Yosemite Valley Lodge

Upon check-in, I waited in a very long line and noticed that the employees were pretty friendly checking everyone in. When it was my turn, Edie, I think her name was (an older lady), just turned somewhat rude and condescending. I am very presentable and kind so I didn't understand why her demeanor changed towards me. I also work in the legal field and didn't appreciate being chastised about not smoking cigarettes and marijuana while in Yosemite when I have never done either one. I found it rude that she was being so loud with her "rules" with a line out of the door of guests waiting to be checked in like I was some sort of drug abuser. I was actually mortified the way she was talking to me. I also heard her ask others about room preference, etc. But, when it was my turn, she just assigned me a room without asking. I then politely asked if I could have an upstairs room in a quiet area like our last trip there a few years back (which was great). She said I think I can accommodate that. Well, joke was on us. She put us in the building right next to the highway (Elderberry) with all the car noise and honking. We decided to just deal with it as she was going to probably put us next to the ice machine if we complained. She was clearly on some sort of power trip. Unfortunately, the room was dirty and mattresses were lumpy, not at all like our stay there previously. Then began night one, Europeans in the room next to ours were screaming at each other for HOURS, along with their kid who screamed even louder. It was like nothing I have ever heard in 41 years of life and doing a decent amount of travel. I called the front desk several times and they claimed they called the room, but I never heard their phone ring, and the noise went on most of the night. Then, the screaming started up bright and early the next morning at around 7am so I called the front desk again. I was called back and told that the screaming guests wouldn't answer their phone. I found it frustrating that a representative of the hotel wasn't sent over there to deal with it in person. Later, I received a call that these people were checking out anyways so the nightmare seemed to be over. Then around 4pm people check in to the room on the other side of us and are also European shouting for hours in their loud voices in the room and on the balcony until 11pm. I called the front desk again and nobody helped. Then, the third night, we realized we weren't given extra toilet paper by housekeeping which was an embarrassing call to have to make. Then around 7:45 p.m. our front bathroom, vanity, and entry lights went off so we couldn't shower as it was too dark. I called twice before it was finally fixed closer to 10pm. I'm sure someone just had to flip a breaker. The noise also continued in the room next to ours. We decided we couldn't take it anymore, and checked out one day early the next day (today). Unfortunately, I got the same person who checked us in who I knew wouldn't care. However, I told her that I wanted a manager and briefly explained everything. She just looked at me like she could have cared less, walked somewhere in the back for a few seconds, and said there were no managers, and seemed just irritated I eve asked. I'm not even sure that was true as it was around 9am when managers should have been there. Assuming she was telling the truth, why not say I'll have a manager call you. Nope, nothing. She then acted like she was doing me a huge favor by taking 50% off our first night there, which honestly wasn't enough for what we endured. We then went to the Majestic Yosemite Hotel for breakfast and the hostess Jo asked how our stay was and I just let it all out. She couldn't have been nicer and listened and said she would speak to her own manager and that the way we were treated wasn't right. She kept apologizing even though it was clearly not her fault, and I could tell she felt bad that we were leaving early. It was like night and day the treatment and service at the Lodge compared to the Majestic, but it shouldn't be. Both places are fairly expensive and everyone should be treated with kindness and nobody should have had to endure what we did. What is most upsetting that people lose sight of is, I haven't take a vacation in 2 years, and killed myself trying to do a week's worth of work so I could even leave my office, and we were so upset and EXHAUSTED, we left our vacation that we had been so excited about early. I think the Lodge staff fails to realize that it takes a lot to make arrangements at work and home for people to even take a vacation, and they sure don't want to be treated poorly or have noisy neighbors (that should have been kicked out) when they are trying to relax. I won't ever stay at the Lodge again. Curry Village was even better than the Lodge many years ago when I stayed there. Read less

The accommodation is fairly basic but very adequate for a night or two. The eating options are limited but again adequate for a meal or two and not over expensive considering we are in a remote notional park. The reception staff were excellent and will store you luggage while you have time between vacating your room and getting transport. The gift shop is well stocked and again the staff are friendly and helpful. But the 5 stars are based on its magnificent location, walks from the door step and a courtesy mini-bus that brops you off at other interseting points in the lower valley. Read less

The lodge is the perfect place to stay that is better than camping and not as expensive as the Majestic Hotel. A perfect balance of comfort and location. We love the charm and character of the rooms and they are always clean and have just what you need for a comfortable stay. Remember where you are at. Yosemite. You shouldn't be glued to the room but if you need to be, it works just fine. I'll always come back here. I don't camp anymore if I can help it. You can eat at the Majestic for lunch or dinner and enjoy the amenities instead of paying a premium that is charged there vs. the Lodge. Read less