Description: The Tenaya Lodge is up in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range set in a dense pine forest at the South Entrance to Yosemite National Park near Wawona, off State Route 41 (one hour north of Fresno). The hotel was built in the early 90's and was formerly known as the Marriott Tenaya Lodge. The Tenaya is two four-story substantial contemporary alpine lodges connected by a grand lobby and convention center.
The lobby is a large two-story, lodge-styled place with exposed wood beams and stone. Comfortable sitting areas and fireplaces in a nice contemporary lodge decor. The Front Desk Staff were courteous. There is a nifty little kids’ check-in counter where they walk up a step stool carved out of wood, shaped like a bear. Brings them up to the right height to the front desk. The kids enjoyed that. There they got a coloring book with crayons. The lodge has two wings from the Lobby. The West Building is immediately adjacent to the Lobby, and is convenient to all the lodge's facilities. The East Building is a good hike from the Lobby.
Rooms are very nice quality, average size, just fitting the two double beds and furniture without feeling squished. Decor is once again contemporary alpine lodge. Views from the rooms look out across extensive manicured grounds out to the forest. The pine wood crown moldings and baseboards were a nice touch. Furnishings all felt good quality. There is a nice sitting chair and a writing desk. Beds were comfortable, typical four-star quality. Either One King, or Two Full-Size. The bathrooms were clean and vanity/sink area was in a separate room from the shower/toilet room. Bath amenities were an all-natural upscale-looking brand that I never have heard of, but were great.
There are three restaurants on site, but we only ate at the Sierra Restaurant. The setting is rather upscale, with tables and booths surrounding a large fireplace going up through a skylight. Food is rather trendy and expensive, but high quality. Best described as California Cuisine with a Mountain Flair. Their breakfast buffet was included in our room rate and is one of the best around. Nice spread, tastefully done, exotic fruits, and some gourmet items (like quiches). Recreation facilities were good and included an indoor pool, fitness center and Beauty Spa, including massage. Lots of outdoor recreation in the nearby area, too. This is, after all, Yosemite. Though the park border is only 2 miles away, the Yosemite Valley is an hour drive down windy roads.
In summary, I’d say the Tenaya is a nice lodge in a great remote location. It is expensive, usually over $200 a night in season. But off-season deals can be had in the low $100’s.
Close