The Lake Yellowstone Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and it underwent a full renovation in 2014. And Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone will be right on your doorstep. The hotel also has a sauna and fitness center. This is not your typical hotelits more of a luxury camping or glamping experience. Tower Falls. For the second half of your trip, stay in Mammoth or West Yellowstone. Plus, youll have a spacious kitchen and some nice deck space. Click here to see lodging options in Cody. Youre in the right place I grew up in Seattle, and people in California still comment on how my wardrobe is very Seattle. These cottages have one or two bedrooms, a separate seating area, a kitchenette, and a fireplace. There are proposed plans to reconnect Gardiner and Mammoth as quickly as possible, but it seems unlikely that this will be done for summer 2022. More Yellowstone Trip Planning Information. However, it is a gorgeous lodge with all the wood-paneled, rustic vibes you could possibly want. Cheers, Julie, I am wanting to visit Yellowstone this summer. Before I start listing hotels and lodges in and around Yellowstone, there are a few important things to know. Both times we visited Yellowstone we stayed outside of the park and still had an amazing experience. Get ready to ditch the crowds, have epic adventures, and get lots of dirt in your shoes! In this case, stay in a lodge in south or west Yellowstone first (Old Faithful or West Yellowstone) and north Yellowstone second (Mammoth or Gardiner). I think your itinerary will work best if you go GTNP -> YNP -> Bozeman/Glacier. Staying Inside the Park vs. Outside the Park. If you are looking for a bit of luxury, this is a highly-rated historic hotel in Cody. Click here to see lodging options in West Yellowstone. With all of these stops, you probably have 2.5 to 3 days in Yellowstone, which is just enough time to see the highlights.
Weve been to 13 national parks in the past year or so, and Yellowstone felt the biggest to us (though Olympic National Park and Death Valley National Park feel like close seconds). However, the thing about Yellowstone that we didnt quite realize is that is is MASSIVE. Hotels are going to be your best bet in West Yellowstone. Old Faithful Snow Lodge ($$): The newest lodge in the park built in 1999 the Old Faithful Snow Lodge is the third option in the Old Faithful Complex. which lists itinerary ideas from one to five days, Where to Stay in Yellowstone: Our Top Tips, Where to Stay Inside Yellowstone National Park. Its that easy. What I want to know is can I just drive across Wyoming to get to West Yellowstone? It has a deck, but not much of a view if were being honest. Alright, now that weve got the framework for deciding where to stay based on your style and budget, lets talk about specific lodges, hotels, and vacation rentals inside and outside of Yellowstone National Park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Its motel style with plenty of free parking, and gives you everything youll need for your stay, and nothing you dont. The road between Gardiner and Mammoth is closed, as is the Northeast Entrance of the park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: The entrances to Yellowstone National Park are open 24 hours a day. Our first two visits were day trips through several national parks and we had a very similar itinerary both times. Wed strongly recommend splitting your nights between two different locations so that you can spend your time seeing the sights rather than driving. So, what happens if you cant reserve a lodge within the park? Thats all weve got we hope this guide has helped you narrow down the choices in Yellowstone so that you can make an informed decision about where to stay! If you want to stay between Cody and the east entrance of Yellowstone, take a look at Blackwater Creek Ranch and the Bill Cody Ranch. Plus, a washer and dryer! I grew up in a suburb of Seattle, went to college in Seattle, and lived there after school for for five years before moving to San Francisco.
Multiple dining options onsite too. 
They have cozy cabins with shared bathroom facilities, which are some of the most affordable places to stay inside the park. 
Canyon Lodge and Cabins ($$): I was reading reviews about this place and came across one that basically said like a Holiday Inn in a national park, but not as nice. Its not rustic. There are very limited options south of Yellowstone National Park. With 3 or more days, I recommend staying in two different locations (unless you are lucky enough to get a reservation at Canyon Village). If you want to stay in a historic property and have the chance to watch an eruption of Old Faithful from your room, this is a great place to stay. There are a few implications for that fact. At the time that I am updating this, the north and south loops of Yellowstone are open. Rooms are basic but clean and can accommodate up to four people. 
We stayed here on our most recent visit to Yellowstone and had a great experience. Canyon Lodge and Cabins.
From Cody, it takes an hour to drive to the east entrance. I make national park trip planning easy. Lake Yellowstone Hotel is another good option with their private cabins. Inside of Yellowstone, the Old Faithful Inn is another great option, since it is a unique and memorable place to stay (but you will have a long drive to north Yellowstone). If you want to stay in the same place for your entire trip, we think Canyon Village is the best option because it is the most central location. Youll be driving a lot, but its doable. We had a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen. Grant Village. If you will be road tripping through Wyoming (for example, combining Yellowstone with a trip to Devils Tower or South Dakota), its worth it to spend one night in Cody. Should I Stay in One Hotel to See Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton? The breakfast gets rave reviews. And from the deck upstairs, the view gets even better, if you can believe it. There are plenty of vacation rentals, but none really jumped out to us as a good value or something special, while there are some cool hotel options, from excellent value to something special. If youre up for sharing a bathroom, this is the best option. Take your pick from several styles of safari-style tents. 1872 Inn Adults Exclusive. There is a garden, library, and on-site bar. From the kitchen sink, youll look out over the Yellowstone River.
