In the early 1920's, Stephen Mather, the National Park Service Director, realized that the Park needed accommodations to suit the affluent and influential traveler. The concept of a hotel such as The Ahwahnee^® became the impetus to draw such a visitor.

The site for The Ahwahnee, once a village of the native Miwoks, was chosen because of its exposure to the sun and stunning views of Yosemite's icons – Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point.

In July 1925, Gilbert Stanley Underwood was selected as the architect for Yosemite's new luxury hotel. Due to its remote location, the construction of The Ahwahnee was the most complex trucking endeavor of its day. Over 5,000 tons of stone, 1,000 tons of steel, and 30,000 feet of timber were hauled over the challenging mountain roads. To protect The Ahwahnee from fire, a fate of many of the Park's earlier hotels, its wood-like facade is actually concrete, poured into rough-hewn wooden forms and stained to look like redwood.

Today, The Ahwahnee is a major attraction to visitors to Yosemite as they explore this unique relationship of architecture and nature.

Completed in 1927, The Ahwahnee^® design uniquely blends an array of influences including Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and Arts & Crafts Movement. These elements can be seen in the stenciling, woodwork, lighting fixtures and china patterns. Some of the most well loved aspects of The Ahwahnee are its grand public spaces featuring giant stone fireplaces, massive hand-stenciled beams, rich tapestries and elegant stained glass.

The Ahwahnee Dining Room - The dining room is the site of some of the most remarkable culinary events in the country, The Bracebridge Dinner, Vintner’s and Chef’s Holidays.  The dining room features a 34-foot high ceiling with large sugar pine trestles and ceiling-to-floor windows framed with stained glass.

Great Lounge - A study in size and grace, the Great Lounge is 77 feet long and 51 feet wide with 24-foot-high ceilings. Ten floor-to-ceiling windows topped with original, hand-stained glass panels bathe the lounge in light during the day. A massive stone fireplace offers an inviting setting for couples or families. A display of Native American hand woven baskets further decorates the interior and wrought-iron chandeliers provide a warm glow in the evenings.

Solarium - Abundant natural light floods the room from windows on three sides offering a view of the majestic Glacier Point. Adding to the room's sunny ambiance are an indoor fountain of local jasper and a profusion of beautiful plants. This room offers the perfect setting for a wedding reception or other special events.

Winter Club Room - A cozy comfortable sitting room offers floor to ceiling display cases, a winter sports theme, vintage photographs and large windows create a relaxing mood that's particularly comforting in winter.

Mural Room - A spectacular mural of Yosemite's flora and fauna overlooks this elegantly paneled room. A copper-hooded fireplace and French doors looking out on the landscaped grounds make it the perfect place to read a good book, write or entertain a small group.

Colonial Room, Tresider Room and Tudor Lounge - These rooms offer private meeting spaces with rich dark wood appointments, large screen TV’s, Wi-Fi access, and balconies overlooking Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls, the perfect location for your next retreat.