11 Best Hotels to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park

Not for nothing is Yellowstone National Park nicknamed “Wonderland.” It’s not only the world’s very first national park but is also one of its most-visited, and is also the birthplace of the famed “America’s best idea.” It sits atop a highly active supervolcano and is home to the most geothermal features on the planet. Think bubbling mudpots, steamy hot springs, powerful geysers – you name it. Moreover, it boasts a bevy of spectacular sites like gorgeous lakes, flora, fauna, hiking trails, and viewpoints. Thus, it’s no surprise that the best hotels to stay near Yellowstone National Park hotels filled up months – sometimes even a year – in advance. What’s more, the national park is massive, lying largely in northwest Wyoming and extending into Montana and even Idaho. So, it not only has thousands of acres of land to explore, but it also has multiple entrances.

Hence, choosing where to stay while visiting Yellowstone did feel overwhelming – but it didn’t have to. We’ve combed through the region and sifted through the unending accommodations to assemble a crisp list of the 11 best stays around. We took care to choose stays near different park entrances and kept them varied across budgets, vibes, and types. So, while we stayed in lodges and cabins for outdoorsy adventures, we’ve also included places with luxe spa treatments, which we did after a day of geyser gazing and hiking. Here’s a detailed guide to staying in and around Yellowstone National Park, one of the most amazing national parks on Earth.

Montage Big Sky, Big Sky, MT

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Imagine living in the lap of luxury just an hour from the West Entrance – that’s Montage Big Sky for you. This ultra-luxurious and sleek resort on the slopes of Big Sky Resort has been a high point in luxury Yellowstone lodging since 2021. With just 100 rooms and suites and 39 residences, the hotel feels like it was built for modern royalty. The interiors are all modern, with stone and wood décor beautifully complementing alpine-inspired accents like faux fur throws and log cabin-style exteriors. Moreover, the rooms had all, and we mean all, the luxe amenities we could wish for. Think luxurious features like soaking tubs, marble bathrooms, products by Lola’s Apothecary, and breathtaking views of Montana’s Spanish Peaks.

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Outside the rooms, the resort is equally luxurious. We had the option of not just one but seven restaurants to eat. So, our breakfasts, lunches, afternoon tea, cocktails, and dinners would all be at different places. Thanks to the full-service Spa Montage, we could unwind after spending hours trekking around Yellowstone. During winters, we’re told that skiers hit the slopes as easily as they apres-ski at this ski-in/ski-out resort. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, which we took full advantage of because we came here during summer. A bowling alley, an 18-hole golf course, local guided hikes, and private guided Yellowstone safari tours wrap up the amenities here.

Did you know that Big Sky in Montana is one of the best US winter vacation destinations? Yes!

Sage Lodge, Pray, MT

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Most romantic. Celebrating our anniversary in Yellowstone seemed perfect for us, which is why we chose the gorgeous Sage Lodge for our romantic getaway. Sitting with the spectacular Yellowstone River as the backdrop, Sage Lodge truly immersed us in the nature we’d been so excitedly seeking. Are you a fan of the show Yellowstone? This 2018-opened lodge and surrounding landscape was the stunning setting of the Dutton Family Ranch.

We loved the expansive yet intimate rooms here, which featured stone fireplaces and private verandas perfect for unwinding after a day of chasing geysers and viewing fauna. The entire vibe was very exclusive since there were just 34 rooms there. Our deluxe king room boasted wooden and leather furnishings, soft bathrobes, a bathtub, and splendid views. Thanks to the sofa next to the floor-to-ceiling windows, we could enjoy views right from the comfort of our room.

“For those whose idea of romance is exploring a national park together, come to Yellowstone and stay at the Sage Lodge!”

WOW Travel

Did you know that the Sage Lodge is one of the very few hotels near Yellowstone with a full-service spa? Yep. We indulged in tantalizing treatments like hot river rock massages, followed by an unwinding session in the relaxation room and sauna. Moreover, the resort is a very popular dining destination, complete with two restaurants, both of which offer indoor and outdoor seating to soak in the sensational views.

Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Canyon Village

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Best for hikers. There was something special about staying in the summer-only Canyon Lodge & Cabins, which are the largest (and sustainable) property in Yellowstone National Park. Nestled in Canyon Village on the northern fringes of the park, this property offered us the choice of more than 500 rooms spread across 5 lodges. Plus, there were more than 100 cabin-style stays to choose from. We were looking for an authentic staying experience, so we chose the cabins for a more rustic stay.