Gorgeous Home One Mile to Yellowstone (sleeps 4-8): Perfect for bigger groups, this 2,700 square foot house is tucked away in the hills above Gardiner, which means views! Due to the longer distance and driving times, Cody does not make a good base to explore Yellowstone, but it is great for a one night stay. If your trip to Yellowstone is part of a bigger road trip, we recommend these articles: If you have any questions about where to stay in Yellowstone or how to plan your time, let us know in the comment section below. Well get into specifics for each region including accommodation options for your particular style and budget, but first lets cover where to stay for each part of the park at a high level.
Grand Teton? First of all, its worth getting this out of the way early Yellowstone is MASSIVE. We think the cabins are where its at, especially if youve got more than two people. Lodges get fully booked one year in advance but cancellations are common, so keep checking back if you cant reserve the lodge you want. But wed recommend no less than four days, since there is so much to do and see in the park. Driving Distances and Times to the Top Sights (these times are before the flood, for 2022, add on 2.5 hours additional travel time): Grand Prismatic Spring: 50 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes Old Faithful: 57 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes Hayden Valley: 46 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: 40 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes Lamar Valley: 38 miles, 1 hour. We are coming from the East, and have a long 5-6 hour flight, probably into SLC. There are plenty of options just outside of Yellowstone. I didnt expect it to be this stressful to find flights and accommodations. We love having room to sit somewhere other than on the bed, which youll have here. Its historic. Cheers, Julie. This is the closest property to the park entrance. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. It is relatively centrally located. And theres plenty of places to stay in Gardiner, from hotels to cozy cabins. So, if you are planning a trip for 2023, you should make your reservations in May 2022. From November through mid-April, many roads and close in the park. But for three days or longer, staying in two different locations can save you some time (especially if you cant get lodging inside the park). Accommodations are typically cheaper, in some towns you will have a wide range of restaurant options and a grocery store, and it is generally easier to make a reservation, even if you are planning things at the last minute. Choosing where to stay in Yellowstone depends on several factors: how many days you plan to visit Yellowstone, how far in advance you are making your reservations, and where you plan to go, both before and after your visit. West Yellowstone is a decent home base for the southern half of the park, but its a little further out than Gardiner. Driving Distances and Times to the Top Sights (from Colter Bay, Grand Teton NP): Grand Prismatic Spring: 74 miles, 1 hour 50 minutes Old Faithful: 47 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes Hayden Valley: 56 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: 64 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes Lamar Valley: 98 miles, 2 hour 30 minutes. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. If budget isnt an issue, stay here for at least one night. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Rather than driving to Denver, you could also look into flying out of Bozeman, Montana or Rapid City, South Dakota. Cody Cowboy Village. They also have options with private bathrooms, which are more expensive but still relatively affordable. Learn more here. Some cabins have indoor fireplaces, and some are even pet-friendly! Its the best way to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the park youre visiting, which gets lost when you have to drive 60-90 minutes just to get into the park. From the lobby, you can see Old Faithful, which means youll be in a perfect position to check it out before the hordes show up later in the day. Yellowstone Gateway Inn: This beautiful, recently renovated property has apartment-style rooms all with a kitchen, which youre going to appreciate that can accommodate the whole group or family. Explorer Lodge & Cabins: This lodge + cabins combination is a nice option for people looking for a little more space. If so, your next best options are Bozeman or Salt Lake City. Our website uses cookies.
Plus, each room has a gas fireplace extra cozy! Yellowstone Map, Entrances, and Nearby Towns, Staying Inside of Yellowstone National Park, Staying Outside of Yellowstone National Park. Your email address will not be published. If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park for at least three days, consider staying in two different locations. Prior guests report seeing elk, deer, and bison from the cabins.
