Close to three decades ago, Tenaya was originally slated to be a 100-unit motel, rather than a full-service, Four Diamond resort. Lodge plans were updated to include 160 units after a land acquisition, then again to include 242 for the grand opening. Plans also called for a small, 125-seat cocktail lounge and an upscale eatery, which transitioned to The Parkside Deli, Sierra Restaurant, The Lobby Bar and Jackalope’s Bar & Grill.

When Tenaya opened its doors to guests in 1990, Yosemite National Park was far less traveled than it is today, seeing about 3 million annual visitors as opposed to the current 4.5 million. In 2001, Yosemite concessionaire Delaware North saw the opportunity to create a luxurious, yet rustic park lodging experience in addition to The Ahwahnee – in this case, just outside the park – and purchased Tenaya. Over the years, the company has upped Tenaya’s room count to 302 with the addition of cozy, private cottages and increased meeting and event space by over 12,000 square feet. Delaware North also built Tenaya’s popular upscale eatery, Embers, and the 10,000-square-foot Ascent Spa, complete with a fitness center and 12 treatment rooms. Guests can also enjoy amenities ranging from archery to guide nature hikes, swim in one of five onsite pools, experience year-round events highlighting the Sierra Region experience and more.

More key to Tenaya’s history than its ongoing success has been its tradition of giving back and acting as a supportive member of its community. Much of the efforts Delaware North have put into action are backed by the company’s GreenPath ethos, which calls for environmental stewardship through conservation and sustainable construction. Today, Tenaya boasts a Double Silver LEED certification, Keep America Beautiful and California Waste Reduction accolades and membership with the Green Hotels Association thanks to innovations including an onsite water recycling plant and human-powered gym equipment. The lodge has provided jobs to about 15,000 people, most locals of surrounding towns, throughout its existence and donates more than $100,000 to local charities annually.

Learn more about Tenaya and book a stay to celebrate this milestone at TenayaLodge.com.

About Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is an all-season resort framed by noble evergreen forest and a rich range of Sierra recreation. The lodge, set adjacent to Yosemite National Park’s South Gate at an elevation of 5,288 feet, offers 302 rooms, suites and mountain cottage accommodations. Tenaya Lodge offers easy access to Yosemite’s iconic attractions and many guests savor the alpine serenity of Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge. Resort dining options run the table from casual to candlelit at Sierra, Jackalope’s, Timberloft and Embers restaurants. For more information, visit TenayaLodge.com.

About Delaware North
Delaware North is one of the largest and most admired privately-held hospitality companies in the world. Founded and owned by the Jacobs family for nearly 100 years, it is a global leader in hospitality and food service with subsidiary and affiliate operations in the sports, travel hospitality, restaurants and catering, parks, resorts, gaming and specialty retail industries. Its portfolio includes high-profile venues ranging from sports stadiums, entertainment complexes, national parks, restaurants, airports, and some of the top regional casinos in the country. The company also owns a selection of award-winning destination resorts, as well as a series of premium restaurants and catering services that are leaders in the industry. Delaware North has annual revenue of $3 billion with 60,000 employee associates serving half a billion guests in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. “Delaware North” is a reference to Delaware North Companies Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries, including location-specific operating entities. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.

Media Contact:
Julie Wright
(W)right On Communications, Inc.
for Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
760-419-4664