Wawona Hotel

Nestled in amongst the lush trees of Yosemite National Park, Wawona Hotel is a unique resort that offers the ultimate escape from the daily grind; turn off your phone and tune in to the sounds of the wilderness. Originally a Victorian lodge, they have maintained the gracious charm of a bygone era here, a simplicity we so often crave in the relentless pace of modern life.

Location

Under 200 miles east of San Francisco and 150 miles south of Sacramento, Yosemite is far enough away from the hubbub of city life, but still very easy to get to. You will find the Wawona resting in the leafy meadows to the south of the park, with trickling streams all around and the impressive trees of Mariposa Grove nearby.

Your Room

The rooms are spread across six white Victorian villas, all looking out on luscious greenery and the valleys beyond; the veranda is a welcome spot to watch the sun set over the leafy horizon. The interiors are fairly quaint and traditional, but charming, and with the atmosphere of a home from home. Our top tip? Unless you like communal living, opt for a room with its own bathroom, because not all do in this well-preserved historical building.

Why We Like It

Yosmite National Park has been carefully protected from developments, so when it comes to hotels, there are only a few. But they are special, and artfully blend in with the landscape. What we love about the Wawona is that, much like the hotel’s setting, it offers a haven from 21^st Century life; wander out through the wild flower strewn meadow-lands and choose from an array of paths to hike and valleys to explore, or drive a little further to see Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point and other impressive landmarks.