5 Unique Hotels In & Around Yosemite National Park
When planning your adventure to Yosemite National Park, finding a unique and unforgettable place to stay can elevate your trip to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for historic elegance within the park, cozy cabins surrounded by towering pines, or stylish boutique hotels near Yosemite's entrances, these top five unique hotel stays offer something for every type of traveler. From the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley to luxurious stays like Firefall Ranch, each location combines comfort, charm, and prime access to some of Yosemite’s best sights. Join me below as we explore these incredible lodging options that make a visit to Yosemite National Park a memorable experience from start to finish.
Firefall Ranch near Yosemite National Park
Firefall Ranch Cottage primary bedroom with indoor/outdoor fireplace
Firefall Ranch pool and cabanas
1. Firefall Ranch
Overview: Firefall Ranch celebrated its grand opening in the spring of 2024, offering a hotel experience that sets it apart from others in the region. Situated just 20 minutes from the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite National Park, it can be easily accessed from Highway 120 near Groveland. This luxury resort covers 300 acres of scenic meadow and forest in the Sierra Nevada foothills. While the hotel is newly established, this historic location was once a stop on the original stagecoach route to Yosemite dating back to the 1870s.
Accommodations: Firefall Ranch features 55 standalone cottages and villas spread throughout the vast property, allowing guests to enjoy a secluded, nature-forward getaway without the hustle and bustle often experienced at other large resorts. The standalone and spacious cottages offer a luxurious experience without sacrificing the ambiance of a rustic mountain getaway. With two bedrooms, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, and private patio, they are perfect for 2-4 guests.
On-Site Dining: There are multiple dining options at Firefall Ranch, providing guests a wide range of delicious menu items throughout the day. The Restaurant menu is a tribute to the executive chef’s Patagonian roots, blending high-quality, grass-fed ingredients with the region's meditative landscape. The indoor and outdoor Tavern provides a more traditional fare with a stylish twist, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And if you’re looking for something quick and easy, grab something to-go at the General Store, which has freshly made breakfast items, sandwiches, sweet treats, and coffee drinks.
Full Property Review: For more info on this hotel, check out my dedicated Firefall Ranch blog post.
Booking: To experience Firefall Ranch for yourself, you can book your very own luxurious stay here.
The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley during winter
Ahwahnee Hotel Library Suite in Yosemite National Park
Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room in Yosemite National Park
2. Ahwahnee Hotel
Overview: For centuries the beautiful meadow in the Yosemite Valley where the Ahwahnee Hotel now stands was a home village for the local Ahwahneechee native tribe who thrived here long before the national park existed. This site was chosen for the hotel due to its exposure to the sun, allowing for natural heating, as well as for its incredible views of many iconic Yosemite formations, including the Royal Arches, Glacier Point, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Completed in 1927 and considered a masterpiece in “park-atecture”, the Ahwahnee has many noteworthy spaces to explore. The Great Lounge is one of the main public spaces in the hotel. Anyone can come and experience this grand space, which spans nearly the full width of the first floor wing. Native artifacts, including baskets and tapestries, can be seen here…and a special highlight is the two oversized wood burning fireplaces that bookend the room made from cut sand stone.
Accommodations: The Ahwahnee Hotel features 121 rooms, including 97 hotel rooms and 24 cottages. These accommodations range from standard and classic rooms (with one king or two double beds) to multi room suites…and each room holds a special bit of Yosemite history. This hotel is 6 stories tall, and when the Ahwahnee originally opened in 1927, the entire 6th floor was a large ballroom. Then a few years later it was converted into the private residence of Donald Tresidder and his wife Mary Curry Tresidder. In the 1970s the 6th floor was remodeled into guest suites, including the Library Suite, which consists of two adjoining rooms, the Underwood Room and the Tresidder Library.
On-Site Dining: A destination dining spot, the Ahwahnee Dining Room is known to offer some of the finest dining in all of Yosemite National Park. Towering 34 foot high ceilings, massive pine trestles, granite pillars, and grand windows create a majestic dining experience. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Ahwahnee Bar, which is open for lunch & dinner, as well as the Sweet Shop, which provides snacks and local goodies to-go.
Full Property Review: For more info on this hotel, check out my dedicated Ahwahnee Hotel blog post.
Booking: To experience the Ahwahnee Hotel for yourself, you can book your very own memorable park stay here.
Explorer Cabins at Tenaya near Yosemite National Park
Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite during winter
Jackalope’s Bar & Grill at Tenaya Lodge
3. Tenaya at Yosemite
Overview: Tenaya at Yosemite (previously known as Tenaya Lodge) can be found right off Highway 41 just 2 miles south of Yosemite National Park’s south gate entrance in Fish Camp, CA. The property offers over 300 luxurious lodge rooms, suites, cottages, and cabins, as well as numerous dining options, luxurious spa services and countless family-friendly activities. Tenaya at Yosemite continually ranks at the top of hotels in and around Yosemite National Park. In the addition to all the fun activities available for kids big and small, the resort is also extremely dog-friendly.
