After reading mixed reviews here I booked this lodge because of its location. I had low expectations of everything else. Therefore was surprised that it turned out to be ok. Dated? Yes. Our room was clean. Shower was clean. We felt comfortable in the room.
Food was very average but we expected that. We had two 18 year olds and a 16 year old and they caught free shuttle to the hikes they wanted to do. Gave them independence.
I would stay again

There are few choices at Yosemite for lodging. We have stayed in several places outside the park due to the cost factor.This trip we decided that we were going to stay inside the park. The "high rent" hotel is out of the question ($400 a night) so we tried the Lodge. My first impression of the lodge is the visual. It looks nice from the outside, the office/check-in area is attractive. That is where the fun ended. Two people in line ahead of us and we had to wait 20 minutes to check in. We asked about local internet (which is available) service, the cleck took about 3 minutes to write out the instructions for us. Not a major issue, unless you are #8 in line waiting. Their process needed to be streamlined.
The roons are decent size but look very tired. The carpet is very old, in one location covering a small trench in the concrete floor where the old radiator pipe use be. The curtains covering the door to the outside patio look as if they came from the goodwill store.
However not all was lost! The bed was very comfortable and the shower head made for a great shower. In a normal location this room might be an old Budget Inn. But, in the valley it is booked every night. Location,location,location. If you stay here do not expect to get a 4 star room. They may have them, but not in our section...

We headed up to Yosemite looking forward to a quiet,restful vacation. We chose the Lodge at The Falls knowing that it was not the most luxurious of accommodations, but we were going to Yosemite and hiking,bike riding were the most important activity for us.
Checking in was a breeze,and we were offered to check the room out before committing,did not like the first room as it faced the construction,but the second room was amazing. King size bed,small fridge,deck nice bathroom and a breathtaking view. The Lodge has been upgraded in the past years and it was very comfortable,clean and well equipped. Try the Mariposa building,top floor,it will not disappoint you. If you are expecting glamour and glitz,go to Vegas,this is a national park,enjoy the outdoors!
Sign up for a photo walk at Ansel Adams Gallery,it's free,go own the many Ranger and Naturalists Tours, they are free and magnificent.
Go for a hike,beer at the bar,sit around the roaring fireplace,have the smoked trout and great soups. Relax and enjoy, Yosemite in the winter is jaw dropping and if you focus on the surrounding beauty instead of complaining about carrying your bags to your room,you might actually appreciate nature and take the focus off of your expected services.
We travel with our own bedding,sheets,quilt,towels no complaints.

The lodge is right across the street from Yosemite Falls and a short walk to the meadow and Swinging Bridge picnic area with access to the Merced River/Beach and great views of the falls and Half Dome.

Just went back for the 3rd time and was surprised at some of the amenities in the Cottonwood units. Flat screen TVs. ipad/ipod dociking stations, heat lamps in the bathrooms, patio (there's only one floor at Cottonwood so no balcony) with peeks of Yosemite Falls, free coffee/tea at the restaurant. The swimming pool, ice cream store and bike rentals were closed for the winter.

The rooms are not luxurious and would really be a nice motel. The location is what makes it special. It's the only "motel" type property in the park and the valley shuttle bus stops right in front.

Service was friendly and they have a kids "check-in" counter which younger kids love. There are 3 restaurants (a upscale mountain room, a cafeteria style option and a bar/grill option with a fireplace that is very inviting). Food prices were reasonable for what you get.

The main drawback is no firepits for smores at night. You have to go to Housekeeping Camp to do that or camp. If they put a fire-pit in, that would bump my rating up to 5 stars!