If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park then you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge. The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls which makes it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge rooms are spread over fifteen buildings. We stayed in the Manzanita Building close to the pool.
The pool is available for hotel guests free of charge. They do have a daily rate if you are not staying at the lodge but want to cool off in the pool.
One thing to know about staying in Yosemite is the hotels do not have air conditioning. We stayed in the Yosemite Valley Lodge on a day it was 95 degrees in Yosemite Valley. I am not going to lie the room was warm.
There are screen doors on both sets of doors so that air can flow through the room. We ended up taking cold showers and sitting on the bed with cold wet towels over us and the fan going to cool off.
The room was still warm at night but it definitely cooled off compared to during the day.
Yosemite Valley Lodge has great dining options available on-site including Base Camp Eatery, Starbucks and the Mountain Room Restaurant.
Starbucks and Base Camp Eatery open early so you can get breakfast and snacks before hitting the trails for the day.
The gift shop has a small grocery section with beer, some food choices and lots of souvenirs.
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$0.00 for Education/Academic Group
$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Yosemite Valley Lodge Room - Traditional Room 1 King
We booked a traditional room with one king bed for our stay at the hotel. When you book you do not get to choose what building you stay in. We did read that people ask for Yosemite Falls views but we did not ask during our stay. We honestly were so hot with the weather we just wanted to get into the room and cool off for a while.
Our room was in the Manzanita building which is near the swimming pool. There was parking near the building that thankfully had space. There are no set parking spaces for hotel guests so you may have to walk a bit once you find a parking spot.
We would suggest parking and using the Yosemite free shuttle (YARTS) during your stay.
Our room was on the 2nd floor of the building with around 15 stairs to reach it. The room was clean and comfortable. The room was larger than we expected it to be. There was room to stretch out and relax.
We found the bed to be comfortable and easy to sleep on. It was actually hard to leave the next morning but we knew we wanted to have a full day exploring the Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows.
The sink and mirror are separate from the toilet and shower making it really easy for two people to get ready in the morning. There is a small college dorm size refrigerator below the sink that was large enough to hold drinks and snacks.
The shower has shampoo, conditioner, and soap so you don't need to pack them if you are ok with hotel amenities.
Amenities
- Private bathroom
- Hairdryer
- Small table and chairs
- Small refrigerator
- Coffee Maker
- TV
- Fan
Things to know when planning a stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge
Check-In at 4:00 pm
Check-Out by 11:00 am
Smoking is strictly prohibited at all accommodations and buildings in Yosemite.
Pets: no pets allowed on the property.
WIFI: WiFi bandwidth is limited in Yosemite National Park. The WiFi is only recommended for checking email or some (very) light web browsing.
Location: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley Lodge Address:
9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr.
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Phone:
(888) 413-8869
Yosemite Valley Lodge Reservations
Click here to book your stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Yosemite National Park Lodging
If you are wondering where to stay in Yosemite National Park there are multiple options available ranging from tent cabins to national park lodges.
Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.
Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed
Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park than you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge.
The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls which makes it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.
Curry Village Cabins
Part of the Curry Village complex that was previously known as Half Dome Village.
Curry Village Tent Cabins
The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley. Available for booking on Expedia
Housekeeping Camp
If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite Valley and not bring your own tent you will love Housekeeping Camp.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Located off the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge includes 69 canvas-tent cabins without electricity.
Where to stay near Yosemite
There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance.
A few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst include:
Chateau du Sureau
The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
Sierra Sky Ranch
Hounds Tooth Inn
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn - At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Yosemite Gateway, features American cuisine. Free Wi-Fi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a bar and a gym.
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites - At Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour business center. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the steam room. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - 4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa. Enjoy pizza and more at the two onsite restaurants. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like mountain biking and archery. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Rush Creek Lodge - 3.5-star family-friendly hotel near Yosemite. Take advantage of a poolside bar, a grocery/convenience store, and a terrace at Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the mountain biking and ecotours at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Rush Creek Restaurant, features local cuisine. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Yosemite Sierra Inn - Yosemite Sierra Inn provides a business center and more. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Queen's Inn By the River - Enjoy visiting the attached winery, a terrace, and a garden at Queen's Inn By the River. The onsite restaurant, Idle Hour Winery &Kitchen, features garden views and brunch. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as 2 bars.
For additional lodging options click on the map below for current rates and availability for lodging and vacation rentals near Yosemite NP.
Additional Yosemite National Park Resources
Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park - Complete guide to exploring Yosemite National Park.
Make sure also to check out my articles on Things to do in Yosemite, 1-Day in Yosemite guide, Curry Village, Yosemite Winter Guide, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Valley Guide, Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Midnight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, and Bracebridge Dinner - which I have selected as one of my top 100 Experiences in the U.S. National Park!
Yosemite National Park Campgrounds
Yosemite National Park Camping Guide - Guide to all of Yosemite National Park's campgrounds including a map showing their location within the park. Campgrounds include the North Pines Campground, Upper Pines Campground, Lower Pines Campground, Camp 4, Wawona Campground, Housekeeping Camp, Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Porcupine Flat Campground, Bridalveil Creek Campground, Crane Flat Campground, Tamarack Flat Campground, Tuolumne Meadows Campground, and Yosemite Creek Campground.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
Additional Information on Oakhurst/Bass Lake, California
Guide to exploring Oakhurst, California, the southern entrance to Yosemite
Bass Lake Camping Guide, including the Lupine Campground and the Cedar Bluff Campground.
Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.
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