My husband and I have visited Yosemite at least annually in late January early February. In 1975, our first visit there together, all we could afford was Curry Village. Over the years we have worked our way up to a suite at the Ahwahnee. This January we were booked into "The Queen's Suite" (The Mary Curry Tressidor Room), so called because Queen Elizabeth II stayed in the room when she visited the Park. We expected luxury. What we found was that the room was in sad disrepair. The upholstery on the guest chairs in the room was worn and frayed. The chairs themselves were so low that we had to add pillows to the seats in order to be comfortable. It was the largest bathroom we have encountered on any trip, anywhere, but the sink and counter were uncomfortably low for me at 5'3" and very low for my 6'2" husband. The biggest disappointment was that the room was called, and priced as, a SUITE when in fact it was a room with a bath like most of the rooms in the hotel. We were there for a 3 night stay. After our 2nd night in the room we asked to be changed to other accomadations which the staff accomplished with grace and speed. Five stars for the staff, 1-2 stars for the accomadations booked. The current management has removed a lot of the amenities and pleasure from a stay at the Ahwahnee, but we will return.

We stayed at the Ahwahnee for one night. We got a 4 star room, in a 5 star setting, with 3 star service. We had a nice room with a large deck from which we could view Yosemite Falls--spectacular. But, our room wasn't ready at 4:00, there was a maintenance problem in the room and no evidence that they worked on it, and they scheduled work on the deck so we "enjoyed" it while work was going on. So, no disaster, but not up to the standards one would expect from a hotel with its image.

My husband, daughter, and I stayed at the Ahwahnee for one night in March 2005 after spending a forgettable two nights at the vastly inferior Yosemite Lodge.

We booked a cottage room in the woods. The room we were assigned had a fireplace which was being cleaned out that day, and was not yet ready when we arrived. The desk clerk walked us over to the bar/lounge area and instructed the server to comp us each a drink while we waited for the room key. After twenty minutes, the room still was not available, and we were then offered free appetizers which made the wait actually very pleasant.

Finally, we were given the room key to a lovely glass-walled room in the cottage section. We were disappointed that the fireplace was locked, but otherwise the room was clean, comfortable, and spacious. The glass front drew the attention of passers-by, however, and at one point a man came right up to the window and peered in. He was more than a little surprised to see us in there!

My daughter ordered room service for dinner and the food arrived promptly and was delicious. The bed and breakfast package we had booked included a full breakfast in the dining room. We paid $249, which was a bargain compared to the $179 we paid at the Lodge for an ant-infested room and no food.

The Ahwahnee offers by far the nicest accommodations in Yosemite. We found the staff friendly and helpful, and the room warm and inviting. If you can stretch the budget, this is the place to stay.

Just read the review titled "Deferred Maintenance" and as we have not stayed in the cabins at the Awahnee cannot dispute their claim of deferred maintenance. But! as far as the hotel it is the next thing to heaven. The hotel, staff, rooms, food and of course the park are number one in our book. Never had a cold shower, disgruntled employee, or bad food. It is just our favorite getaway. We have been coming to the park for 25 years. Keep up the great job Awahnee staff!! We love you.