Yosemite National Park is a kingdom of unfiltered, wild natural beauty. Also, it’s an icon of American travel, a bucket list destination, and the third oldest national park in the country. The gargantuan granite domes rise high up above the ground, the waters of Merced River snake down in the valley, the waterfalls rush out from the rocks, and giant sequoia trees stand tall, defying time in the idyllic groves. Tears of joy and awe are guaranteed to appear on your face when first visiting this majestic place.
Millions of fellow tourists will come too, which means the park is an extremely popular spot. That’s why planning ahead and thinking about accommodation matters. Here are the best hotels near Yosemite National Park to book for a great trip into the wilderness.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Nothing can beat staying right in the park, a short drive away from all the top sights like Sentinel and Half Domes, El Capital, and Mirror Lake. Yosemite Valley Lodge is located in the most popular area of the park so you’re well-connected to everything. Very rustic, costing a bit more, and dated in parts, it nevertheless remains one of the most strategic hotels for a hassle-free national park experience. Save money on time-consuming commutes and avoid the traffic jams (that are inevitable during the high season) by staying here. But book well in advance. We mean 6 months in advance – the lodge is extremely popular.
Key Amenities:
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Free private parking and bike rentals
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Outdoor swimming pool
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Restaurant with national park views and a Starbucks on-site
9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA 95389, USA— +1 888-413-8869
The Ahwahnee
One of the best mountain lodges in the U.S., The Ahwahnee is a gem of historic national park hotels. Right in Yosemite Valley, it comes with a stunning view of the Half Dome granite rock, carefully preserved decor from the 20s, and the charm of an upscale national park retreat. You can choose between the rooms and suites in the main building and more luxurious private cottages located nearby. Some units feature fireplaces and private balconies to ensure your Yosemite visit is duly enjoyed.
Key Amenities:
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On-site restaurant with outdoor seating and a historic dining hall
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Free parking and EV charging station
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Gift shop selling products made by local artisans
Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA— +1 888-413-8869
Wawona Hotel
Not every hotel has been operating since 1876. Wawona is a Victorian jewel of Yosemite National Park with a long history. Built to serve tourists coming to the iconic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, it’s set near the South Entrance to the park. The looks here are all historic, with wraparound verandas, whitewashed wood, and retro design in the rooms. Staying at Wawona Hotel you’re getting direct access to one of Yosemite’s most picturesque parts. The area’s hiking trails, swimming holes, and, of course, sequoia groves are all easily reachable from the hotel.
Key Amenities:
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Seasonal nine-hole golf course
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Riding stables with horseback tours
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Swimming pool on-site
8308 Wawona Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA— +1 888-413-8869
Sierra Sky Ranch, Ascend Hotel Collection
If a day trip to Yosemite is your plan, Sierra Sky Ranch is an ideal kind of lodging. An easy-going accommodation set on a former ranch from the 40s, it is located 10 miles from the South Entrance in the environs of Oakhurst. Great reviews, a perfect value-price ratio, and comfortable rustic chic rooms make Sierra Sky Ranch one of the best hotels near Yosemite National Park. The fresh air will be in abundance, the family restaurants and cafes of Oakhurst are close by, and the Mariposa Grove is less than half an hour by car.
Key Amenities:
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Seasonal outdoor swimming pool
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Americana-inspired restaurant with burgers and cocktails
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Free Wi-Fi, heating, and AC in the rooms
AutoCamp Yosemite
A representative of a new wave of accommodation near Yosemite National Park, AutoCamp combines fantastic outdoor connection with superb modern design. The location right off the Central Yosemite Highway means you will easily reach the Valley in less than an hour. It’s a conceptual hotel operating slick Airstreams, wooden cabins, glamping-inspired camps, and accessible suites. But don’t worry, you’re not in the wild here – all units are fully furnished and feature such gifts of civilization as private bathrooms, kitchenettes, heating, and air conditioning. In other words, you’re completely one on one with nature but with the comforts of a boutique hotel.
Key Amenities:
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Grill, firepits, and dining areas on the private patios next to units
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Personalized cider and wine-tasting tours
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Heated outdoor pool on-site (seasonal)
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
A vast resort with a swimming pool 2 miles away from the South Entrance, that’s what Tenaya Lodge’s deal is. Families will love the spacious rooms, proximity to Mariposa Grove, and the pine tree-dominated grounds here. It’s an all-season kind of accommodation with a picturesque natural setting and a four-star service. And your four-legged friends will be delighted to know they are welcome at Tenaya so that Yosemite can become their adventure too.
Key Amenities:
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Pizzeria and a burger restaurant on-site
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Spa center with 12 treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room
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Mountain bike and snowshoe rentals
5th Street Inn
Get a more intimate, more authentic accommodation experience by opting for the 5th Street Inn. One of the best-reviewed hotels near Yosemite National Park, it’s very low-key and has only 9 rooms to offer. Downtown Mariposa location is ideal for reaching the Yosemite Valley quickly by using the highway, it’s less than 50 miles away. You can choose between the classic rooms and more spacious suites. The latter feature fully equipped kitchens so you will have more flexibility with dining. Mariposa has many family-run restaurants and cafes in an idyllic Sierra foothills setting.
Key Amenities:
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A shared outdoor terrace with the mountain views
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Full kitchens in the suites
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Intimate setting with only 9 rooms
Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station
One of the few chain hotels near the West Entrance to Yosemite National Park, Best Western doesn’t invent the wheel with the proposition. It’s comfy, simple, and convenient here. The hotel’s offer will be a good deal for your wallet too, the Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast come free, and the hotel is pet-friendly. The rooms have a bit of a retro vibe to them, but considering the remote Mariposa location, this makes the stay even more charming. Step out of the hotel to find a quaint Downtown with a cool local history museum and plenty of down-to-earth dining options.
Key Amenities:
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Outdoor pool with a sundeck
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Spa center with massages
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Fitness center with cardiovascular equipment on-site
Little Valley Inn
Here’s a perfect pick for a relaxing Yosemite weekend break. Little Valley Inn is about full natural enjoyment. The units are private and spacious, the breakfast is included in the price, and the surroundings are extra scenic. Reviewers loved the tranquility of this B&B and complimented the great location for visiting the national park nearby. It’s only 46 miles to Yosemite Valley, so you’re well-connected to all the park’s fantastic attractions.
Key Amenities:
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Forest-facing patio with seating area
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Private smoking/420-friendly terraces in selected units
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Free breakfast and parking
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
Get a proper taste of High Sierra outdoors at this Best Western. With well-kept grounds, a hillside setting, and proximity to all the restaurants and shops of Oakhurst, it’s among the best hotels near Yosemite National Park. You will have 7 acres of garden for relaxing and playing, the big family-tailored units (a two-bedroom suite with four beds is a gem of the local accommodation scene), and a scenic restaurant to have hearty Californian meals.
Key Amenities:
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Coin laundry and dry cleaning services
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Outdoor and indoor pools with a whirlpool
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Fitness center on-site with treadmills, bikes, and weight machines
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst-Yosemite Park Area, an IHG Hotel
A polished, more contemporary Yosemite National Park hotel experience, the offer of Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a solid 3-star stay with an affordable price tag. Oakhurst’s location makes it easy to reach the South Entrance and then proceed by winding roads to Yosemite Valley. Free Wi-Fi is provided, parking is complimentary, a full breakfast is included, and pets are allowed for a $50 fee. What else do you need for a quick, convenient layover next to the grandeur of Yosemite?
Key Amenities:
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Outdoor pool with a lounge area
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Modern fitness center on-site
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Self-laundry, ice machine, and a business center
