Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite offers a luxurious and serene retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of Yosemite National Park. With its cozy yet elegant ambiance, this stunning lodge provided us with a seamless blend of comfort and adventure. It’s safe to say it’s arguably the best base for exploring one of America’s most iconic wilderness areas. Our stay at this full-service resort was nothing short of amazing. From its comfortable accommodations to its exhilarating activities, we were treated like VIPs. Want to know the details of our exciting experience? Keep reading!
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Sierra Nevada’s beating heart
Let’s start with the location. Tenaya at Yosemite is nestled among towering pines. It gave us the feeling of being hidden away in the Sierra Nevada mountains. We loved it, though. We also think it’s a beautiful place no matter what time of the year you visit. However, the best part about staying here is the fact that you’ll be right on the doorstep of Yosemite National Park itself. Just two miles down the road is the South Gate entrance, which makes exploring the park incredibly convenient.
Another bonus of the location is the close proximity to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. It was only minutes away, so we could easily add seeing these awe-inspiring giants to our Yosemite itinerary. Tenaya Lodge’s location in Yosemite truly offers the best of both worlds—a peaceful, scenic escape and easy access to all the wonders of Yosemite National Park.
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A variety of accommodations
Tenaya at Yosemite blew us away with its amazing accommodation options, each offering a different experience. During our stay, we booked the spa room at Tenaya Lodge. Our 550 sq ft Spa Room was a spacious studio that reminded us of a mini apartment. It came complete with a king-sized bed, a massive jetted tub, and a separate shower. We even had our own private balcony to soak in the fresh mountain air. To sum it up, this room is all about indulgence.
Aside from our Spa Room, the Tenaya Lodge also offers many other spacious hotel rooms and suites. However, feel free to consider the Cottages for a taste of home. They’re a short walk from Tenaya Lodge. There, you’ll find cozy rooms with fireplaces and private patios.
However, for total seclusion, there’s no better option than the Explorer Cabins. Tenaya really goes above and beyond with the cabins. They offer complete privacy and a true escape. With two bedrooms, a private deck, and a comfy living room, you’ll be able to have pure relaxation. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Tenaya Yosemite National Park has the perfect place for you to call home.
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Tasty options for every craving
Tenaya at Yosemite offers a fantastic variety of dining options, and we were impressed by the range they have! When we were craving a relaxed meal, we would go to the Bearfoot Bar most of the time. Right by the pool, we could soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing drink or two. You’ll find a full bar with signature cocktails and local beers here. Make sure to check out the summertime favorites, too! And the next time we’re here, we’re planning to try the Inside-Out Crusted Avocado Quesadilla. People say it’s so good!
For a more family-friendly option, head to the Timberloft Pizzeria. We were impressed by the artisanal pizzas here, which were delicious. We were also spoilt by other Italian classics. This restaurant is close to the cottages and is perfect for a fun night with the whole crew.
For those special occasions, Tenaya Lodge Yosemite’s room service is a fantastic option. You can enjoy the same high-quality food you get in their restaurants from the comfort of your room. Imagine a romantic dinner for two in the Spa Room or a full family meal without having to leave your cozy space.
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Wellness sanctuary
Aside from incredible dining options, Tenaya at Yosemite also offers amenities to keep your body fit. The jewel of the resort was definitely the Ascent Spa. Tucked away in a serene corner, it offered us a welcome escape. For us, the spa was elegant and inviting. The best part? Access to the facilities, including the relaxation lounge, steam room, sauna, and showers, was included in our resort fee. This was a huge perk, especially after a day of hiking. We loved lounging in the relaxation room before our appointment, sipping herbal tea, and mentally unwinding.
The treatment rooms were quiet and beautifully appointed. The staff was incredibly professional and helped us choose the perfect Deep Tissue Massage to target all those sore muscles. It was pure bliss! They even provided robes and sandals, so we didn’t have to worry about a thing.
Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite National Park also offers a well-equipped fitness center for those looking to maintain their workout routine. It isn’t massive, but it has everything you would need for a solid cardio or strength training session. Treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes offer great cardio options, and there are plenty of free weights and machines for a full-body workout.
“The massage at Ascent Spa was truly amazing. You shouldn’t leave the resort before pampering yourself there.”
WOW Travel
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Fun for all ages and activity levels
Throughout our stay at Tenaya at Yosemite, there was never a moment where we were bored. With various activities on-site, we never had a dull moment. For the adventurous in our group, we tried archery lessons. The Sierra Mountain Archery Range was awesome! They offer classes for all ages (from 5), and even a complete beginner like us was able to pick it up quickly. The safety course was thorough, and then we got to unleash our inner Hawkeye at the target range. It was a blast!
We also balanced out the adrenaline rush with a complimentary yoga class. This was a perfect way to relax our bodies after exploring Yosemite. The class was held in the Ascent Spa, which was super serene, and they provided everything we needed: mats, props, the whole shebang. It didn’t matter if you were a yoga pro or a complete newbie, as the instructor was great at catering to all levels. It was a fantastic way to stretch, connect with our breath, and find some deep relaxation. For other available activities, click here!
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Pros
- Tenaya Lodge is a beautiful resort with high-end amenities, such as a spa, pool complex, fitness center, and multiple dining options.
- It’s located outside the busy Yosemite Valley, offering a quieter and more relaxing environment compared to staying right in the park.
- It’s a popular choice among families.
Cons
- Tenaya Lodge might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a more traditional “camping in nature” experience.
Conclusion
Tenaya at Yosemite is a well-regarded resort located at the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. It consistently receives positive reviews for its location, amenities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Throughout our stay, we explored many attractions just minutes away from the resort and had a good night’s sleep in the luxurious room. We were also kept happy with the resort amenities. We highly recommend this resort to those who are planning to visit Yosemite with their family and want each day to be special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the amenity fee at Tenaya Lodge?
A: Tenaya Lodge charges a daily amenity fee of $35 per night. This fee covers various amenities like bicycle rentals, guided hikes, access to the pool and game room, and even s’mores ingredients!
Q: What airport is near Tenaya Lodge Yosemite?
A: The nearest airport to the resort is Mammoth Lakes Airport. It’s around 41.5 miles away. There’s also Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which is around 55 miles south.
Q: How many days do you need in Yosemite?
A: Normally, two to four days should be enough. For our stay, we stayed for four days.
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