The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Natl Park

Under the spectacular rock formation, Royal Arches, stands the historic The Ahwahnee Hotel, with its rock and wood (cement mold that looks like wood) exterior that blends with the landscape. It was built in 1927 in a meadow that had previously been a Miwok Indian village. The dark Grand Lobby is decorated with Native American wall hangings and designs, and features huge windows looking out on the meadow. It's lovely to walk out in the meadow under the shade of tall trees and admire the stunning rock formation that towers above the hotel. The scene is so gorgeous!

Have a drink at the The Ahwahnee Bar on the patio. I wouldn't eat here because there are no doors leading into the restaurant and squirrels freely run around inside the dining room and kitchen- yuck! Squirrels can carry plague. Hopefully the hotel will get some swinging doors soon and resolve this hygiene problem. 
While in Yosemite, don't miss the excellent Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, which will make you appreciate Yosemite Valley even more. Also wonderful is the view over the whole valley from Glacier Point. The giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove are nice, but can be skipped. Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp is a lovely place to enjoy an evening meal.

Directions

In Yosemite Valley, follow the signs to The Ahwahnee Hotel. You can park for free in the parking lot if there are any spaces (it is limited). Or walk or catch the free shuttle from the Yosemite Village day use parking lot.

Click on map for interactive view