Best Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park

An ideal location steps away from the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and its waterfall, geysers, and mud pots, Canyon Lodge and Cabins makes it easy for guests to step outside and immerse themselves in the park. Renovated in 2016, the sprawling lodge gained LEED certification for the five new lodges, making it the largest sustainable lodging in all of the national parks.

Room options include basic rooms, standalone cabins, superior rooms with patios, and multiple-bedroom suites with decks. The main lodge has five dining outlets. Note that there are no televisions or air conditioning in any of the lodging inside the park, and Wi-Fi is only available in the lodge's public areas.

• Several food and beverage outlets
• Charging spots for electric cars

If you’re looking for extra space for the family, this Best Western in West Yellowstone, Montana, a town just outside the west entrance of the park, is the best option. There are rooms with two queens or two kings, as well as suites with two queens and a separate living room with a pull-out sofa bed, a wet bar area with refrigerator and microwave, or a full kitchen. The kids will enjoy the indoor pool, and adults can soak in the hot tub nearby.

It’s also a great value, as WiFi and a hot breakfast are included, and there is a washer and dryer available for those on longer trips. Pets also are allowed in some rooms.

• Indoor pool and hot tub
• Complimentary breakfast
• Laundry facilities

Completed in 1904, this hotel hearkens to the past, when it was built from local logs and stones. Its seven stories are thought to be one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The main draw is its proximity to the famous Old Faithful Geyser just steps away, and the wooden lobby with a massive stone fireplace begs to be photographed. Expect to see plenty of non-overnight guests doing just that.

There are a wide variety of room options, including everything from a basic Old House room without a private bathroom to suites, but generally, the price point is high compared to other Yellowstone hotels, likely because of its history and location. There is one restaurant on-site, the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, plus the Old Faithful Lodge and Old Faithful Snow Lodge just a few steps away. Old Faithful Inn offers a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime stay in one of the country’s most historic hotels.

• Bear Paw Deli and Inn Gift Shop

This West Yellowstone, Montana, hotel is as close as you can get to the park without actually being in it. The hotel is a great home base to return to after a long day of hiking, thanks to a spacious outdoor area complete with a fire pit, grill, picnic tables, and patio furniture. There’s a pool and hot tub inside. 

There are two buildings—the original Canyon Building with rustic wooden furniture, and the newer Grizzly Building, which is sleeker and includes family rooms and suites with bunks, but there are no closets or dressers in those rooms. All told, there are 12 different room types to choose from. There’s a complimentary breakfast; WiFi is free; there are laundry facilities on-site; and there is no pet fee.

• Walking distance to restaurants
• Indoor pool and hot tub
• Fire pit and grill
• Laundry facilities

It’s difficult to find a hotel for less than $200 a night near Yellowstone, but this West Yellowstone, Montana, location has more affordable rates than most of its competitors. Although they’re basic, rooms are large and clean, and some have been remodeled. Two- and three-room suites are available for families.

Rooms have air conditioning, free Wifi, and cable TV, but they lack refrigerators and microwaves, and don't always have coffeemakers. There’s also no coffee in the lobby, but guests can get free tea and coffee at the garage next door. Best of all, it’s the closest hotel to the park’s west gate entrance. It’s also adjacent to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and walkable to many restaurants.

• Free WiFi

Most hotels in Yellowstone offer a more rustic design, but 1872 Inn has a chic design and a true boutique hotel feel. The fact that it’s adults-only makes it a shoo-in for couples looking for a little romance.

Aside from the stylish design, the details of the well-appointed rooms are thoughtful and luxurious. All rooms have a fireplace, double shower, double sinks, heated towel bar, robe and slippers, and complimentary snacks and water bottles. There are even carefully selected his and hers bath products. The hotel has a fitness center, and a continental breakfast is included.

• Continental breakfast included
• Fitness center
• Robes and slippers
• Fireplaces in rooms and lobby

A stay at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch is a unique experience and a bucket-list item for many. If you’ve been to Yellowstone before and perhaps didn’t make it to the northern end of the park, a stay at the ranch could be ideal, although it is further than all the other hotels on this list. With so many activities at the ranch, you can be kept plenty busy without going to Yellowstone at all.

Activities include golfing, horseback riding, cattle penning, fly fishing, clay shooting, white water rafting, and kids’ programs. When you return, indulge in the resort’s wellness center, which features a heated outdoor pool, cedar sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub, and grotto. Massages and yoga also are offered. 

Luxurious cabins are spread out among the endless acres nestled between mountains, and the gourmet food is excellent, although choices are limited. An on-site saloon with outdoor fireplace and live music is open late, and babysitting is available for an additional fee. There is WiFi only in the lodge, but note that cell phone service is almost nonexistent.

• Wellness center with pool, sauna, and hot tub
• Extensive activity menu
• Golf course
• Horse stables and miles of trails