That said, this eco-conscious lodge is all about the great outdoors. There are two dining options on the site, and most of the amazing eateries in Canyon Village are within a stone’s throw. Don’t miss the roster of cultural events in Canyon Village, which you can find at the Canyon Visitor Education Center. On most days, we’d set off from the lodge directly into the wilderness on the many hiking trails. Don’t miss the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Loop Hike, one of the region’s most thrilling and popular walking activities.

Under Canvas West Yellowstone

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Best glamping. Imagine staying in the great outdoors but in utmost civilized comfort; that was how we went glamping in Yellowstone at Under Canvas Yellowstone. The Under Canvas brand specializes in one-of-a-kind luxury glamping experiences, and the West Yellowstone location was gorgeous. The open meadow setting, with the gorgeous mountains in the backdrop and swaying wildflowers everywhere, was simply perfect.

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The friendly staff greeted us when we arrived, giving us an orientation before leading us to our tent. Of the many safari-style tents, most had their own private bathrooms, while others had a very nice shared one. Moreover, all tents featured spa products in the bathrooms and wood stoves. Of all the tents, we loved the Stargazer Tent with a private bathroom. It had not only a separate lounge area with a sofa bed but also a viewing window above our bed. Our mornings were usually spent on the patio, again a mainstay across all tents, drinking coffee and enjoying the mesmerizing views.

Since this was an outdoorsy property, the focus was on outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, horseback riding, etc. All that activity would make us hungry, so we’d dig into delicious meals, including breakfasts, at the on-site restaurant. We’d gather around the fire pit during evenings and enjoy swapping stories with other guests while roasting s’mores. If you want to stay apprised of the rotating roster of complimentary activities, do check the event schedule with the staff.

Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, Old Faithful

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We’ve always been fascinated with Yellowstone’s (human) history, which is why we chose to stay at Old Faithful Lodge Cabins. In fact, this historic park property is the best hotel near Old Faithful Yellowstone, with its origins going back to the 1920s. Today, the property is a smattering of cabins set around a main lodge, complete with tremendous views of the geyser. In fact, we could even see some of the eruptions right from the comfort of our cabin!

While they’re on the smaller side, the cabins were what we wanted – a rustic stay. We chose the premier Old Faithful Frontier Cabin, which came with a full private bathroom because showers were non-negotiable for us! So, be careful while making reservations, as the “Cabins without Bath” are what they advertise – they only have a sink and offer communal toilets and showers like campgrounds. We also got lucky with the location of our Frontier cabin, which was close to both the main building and the Old Faithful walkway, along with full views of the geyser. What more could we want? Pro tip: Do note that the cabins don’t have air-conditioning, radios, or TVs, so do bring cards, music, or the best books to read while traveling to stay engaged.

The summer-only lodge, with its massive stone fireplace and high wooden beams, gives off the perfect rustic national park feeling. In the main building, there’s a bake shop and a cafeteria with basics like burgers and delicacies like bison sloppy joe and stir-fried noodles.

Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel

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Best chain hotel. The Wilson Hotel, now the Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky, was the perfect place for us to put up as we’d been looking for a Yellowstone chain hotel. Tucked right in the town center of Big Sky, this social-centric hotel is close to all the town’s shops, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Moreover, the north entrance is a mere 30-minute drive along the gushing waters of the Gallatin River.

Even though it’s a smaller hotel as compared to other Big Sky resorts, we had the choice of almost 129 rooms, studios, and suites. The best bit? All rooms came with kitchens, which meant that you could whip up meals anytime you wanted, especially when you didn’t want to step out. We chose a one-bedroom suite with a balcony with a fridge, a stovetop, a tea/coffeemaker, and a balcony with views of the pool and the mountains.

The amenities at this upscale hotel were equally amazing. Besides a 24-hour fitness center, the star amenity here is the heated outdoor pool and hot tub with unobstructed and incredible views of Lone Peak. When the weather was colder, we’d retire indoors to the game room. Thanks to the on-site restaurant, we didn’t have to step out for meals.

Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel

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We’d been itching to try staying in a tipi (or teepee, as you wish), and the Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel in Yellowstone was the best place we could possibly enjoy our tipi adventures. Like the Under Canvas property, this one had 14 tipis across the property with some of the most magnificent views of Yellowstone we’d ever seen.

