Avoid, like the plague, the diner. What a waste of time and money. Instead of waiting the 30 minutes for your food, drive to Mariposa which has choice and much better quality of food. We ate in the diner on the 1st night and decided never again. We ate 1 night at the pizza cafe at Yosemite View lodge about 6 minutes along the road, miles better. It seems such a shame becuase if the food had been better we woiuld have eaten at Cedar Lodge on all 5 nights we stayed there.
Other than that, the location is superb, room is fantastic (even included a fridge) both pools were brilliant, and after a 9 hour, 17 mile walk to half dome and back, the spa pool is a godsend!

We stayed at the Cedar Lodge for two nights at the end of August. The room was clean and adequate for our needs. The setting is OK and is convenient for Yosemite.
However as other reviewers have stated try and avoid the cafe.
The food is mediocre by any standard and they obviously rely on a capative audience.
Although we went early for breakfast it had obviously been standing for some time and beverages are extra to the buffet price which I thought strange.
On the evening we used the 50's style cafe. They completely messed up our order and when it did arrive they gave us plastic utensils to eat it with.
After some remonstration we got metal knives and forks. What topped things off was when the waitress used the cloth she wiped the tables with to clean her shoes. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
Try one of the other hotels to eat if you can or bring your own.

We stayed at the Cedar Lodge for a few nights in August 2004.
On arrival after a long journey we found the setting of the hotel in the mountains is very welcoming. The reception area is large and staff very helpfull. The shop was well stocked for basic food and souvenirs and the outdoor swimming pool was good and well used.
We ate each night in the Diner which served good quick Diner meals at normal prices. The Diner was normally busy but service was fine.
The large room was all that we expected.

It was 10 miles to the park entrance but that is relatively a short journey in California, and very pretty.
The Cedar Lodge is a good base for visiting Yosemite.

Stayed here for 2 nights in August 2004. The management really do rely on the fact that they have a captive market. Although they were very friendly, by american standards the service is very poor. As our children were tired we ate in the somewhat overpriced restaurant on the first night. On the second night we made the biggest mistake of our 2 week holiday! We decided (again for convenience) to eat in the "50's style diner". After a one and a half hour wait (YES, really! 1 & 1/2 hours!!!) we received a distinctly average meal!! The ceasar salad that I ordered consisted of tons of lettuce, and little else, I don't know why it took so long to make! This was the only restaurant where we have ever refused to leave a tip! The restaurant was full of grumpy, tired customers (some of them were almost asleep at the tables) who felt completely ripped off, but miles away from alternative choices. The cheerful waitress seemed oblivious, and when questioned just smiled saying that they had a small grill and a new chef so couldn't work fast!! It was really quite surreal!!
All in all, a convenient, basic hotel, in a great location. Friendly staff, however, did not make up for the appalling service in the diner!! Stay here, but be prepared to travel 28 miles to Mariposa to eat!!