Inn-escapable: Yosemite’s Tenaya Lodge

Tenaya Lodge is an elegant yet family-friendly resort located just two miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park and 45 minutes from the park’s ski and snowboard areas. It’s also very spacious: the lodge is spread out on 75 acres, with 302 non-smoking lodge and cottage rooms, a deli, three restaurants and a spa.

For our small family, it was the dozen-plus recreational activities that made our stay memorable: from the multiple pools and hot tubs to the guided nature hikes, archery grounds, a climbing wall, snowshoeing opportunities and sledding hill. If you’re craving a more laid-back stay, take in the breathtaking Alpine vistas from the ice-skating rink or chill by the roaring fire in the lobby with a cup of cocoa or a cocktail.

Rooms: The lodge has 187 double queen rooms and 115 king rooms, many renovated as recently as 2016. The decor is a lovely mix of mountain comfort and nice touches, including plush bedding, flat-screen TVS, fridges, high-speed Wifi and Keurig coffee makers.

Splashes: Our premium room’s upgraded bathroom had dark gray granite counter tops, a rustic sliding barn door and bath goodies from the lodge’s Ascent Spa. The lodge’s luxury suites have an extra-large vanity and bath area, with an over-sized tub separate from the shower.

Extras: Tenaya’s flashlight hike ($16 per person) is a must. A nature expert guides you on the 90-minute walk, where you’ll learn about the forest and its wildlife. The hike ends in a clearing with the most spectacular view of Yosemite’s star-studded skies. Complimentary access to Ascent Spa’s steam rooms and dry saunas were just the thing our muscles needed afterwards.

Details: $165-$480; Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp; www.tenayalodge.com

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