The tipi was spacious and comfy, featuring queen-sized beds and even a pullout daybed. Two space heaters kept us toasty on colder mornings, while two complimentary water bottles ensured that we stayed hydrated. The bed covers and blankets kept us warm enough despite it getting chilly at night. Did you know that every tipi even had its own gas-powered fire pit? Yes!

The one catch? There are only shared bathrooms, but don’t let that scare you. Not only were they large and extremely clean, but also all units came with private toilets and showers, heated floors, bath products, and towels. And even though every tipi was occupied when we were staying here, we never had to wait for a bathroom to be free.

That said, we had a blast staying at Dreamcatcher. Every evening, they’d light the huge fire pit in the center of camp, where we’d tuck in complimentary drinks and s’mores. In fact, they had a really nice selection of wine and beer, along with juice for the kids. Moreover, every morning began with a hearty breakfast that included options like milk, juice, coffee, fruits, cereal, food bars, yogurt, and oatmeal. If that wasn’t enough, the campground even had free wi-fi, and the reception was very good. What more could we ask for?

Bar N Ranch

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Never in our wildest thoughts did we think we’d get to live on a ranch, and that too, a modern, comfortable one, and that too in Yellowstone National Park. We’re talking about the amazing Bar N Ranch, a remote lodge-hotel close to Yellowstone’s west entrance. This place was basically a main structure with comfortable hotel rooms and eight surrounding private log cabins, all set against a lush Yellowstone landscape with lots of resident wildlife.

The title might say ‘ranch,’ but the rooms and rustic cabins were anything but basic. With paintings, wooden furnishings, and fireplaces, they were all as comfortable as they could get in the middle of nowhere. For an authentically rustic living experience, go for the cabins, like we did. Our charming wooden log home boasted gorgeous views of the region, a barbeque, a wood-burning fireplace, and a small fridge.

We indulged in everything from hiking and fly fishing to mountain biking and horseback riding here. But what made this ranch truly amazing was its heated outdoor pool and an eight-person hot tub! After a long day of exploring the countryside, the heated pool was a blessing, as were the bubbling waters of the hot tub for our sore muscles. All this outdoors-ing worked up an appetite for us, which is when we’d head to the restaurant to dig into hearty all-American classics. Finally, the cozy lounge with a huge stone fireplace was the perfect place to curl up for a nightcap and use the free wi-fi to plan our next day’s itinerary.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

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Who wouldn’t be excited to stay at Yellowstone’s only year-round hotel option? Behold the flagship property of Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, which is tucked into the park’s northwestern region. So, it not only offered us excellent and quick access to the main areas but also the hot springs.

Built way back in 1936, the hotel has 200+ rooms and outdoor cabins, retaining its slightly quirky period style. While the accommodations were simple, they were very clean and well-kept. The basic rooms have shared bathrooms, but we upgraded to a Hot Tub Cabin with a full bathroom, shower, fan, hair dryers, and a coffeemaker. The hot tub on the enclosed patio was the highlight and a welcome when it turned colder. Do note that none of the cabins have a TV or air conditioning.

What we loved about the property was that it was a short walk from the stunning, tiered Mammoth Hot Springs (don’t forget your camera for this one). That said, the biggest perk here is the herd of elk that grazes freely on the grounds. Since we’re culture vultures, we loved the signature Map Room, which had a large wooden map of the United States. But what’s special about it is that it features 15 different kinds of wood from 9 countries! If you’re here in winter, there are daily guided tours departing to popular in-park hot spots like Old Faithful and Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. You don’t even have to carry your gear, as you can rent it from the Bear Den ski shop in the gift shop.

Old Faithful Inn

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Most historic. No list of the best Yellowstone stays would be complete without mentioning the National Historic Landmark, the Old Faithful Inn. The 1903-1904-built hotel is one of the foremost examples of “park-itecture” in the country. In fact, it’s the world’s largest log structure with an unbeatable in-park location – it’s just a five-minute walk to Old Faithful! That’s not all; the inn is also just 3 mi (4.8 km) from Kepler Cascades and the Morning Glory Pool, making it the best place to stay to experience Yellowstone.

It’s perhaps most famous for its iconic, historic, and famous stone fireplace. Moreover, the Old Faithful Dining Room is the lodge’s most noteworthy dining option, where we’d enjoy delicious buffet-style meals. After a day of exploring the park, the Bear Pit Lounge, with its etched glass panels, was the perfect place to put our feet up and enjoy appetizers and drinks. The inn makes massive efforts to retain its original character, like guests being able to pen letters home at one of the writing desks. However, the standout here was the spectacular views of the Geyser Basin, especially since we could watch Old Faithful itself erupt right from the mezzanine balcony.