Accommodations: The property consists of three main areas: Lodge at Tenaya, Cottages at Tenaya, and Explorer Cabins at Tenaya. Each area has a designated entrance driveway, and guests will experience unique rooms, food options and amenities depending on the area they book their stay in. The Explorer Cabins are the most recent accommodation additions to the resort, consisting of 50 picturesque cabins. They opened in 2019 and are nestled among the forest in an exclusive area of the resort. They feature an extended living space of over 500 square feet, including two bedrooms, a cozy living room with a kitchenette, and a large covered porch to relax and soak in the sights and sounds of nature.
On-Site Dining: Something Tenaya at Yosemite does exceptionally well is food…and it might be one of my favorite parts of a stay here! There is a wide variety of restaurants open year-round, as well as seasonal dining options. I love stopping at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill, which features made-to-order grilled burgers, sandwiches, steaks, specialty salads, as well as heart-healthy, gluten-free, and vegan options. Timberloft Pizzeria offers scrumptious artisanal pizzas, as well as fresh salads. Embers is the signature restaurant at Tenaya at Yosemite, providing an elevated dining experience with 4-course and 7-course menus exclusively on Friday and Saturday nights. Parkside Deli is a great option here for quick meals, and they even serve Starbucks coffee, making it the spot to go for a morning pick-me-up as you gear up for a day in Yosemite National Park.
Full Property Review: For more info on this hotel, check out my dedicated Tenaya at Yosemite blog post.
Booking: To experience Tenaya at Yosemite for yourself, you can book your very own luxurious stay here.
HORIZON by Yosemite patio & firepit
HORIZON by Yosemite luxury guest suite
Complimentary breakfast at HORIZON by Yosemite
4. HORIZON by Yosemite
Overview: Perched atop a hill in the scenic Sierra Nevada on 60 acres of land, this pristine property exudes peace and tranquility. HORIZON by Yosemite is conveniently located in the heart of Midpines, CA just 25 miles from the Arch Rock Yosemite National Park entrance along Highway 140. As someone who cherishes the wonders of the great outdoors and loves staying in unique accommodations on my adventures, this hidden gem is a magnificent blend of modern comfort and the beauty of nature.
Accommodations: From the moment you arrive, HORIZON by Yosemite feels like an elegant home away from home. The entire property can be fully reserved or you can book one of the five individual suites. Each room here is spacious, impeccably clean, and beautifully furnished. The interiors are bright and calming, large windows boast stunning views of the landscape, while natural stone and wood elements are highlighted throughout the rooms. Every detail, from the plush comfortable bedding and neutral decor to the spa-like soaking tubs ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.
On-Site Dining: Although no restaurants are on property, the refrigerator in the main common area is fully stocked with complimentary fresh fruit, pastries, juices, breakfast sandwiches, and more upon your arrival...so you never need to worry about breakfast here. The luxurious indoor and outdoor spaces are perfect for enjoying a meal with spectacular views, and a full kitchen is available to prep your own meals if you decide to have an evening in.
Full Property Review: For more info on this villa, check out my dedicated HORIZON by Yosemite blog post.
Booking: To experience HORIZON by Yosemite for yourself, you can book your very own luxurious stay here.
The Inelle, Oakhurst Yosemite, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriot
Guest room at The Inelle near Yosemite National Park
Breakfast at the Hemlock Restaurant in The Inelle
5. The Inelle
Overview: The Inelle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott is a great spot to stay in Madera County. Conveniently located in Oakhurst, this newly debuted hotel offers sophisticated and comfortable accommodations just 25 minutes from the Yosemite’s southern entrance. Providing a unique blend of luxury and proximity to California’s wilderness, The Inelle is a perfect home base for adventurers traveling up through Yosemite’s southern gateway communities, and for those seeking both unparalleled access to nature and refined relaxation.
Accommodations: The Inelle combines eclectic, artful decor with cozy, upscale rooms and suites. The guest rooms showcase a delightful Yosemite charm, with handcrafted details and local artwork adding a rustic touch to the modern amenities.
On-Site Dining: The Inelle features premium on-site dining at The Hemlock Restaurant and Bar, which offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience with a contemporary menu that expertly blends locally-sourced ingredients with innovative techniques. Whether you’re in the mood for a handcrafted cocktail or a gourmet dish, this restaurant brings a touch of sophistication to the mountain town vibe here in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Booking: To experience The Inelle for yourself, you can book your very own memorable stay here.
Tenaya at Yosemite Explorer Cabin private deck
Know Before You Go
• Always visit the Travel Alerts page at YosemiteThisYear.com and the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit, as well as information on Yosemite National Park reservation requirements.
• If you’re traveling with pets, I’d highly recommend either Tenaya at Yosemite or Firefall Ranch. Both of these dog-friendly hotels have wonderful perks for your furry friends. Please note that no pets are permitted at the Ahwahnee Hotel or HORIZON by Yosemite.
• Wildlife is abundant in and around Yosemite National Park. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as many of these hotel locations are in black bear territory.
HORIZON by Yosemite luxury suite with soaking tub
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of these unique Yosemite hotel stays, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Complimentary cruiser bikes at Firefall Ranch
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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What are the best hotels in Yosemite? Today I'm sharing 5 of my favorite unique hotel stays in & around Yosemite National Park, ranging from luxury resorts to airbnb villas to dog friendly stays. Check out this comprehensive travel guide to learn about lodging dining options, room & suite amenities, family friendly activities, and proximity to main entrances to plan your next Yosemite vacation.