If you want to get a foot in the door for the lodges and hotels, be sure to book in advance during heavy tourist times, such as summer, spring, and early fall. These are some of Yosemite's busiest seasons, so calling at least a couple months or more ahead is ideal.

Yosemite's non-peak times of year are winter, late fall, and early spring. Booking so far in advance isn't quite as necessary, as these are lower traffic times of year. If you visit during these months, there is more lodging availability and less expensive rates for hotels.

Hotels in the Yosemite Valley area

The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee is one of the premier spots to stay in Yosemite. With twenty-four cottages and ninety-nine luxury rooms, the hotel is one of the swankest places in Yosemite. The Ahwahnee is a historical landmark whose rooms face Half Dome on one side and Yosemite Falls on the other. A small, heated outdoor pool completes the beauty of this historic lodge.

Yosemite Lodge

Yosemite Lodge is located near the base of Yosemite Falls. Yosemite lodge offers 245 rooms, and all are excellent, though there's no air conditioning. You can access the internet at various kiosks and they do have wireless. They are fairly reasonable and great lodging choices of you're in Yosemite.

Wawona Lodge

Wawona Lodge is in the southern part of Yosemite and overlooks the Wawona Meadow. The scenery is fantastic and the lodging eschews the rustic elegance of its surroundings. There are no televisions or telephones. There are 104 rooms, fifty of which have private baths.

Curry Village

Curry Village is located in the Yosemite Valley. Curry Village offers many lodging options for visitors, from hotels to "tent cabins." These range in price and are an adventurous way to plan your lodging in Yosemite. Rustic and rugged, they usually don't have private baths, but are nevertheless quite comfortable during the warmer months.