While the digs here aren’t as outwardly luxe as other hotels, they’re comfortable and clean, and some, like our room, even enjoy phenomenal geyser views. Our Junior Suite was more lavish than the other digs since we were four of us. When the day visitors had left or were yet to arrive, we walked to the geyser and along the Observation Point trail, soaking in the views in peace. All in all, the Old Faithful Inn is a wonderland for wilderness seekers and history buffs alike.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

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How would you like to stay in the oldest operating hotel inside Yellowstone? Welcome to the Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, an 1891-built National Historic Landmark and one of the park’s best stays. This summer-only property is a departure from the park’s other Old-West stays and sits in a restored clapboard Colonial Revival structure instead. What’s more, the elegant hotel’s three large iconic porticoes overlook the gorgeous Yellowstone Lake, the park’s largest water body. 

The common areas at this property are wonderful spots to hang out and soak in the atmosphere and the surroundings. For instance, the spacious sun room offered priceless views of Yellowstone Lake at sunrise and sunset. It was also a fantastic place to soak in the grandeur with a glass of wine, read, and play cards. What we loved the most was that there was not one but three onsite eateries, including a high-end dining room where we dug into seasonal fare.

The rooms and suites at this hotel are more upscale than anywhere else in the park. We loved the white wicker furnishings, which lent the digs a light and airy feel. Our king room even had splendid water views. The coolest tidbit about the hotel is that former President Calvin Coolidge was reportedly a huge fan of this place, especially of the two-bedroom presidential suite.

Our Verdict!

Is it hard to choose from so many amazing stays near Yellowstone National Park? We think so, too, which is why we compiled a specialized list to help you.

• Most romantic: Sage Lodge, Pray, MT
• Best for hikers: Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Canyon Village
• Best glamping: Under Canvas West Yellowstone
• Best chain hotel: Residence Inn By Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
• Most historic: Old Faithful Inn

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in the USA, and for a good reason. Aside from its amazing landscape, it also has some of the most alluring base towns around it. The towns around Yellowstone National Park are categorized as those near the entrances and those further along the way.

Entrance towns

Yellowstone National Park has five entrances in five different directions. We begin with the North Entrance, to which the closest city is Gardiner (Montana), less than a mile north of it. The small town seems to see more hotels every year and is packed with tourist amenities and sights like the Roosevelt Arch and the Mammoth Hot Springs area. This entrance is open throughout the year. On the southern side of Yellowstone lies Grand Teton National Park, one of the country’s most scenic routes. However, the closest city to the south entrance is Jackson Hole (Wyoming), which is more than an hour away. That said, the south entrance is close to the Old Faithful geyser, but the road to the south entrance is closed November-May.

The budget-friendly Cody (Wyoming) lies an hour from the eastern entrance and offers the best access to Yellowstone Lake. However, the road to this entrance is usually closed November-May. Finally, there’s West Yellowstone (Montana), which is just 10 minutes from the west entrance. It has the most number of options for activities and the best hotels near Yellowstone West Entrance. The road to the west entrance is usually closed November-April.

Other towns

Outside of the towns close to the entrances, there were a fair number of towns we loved. Firstly, there’s Livingston (Montana), which is a scenic hour’s drive north of the park. Of course, there’s the star of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, one of the best mountain cities in the USA. Since it’s over two hours away, it’s a great base for those exploring both national parks or heading further to the best ski resorts in Jackson Hole, WY.

Are you flying in? Check out flights to Bozeman, Montana, which is the closest city with an airport to Yellowstone National Park, around 90 mi (144.8 km) away. Rounding up the list is Idaho Falls (Idaho), which is nearly equidistant from both Grand Teton National Park and the west entrance to Yellowstone.

What is the best town to stay in when visiting Yellowstone National Park?

You can easily and quickly access Yellowstone’s north entrance via Gardiner, Montana, which also has options for stays and activities.

Should I stay in or out of Yellowstone?

Both have their own advantages. While staying inside Yellowstone is an immersive experience, you will find more choices and a range of accommodations with amenities in the entrance towns.

Which entrance of Yellowstone is best to stay at?

That would be West Yellowstone, which is ideal at any time of the year.