And for good reason. In this case, there are a couple of good towns near Yellowstone National Park that would make a solid home base, especially if you split your time between them. Its a lot of driving, so maybe best to leave the 2 year old at home, if that works out. In northern Yellowstone is the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins. Its about an hour to both Old Faithful and Canyon Village, which isnt the closest, but is totally doable. Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites. A day trip to Bainbridge Island, which includes a short ferry ride across the Puget Sound, is undoubtedly, Read More How to Plan a Day Trip to Bainbridge Island From SeattleContinue, Wondering what to wear in Seattle? Moose Creek Inn: This is our favorite budget / mid-range hotel in West Yellowstone. If using a shared bathroom isnt for you, then your best option for visiting Yellowstone on a budget is to stay outside the park in Gardiner and West Yellowstone. If you want the best of the best, Old Faithful Inn is the way to go. 1872 Inn: ADULTS ONLY. I was wanting to stay in West Yellowstone. This is exactly what we did we spent two nights at Canyon Village, and two nights at the West Thumb. There are a couple of budget-friendly lodging options inside the park Old Faithful Lodge, Roosevelt Lodge, and Mammoth Hotel but they involve communal bathroom facilities. Amazing Yellowstone River Views (sleeps 4-6): This place is gorgeous. The best location to stay within the park is Canyon Village. This is the largest and one of the nicest accommodations within the park. Ideally, it is best to stay inside the park, to minimize driving time, but there are several advantages to staying outside of the park. However, its also expensive, and generally a poor value for what youre getting. Terri from Traveling with Terri is a frequent traveler to Yellowstone. Terri recommends to avoid the online reservation system since it is difficult to use and often does not show the available rooms. The rooms are clean and quiet. Many lodges will be closed during this time and you will get around by snowmobile or snow coach. Hello Jennifer. If you cant get a lodge inside the park, I recommend booking a hotel outside of the park. If you are traveling as a couple and looking for an upscale hotel, look no farther. This bed and breakfast ticks all of the boxes.
So, I recommend staying in West Yellowstone in 2022, rather than Gardiner. Rooms are large, clean, and quiet and decorated with a western theme. Its not sexy. Lake Lodge Cabins features a main lodge and 186 cabins, some with views of the lake.
), the plentiful wildlife, and the out-of-this-world geysers combine to create an immersive, unique experience that should probably be on everyones list of national parks to visit. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Here are our recommended hotels, based on your itinerary. Its relatively expensive the most pricey option near the lake. This guide works well with our Yellowstone itinerary post, which lists itinerary ideas from one to five days, with recommended hotel locations for each day(it will open in a new browser tab so you can easily refer back to this post).
The biggest factors are budget and your itinerary. Located in Wapiti, this highly-rated property provides camping and RV sites as well as cabins, cottages, and tee-pees. Theyve got hotel-style rooms, and a couple of cozy cottages with kitchen facilities. Youll have plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed, catch prime wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk, and tackle some of Yellowstones hikes. On the map below, I labeled the five park entrances, the lodge locations in Yellowstone National Park (in blue), and recommend places to stay outside of the park (in black). Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, organic silk linens, and fresh flowers. We have a post about the different driving routes, and you can even add on Devils Tower if you like. Or will I have to go up and around thru Montana? They have cottages, suites, and studios that can sleep from two to six people, and each one comes with a kitchen (the studios have a kitchenette with toaster, microwave, coffee machine, and mini-fridge). Below, well cover the regions of the park as we see them, the best areas to stay to explore each region, and a strategy for choosing which areas to choose based on your travel style and budget. If you are traveling as a large group, Faithful Street Inn might be perfect for you. They serve an Old West Dinner Cookout and there is a nearby corral where you can go on horseback rides. I will have three small kids with me, so trying to figure out the best way to get thru the whole thing in a short amount of time. We wrote this detailed guide to places to stay near Yellowstone to help you make an informed decision about where to stay in Yellowstone National Park. What about adding GNP to the YNP and GTNP itinerary? The exception is Lamar Valley, which is located near the northeast corner of the park. This hotel recently underwent renovations. You can walk or drive to many of the restaurants in Gardiner. No problem. Click here to see all of your hotel options in Gardiner. I do not think it is worth packing and unpacking if you are here for a short stay. Its on the south end of town, but still plenty close to the park entrance. If youre on a tight budget, youre immediately going to be able to cross off certain places like the Old Faithful Inn. Plus, if you add on 3 days in Grand Teton National Park, it makes for a nice weeklong Wyoming adventure. We believe that travel is about learning, discovery, and connection. In terms of area, this is the second largest national park in the United States, outside of Alaska. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Lets talk about how to figure out where to stay based on your travel style and budget. The drive from the east entrance to Cody, called the Wild Bill Cody Scenic Byway, is a beautiful drive. Rooms are well thought out, with nice touches like high-end bath products and fluffy robes that will take your stay up a level. Brand New, Centrally Located, One Block from Yellowstone (sleeps 2-4): Perfect for couples, this brand new space has everything youll need a full kitchen, a pullout sofa bed for the kids (if youre traveling with a family), and best of all, a great location mere blocks from the park entrance. Then drive to Yellowstone and visit YNP on Friday. Choose between lodge rooms and cabins, all with private bathrooms. Hello, we only have a day for Yellowstone and a day for GTNP, we arrive on a Wednesday and by Saturday one person in our group has a work event in Bozeman, from there our main interest is Glacier, but while were in the area wed like to visit Yellowstone and GTNP, do you have any recommendations as to where to fly into, where to start and where to stay? We write detailed travel guides to help you forge deeper connections when you travel, and well hopefully help you discover something new along the way. Learn how your comment data is processed. I know, its a lot to process, planning a trip to this part of the country. If you have any other questions, let me know. People legitimately book a year in advance (looking at you, mom). In general, in-park lodging will be more expensive than staying outside of the park. Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast. Eycat Lodging Company. Each lodge or village also has at least one restaurant. The Cody. These cabins are located west of Gardiner, so you will have a slightly longer drive to get into the park, but if you like the idea of staying in a quiet, secluded place with views of the wildlife, this is a nice place to consider.
