Which Yellowstone Hotel or Cabin Should I Choose in the Summer?

Published February 7, 2022 08:05PM

Should you stay in a historic hotel near Old Faithful, or a cabin closer to wildlife and the Lamar Valley? Follow this guide to find out.

1. Historic Near Geysers and Hot Springs

Old Faithful Inn

Completed in 1904, the Old Faithful Inn is arguably Yellowstone’s most iconic hotel. It’s certainly the hotel that garners the most reservation requests every year. It’s a National Historic Landmark and the world’s largest log cabin structure. Its lobby was designed to create a sense of community and you will literally find people from all over the world, gathering here, swapping stories and listening to the live music in the lobby.

Old Faithful Lodge Cabins

Built during the 1920s, the Old Faithful Lodge Cabins offer great access to the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Old Faithful Lodge Cabins should not be confused with its older neighbor, the Old Faithful Inn. There are log cabins behind the one-story lodge, a coffee shop, gift shop and a cafeteria-style food court.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins and you can take a several-minute walk to get to its namesake feature, the peculiar terraced hot springs that you can explore via boardwalk. Located near the North Entrance of the park near Gardiner, Montana and built in 1936, this grand hotel underwent a major renovation to hotel rooms and public spaces in 2019. You can stay in gorgeously appointed hotel rooms, cabins with or without bathrooms, or a hot tub cabin that features an 6-person outdoor jacuzzi. Get a drink and listen to a live pianist at the end of the day in the Map Room, which features a striking historic wooden map of the United States made from 15 different kinds of wood from nine countries.

2. Historic Near Wildlife

Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

At Roosevelt Lodge Cabins, you are a short drive from the wildlife mecca of the Lamar Valley. Choose between two types of cabins to spend the night. All cabins are a short stroll to Roosevelt Lodge, one of the most charming and intimate restaurants in the park. Just to be clear, the lodge itself is a restaurant, not a hotel.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

While many think Old Faithful Inn is the oldest in the park, they are incorrect. Built in 1891, Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins wins the prize. Located near the shores of Yellowstone Lake and Hayden Valley, known for its wildlife, this beautiful hotel underwent extensive rennovations in 2014.

Lake Lodge Cabins

Located near the shores of Yellowstone Lake, the Lake Lodge Cabins’ main building is a charming shingle and log-hewn structure with a large porch complete with rocking chairs. Inside are two fireplaces, one with leather couches and chairs around it. Choose among 186 cabins, many built in the 1920s, that come with a variety of amenities.

3. Contemporary Accommodations Near Geysers and Hot Springs

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins

Built in 1999, this lodge is the newest kid in the park. It’s located near the legendary Old Faithful Geyser and offers a full-service dining room, the quick-service Geyser Grill and a gift store.

Grant Village

Closest to Grand Teton National Park, which lies south of Yellowstone, Grant Village was built in 1984 and is in the West Thumb area of Yellowstone. It has six two-story lodges with 50 rooms each. On-site you’ll also find the Lake House Restaurant right on the water with large windows looking out onto the landscape.

4. Contemporary Accommodations Near Wildlife

Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Located on the park’s east side near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, the Canyon Lodge & Cabins is the biggest lodging property in the park and has many new lodges and guest rooms.

5. I’m Traveling with a Pet

Pssst. Want to get an insider’s guide to Yellowstone, including information on where to stay and what to do? Download our free Yellowstone Trip Planner filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation.