So we came prepared with the valet and everything. Valet actually is pretty helpful when we checked in after getting super wet and cold from heavy snow. We also came prepared to make our own food since the receptionist is very honest with us that the Kitchen is still under renovation. The renovation also blocks the access to the backyard with the best view but you can still see the view actually. The view from our room is fantastic. Location cannot be beaten. Solid 4 stars if you think the location overweights the pretty steep price from a hotel perspective.

Entire experience has been truly disappointing. This hotel is extremely well known and pricey but other than having beautiful public rooms, it's been a disappointment. I understand they are under construction but that should not effect the service. Actually, other than seeing the construction equipment, it didn't bother us at all and our room overlooked some of the equipment. The views from our room were spectacular (had a corner room). Room was spacious and quiet but very tired. I understand the hotel is old but I'd say our room was shabby with mold in the bathroom. The bed was comfortable and the room was well equipped. The hotel at this time has no heat and no air conditioning. To compensate they have a space heater and fan in the closet. Central air was definitely needed but they do not turn it on this early in the year. Fortunately, no heat was needed since that too was off for the season. The pool had not opened. They have gorgeous fireplaces in the public rooms (some large enough to walk into) but they, too were not being used, even in the very cold mornings. For whatever reason it was not possible to charge meals, etc., to the room but we had to pay each time with a credit card instead of charging to the room. Annoying! Several other minor things were also "under going service." We found the bar service and bar food to be excellent although a limited menu and half of the breakfast items were not available.

Lodge is lovely. Nicest furniture of any National Park lodge we've stayed in. Downside is that the hotel is currently undergoing renovations which meant that the only dinner option was a $63 per person buffet and I strongly dislike buffets so we opted for dinner in the bar which was fine but not the same views or ambiance.

Valet parking and delivery of luggage to room great … but expensive! Concierge was very stuffy … I might be in shorts, but please treat me with a little more respect after a 10 drive to get to the hotel! I’m very sorry I didn’t do the online check in! Just standing there with a check in queue building and not helping is not a great look. The receptionist who dealt with me was great however. Food options limited and expensive. Buffet had virtually no veggie options for my wife so we used the bar and she had the option of a salad and pretzels. Both very nice, but for the price paid to stay here I feel they should offer more variety. Waitress was lovely! Discovered that the toilet would not flush later in the evening. Went to reception at 6am as we had to use the reception toilets overnight! The receptionist did not sound surprised! Toilet was fixed, along with a non operational room safe, by 11am. But should we be getting this level of service at this cost? The general decor is very shabby in places (lift floor and lounge ceiling for example) and the outside areas under construction look awful. The construction may have contributed to the squirrel we saw running thought the large lounge into the kitchen! See picture! Yes a squirrel in the kitchen! Breakfast was in the bar. I feel sorry for the rude customers the girl working had to deal with on Saturday the 20th … she was great. Croissant was sweet … more like a brioche? Lovely tea and coffee. Overall the place is trading on former glory. No toilet and all I get is sorry. That’s ok though as I got a nice view in a historic building that is not as old as my terraced house in London!

The Ahwahnee has a grandeur unlike any I've seen elsewhere. It isn't dripping with luxury but with the high ceilings, enormous fireplaces, and understated beauty it is a fitting to tribute to the park in which it sits. Even if you don't stay here, you should spend time in one of the common rooms. Better still, dine in the restaurant!