Anyone visited Ahwahnee recently?

Question

I have reservations for the Ahwahnee in September. We cancelled our trip last year due to the construction. Is it completed? A recent review was critical of the lodge ( rat infested). Our rooms are $800 a night , we have reservations for 4 nights. Should I consider shortening my stay and getting a refund while I can? I’ve never been to the park. Thank you

Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns — these are very valid, especially given the premium rate and the length of your stay. Yes, there are some red flags to be aware of for a stay at The Ahwahnee right now. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on recent reports and guest feedback, plus some options and suggestions.

What’s going on with The Ahwahnee right now?

Major renovation: The Ahwahnee is in the midst of a multi-phase rehabilitation project (funded by the Great American Outdoors Act) to make seismic upgrades, modernize its HVAC, renovate the kitchen, improve fire safety, and restore historic elements.
Construction impact: According to the hotel’s own construction FAQ, work is happening Monday-Friday from about 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Some exterior walkways or public areas may be closed or limited.
Dining disruptions: The main dining room reopened in Spring 2025. However, room service is not offered during construction. Also, the bar has had serious issues: in 2024, Yosemite management closed the Ahwahnee Bar due to rodent activity, and food service in its kitchen was suspended until pest-control measures were strengthened.
Health & maintenance concerns: There are disturbing reports from recent inspections and performance reviews. The National Park Service gave Yosemite Hospitality (the concessionaire) a very low rating, citing mold, rotting decks, and rodent infestations at The Ahwahnee. In particular, the Ahwahnee Bar had documented rodent intrusions, and the park temporarily shut food service until ceiling repairs and trapping were done.
Guest reports: On Reddit, guests have said construction is very visible (scaffolding, temporary walls), and that offerings are more limited. Some mention that the bar kitchen remains closed, but drinks are available. Others say they experienced heavy rodent presence: > “Rodent activity, improper food storage, … pervasive issues … Yosemite Hospitality received an overall ‘unsatisfactory’ rating.”

Is the renovation “completed”?

No — not fully. While important structural work (like seismic retrofitting) is underway or nearing its later stages, other parts (especially food service infrastructure) are still being renovated. The kitchen renovation is a large part of the project, and some guest-facing amenities remain impacted.

Given your situation (4 nights, $800/night), here are things to think about:

Value proposition: At $800/night, you're paying top dollar for an iconic, historic lodge. With construction, limited service, and potential health risks, your experience may not match expectations for a luxury stay.
Risk of disappointment: The visible renovation, limited dining, and maintenance/rodent issues could detract significantly from your stay — especially for a first-time Yosemite visit.
Health concerns: Rodent problems are not minor here. These aren’t isolated rumors — documented in NPS reports and performance reviews.
Refund/cancellation policy: According to the Ahwahnee’s construction FAQs, you *can* cancel for a refund (at least your deposit) if you cancel at least 7 days before arrival.
Experience alternatives: Given the premium cost, you may want to consider splitting your stay, shortening it, or looking at other accommodations in or near Yosemite Valley (or nearby lodges) to minimize exposure to the current risks.

Options to consider:

Shorten your stay: Stay fewer nights at The Ahwahnee to reduce risk and cost, and use the refund window if you decide you’re uncomfortable.
Switch lodging: Look into other lodges in Yosemite (e.g., Yosemite Valley Lodge, Wawona Hotel) or nearby private lodges outside the park where service may be more stable.
Stay but adjust expectations: If you decide to keep all four nights, go in with realistic expectations: construction noise, limited dining, and potentially less “luxury” feel than in past years.
Monitor updates: Keep an eye on official Ahwahnee / Yosemite Hospitality communications leading up to your trip. Things may improve, or they may communicate mitigations or compensation for guests.

My recommendation: Given the scale of the issues and the high nightly rate, it could be wise to strongly consider trimming your stay — perhaps 2 nights rather than 4 — to reduce your risk while still experiencing the historic lodge. You could reallocate the rest of your nights to other lodging so that you’re not “all in” on the Ahwahnee under these uncertain conditions. If you decide to stay all four nights, go in prepared: research on current guest reviews, ask for the latest inspection or maintenance info, and manage your expectations.

Ultimately, whether to shorten or cancel depends on how much risk you're willing to accept vs how much value you place on staying in this iconic property. Let me know if you like help comparing alternate lodgings nearby or figuring out the cancellation steps.

Anyone visited Ahwahnee recently?

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