Expert: Marilyn Maryn - 4/10/2009

Question
Hello - We'd love to have your help!  We will be spending 1 night as we are
passing through in late April, and are overwhelmed by all the choices for
lodging.  We are looking for a relatively inexpensive option that is safe and warm
enough for us and our 1.5 year-old, after a day of hiking.  Any
recommendations?  THANKS!

Answer
Hi, if you are just passing through, you'll save the most time by staying right in the valley floor, where all the major sites are (Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite and Bridalveil falls) The falls should be at their peak in April so that's a great time to go. Traveling with a baby, you'll be most comfortable in a room or cabin with bath. The less expensive rooms do not include tv's or phones, and are simple and sometimes rustic, but comfortable, and either walking distance or a short free shuttle ride to the best hiking trails. Have you looked at Yosemite's website? It includes descriptions of the different types of rooms. Yosemite Lodge is walking distance to Yosemite Village, if you need to pick up any last minute supplles. Here's the links to the accomodation descriptions: Here's Curry Village - http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_CurryVillage_LodgingDetails.aspx
and here's the one to Yosemite Falls lodge: http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_YosemiteLodge.aspx
You can book online. If it says they are sold out for your dates, keep trying because they always have cancellations.
Hope this helps.
Mailyn