The interior of the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park in California may look familiar to most. That is because it was the inspiration for Stanley Kubrick's “Overlook Hotel” in The Shining. However, as creepy and solitary as the Overlook was in the dead of winter, the Ahwahnee remains warm and inviting year round. The Hotel was built in the early 20th Century, designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood who built a few other large lodges in couple other National Parks. ?br/>
The interior of the hotel can be described as California Native American with some Art Deco thrown in. ?n The Shining they copied the Grand Living Room identically with it's walk in fire places, over sized?urniture, geometric murals, bright red elevator doors (although not complete with blood pouring out of them like they did in the film).
The Ahwahnee has a formal dining experience for those that want to shell out the dough, complete with amazing views, cocktails, and a grand atmosphere. Or then again, you can get a drink at the bar (sadly not tended by a ghost) and enjoy the same atmosphere, cocktails, views and even soups as in the fine dining room for a fraction of the cost.
It's on the best things about the hotel is that everyone feels welcome. It may have a fancy interior, and a limited number of rooms, but even a rock climber straight from an afternoon adventure will feel just as much welcome as a couple on a romantic evening out. ?o feel free to lounge in the great hall with an old fashioned, and wonder how anyone could have ever have gone crazy in this room. Ah the magic of the movies.
But what do you think?