The Top 6 Yosemite Resorts (Ranked by Amenities)
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Are you looking for luxury lodging near Yosemite?
From camping to cabins to chain hotels, Yosemite has many lodging options to choose from. Many of these options have the “rustic” mountain charm and are best used simply as a place to lay your head while you are out exploring the majesty of Yosemite.
However, if you are looking for a more experiential stay with fun offerings to enjoy while at your hotel, a few options stand out.
A Yosemite resort offers far more than a room to sleep in. These hotels provide experiences and amenities that make your hotel stay just as much fun as exploring the park itself.
I visit Yosemite frequently and have stayed at both a run-of-the-mill campsite and have also experienced the luxury of several Yosemite resorts. I can confirm that staying at a resort can truly enhance your Yosemite experience!
In this post, I have ranked the top six Yosemite resorts by amenities to help you decide where to stay.
My Favorite Yosemite Resort
Just looking for the best Yosemite resort? It’s Rush Creek Lodge. Rush Creek by far, has the most amenities and programs offered out of any resort near Yosemite. Featuring a luxurious year-round spa, equipment rentals, onsite trails, a general store, and a restaurant, it has everything.
Before visiting Yosemite, ensure you know how to get into the park. Most hotels within the park include a park pass. However, if you are staying outside the park, you will need an entry pass. If you are planning on visiting for multiple days, or if you are planning on visiting multiple times within a year, it is worth investing in an America the Beautiful Parks Pass.
You will also want a plan for getting to and from Yosemite. While there are shuttle options, renting a car is the most popular way to explore the park and surrounding areas. These are my favorite rental cars near the Yosemite resorts.
The 6 Best Yosemite Resorts
1. Rush Creek Lodge & Spa
Rush Creek Lodge and Spa is my favorite Yosemite resort because it offers a wide variety of amenities and programs that are hard to find so close to the park. From guided hikes and paddleboard yoga sessions to craft making and glass blowing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The true seller is Rush Creek Spa. Get a day pass and spend the afternoon luxuriating, or unwind with a massage after a day of hiking. The indoor/outdoor spa is inspired by the nature of Yosemite, with several waterfalls and granite features.
- Rush Creek Spa
- Granite waterfall hot tub
- Warm waterfall benches
- Aroma therapy steam room
- Himalayan salt block sauna
- Year-round outdoor pool
- Two year-round outdoor hot tubs
- General store & coffee shop
- Restaurant & tavern
- Multiple fire pits
- Complimentary nightly s’mores
- Equipment & bike rentals
- On-site hiking trails
- Game room & lawn games
- Fitness center
- Kids playgrounds
- Programmed workshops, classes & activities
- YARTs shuttle stop
2. Tenaya at Yosemite
Tenaya at Yosemite is the closest resort in proximity to the park. It is also the largest resort near the park.
When you arrive, you’ll immediately be struck by the lodge’s grandeur, almost feeling like you’ve entered a hidden town in the mountains. Tenaya also boasts an impressive array of amenities, including multiple restaurants and pools.
- Year-round indoor pool
- Five year-round hot tubs
- Three seasonal outdoor pools
- Ascent Spa
- General store
- Two restaurants
- Multiple fire pits
- Equipment rentals
- On-site hiking trails & trail rides
- Fitness center
- Programmed workshops, classes & activities
- YARTs shuttle stop
3. AutoCamp Yosemite
This luxurious airstream glamping site is the perfect way to enjoy all the best parts of camping without any of the hassles. AutoCamp is more than a luxury-furnished airstream park. The clubhouse, restaurant, and activities make it a true resort.
I opted for the Basecamp Suite, which included an airstream and a canvas tent. There are options for just an airstream, just a canvas tent, or even accessible trailer pods, all of which include a fire pit and seating area. From the natural wood finishes to the crisp canvas and bedding, the clean and contemporary feel perfectly complements the natural beauty of the surrounding Sierra.
- Year-round outdoor pool
- General store
- Restaurant
- Personal fire pits
- Lawn games
- Programmed workshops, classes & activities
- YARTs shuttle stop
4. Chateau du Sureau
As the name suggests, Chateau du Sureau is a French-inspired resort featuring fine dining experiences and wine tastings. The chateau offers more personalized service and amenities like afternoon tea or cooking classes.
- Spa du Sureau
- Fine dining restaurant
- High Tea & Cooking Classes
- Lawn games
- Private hot tubs
5. The Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee is the oldest Yosemite resort and the only one located in Yosemite Valley. The rustic lodge was built in the 1920s and still boasts the same grandeur that awed guests nearly 100 years ago.
While there are not as many amenities as other resorts, the highlight of The Awahnee is staying in the most popular part of the park. Walk out the door to see views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, which seem too picturesque to be real. Plus, it is rumored to have inspired Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel.
- Fire pits
- Restaurant for guests only
- Year-round outdoor pool
6. The Wawona Hotel
Although not in Yosemite Valley, The Wawona Hotel is also located within the National Park. This Victorian-style hotel offers limited amenities, like a golf course, that cannot be found anywhere else in the park. It is also important to note the hotel closes seasonally in winter.
- Fire pits
- 9-hole golf course
- Dining hall for guests only
- Seasonal outdoor pool
- Seasonal horse stable
- On-site hiking trails
Is It Worth Staying in Yosemite Valley?
Is it worth staying in Yosemite Valley, where you’ll be in the heart of the park, or should you venture outside the park and find a resort with more amenities?
The biggest advantage of staying in the park is that you’ll save a lot of time on parking and transportation. It can get very crowded during peak season, and finding a parking spot can be a real headache. By staying in the valley, you can avoid all of that hassle.
If that is worth it to you, then staying at The Ahwahnee or The Wawona can be a good middle ground for still getting some resort amenities while still being in the park.
However, Yosemite Valley can get extremely crowded during peak season, and the accommodations within the park are quite basic comparatively.
If you stay outside the park, you’ll have access to a wider variety of amenities and dining options. Many of the resorts are just outside the park boundary, and offer luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and other amenities like spas. Additionally, you’ll have more privacy and a chance to unwind and relax away from the park crowds.
Personally, staying in the park is great for camping and staying on the trails. But if I were choosing between Yosemite resorts, I would opt for the ones outside of the park as they simply offer more.
Yosemite Resorts FAQ
Staying in the National Park can save you parking headaches and transport time. However, the resorts outside the park offer more amenities and can feel more private than staying within the park.
You can see the best of Yosemite Valley in one day. However, if you want to do multiple hikes or see Yosemite from multiple vantage points, you need a two-day minimum.
The south side of Yosemite, using the South Entrance, is the most popular. This is where Yosemite Valley is and has the park’s most iconic features.
So, which Yosemite resort is right for you? Ultimately, it depends on your budget, your preferences, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Regardless of where you stay, the important thing is that you’ll be able to experience Yosemite’s unparalleled beauty and wonder firsthand.
Check out some of my other Yosemite guides:
