gift shop and sweet shop
  • A heated outdoor pool open all year, a concierge, valet parking and cottages with fireplaces

What the hotel offers

As listed on the hotel’s own website.

  • Waterfall and cliff viewsPrime View rooms face Half Dome, Glacier Point or Upper Yosemite Falls
  • Heated poolOutdoor, year-round, 9 am to dusk
  • The Ahwahnee Dining RoomDinner reservations through OpenTable and proper attire requested
  • Lounge and barIn the hotel
  • ConciergeFull-time, with maps, schedules and planning help
  • Gift shop and sweet shopGift shop 9 am to 7 pm, sweet shop 7 am to 10 pm
  • Cottage fireplacesIn the two Featured Cottages
  • In-room comfortsRefrigerator, Nespresso machine and Dyson hair dryer
  • Wi-FiFor hotel guests, limited bandwidth
  • Valley shuttleFree shuttle access to the rest of Yosemite Valley
  • Valet parkingValet only during the seismic upgrade project
  • EV chargingSix chargers through valet, $0.37/kWh
  • Historic toursYear-round guided tours of the National Historic Landmark

Yosemite Valley Lodge

$$$$
Pick no. 2 · The easy choiceFamilyYosemite Valley, near the base of Yosemite Falls

Lodge inside Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Falls, 245 rooms

Photos: Yosemite Valley Lodge, official website. Shown courtesy of the property.

A 245-room lodge in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Falls, with family and bunk rooms and free parking.

  • Yosemite Falls
  • Seasonal pool
  • Mountain Room
  • Base Camp Eatery
See prices (partner link, Trip.com)Official website Opens Trip.com, one of our booking partners.

Why we picked it

We would book it as the practical base inside the valley: Yosemite Falls a short walk away, buses for the rest of the park from the door, free parking and a choice of family and bunk rooms. Sleeping here instead of a gateway town saves hours of driving and puts the trailheads within reach before the day visitors arrive.

Best for

  • Families
  • Hikers
  • First-time visitors
  • Inside the valley, a short walk from Yosemite Falls and the Merced River
  • Family rooms with a king bed and bunk bed, bunk rooms by the river, and traditional rooms with a balcony or patio
  • The Mountain Room restaurant, Base Camp Eatery, a seasonal pool facing Yosemite Falls and free parking

What the hotel offers

As listed on the hotel’s own website.

  • Yosemite FallsA short walk from the lodge, like the Merced River
  • Seasonal poolMemorial Day to Labor Day, 11 am to 6 pm
  • Mountain RoomDinner 5 pm to 9 pm, plus the Mountain Room Lounge
  • Base Camp EateryBreakfast and all-day dining, and a Starbucks
  • Family and bunk roomsFour Family King Rooms and bunk rooms near the river
  • Wi-FiFree for guests, limited bandwidth
  • Mini fridge and coffee makerIn every room, with a balcony or patio
  • Transport hubPark bus services and the free valley shuttle
  • Tours and activities desk7:30 am to 3 pm
  • Bike rentalsSeasonal, on site
  • Free parkingFor lodge guests

The Ahwahnee or Yosemite Valley Lodge: how to choose

Both are inside Yosemite Valley, run by the park's concessioner, less than two miles apart.

The east valley: the grand hotel

The Ahwahnee is a National Historic Landmark with views of Half Dome and Glacier Point, a famous dining room and a heated pool open all year. Choose it for a special trip, for history and for a room with a view of the granite walls.

Yosemite Falls: the practical base

Yosemite Valley Lodge has 245 rooms, including family and bunk rooms, free parking and the park's bus hub at the door. Choose it with children, for hiking, or to spend more on activities than on the room.

Planning the days? Our Yosemite travel guide covers the hikes, the entry rules, the fees and when the waterfalls flow.

Our Yosemite travel guide

Hotels in Yosemite: your questions

Where should I stay in Yosemite for a first visit?

In Yosemite Valley if you can get a room: Tunnel View, the Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls and El Capitan are all close. The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge are both in the valley. El Portal, Oakhurst and Mariposa are the gateway options, 45 to 90 minutes away. Read our Yosemite travel guide

How far ahead should I book a hotel in Yosemite Valley?

As early as you can: valley rooms book 12 to 13 months ahead, especially for May to September. Note the 7-day cancellation policy at both hotels, which keep the first night's deposit for later cancellations.

When is the best time to visit Yosemite?

May and June for the waterfalls at full power, September and October for fewer people. Winter is quiet and snowy; the Ahwahnee's heated pool stays open all year, while the Valley Lodge pool opens Memorial Day to Labor Day. When to visit Yosemite

Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite, and what does it cost?

No timed-entry reservation was needed in 2026, but arrive early in summer. Entry is $35 per car for 7 days; non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 each unless they hold an annual pass. Hotel guests receive a parking pass at check-in.

Do I need a car inside Yosemite Valley?

Not once you are there: the free valley shuttle and the bike paths cover the valley, and Yosemite Valley Lodge is the hub for the park's bus tours. You need a car to arrive (about four hours from San Francisco) and for Glacier Point or Mariposa Grove unless you take a tour.

Which of the two hotels suits families?

Yosemite Valley Lodge: it has four Family King Rooms with a bunk bed, bunk rooms near the river, free parking and casual dining at Base Camp Eatery. The Ahwahnee welcomes children too, with cribs and rollaways on request and cottages with two double beds.

Can I book these hotels directly?

Yes. The See prices button under The Ahwahnee opens the hotel's official website. For Yosemite Valley Lodge it opens Trip.com, one of our booking partners. Both open in a new tab.

Exit 10And now?Our Yosemite guideWhat to do, where to eat, getting there
Exit 17When to visit YosemiteMonth by month · best: May–early JuneExit 243 days in San Francisco3-day itineraryExit 31Yosemite or Acadia?Compare them side by sideExit 38Trip budgetRooms, food, car, gas, passes

Hotel picks for other destinations

Picked by Kylian Dev. These are editorial picks: no hotel paid to be here, and we never describe a stay we did not make. Facts come from each hotel’s own website; the Trip.com buttons are partner links (how we make money).