Hotels in Yellowstone National Park

Hotels inside Yellowstone National Park

Hotels in Yellowstone National Park offer a truly unique way to experience the beauty, wildlife, and serenity of one of America’s most iconic landscapes. Staying inside the park allows visitors to wake up surrounded by steaming geysers, pristine forests, and peaceful lakes, far from the crowds that gather at the entrances each morning. Yellowstone’s lodging options are managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (operated by Xanterra Travel Collection), and they range from historic grand hotels to cozy cabins, each providing a different atmosphere for travelers seeking comfort amid the wilderness.

Quick Reference: Hotels inside Yellowstone National Park

Hotel / Lodge Name	Location	Key Features	Best For	Season of Operation
Old Faithful Inn	Near Old Faithful Geyser (Upper Geyser Basin)	Historic log structure, grand lobby, no Wi-Fi or TV, views of geyser eruptions	History lovers, first-time visitors	Late May – Early October
Lake Yellowstone Hotel	Along Yellowstone Lake	Colonial-style luxury, fine dining, lake views, live music	Couples, luxury travelers	Mid-May – Early October
Canyon Lodge & Cabins	Near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone	Modern eco-lodge, dining hall, general store, family cabins	Families, explorers	Late May – Early October
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins	Near North Entrance (Mammoth Area)	Recently renovated, elk sightings, winter lodging	Year-round access, winter visitors	Year-Round (limited winter services)
Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins	Near Tower-Roosevelt area (Northeast)	Rustic cabins, horseback riding, Old West cookouts	Adventure seekers, families	Early June – Early September
Grant Village	Near West Thumb, by Yellowstone Lake	Modern rooms, lake access, quiet atmosphere	Peace seekers, photographers	Late May – Early October

One of the most famous places to stay inside the park is the Old Faithful Inn, located right next to Yellowstone’s most legendary geyser. Built in 1904, this massive log-and-stone structure is considered one of the largest log buildings in the world and a masterpiece of rustic architecture. Inside, guests find a breathtaking lobby with a towering stone fireplace, handcrafted wooden beams, and balconies overlooking the central space. Rooms vary from simple historic accommodations to more modern suites, and while the inn lacks amenities like televisions or Wi-Fi, the tradeoff is an authentic, peaceful experience just steps from Old Faithful itself. Watching the geyser erupt from the lodge’s viewing deck is one of the most unforgettable moments a Yellowstone visitor can have.

Another classic hotel is the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, perched along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Originally opened in 1891 and later renovated, it offers a more elegant, early-20th-century ambiance. With its colonial-style architecture, bright yellow exterior, and large windows overlooking the lake, this hotel combines luxury with natural beauty. Guests can enjoy fine dining in the hotel’s restaurant, listen to live music in the evenings, and stroll along the lakeshore at sunset. It’s particularly popular among couples and travelers seeking a more refined atmosphere within the park.

For those looking for a balance between comfort and accessibility, Canyon Lodge and Cabins is one of the largest and most centrally located lodging areas in Yellowstone. Situated near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, it offers modern, eco-friendly rooms and a variety of cabins spread across the forest. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the park’s major attractions, including Hayden Valley and Yellowstone Falls. The lodge’s dining facilities and convenience store make it especially convenient for families and groups who want easy access to meals and supplies without leaving the park.

In the northern region, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins provides another distinct experience. This hotel sits near the park’s North Entrance and the terraced hot springs for which it is named. Recently renovated, the property offers comfortable rooms, charming cabins, and a cozy winter atmosphere that attracts visitors during Yellowstone’s quieter months. Elk often wander through the nearby lawns, creating a peaceful and almost magical setting, especially in the early mornings or evenings.

For travelers seeking more rustic accommodations, Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins in the park’s northeastern section offers a frontier-style experience reminiscent of Teddy Roosevelt’s camping adventures. The cabins are simple yet cozy, and the lodge’s Old West cookouts, complete with wagon rides and campfire dinners, are a favorite among families. Staying here feels like stepping back in time — a chance to experience Yellowstone as early explorers might have, with just the right balance of comfort and adventure.

Other options include Grant Village, located near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, which provides modern hotel-style rooms and dining facilities close to some of the park’s most beautiful lake and forest views. It’s a quieter area of the park, ideal for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy tranquil mornings by the water.

Because Yellowstone accommodations are extremely popular, reservations often need to be made months in advance — sometimes even a year ahead, especially for peak summer dates. Most lodges operate seasonally, typically from late May through early October, although Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel remains open in winter for visitors enjoying snowcoach tours and cross-country skiing. While amenities inside the park are more limited than in nearby towns, the tradeoff is the privilege of staying amid nature’s grandeur, where wildlife sightings and starlit skies replace modern distractions.

In short, hotels in Yellowstone National Park are not just places to rest — they’re part of the experience itself. Whether you choose the grandeur of the Old Faithful Inn, the tranquility of Lake Yellowstone Hotel, the convenience of Canyon Lodge, or the rustic charm of Roosevelt Cabins, staying within the park’s boundaries immerses you in the magic of Yellowstone. Each location offers a different perspective on its incredible landscapes, making it easy to see why so many travelers consider spending the night inside the park one of the highlights of their entire trip.