Ahwahnee Complaint

World-traveled friends have for years told me that Yosemite National Park is among the most beautiful places anywhere. In October, I began a vacation with two nights at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite Valley.

The hotel has an extraordinary rustic elegance and its dining room compares well with Los Angeles’ best restaurants. Unfortunately, the hotel allowed guests’ children to run the hallways with all the noise and rowdiness appropriate for the outdoors. In addition, my friend and I were annoyed by a nearby infant’s loud, continuous crying. The hotel staff politely said that they could not act unless we could specifically locate the problem. I have: It’s the Ahwahnee management during our two-day visit. I did not know that “Ahwahnee” would be onomatopoeia for the early morning sounds we would hear.

I recommend your readers ask a lodging facility in advance about children and unreasonable noise. This hotel holds an Auto Club four-diamond rating, which still did not ensure a pleasant experience.

JOE BARISON

Santa Monica

Deborah Price, manager of the Ahwahnee, replies: With children come behaviors that are not always in harmony with our guest’s expectations. We apologize that Mr. Barison had such an experience at the Ahwahnee. We will continue to monitor the rambunctious or loud behavior from guests, regardless of age. I am disappointed that you did not notify the front desk while the situation was in progress so we could have taken immediate corrective action.