Its objectively beautiful. Jackson is the most convenient airport for you, but you might find that it is expensive (or impossible) to rent a car here and drop it at Glacier. This is one of the top picks in West Yellowstone. There are nine lodges / inns / hotels inside the park. Just outside of the park entrances sit several towns that make a great home base for exploring Yellowstone. Plus, an indoor heated pool and game room, which are good options on the not-so-nice days in the winter. Cody, Wyoming is a western-themed town that is located east of Yellowstone National Park. To learn more about each lodge and to make your reservations, visit the official website. Most people make it to Multnomah and call it a day, but Hood River, Oregon is another must-visit destination. Your route sounds great. Under Canvas Yellowstone. We think four days is a good amount of time for exploring Yellowstone, which is why we wrote our 4 day itinerary. Hi!! Remember how we split the park up above? For part of your stay, base yourself in West Yellowstone, in Old Faithful Village, or near Yellowstone Lake. Located in Cody, rooms are rustic and can accommodate from two to six people. You can also stay in a Lake Cottage. My name is Ash, and I'm a former park ranger. And its also expensive, so know that going in. With just a few hotels to choose from and a somewhat inconvenient location near the northeast corner of Yellowstone, it is only worth staying here if you are struggling to find accommodation elsewhere or have plans to continue your road trip through central Montana. I think we will have 2 to 3 days there. Here are lodging options outside of Yellowstone, located near each park entrance. The Old Faithful Lodge Cabins and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge are also located near Old Faithful. Its one of the more affordable places to stay in Gardiner too. Lots of space to spread out and relax, which is nice after a long day out exploring the park. Theyve got cabins and lodge rooms, like a lot of places on this list. For example, if youre entering the park from the north with three nights to spend in the park, spend the first at Mammoth, the second at Canyon, and the third at Old Faithful (or something like that). If youre up for camping, choose a campground in the areas you want to stay and call it a day. r Flying into the local airports ($$$) and car rental availability are not options. The next thing to think about is your budget. For itinerary ideas and recommendations on where to stay for each itinerary, read our Yellowstone Itinerary. This site is awesome!! We have visited Yellowstone four times. Its a great location five minutes from the park entrance, and youll have plenty of space to spread out and relax. Pssst! l dont think staying in the park is an option budget wise, but wed like to maximize the little time we have. Located on bank of the Yellowstone River, stay in a secluded cabin. Visitors can enter the park on any day they like, regardless of license plate number. Its right on Yellowstone Avenue in downtown West Yellowstone, so youll be within walking distance of everything you might need. Set in the hills surrounding, Read More Portland to Hood River Day Trip: A Complete Self-Drive GuideContinue, Your email address will not be published. New to the Gardiner Market, 1 Block from Park Entrance (sleeps 2-5): Another good option in a great location, this two story house has enough space for up to five people thanks to the queen bed and two twin beds in the bedroom. With 2 million acres of land and five park entrances, Yellowstone National Park is enormous. Located in Cooke City, this lodge gets good reviews. Keep that in mind as youre considering which places to stay. Lots of natural light. If you look at Yellowstone on a map, there are two main loops in the park. Its pretty far from everything other than the West Thumb and the Lake. We stayed here in 2019 and we highly recommend it. Read More Gluten Free Portland: A Complete Guide for CeliacsContinue, If youre looking for an incredible day trip from Seattle that is accessible you dont necessarily need a car and full of interesting things to do, see, eat, and drink, youre in the right place. If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park for at least three days, consider staying in two different locations. Yellowstone Riverside Cottages: Located right on the Yellowstone River, this property is one of the best values in Gardiner. There are several campgrounds in Yellowstone, with locations at Canyon Village, near Yellowstone Lake, near Old Faithful (Madison Campground), and at Grant Village. Which also means its the most expensive. On June 12, 2022, Yellowstone and northern Montana had record floods. I plan to keep this article updated but the best place to go for current conditions is the official National Park Service website. If you stay in Cooke City or Silver Gate, dont miss the spectacular Beartooth Highway.
There are many hotel and restaurant options in this small town. The Columbia River Gorge is a breathtaking place. There is an onsite pool and hot tub and this is one of the highest rated properties in Cody. Outside of Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone is the best place to stay, since the driving times to the main sights will be the shortest. Below, youll find our picks, where weve tried to avoid recommending the chain hotels, though those are a good, solid choice too. Wyoming only adds an hour and its worth it. They also have bigger cabins with private bathrooms, which are a good mid-range option, and hotel-style rooms which are kind of boring, at least to us. Good value, great location. On Booking.com it gets decent reviews. If you have more time, great! Youll wake up to the sights and sounds of the park, from elk lounging outside the lodge, to beautiful sunrises over Yellowstones diverse landscapes. Some rooms have patios and some room have balconies. If budget isnt much of a concern and you want to minimize driving as much as possible, jump around to multiple different lodges over your visit. Best Things to do in Glacier National Park, The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, Complete List of All 63 National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), Utahs Mighty 5: Travel Guide & Road Trip Itinerary, Mount Rushmore: 10 Things to Know Before You Go, Yosemite for First-Timers: Best Hikes, Best Views & the Best Things to Do, Best Distilleries to Visit on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary, Ultimate Yellowstone Itinerary: Best Way to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Yellowstone, 18 Best Things to do in Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: Best Routes, Maps, & Photos, We have a post about the different driving routes.
