We'd been on a business trip for a week in San Francisco and then spent 3 nights in Curry Village. Absolutely loved it! We camp at home anyway, but having the heat in the tent made it perfect (dropped to about 30 one night and that would have been a bit chilly absent heat and just a couple wool blankets). Arrival was great, friendly staff at every turn. Bathroom facilities were not crowded and always clean. Other than early spring, I'm not sure when I'd want to be in the valley. Our trip ended on Saturday and the place was absolutely packed--a huge contrast to our first couple days. We had great access to trails and transportation. I generally hate riding buses and trams but the Valley has a great system. It runs in both directions, very comfortable and efficient.
We bought food on the way in and didn't buy any meals while there, although we did replenish our provisions at significant expense (although less than the available eatery options) at the Valley grocery. If you expect to be there in late October you should plan to bring food unless you want to eat either pizza or the buffet. Those are your only choices. Since we'd stocked up on the way in, it was not an issue. However, if you are staying 3 or 4 nights that might be an inconvenience. There is one other option at a lodge in the Valley as well, but not at Curry. We didn't care.
If you have time, you must make the drive to the Tuolomne Meadows. It's about an hour and half drive from Curry, but plenty of unbelievable places to stop along the way and the meadows area is unbelievable. Make sure to hike down to the Twin Bridges. We were just amazed!
It is not a hotel room, it's a tent. Spend your days outside and use the tent to get your sleep. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would go back in a heartbeat! Highly recommend Yosemite in October, absolutely beautiful and, based on our experience and what we heard from others, the least crowded time of year.
- Curry Village Yosemite
