With the Wawona Hotel closing for an indeterminate period starting December 2, 2024, many people will worry that getting Yosemite lodging inside the park will be a little bit harder. Fortunately, there are still many fantastic lodging opportunities inside Yosemite, including some we think are even better than staying in a hotel!
Why is Wawona Hotel closing?
You know how sometimes you start a home repair project and then when you start to pull things apart you find more problems that will also need attention? That’s basically what happened at Wawona Hotel.
Contractors were working on replacing the roof and found some additional issues that need to be dealt with to bring the historic hotel back up to standards. Unfortunately, that means we won’t know more about when the historic hotel will open until they know the extent of the renovation.
Wawona Hotel is scheduled to close indefinitely on December 2, 2024.
Other Lodging in Yosemite National Park
While Wawona Hotel is closed for renovations, you can still opt for other lodging in Yosemite National Park. Of these options, naturally, we suggest vacation rental cabins in Wawona.
If you choose a Redwoods In Yosemite cabin, you still get to enjoy the outdoor experience of Wawona with its playful rivers and swimming spots, fun local activities, and peaceful forest surroundings. You’re still close to the ancient majesty of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – a Yosemite must-stop destination, and not far from Glacier Point or the many iconic vistas of Yosemite Valley.
Of course, there are also hotel options. In Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee hotel is currently undergoing its own renovations but is open despite the construction work. Yosemite Valley Lodge is a bustling hub of activity. Plus, the more rustic tent cabins of Curry Village appeal to those looking for something resembling a camping experience without having to pitch a tent. During the summer you might also be able to reserve a tent cabin in Yosemite’s high country.
These hotel options, like the in-park vacation rental cabins, are closer to Yosemite’s destinations and allow you to bypass the peak hours reservations system and enjoy a less-crowded Yosemite on your own schedule.
However, there are many reasons to choose a vacation rental cabin over a hotel in Yosemite. Let us explain.
Escape to a cabin in Yosemite. You’ll find a great selection (and deals) at The Redwoods In Yosemite.
Yosemite Hotels vs Cabins/Vacation Rental Homes
Save Money by Cooking –
You can still go out and enjoy Yosemite’s restaurants if you want a treat, or don’t feel like cooking. However, being able to prepare an inexpensive and healthy meal you know you’ll enjoy can save a lot of money. You can even take advantage of the kitchen facilities to store ingredients for a delicious picnic lunch. That will allow you to eat in the stunning location of your choice and avoid long lunchtime lines at park eateries.
Even the more camping-like tent cabins at Curry Village don’t allow you to cook on the property, so with a hotel stay you are committed to buying each meal. Keep your options open with a kitchen instead.
Use the extra money you save on activities or guided excursions to deepen your appreciation of the park and create lasting memories instead.
Separate Bedtimes –
In a hotel room, everyone is tied to the same bedtime. Lights out for one means lights out for everyone. With a vacation rental cabin, the kids can keep their own bedtime routines while the adults enjoy an after-dinner beverage and conversation in the living room. Or maybe there is an adult who would love a few extra zs on vacation. That’s an option too.
This makes a vacation rental cabin especially ideal for multi-generational travel. Those who are sleepy can slip away for a quick nap or an early evening, while others have a comfortable private space to catch up. The shared living room space makes it easy to spend time together.
More Private Space –
In general, staying in a vacation rental gives you more space for your dollar than a standard hotel room. For example, there is space to unpack your luggage and have an open space on the sofa to relax in the evening.
You can wake up in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee on your own private deck while listening to bird songs and the wind in the trees.
Park the car in your driveway instead of vying for open parking in a big lot.
You see what I mean?
Better Internet –
Ok – a confession. It’s really hard to find the top-end internet speeds of a big urban center in Yosemite. Consider where you are. However, most homes in The Redwoods In Yosemite collection have the best internet available in this rural region.
In a hotel setting you will be sharing that limited bandwidth with everyone in your hotel who is automatically uploading all of their pictures and videos from the day to the cloud. If internet connectivity is important to you, you’ve been warned.
The Comforts and Resources of Home –
Various homes have additional options that you might enjoy in your vacation rental home. From a private hot tub to a family game room, an EV charging option, or a washer and dryer – you can find the home away from home experience you’re looking for at The Redwoods In Yosemite. Expand the Show More Filters option on the lodging page to select the homes with the amenities of your dreams.
Pro tip: That washer and dryer option can come in especially handy if you’re planning on staying between late fall and early spring when there is more of a chance of rain or snow in Yosemite. Go out, explore, feel free to get wet or dirty. You won’t be hanging all your outdoor clothes in the cramped hotel bathroom. Just pop them into the laundry. Done.
Pet-Friendly –
None of the hotels inside Yosemite National Park allow pets, but The Redwoods In Yosemite has pet-friendly cabins that welcome you and your beloved fur family. Scroll to the bottom of our pet friendly page to find out about the trails and activities that are open to your pet.
Pet friendly cabins at The Redwoods In Yosemite make it easy for your furry family members to join the celebration. PS: This is a great place to hold a wedding reception too!
Written by: Theresa Ho
Theresa moved to Yosemite on a rock climbing sabbatical in April 2003 and has been living full-time in Yosemite ever since. Currently, when not working as a marketing freelancer, you’ll find Theresa hiking, climbing, and skiing through Yosemite’s beautiful landscapes or experimenting with drawing toys and watercolors.