That, combined with the premium price youre going to pay for the convenience, is a recipe for poor value. The roughrider cabins dont have heat, but they are equipped with a wood burning stove. The road between the northeast entrance and Tower is currently closed.
Weve been to 13 national parks in the past year or so, and Yellowstone felt the biggest to us (though Olympic National Park and Death Valley National Park feel like close seconds). However, the thing about Yellowstone that we didnt quite realize is that is is MASSIVE. Hotels are going to be your best bet in West Yellowstone. Old Faithful Snow Lodge ($$): The newest lodge in the park built in 1999 the Old Faithful Snow Lodge is the third option in the Old Faithful Complex. which lists itinerary ideas from one to five days, Where to Stay in Yellowstone: Our Top Tips, Where to Stay Inside Yellowstone National Park. Its that easy. What I want to know is can I just drive across Wyoming to get to West Yellowstone? It has a deck, but not much of a view if were being honest. Alright, now that weve got the framework for deciding where to stay based on your style and budget, lets talk about specific lodges, hotels, and vacation rentals inside and outside of Yellowstone National Park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Its motel style with plenty of free parking, and gives you everything youll need for your stay, and nothing you dont. The road between Gardiner and Mammoth is closed, as is the Northeast Entrance of the park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: The entrances to Yellowstone National Park are open 24 hours a day. Our first two visits were day trips through several national parks and we had a very similar itinerary both times. Wed strongly recommend splitting your nights between two different locations so that you can spend your time seeing the sights rather than driving. So, what happens if you cant reserve a lodge within the park? Thats all weve got we hope this guide has helped you narrow down the choices in Yellowstone so that you can make an informed decision about where to stay! If you want to stay between Cody and the east entrance of Yellowstone, take a look at Blackwater Creek Ranch and the Bill Cody Ranch. Plus, a washer and dryer! I grew up in a suburb of Seattle, went to college in Seattle, and lived there after school for for five years before moving to San Francisco.
Multiple dining options onsite too. They have cozy cabins with shared bathroom facilities, which are some of the most affordable places to stay inside the park. Canyon Lodge and Cabins ($$): I was reading reviews about this place and came across one that basically said like a Holiday Inn in a national park, but not as nice. Its not rustic. There are very limited options south of Yellowstone National Park. With 3 or more days, I recommend staying in two different locations (unless you are lucky enough to get a reservation at Canyon Village). If you want to stay in a historic property and have the chance to watch an eruption of Old Faithful from your room, this is a great place to stay. There are a few implications for that fact. At the time that I am updating this, the north and south loops of Yellowstone are open. Rooms are basic but clean and can accommodate up to four people. We stayed here on our most recent visit to Yellowstone and had a great experience. Canyon Lodge and Cabins. From Cody, it takes an hour to drive to the east entrance. I make national park trip planning easy. Lake Yellowstone Hotel is another good option with their private cabins. Inside of Yellowstone, the Old Faithful Inn is another great option, since it is a unique and memorable place to stay (but you will have a long drive to north Yellowstone). If you want to stay in the same place for your entire trip, we think Canyon Village is the best option because it is the most central location. Youll be driving a lot, but its doable. We had a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen. Grant Village. If you will be road tripping through Wyoming (for example, combining Yellowstone with a trip to Devils Tower or South Dakota), its worth it to spend one night in Cody. Should I Stay in One Hotel to See Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton? The breakfast gets rave reviews. And from the deck upstairs, the view gets even better, if you can believe it. There are plenty of vacation rentals, but none really jumped out to us as a good value or something special, while there are some cool hotel options, from excellent value to something special. If youre up for sharing a bathroom, this is the best option. Take your pick from several styles of safari-style tents. 1872 Inn Adults Exclusive. There is a garden, library, and on-site bar. From the kitchen sink, youll look out over the Yellowstone River.
Gorgeous Home One Mile to Yellowstone (sleeps 4-8): Perfect for bigger groups, this 2,700 square foot house is tucked away in the hills above Gardiner, which means views! Due to the longer distance and driving times, Cody does not make a good base to explore Yellowstone, but it is great for a one night stay. If your trip to Yellowstone is part of a bigger road trip, we recommend these articles: If you have any questions about where to stay in Yellowstone or how to plan your time, let us know in the comment section below. Well get into specifics for each region including accommodation options for your particular style and budget, but first lets cover where to stay for each part of the park at a high level.
