Wawona Hotel

Location. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, the Wawona Hotel is a rustic mountain hideaway located in Yosemite Village, Calif. A nature lover's playground, this property is seven miles from Yosemite National Park's south entrance and is cradled between the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees and Yosemite Valley. Riding stables are located within one-half mile of this mountain lodge, and the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees, said to be the oldest living trees in the world, is four miles away.

Hotel Features. Panoramic views of the Yosemite sunsets complement the cuisine offered in the Wawona Hotel's main dining room. Turn-of- the-century décor provides a pleasant ambience while guests are served daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Depending on the time of year, guests may sip cocktails or cold drinks on the spacious veranda, or curl up with a hot toddy next to the fireplace to watch the snow fall. Daily breakfast buffet is complimentary. This property is also home to the oldest golf course in the Sierras. Guests can swim in the seasonal outdoor pool and take advantage of the complimentary tennis court.

Guestroom Features. Most of the hotel's 104 European-style guestrooms open onto the property's expansive veranda. Housed in six buildings, these rooms feature antique furnishings, and select accommodations provide private baths. There are no telephones or televisions at this pastoral lodge, ensuring that guests can retreat from modern-day distractions.

Expert Tip. The Pioneer History Center, located one-half mile from the Wawona Hotel, hosts programs presented by park rangers and naturalists. Summer Saturday nights light up with lively barn dances and scenic stagecoach rides.