Virtual Tour of The Ahwahnee Hotel - The Front of the Hotel

If you walk out into the Ahwahnee Meadow and then turn around you will see the grand front facade of the hotel. Much more impressive than the other side! The surrounding landscape is, well, Yosemite Valley! Tall trees, towering cliffs, massive rock domes, waterfalls. What more can I say? The hotel exterior blends well with the surroundings. The rock walls match the color of the surrounding cliffs. The somewhat pyramidal design of the 6 story tall structure tends to make it less imposing. The exterior light fixtures are ornate copper and iron fixtures and give a perfect rustic accent. The way the hotel sits on its site and blends with the surroundings is outstanding. The hotel was designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, and is considered a masterpiece of architectural design.