Grand Teton? First of all, its worth getting this out of the way early Yellowstone is MASSIVE. We think the cabins are where its at, especially if youve got more than two people. Lodges get fully booked one year in advance but cancellations are common, so keep checking back if you cant reserve the lodge you want. But wed recommend no less than four days, since there is so much to do and see in the park. Driving Distances and Times to the Top Sights (these times are before the flood, for 2022, add on 2.5 hours additional travel time): Grand Prismatic Spring: 50 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes Old Faithful: 57 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes Hayden Valley: 46 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: 40 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes Lamar Valley: 38 miles, 1 hour. We are coming from the East, and have a long 5-6 hour flight, probably into SLC. There are plenty of options just outside of Yellowstone. I didnt expect it to be this stressful to find flights and accommodations. We love having room to sit somewhere other than on the bed, which youll have here. Its historic. Cheers, Julie. This is the closest property to the park entrance. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. It is relatively centrally located. And theres plenty of places to stay in Gardiner, from hotels to cozy cabins. So, if you are planning a trip for 2023, you should make your reservations in May 2022. From November through mid-April, many roads and close in the park. But for three days or longer, staying in two different locations can save you some time (especially if you cant get lodging inside the park). Accommodations are typically cheaper, in some towns you will have a wide range of restaurant options and a grocery store, and it is generally easier to make a reservation, even if you are planning things at the last minute. Choosing where to stay in Yellowstone depends on several factors: how many days you plan to visit Yellowstone, how far in advance you are making your reservations, and where you plan to go, both before and after your visit. West Yellowstone is a decent home base for the southern half of the park, but its a little further out than Gardiner. Driving Distances and Times to the Top Sights (from Colter Bay, Grand Teton NP): Grand Prismatic Spring: 74 miles, 1 hour 50 minutes Old Faithful: 47 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes Hayden Valley: 56 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: 64 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes Lamar Valley: 98 miles, 2 hour 30 minutes. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. If budget isnt an issue, stay here for at least one night. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Rather than driving to Denver, you could also look into flying out of Bozeman, Montana or Rapid City, South Dakota. Cody Cowboy Village. They also have options with private bathrooms, which are more expensive but still relatively affordable. Learn more here. Some cabins have indoor fireplaces, and some are even pet-friendly! Its the best way to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the park youre visiting, which gets lost when you have to drive 60-90 minutes just to get into the park. From the lobby, you can see Old Faithful, which means youll be in a perfect position to check it out before the hordes show up later in the day. Yellowstone Gateway Inn: This beautiful, recently renovated property has apartment-style rooms all with a kitchen, which youre going to appreciate that can accommodate the whole group or family. Explorer Lodge & Cabins: This lodge + cabins combination is a nice option for people looking for a little more space. If so, your next best options are Bozeman or Salt Lake City. Our website uses cookies.
Plus, each room has a gas fireplace extra cozy! Yellowstone Map, Entrances, and Nearby Towns, Staying Inside of Yellowstone National Park, Staying Outside of Yellowstone National Park. Your email address will not be published. If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park for at least three days, consider staying in two different locations. Prior guests report seeing elk, deer, and bison from the cabins.
And for good reason. In this case, there are a couple of good towns near Yellowstone National Park that would make a solid home base, especially if you split your time between them. Its a lot of driving, so maybe best to leave the 2 year old at home, if that works out. In northern Yellowstone is the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins. Its about an hour to both Old Faithful and Canyon Village, which isnt the closest, but is totally doable. Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites. A day trip to Bainbridge Island, which includes a short ferry ride across the Puget Sound, is undoubtedly, Read More How to Plan a Day Trip to Bainbridge Island From SeattleContinue, Wondering what to wear in Seattle? Moose Creek Inn: This is our favorite budget / mid-range hotel in West Yellowstone. If using a shared bathroom isnt for you, then your best option for visiting Yellowstone on a budget is to stay outside the park in Gardiner and West Yellowstone. If you want the best of the best, Old Faithful Inn is the way to go. 1872 Inn: ADULTS ONLY. I was wanting to stay in West Yellowstone. This is exactly what we did we spent two nights at Canyon Village, and two nights at the West Thumb. There are a couple of budget-friendly lodging options inside the park Old Faithful Lodge, Roosevelt Lodge, and Mammoth Hotel but they involve communal bathroom facilities. Amazing Yellowstone River Views (sleeps 4-6): This place is gorgeous. The best location to stay within the park is Canyon Village. This is the largest and one of the nicest accommodations within the park. Ideally, it is best to stay inside the park, to minimize driving time, but there are several advantages to staying outside of the park. However, its also expensive, and generally a poor value for what youre getting. Terri from Traveling with Terri is a frequent traveler to Yellowstone. Terri recommends to avoid the online reservation system since it is difficult to use and often does not show the available rooms. The rooms are clean and quiet. Many lodges will be closed during this time and you will get around by snowmobile or snow coach. Hello Jennifer. If you cant get a lodge inside the park, I recommend booking a hotel outside of the park. If you are traveling as a couple and looking for an upscale hotel, look no farther. This bed and breakfast ticks all of the boxes.
