THE AHWAHNEE ^{* * * *}

Worse than a Border Patrol detention facility and nothing like what it used to be.

We stayed in a cabin that literally was worse than a Border Patrol immigration detention facility. There was mold throughout the unit, frigid temperatures in the room, a couch with a sketchy stain on it, and a closet that cannot even hold clothes on a hanger. Yes, really, if these conditions were present in a Border Patrol facility, it would fall within the judicial definition of “cruel and unusual punishment” and violate the injunction issued in Doe v. Mayorkas, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona Case Number CV-15-00250. Noncitizens held in detention get better treatment than what cost us more than $600 per night. It’s a complete shame, because this hotel is nothing like what it used to be, and in no way should it be considered a four-star hotel. The staff working at the front desk was incredibly rude and dismissive. Cassidy in particular was noteworthy for being someone who hung up on my wife (who has experience working as a concierge at two different Forbes Five Star properties) instead of making any effort to improve our stay or make up for our horrible experience. One star is generous for what essentially is a run down shack in the woods. Aramark should be ashamed of the way it is destroying the legacy of a place that used to be a great property.

Beautiful decoration, most amazing fireplace ever

5 isn't enough stars... WOW. Everyone here is great. The location has books written about it. The room (426) has a perfect view of halfdome... no really "perfect"

The lunch food selection was very disappointing. No public parking only valet parking at $20
We left

There is no place on earth like the Yosemite Valley and the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. It is my all time favorite hotel, and I will never be tired of it. My husband, daughter and I go there every year in the off season when the wood burning fireplaces are crackling in the great room, which is open to the public and yet so serene and private. Whoever makes decisions for this hotel has wisely cherished its history and has made every effort to continue its proud traditions, such as high tea at 4 pm, which I enjoy after an invigorating day of hiking. Its dining room is truly fit for a queen, as I understand from the wait staff that Queen Elizabeth came to dine there in the early 80s. The wait staff are highly trained professionals who could have chosen many different career paths but are there because they want to be. People like Jerry, who has been a waiter at the hotel for almost 4 decades, inspire me with the fact that he could have chosen to leave the hotel and be a general manager, but he stayed because he loves his job. He made a point of talking to my 14-year-old daughter and honored her by sharing a bit of his life story. Through hard work, he was able to purchase a home, raise kids and now enjoy his grandkids. I also met a young man who was following his parents footsteps in working as a waiter at the hotel. He had good reason to be proud of his parents -- his father was the head waiter of the dining room, and his mother waited on Queen Elizabeth. I love these precious stories!

Just a quick update: A special thanks to Devon, the assistant chef who carves the prime rib in the dining room each night. He was so lovely and welcoming! He took pride in his work and his manner of service reminds me of America at its finest.