A Whisper of Elegance: Experiencing The Ahwahnee Hotel In Yosemite

After tent camping in December while on a road trip through both Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, we made it through the winter cold (no snow) to celebrate New Years and ring in 2025.  But we needed a carrot at the end of the trip to get the family exited and amenable to winter camping in December….so we agreed to splurge on a night or so at the Awhahnee Hotel.  The Awhahnee is a historic hotel that looks out over Yosemite Valley with an unforgettable view while reminding you it’s stood guard over the valley for over 98 years.  This is our short brush with the intersection of history and luxury elegance….balanced by our own humble thanks for the opportunity to experience this hotel at least once in our lives.  Here’s our story.

After several days camping in Sequoia then heading to tent camp in Yosemite Valley, we celebrated a cold New Years there.  With no snow on the ground but lots of mud and many more tourists….the crew was cold and we’d been in tents for days; but we knew we had our reservation at this lux hotel toward the end of our trip.  We would spend a total of two nights at the famed Awhahnee Hotel…soaking up the ambiance and avoiding thoughts of the Shining.  *The movie “The Shining” had interior sets based on the Awhahnee hotel.  Yep, check out my picture below for a taste of it-

The Awhahnee Hotel was built in 1927 by the Yosemite and Curry Company and initially managed by the Curry Family, with management passing to their daughter Mary and her husband Donald Tresidder.  So, this year the hotel is 98 years old….elegant and stately.  Here’s my story in pictures and comments:

Staying in this hotel was expensive.  Staying in this hotel was a once in a lifetime experience.

This hotel was an experience and I’m glad we were able to check it out.  If you ever get the chance to stay in this elegant and stately hotel, don’t pass it up.  Although expensive, I’d say it’s worth it!

PS: This place has onsite, free EV charging too! 

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Still reading?  Stop reading and go read one of my other posts….I need the views!