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| During World War II the United States Navy used the hotel as a rest and relaxation hospital for Naval personnel. The Great Lounge became a dormitory for 350 men. The sixth floor was turned into the commanding officer's quarters, the fifth floor housed nurses and the mezzanine rooms became offices. The Sweet Shop was converted into the commissary, the Gift Shop became the personnel office, and the dining room was transformed into a mess hall. Over two-and-a-half years, 90,000 service men and women relaxed in Yosemite National Park, while 6,752 patients were treated at The Ahwahnee. Shortly before Christmas in1946, following a $400,000 renovation, The Ahwahnee reopened to leisure guests. |