Company Press Release
May 3, 2000
TENAYA LODGE AT YOSEMITE, CA -- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite -- the only AAA four-diamond resort in the Southern Sierra
Nevada region -- has introduced ``Yosemite Always,'' a new package that guarantees guest access to Yosemite National
Park.
The package, developed in response to recent statements by U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt and others, boldly
addresses the growing fear of some travelers that they may be turned away from Yosemite during peak periods.
``We are committed to providing our guests with guaranteed access to the wonders of Yosemite National Park,'' said
Paul Ratchford, general manager of Tenaya Lodge. ``I cherish our role in providing luxurious accommodation for
visitors in pursuit of the beauty and restorative quality of nature abundantly present here at Yosemite,'' he adds.
The ``Yosemite Always'' package includes two nights accommodations at Tenaya Lodge, the cost of a seven-day automobile
pass for Yosemite National Park, a Yosemite map and newsletter, a book on Yosemite, a packet of souvenir Yosemite
postcards, free entrance to the Tenaya Lodge fitness center, free parking at the hotel and other amenities, excluding
tax and tips. Prices for the package are based on seasonality and days of stay as follows:
June 25 through September 4, 2000: $500 for two nights per room (up to two adults and two children).
Midweek (Sunday through Thursday) now through June 24, 2000 and Sept. 5 through Nov. 22, 2000: $400 for two nights
per room (up to two adults and two children). Weekend packages during this period are priced at $450.
Tenaya Lodge's Sierra Breakfast Buffet may be added to any package for $50 for two adults or $60 for a family of
up to two adults and two children. Additional nights on any of the packages are $225 per room.
The Yosemite Always guarantee is in effect when Tenaya Lodge guests arrive at Park gates by 10:00 a.m. and are
refused entry on that day. Should that unlikely event occur, guests will receive an extra night's lodging at Tenaya
Lodge at no charge.
``In addition to guaranteeing year-round access to Yosemite, we feel the Yosemite Always package is notable for
the outstanding value it offers families on vacation,'' said Jonathan Farrington, Tenaya Lodge's director of sales
& marketing. ``Our large rooms can easily accommodate two adults and two children. With the Yosemite Always
package and breakfast option, a family of four can spend two nights at our resort, enjoy two large buffet breakfasts
and visit Yosemite for as little as $460,'' Farrington added.
Kids also love Camp Tenaya, the lodge's supervised indoor and outdoor activity program for children 5 to 12 years
old. Camp Tenaya conducts nature hikes, arts and crafts (with an emphasis on traditional Native American themes),
games, movies, music, storytelling and more. Camp Tenaya is available seven days a week from Memorial Day through
Labor Day, then on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, with an expanded schedule during the holidays.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is a deluxe mountain lodge resort located on California State Highway 41, just two miles
from Yosemite's most popular entrance -- the South Gate -- where year-round access and quick entrance to the park
are guaranteed.
Tenaya Lodge is 55 miles north of Fresno Yosemite International Airport, 3 and a half hours from the San Francisco
Bay Area and 4 and a half hours from the greater Los Angeles area.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is a Destination Hotels and Resorts property. For more information and reservations, call
toll-free 800/635-5807 or check in to Tenaya Lodge, virtually, at www.tenayalodge.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
The Fontayne Group, Santa Monica, Calif.
Michelle Briscoe, 800/841-0850