Yosemite National Park (2)

The Ahwahnee was built because of the efforts of Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service.  Other parks had their lodges and hotels but it was in Yosemite, Mather's favorite park that he planned to "build a first-class hotel that would be open year round to attract people of influence and wealth".  The Ahwahnee opened in 1927, eleven years after the establishment of the National Park Service and certainly lives up to its initial mission.  I have stayed at several National Park Lodges, including the Wawona here in Yosemite and while all have their charm this hotel is a cut above.  The interior of the building feels very much like the mountain lodge that it is, the rooms are almost 100 years old, the architectural style is by no means modern (Gilbert Underwood who also designed the lodges at Zion and Brice Canyon National Parks was the Architect), but, everything works and is elegant and beautiful even in the 21st century.  Of course it is location, location, location, and in this location most any building would be awe inspiring.  We've known of The Ahwahnee for years and I think we were wise to include it in this journey.

The Ahwahnee, a strange name.  It refers to the peoples inhabiting the Yosemite valley when the Spanish and later Americans arrived, the Ahwahneechee people.  This translates to "the place of the large gaping mouth", not particularly romantic, but a pretty good description, and good information to know.

The great dining hall is Underwood's most emphatic statement.  It is the largest room in the lodge and an absolute pleasure to be in.  Makes me want to just stay there and eat all day.

The view from our room was incredible.