Lodging recommendations for San Fran and Yosemite area's.

[89911]

I know, another out-of-towner crowding your highways. But before being judgemental, some lodging advice would be appreciated. My family and I are going to San Francisco in August (Argonaut Hotel). My wife and I have both been to the area before, seperately. We are planning to head to Yosemite for 2-3 days and looking for the best place to stay with kids. I've heard mixed reviews from some of the more expensive lodges inside the park. Anything close by that you would recommend? What would be the best way, in your opinion, to tour? I'm planning to hit it Monday-Tuesday to avoid some of the weekend crowd. Thanks, also looking for any 1 day excursions (Muir Woods?). to fill in a day or two. Was going to hike down to Hearst Castle, but it seems to far for this trip.

[stevepaa]

Are you flying here or driving? If flying I would try the Yosemite Lodge, if driving then camp curry to give the kids a little camping flavor.
Why not do the usual tour? Yosemite for two days, then drive through the pass down to Mono Lake, up to Reno for circus-circus hotel, over to Tahoe and stay at North shore Hyatt hotel for a day, then down to wine country and then back to the city.

[jyl]

In Yosemite, the Yosemite Lodge is plain but comfortable - the rooms are on a par with Motel 6, there is a nice restaurant and a good cafeteria, etc. Camp Curry has different level of cabin, from full cabin to tent cabin, all rather rustic but kids love it as stevepaa said. The Awahnee has great public areas, the rooms are small and old-fashioned, not worth the money if you are on any kind of a budget. Those are all in the Valley. About 20 min from the Valley is the Wawona Hotel, a quaint Victorian hotel by a big golf course and near the West Fork of the Merced River. About 20 min outside the park but still in the woods (in Fish Camp) there is the Tenaya Lodge, a modern luxury resort. I like the Lodge if I want to be in the Valley, in summer I actually like the Wawona because it's quieter and cuter and the drive into the Valley is pretty.

[89911]

What I'm gathering is that you can stay outside Yosemite for less money and better accomodations, but at a price of a daily 30-60 minute commute to see everything. I appreciate all the information so far.

[Steve Carlton]

I've only seen the public areas of the Ahwahnee, and they're stunning. Perhaps expensive, but the hotel is right there and the atmosphere is beautiful. I think you have to book there way ahead.



http://www.yosemitefun.com/ahwahnee.htm