Yosemite Lodge green prototype room

One of the most awe-inspiring views in California’s Yosemite National Park is Yosemite Falls. Gawkers stand for hours at the base and hikers venture up the trail to the top. When you plan your vacation to the park, why not stay as close as possible—Yosemite Lodge at the Falls.

Take advantage of the opportunity to get even closer to nature by staying in one of the new green rooms. Two of the 245 rooms at the lodge have been redesigned to be environmentally friendly as a first step to eventually get all the rooms to follow suit. The green rooms include electronic key cards, insulation made from recycled newspaper, double-pane windows, fixtures to reduce water consumption, organic cotton sheets, recycled flooring, and more.

Now that you’re all hyped up to be green at Yosemite, take note that since these are only two rooms, they may be difficult to get. When you make your reservation, make your preference known, and you may snag one. But if you don’t, you’ll be happy to know that other aspects of the hotel follow environmentally friendly practices.

Yosemite National Park seems like the ideal place to be green.

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, 801-559-4884
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Photo courtesy of Yosemite Lodge at the Falls

More Yosemite-related information:
Award-Winning Ahwahnee in Yosemite Delivers Best Lunch

The Ahwahnee in winter

Tons of people visit California’s Yosemite National Park in its peak season: summer. But why fight the crowds when you can have the place nearly all to yourself in the winter?

One of the first wilderness parks in the United States, Yosemite National Park is known for its huge granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams and giant sequoia groves. Right in the heart of the valley with views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point, is The Ahwahnee. One of the best ways to enjoy winter in such a stunningly beautiful park is a stay at this grand hotel.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Landmarks, the hotel itself is known for its grand public spaces, including huge stone fireplaces, hand-stenciled beams, rich tapestries and elegant stained glass. Be sure to schedule some spare time to relax in the Great Lounge and enjoy a meal in the beautiful Ahwahnee Dining Room, celebrated not only for its looks—but also its award-winning cuisine.

Guest rooms range from standard to those with incredible views and balconies. Parlors and junior suites give you more room to stretch out and enjoy your stay, however all the hotel’s rooms have ample space. Want a little more privacy? Get a cottage, located among the dogwoods and pines on the hotel grounds. They’re perfect for a romantic retreat. Winter rates start at $299 per night.

Aside from winter activities in the park, The Ahwahnee has a packed winter season with Vintners’ Holidays, the Bracebridge Dinner and Chefs’ Holidays. If you missed your favorite event this year, sign up for next year and get it in your calendar now.

The Ahwahnee, 801-559-4884
One Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Photo courtesy of The Ahwahnee (exterior photo by Kenny Karst)

More Yosemite-related information:
Award-Winning Ahwahnee in Yosemite Delivers Best Lunch

Guests enjoy a Gala Dinner at Chefs' Holidays in The Ahwahnee's Dining Room.

Think about the best message of Thanksgiving: It’s really all about giving thanks for the best things in life. Why only give thanks for family, friends, good health and enjoying life one day a year? This time, consider the many ways you can give thanks throughout the year. This winter, escape to Yosemite National Park with blankets of snow across the meadows and icicle-draped trees, and add a rich culinary experience to treat all your senses.

Right in the heart of the valley with views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point, is The Ahwahnee. A stay in this hotel, known for its magnificent architecture and grand spaces, is a special way to add to a Yosemite visit. The Ahwahnee Chefs’ Holidays are held each year in January and February, and include some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs.

Featured chefs for 2012 Chefs’ Holidays include: Annie Sommerville from Greens (San Francisco), Donald Link from Herbsaint (New Orleans), Suzanne Goin from Lucques (Los Angeles), David Barzirgan from Fifth Floor (San Francisco) and more. The eight sessions run from Jan. 8 to Feb. 2, 2012.

Each session features a “Meet the Chefs” reception, cooking demonstrations, kitchen tours and a Gala Dinner. Two- and three-night packages for Chefs’ Holidays include access for two to session presentations, tours, reception and dinner, as well as hotel accommodations.

Two-night packages at The Ahwahnee start at $896 and three-night packages start at $1,145. It’s also possible to bunk at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (two-night package starts at $665; three-night package starts at $800). Individual tickets for the Gala Dinner are $199 per person.

To learn more about Chef’s Holidays, call 801-559-4903 or visit www.yosemitepark.com/chefs.

The Ahwahnee, 801-559-4884
One Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Photo courtesy of The Ahwahnee

More Yosemite-related information:
 Award-Winning Ahwahnee in Yosemite Delivers Best Lunch

Fresh snow falls on The Ahwahnee during the Chefs’ Holidays event

There’s no need to force yourself to embrace austerity after the winter holiday celebrations are over. The key to celebrating life, along with its wonderful sensory pleasures, is to pick the right way to celebrate. Escaping to Yosemite National Park at the height of its winter beauty—with blankets of snow across the meadows and icicle-draped trees—is an ideal way to keep your spirit moving. Add a rich culinary experience, and you may not want to come home.

Right in the heart of the valley with views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point, is The Ahwahnee. A stay in this hotel, known for its magnificent architecture and grand spaces, is a special way to add to a Yosemite visit. The Ahwahnee Chefs’ Holidays are held each year in January and February, and include some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs.

Featured chefs for 2011 Chefs’ Holidays include: Traci Des Jardins from Jardinière and Mijita (San Francisco), Tony DiSalvo from Whist (Los Angeles), Barbara Lynch from No. 9 Park (Boston), Suzanne Goin from Lucques (Los Angeles), Annie Somerville from Greens (San Francisco) and more. The eight sessions run from Jan. 9 to Feb. 3, 2011.

Moderator Sara Moulton leads guests through a cooking demonstration with Chef Douglas Keane of Cyrus at The Ahwahnee’s Chefs’ Holidays event

Each session features a “Meet the Chefs” reception, cooking classes and demonstrations, kitchen tours and a Gala Dinner. Two- and three-night packages for Chefs’ Holidays include access for two to session presentations, tours, reception and dinner, as well as hotel accommodations.

Two-night packages at The Ahwahnee start at $925 and three-night packages start at $1,175. It’s also possible to bunk at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (two-night package starts at $619; three-night package starts at $722). Individual tickets for the Gala Dinner are $199 per person.

To learn more about Chef’s Holidays, call 801-559-4884 or visit www.yosemitepark.com/chefs.

The Ahwahnee, 801-559-4884
One Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Photos courtesy of The Ahwahnee

More Yosemite-related information:
Award-Winning Ahwahnee in Yosemite Delivers Best Lunch