So, I recommend staying in West Yellowstone in 2022, rather than Gardiner. Rooms are large, clean, and quiet and decorated with a western theme. Its not sexy. Lake Lodge Cabins features a main lodge and 186 cabins, some with views of the lake.
), the plentiful wildlife, and the out-of-this-world geysers combine to create an immersive, unique experience that should probably be on everyones list of national parks to visit. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Here are our recommended hotels, based on your itinerary. Its relatively expensive the most pricey option near the lake. This guide works well with our Yellowstone itinerary post, which lists itinerary ideas from one to five days, with recommended hotel locations for each day(it will open in a new browser tab so you can easily refer back to this post).
The biggest factors are budget and your itinerary. Located in Wapiti, this highly-rated property provides camping and RV sites as well as cabins, cottages, and tee-pees. Theyve got hotel-style rooms, and a couple of cozy cottages with kitchen facilities. Youll have plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed, catch prime wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk, and tackle some of Yellowstones hikes. On the map below, I labeled the five park entrances, the lodge locations in Yellowstone National Park (in blue), and recommend places to stay outside of the park (in black). Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, organic silk linens, and fresh flowers. We have a post about the different driving routes, and you can even add on Devils Tower if you like. Or will I have to go up and around thru Montana? They have cottages, suites, and studios that can sleep from two to six people, and each one comes with a kitchen (the studios have a kitchenette with toaster, microwave, coffee machine, and mini-fridge). Below, well cover the regions of the park as we see them, the best areas to stay to explore each region, and a strategy for choosing which areas to choose based on your travel style and budget. If you are traveling as a large group, Faithful Street Inn might be perfect for you. They serve an Old West Dinner Cookout and there is a nearby corral where you can go on horseback rides. I will have three small kids with me, so trying to figure out the best way to get thru the whole thing in a short amount of time. We wrote this detailed guide to places to stay near Yellowstone to help you make an informed decision about where to stay in Yellowstone National Park. What about adding GNP to the YNP and GTNP itinerary? The exception is Lamar Valley, which is located near the northeast corner of the park. This hotel recently underwent renovations. You can walk or drive to many of the restaurants in Gardiner. No problem. Click here to see all of your hotel options in Gardiner. I do not think it is worth packing and unpacking if you are here for a short stay. Its on the south end of town, but still plenty close to the park entrance. If youre on a tight budget, youre immediately going to be able to cross off certain places like the Old Faithful Inn. Plus, if you add on 3 days in Grand Teton National Park, it makes for a nice weeklong Wyoming adventure. We believe that travel is about learning, discovery, and connection. In terms of area, this is the second largest national park in the United States, outside of Alaska. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Lets talk about how to figure out where to stay based on your travel style and budget. The drive from the east entrance to Cody, called the Wild Bill Cody Scenic Byway, is a beautiful drive. Rooms are well thought out, with nice touches like high-end bath products and fluffy robes that will take your stay up a level. Brand New, Centrally Located, One Block from Yellowstone (sleeps 2-4): Perfect for couples, this brand new space has everything youll need a full kitchen, a pullout sofa bed for the kids (if youre traveling with a family), and best of all, a great location mere blocks from the park entrance. Then drive to Yellowstone and visit YNP on Friday. Choose between lodge rooms and cabins, all with private bathrooms. Hello, we only have a day for Yellowstone and a day for GTNP, we arrive on a Wednesday and by Saturday one person in our group has a work event in Bozeman, from there our main interest is Glacier, but while were in the area wed like to visit Yellowstone and GTNP, do you have any recommendations as to where to fly into, where to start and where to stay? We write detailed travel guides to help you forge deeper connections when you travel, and well hopefully help you discover something new along the way. Learn how your comment data is processed. I know, its a lot to process, planning a trip to this part of the country. If you have any other questions, let me know. People legitimately book a year in advance (looking at you, mom). In general, in-park lodging will be more expensive than staying outside of the park. Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast. Eycat Lodging Company. Each lodge or village also has at least one restaurant. The Cody. These cabins are located west of Gardiner, so you will have a slightly longer drive to get into the park, but if you like the idea of staying in a quiet, secluded place with views of the wildlife, this is a nice place to consider.
