- The Ahwahnee Hotel was constructed in 1927, and has retained much of its original decor.
- The hotel, now called the Majestic Yosemite, is nearly 100 years old and is a National Historic landmark.
- The hotel has had notable guests ranging from famous actors like Judy Garland to an array of US presidents. Steve Jobs and Laurene Powell also got married at the hotel in 1991.
One of the great historic hotels in the United States, this four-diamond luxury hotel is located deep within Yosemite National Park. Originally known as the Ahwahnee Hotel, the name was changed in 2016 following a trademark battle.
Despite its appearance, the hotel is not actually constructed of much wood. Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood instead relied on steel, granite, and concrete to reduce its flammability. That sets it apart from other old, luxury hotels such as the Hotel del Coronado and the Grand Hotel, which were built primarily with wood.
The hotel has earned a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and appears on multiple lists of top national park hotels, including roundup from Condé Nast Traveler and Vogue. Curbed also featured the hotel on its map of grand old-school resort hotels. Accommodation can cost up to $1,300 per night.
Read more: 17 hotels with stunning views of iconic sites
Many famous guests have stayed in the hotel, from U.S. presidents to British royalty. The hotel's lobby and lounge also served as inspiration for the fictional Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film "The Shining." The Majestic Yosemite is just one of several historic American lodges involved in that film: The Timberline Lodge in Mount Hood was used for exterior shots, while the Stanley Hotel is credited as the inspiration for the original story by Stephen King.
Keep reading for a closer look at the iconic hotel and some of its notable guests.
The Majestic Yosemite is a grand hotel designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood.
Source: Visit California
The hotel was completed in 1927, and has seen many guests over the years.
Source: National Park Service
The Majestic Yosemite is located in the heart of California, deep within Yosemite National Park.
Source: Google Maps
The hotel is a short seven minute drive from other locations in Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Village, the Ansel Adams Gallery, and various campgrounds.
Source: Google Maps
This area is also home to the Yosemite Chapel, the oldest remaining building in the valley.
Source: National Park Service
The hotel is within driving distance of some of the park's iconic sites, including Yosemite Falls ...
Source: Yosemite Mariposa County
... and the Half Dome rock formation.
Source: National Park Service
Guests visiting the hotel for weddings, business meetings, or vacations check in at the lobby ...
... just as Steve Jobs and Laurene Powell did when they got married in 1991.
Since then, both the exterior and interior of the hotel have remained relatively unchanged ...
... and rooms such as the Great Lounge have retained their original stately decor.
While some guests may think the decor is outdated, much of the hotel's old beauty is visible in its historic decorations.
These decorations include Turkish kilim rugs, Native American tapestries, and 19th-century paintings.
Source: Visit California
The Great Lounge is open to the public, where visitors can sit below the hotel's original chandeliers.
Source: Visit California
At other times, the lounge is rearranged for special events, such as cooking demonstrations.
Nearby is the solarium, or sunroom.
The traditional tables and chairs are sometimes swapped out for elegant wedding receptions.
Source: Yosemite Wedding Photographers
Another notable room in the hotel is the Majestic Yosemite Dining Room.
Source: Yosemite National Park
The massive room has 34-foot-high ceilings, and is used for catered evening events ...
Source: Yosemite National Park
... along with regular, daily dining.
Source: Yosemite National Park
Guests have the option to dine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For a weekend stay, it's recommended that visitors head to the hall for the "legendary" Sunday Brunch.
Source: Yosemite National Park
One round table is even nicknamed "The Queen's Table" ...
Source: Trip Advisor, Condé Nast Traveler
... after Queen Elizabeth II paid the hotel a visit in 1983 and dined in the hall. During her stay, the entire hotel was reserved in her name.
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
Other notable leaders who've visited the hotel include Winston Churchill, and U.S. presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy ...
Source: Visit California, Travel + Leisure, John F. Kennedy Library & Museum
... along with Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama.
Source: National Park Reservations, Vogue, Travel + Leisure
Other famous guests of the hotel include writer Gertrude Stein and actress Judy Garland.
Source: Visit California
Guests can choose to stay in one of the hotel's 123 rooms and suites ...
Source: U.S. News & World Report
... or opt for a private cottage for a more secluded stay.
Source: National Park Reservations
The hotel grounds are beautiful in the summertime ...
... when guests can enjoy hikes in the sunshine or relax by the hotel pool.
The fall foliage also makes for picturesque views ...
... as does snow during the winter season.
Beginning in December, guests can enjoy skiing and snowboarding nearby. An ice rink is also installed outside the hotel during cold months.
Source: Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area
Given its beautiful surroundings ...
... it's no surprise that the hotel has been home to such a long list of notable guests over its nearly 100-year history.
