Yosemite Valley Lodge Hotel

We stayed in 3324 and 3325 for four nights. In 3324, we found ants between the TV and heater, a mouse, blueberries left on the floor and in the tub drain, and a light under the fan that didn’t work. Air circulation was poor, so we had to leave the doors open and let flying bugs in. The light above the round table looked like it hadn’t been dusted in ages. The glass in the door stuck when I tried to slide it, and I broke my fingernails. I also couldn’t work out the ceiling fan speeds or get it to switch between them. In 3325, the fridge froze our milk and other food because its dial was on the coldest setting. The bathroom fan didn’t work, and the vent window wouldn’t work properly and had no screen. We reported the problems at the front desk, but no one acted during our stay. My wife wouldn’t eat anything at Base Camp because she found it unhealthy and unappetizing, so we had to eat at the expensive Mountain Room.

The lodge is right in the middle of the Valley, with free shuttles around the park and easy, convenient parking. We found it simple to sort out meals and snacks or grab coffee, thanks to the on-site store, Base Camp Eatery, Starbucks Coffee, and Mountain Lounge. The staff were fantastic and keen to help with special requests or property issues. The biggest challenge was getting the dates we wanted because the lodge is in such high demand. This is definitely our favorite place to stay in the park, and we plan to return every year if we can. The views from every room are incredible, surrounded by huge rock formations, sheer cliffs, tall trees, and waterfalls. You just have to look up to take in Yosemite. Love this place!

The location is hard to beat in such a beautiful part of the world, and at least the mattress was comfortable. The room was warm in the daytime, though fans helped cool it in the evenings. The bathroom smelled from a dirty shower and toilet, and the rooms need more upkeep and cleaning. Bring plenty of sanitizing wipes. If you think of it as just a step above camping and keep your expectations low, you’ll be fine.

The setting is amazing, and I really liked the food at Base Camp Eatery, which seems to have improved. The rooms need a lot of work, though. Ours had ants and mold in the bathroom, and the mattresses need replacing.