Wondering where to stay in Yosemite? Whether you’re coming for the rush of springtime waterfalls or the festive Bracebridge Dinners in winter, there’s no shortage of reasons to fall head-over-heels in love with Yosemite National Park. It’s one of the most beloved sections of the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range that has inspired artists and authors for more than a century. But, at 747,956 acres, a wide variety of landscapes and bio zones exist in and around the park, from misty alpine meadows, to groves of giant sequoias, to massive granite outcroppings.
No matter which of the park’s areas you’re longing to explore, we’ve compiled a list of our all-time favorite Yosemite accommodations. From fairytale castles to rustic cabins and historic hotels, there’s something for even the most discerning traveler.
While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on Superhost status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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The AhwahneeArrow
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Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019Built in 1927, The Ahwahnee is a National Historic Landmark hotel situated amidst the towering granite cliffs and thundering waterfalls that have made the Yosemite Valley a world-famous, iconic destination. This in-park lodge is famous for its antique “parkitecture,” featuring stone fireplaces, dark wood libraries, and a grand dining hall serving classic American cuisine. With recently remodeled rooms in the main building and an upcoming kitchen upgrade in winter of 2023, it’s a timeless piece of classic park lodging ideal for hikers and bikers who want to stay as close to the action as possible.
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A forested private estate
If you’re going to go big in Yosemite, there’s no better place to splurge than at this architecturally impressive creekside estate designed by Conrad Asturi, complete with a private terrace, EV charging station, open-plan chef’s kitchen, and a private waterfall. The floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the five bedrooms look out on dense forests and shine the space with bright natural light. Soak your sore post-hike legs in the custom-carved stone bathtub and watch your city stresses disappear.
$959 at Airbnb (starting price)
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AutoCamp YosemiteArrow
For the glamping fanatic with high standards, AutoCamp Yosemite offers refined Airstream suites and custom canvas tents that immerse park-loving travelers in the Sierra Nevada—without having to rough it. Located 25 miles from Yosemite’s El Portal entrance, each of the property’s modern Airstream trailers is bedecked with crisp white linens and spa-like bathrooms with sensuous Ursa Major bath products. The safari-style tents are no less luxe, with memory foam mattresses, high thread count sheets, and private campfire seating out front. A central clubhouse boasts healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee, and tea.
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Chateau du SureauArrow
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017
Tucked away on nine private acres of lavishly landscaped Sierra Nevada foothills is a storybook castle that looks like it belongs in Provence. Chateau du Sureau is a boutique hotel that has been touted as “the most luxurious stay near Yosemite,” and it’s easy to see why. From its ten elegantly appointed guest rooms with fireplaces to its secluded two-bedroom villa and European-inspired spa (the lavender blossom body polish is a must), the Chateau effortlessly blends first-class service and the outdoors. After an adventurous day in the park, be sure to enjoy togarashi seared ahi and Maine diver scallops at on-site Elderberry House restaurant.
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A contemporary build right on the Merced River
The Moonstone is a newly constructed retreat on the western side of Yosemite that seamlessly blends modern comforts with the mountain splendor that brings adventurous souls to the Sierra year after year. Overlooking a gorgeous bend in the Wild and Scenic Merced River, this home is an architecture lover’s dream. Reclaimed teak wood floors lay the perfect foundation for rustic accents like sheepskin throws, Scandinavian-inspired furnishings, and boho artwork. An outdoor dining area with a brick pizza oven has enough seats for your whole crew, and the property’s sod-topped yoga studio and outdoor copper bathtub are just the icing on the cake.
$1,600 at Airbnb (starting price)
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Courtesy Rush Creek Lodge
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Rush Creek Lodge & SpaArrow
Five minutes outside of Yosemite’s western entrance lies a full-service lodge fit for couples and families, with a year-round heated saltwater pool, private hiking trails, and a relaxed-yet-sophisticated restaurant with an elevated cocktail program. Kids will flip for the on-site zipline and complimentary nightly s’mores, while grownups will fall in love with the property’s Yosemite-themed spa, complete with hot waterfall coves, alpine meadow aromatherapy, and warm river rock beds.
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A cheerful ranch on 28 acres
Color-loving travelers rejoice; The Yellow Fish House is here to shake you out of the doldrums of contemporary white and gray while still boasting a lavish space and amenities to spare. Set near the small community of Coarsegold, this cottage oozes charm, from its canary yellow and robin’s egg blue kitchen, to its clawfoot tub and vintage park posters. At the end of the day, from the bohemian daybed swing outside, crack open a cold one and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.
$248 at Airbnb (starting price)
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A spunky A-frame surrounded by pines
This hip A-frame cabin is full of fun design details that are sure to make even the pickiest traveler smile. Lovingly nicknamed “The Yay-Frame,” it’s a five-bedroom, two-bathroom haven brimming with mid-century living room furnishings, artwork portraying Yosemite, a woodsy game room, and colorful outdoor seating. Included in the rental is a separate, 450-square-foot in-law cabin with a vintage wood-burning stove, muted jade cabinets, private bedroom, and full bath.
$487 at Airbnb (starting price)
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Courtesy Airbnb
A three-bedroom with panoramic Sierra Nevada views
Part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains’ magic is the awe of watching light dance across the mountain peaks, a joy that continues even when your day in the park is done. Just a half hour drive from Yosemite, this peaceful, pet-friendly three-bedroom offers nearly 360-degree glimpses of the Sierra foothills. Newly renovated with clean, modern interiors, a hot tub, and an all fresco dining deck, it’s the perfect escape for mountain lovers looking to bask in the California sunshine.
$267 at Airbnb (starting price)
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A mountain cabin with ‘70s flair
Moss green on the outside, modern on the inside. The Yosemite Cabin is a vintage two-bedroom home that fades seamlessly into the mountains that surround it. But when you open the front door, you’ll be whisked away to somewhere swanky. High ceilings in the living room and large windows on the walls bring an airy, forest-feel into the space. Stainless steel appliances in the kitchen allow you to whip up a feast in style. At sunset, relax on the wrap-around deck with a glass of wine and marvel at John Muir’s fabled “range of light.”
$633 at Airbnb (starting price)
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Courtesy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
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Tenaya LodgeArrow
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018
Just a stone’s throw from Yosemite’s south entrance (the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a 12-minute drive away), Tenaya Lodge offers a plethora of amenities and group-friendly lodging with upscale mountain décor. This AAA four-diamond property has a little something for everyone, from spa-style soaking tubs, to communal fire pits and rustic cottages nestled between towering sugar pines and incense cedars. And for travelers who have a furry friend in tow, Tenaya even has a Fido-oriented upgrade, with dog bowls, a dog bed, and a “pet concierge” info sheet.
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