Its objectively beautiful. Jackson is the most convenient airport for you, but you might find that it is expensive (or impossible) to rent a car here and drop it at Glacier. This is one of the top picks in West Yellowstone. There are nine lodges / inns / hotels inside the park. Just outside of the park entrances sit several towns that make a great home base for exploring Yellowstone. Plus, an indoor heated pool and game room, which are good options on the not-so-nice days in the winter. Cody, Wyoming is a western-themed town that is located east of Yellowstone National Park. To learn more about each lodge and to make your reservations, visit the official website. Most people make it to Multnomah and call it a day, but Hood River, Oregon is another must-visit destination. Your route sounds great. Under Canvas Yellowstone. We think four days is a good amount of time for exploring Yellowstone, which is why we wrote our 4 day itinerary. Hi!! Remember how we split the park up above? For part of your stay, base yourself in West Yellowstone, in Old Faithful Village, or near Yellowstone Lake. Located in Cody, rooms are rustic and can accommodate from two to six people. You can also stay in a Lake Cottage. My name is Ash, and I'm a former park ranger. And its also expensive, so know that going in. With just a few hotels to choose from and a somewhat inconvenient location near the northeast corner of Yellowstone, it is only worth staying here if you are struggling to find accommodation elsewhere or have plans to continue your road trip through central Montana. I think we will have 2 to 3 days there. Here are lodging options outside of Yellowstone, located near each park entrance. The Old Faithful Lodge Cabins and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge are also located near Old Faithful. Its one of the more affordable places to stay in Gardiner too. Lots of space to spread out and relax, which is nice after a long day out exploring the park. Theyve got cabins and lodge rooms, like a lot of places on this list. For example, if youre entering the park from the north with three nights to spend in the park, spend the first at Mammoth, the second at Canyon, and the third at Old Faithful (or something like that). If youre up for camping, choose a campground in the areas you want to stay and call it a day. r Flying into the local airports ($$$) and car rental availability are not options. The next thing to think about is your budget. For itinerary ideas and recommendations on where to stay for each itinerary, read our Yellowstone Itinerary. This site is awesome!! We have visited Yellowstone four times. Its a great location five minutes from the park entrance, and youll have plenty of space to spread out and relax. Pssst! l dont think staying in the park is an option budget wise, but wed like to maximize the little time we have. Located on bank of the Yellowstone River, stay in a secluded cabin. Visitors can enter the park on any day they like, regardless of license plate number. Its right on Yellowstone Avenue in downtown West Yellowstone, so youll be within walking distance of everything you might need. Set in the hills surrounding, Read More Portland to Hood River Day Trip: A Complete Self-Drive GuideContinue, Your email address will not be published. New to the Gardiner Market, 1 Block from Park Entrance (sleeps 2-5): Another good option in a great location, this two story house has enough space for up to five people thanks to the queen bed and two twin beds in the bedroom. With 2 million acres of land and five park entrances, Yellowstone National Park is enormous. Located in Cooke City, this lodge gets good reviews. Keep that in mind as youre considering which places to stay. Lots of natural light. If you look at Yellowstone on a map, there are two main loops in the park. Its pretty far from everything other than the West Thumb and the Lake. We stayed here in 2019 and we highly recommend it. Read More Gluten Free Portland: A Complete Guide for CeliacsContinue, If youre looking for an incredible day trip from Seattle that is accessible you dont necessarily need a car and full of interesting things to do, see, eat, and drink, youre in the right place. If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park for at least three days, consider staying in two different locations. Yellowstone Riverside Cottages: Located right on the Yellowstone River, this property is one of the best values in Gardiner. There are several campgrounds in Yellowstone, with locations at Canyon Village, near Yellowstone Lake, near Old Faithful (Madison Campground), and at Grant Village. Which also means its the most expensive. On June 12, 2022, Yellowstone and northern Montana had record floods. I plan to keep this article updated but the best place to go for current conditions is the official National Park Service website. If you stay in Cooke City or Silver Gate, dont miss the spectacular Beartooth Highway.
There are many hotel and restaurant options in this small town. The Columbia River Gorge is a breathtaking place. There is an onsite pool and hot tub and this is one of the highest rated properties in Cody. Outside of Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone is the best place to stay, since the driving times to the main sights will be the shortest. Below, youll find our picks, where weve tried to avoid recommending the chain hotels, though those are a good, solid choice too. Wyoming only adds an hour and its worth it. They also have bigger cabins with private bathrooms, which are a good mid-range option, and hotel-style rooms which are kind of boring, at least to us. Good value, great location. On Booking.com it gets decent reviews. If you have more time, great! Youll wake up to the sights and sounds of the park, from elk lounging outside the lodge, to beautiful sunrises over Yellowstones diverse landscapes. Some rooms have patios and some room have balconies. If budget isnt much of a concern and you want to minimize driving as much as possible, jump around to multiple different lodges over your visit. Best Things to do in Glacier National Park, The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, Complete List of All 63 National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), Utahs Mighty 5: Travel Guide & Road Trip Itinerary, Mount Rushmore: 10 Things to Know Before You Go, Yosemite for First-Timers: Best Hikes, Best Views & the Best Things to Do, Best Distilleries to Visit on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary, Ultimate Yellowstone Itinerary: Best Way to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Yellowstone, 18 Best Things to do in Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: Best Routes, Maps, & Photos, We have a post about the different driving routes.
That, combined with the premium price youre going to pay for the convenience, is a recipe for poor value. The roughrider cabins dont have heat, but they are equipped with a wood burning stove. The road between the northeast entrance and Tower is currently closed.