With most of the damage repaired from massive flooding last summer, Yellowstone National Park is expecting an epic 2023 season. If you’re planning your family road trip vacation , it’s essential to choose your places to stay as soon as possible to avoid getting shut out of the most popular hotels. First, decide if you want to stay in or out of Yellowstone Park, or a combination of the two. Then check our list of the best places to stay in Yellowstone for families, to find the best fit for your grand National Park adventure.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Yellowstone National Park
Want to wake up to an Old Faithful geyser view and be steps away from all of Yellowstone’s awesome beauty? It’s one of the most amazing experiences you can have in the USA. Then you’ll want to stay in one of the Yellowstone Park lodging choices. It’s a popular option for families because…
Variety of choices from the iconic Old Faithful Inn to rustic cabins.
Properties are professionally managed by Xanterra Travel Collection with a central reservations system.
The wonders of the park are steps from your hotel room door.
However, the pros of staying inside the park come with some cons to consider, such as…
Per-night room rates are expensive.
Most in-park lodging options are closed in winter.
Yellowstone properties are popular; they’re crowded and sell out quickly for summer.
Consider balancing your time and budget by staying one or two nights in the park and choosing a gateway community outside of Yellowstone, like Cody, Wyoming , for the rest of your trip.
Read More: Epic 3-Day Itinerary for Yellowstone National Park
Best Locations to Stay Inside Yellowstone National Park
Staying on-site in Yellowstone National Park gives families super easy access to all the natural wonders , from Mammoth Hot Springs to the eruptions in Geyser Basin and wildlife sightings. Because staying inside the park is a wildly popular option, you’ll want to make your reservations as soon as possible. Your first stop should be the Xanterra Travel Collection website, the official concessionaire for Yellowstone Park accommodations.
Best Hotels Inside Yellowstone
The park’s nine hotels are all open for summer, with staggered opening and closing dates based on historical weather patterns. If you’re traveling to Yellowstone in winter, there are only two options available, both located near the North Entrance – the only entrance open year round.
Roosevelt Lodge Cabins
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins (open in winter, however the property is closed until further notice due to a major infrastructure project )
Grant Village
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins
Lake Lodge Cabins
Canyon Lodge & Cabins
Old Faithful Inn
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins (open in winter)
Here are snapshots of three of the best Yellowstone places to stay for families, located in different areas. It’s important to note that Yellowstone National Park lodgings do not have in-room TVs, radios or A/C. If this is important to you, you’ll want to consider other lodging options .
1. Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins
This National Historic Landmark is the most elegant of the Yellowstone properties. It’s located closest to the East and South Entrances to the park on the shores of Lake Yellowstone in Lake Village near Fishing Bridge.
296 rooms from luxe suites to deluxe hotel rooms , lodge rooms and cabins
Awarded Green Seal Lodging certification for sustainability
Central location for a variety of activities, including the Circle of Fire park tour and lake cruises
2. Canyon Lodge and Cabins
This multi-option property is the largest in the park and is located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
500+ rooms in traditional lodge buildings or rustic cabins
Five different restaurants in the complex including an ice creamery featuring Montana-made sweet treats
Evening wildlife tours or daytime horseback rides are available
3. Old Faithful Inn
The Old Faithful Inn is an iconic National Park hotel. One of the largest log structures in the world, it’s a classic example of “park-itecture.” A variety of room types are available. For those interested in traveling back in time, book an Old House room without a bath . You’ll share a communal bathroom like tourists did back in the early 1900s.
Five dining options including the Inn’s famous dining room. You’ll need a dinner reservation, available only to park lodging guests.
Located in the heart of the most popular part of the park
Tours of the Inn available
Best Places to Stay Outside of Yellowstone
4. Buffalo Bill Cabins
1701 Sheridan Ave. Cody, WY, 82414 (307) 587-5544
Families come in many sizes. Finding the right lodging fit for yours can be a hassle. Not at Buffalo Bill Cabins . You can find an option configured to meet your needs at this resort located in the heart of downtown Cody.
The cabins are part of a three-hotel complex that includes a Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn, known for their friendly service and good food.
Why it works for families:
83 deluxe “Cowboy Cabins”
Western decor, free wifi, flat-screen HDTVs, luxe bedding
Onsite dining at QT’s Restaurant and Bottom’s Up Lounge
5. Chamberlin Inn
1032 12th St. Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-0202
Visiting Yellowstone with older kids? I think the Chamberlin Inn , a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Cody would make a particularly great choice for a parent/teen stay. The 21-room property was built in 1901. It delivers Old West hospitality but, thanks to upgrades over the years, modern elegance.
Famous guests have included Ernest Hemingway who finished his manuscript “Death in the Afternoon” while staying at the Chamberlin. Stay in his suite, if you’ve got deep pockets. Or look for his signature on the guest register in the lobby.
Why it works for families:
Complimentary continental breakfast included in room rate
Live music in season
Room choices range from guest rooms to cottages
Appealing public spaces like a relaxing sunroom and courtyard with firepits
Expect to eat under a stuffed animal head in The Irma Hotel restaurant. Photo credit: Cindy Richards
6. Irma Hotel
1192 Sheridan Ave. Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-4221
What’s a trip to the Old West if you don’t stay in a haunted hotel? If you’re up for a spirited night, book Room 35 at The Irma in Cody. This historic hotel retains its vintage charm but provides modern guest rooms with private baths.
There’s much to gawk at including the massive cherrywood bar in the dining room, a gift from Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill as a thank you for his performance during her Golden Jubilee in 1887.
Why it works for families:
Built in 1902 by Buffalo Bill for his daughter, Irma
Choose a new, modern room or a historic suite, named after famous local personalities
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets served in the Irma’s must-see dining room
7. Snake River Lodge and Spa
7710 Granite Loop Road Teton Village, WY 83025 (307) 732-6000
Families doing the National Parks two-fer — Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone — may plan a night or two in the Jackson Hole area. And, if luxe lodgings are what you’re looking for, check out the Snake River Lodge and Spa .
Why it works for families:
125 rooms, including standard guest rooms, suites and residences
The hotel’s 17,000-square-foot River Spa is the place to go when you need some “me” time
American cuisine and stunning views are served at Gamefish, the Snake River Lodge onsite restaurant with a kids’ menu available
Unique, indoor/outdoor pool with waterfall
300 feet from the Jackson Hole Mountain Aerial Tram
8. Hampton Inn Jackson Hole
350 US-89 Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 733-0033
Families traveling to Yellowstone on a budget will appreciate the Hampton Inn Jackson Hole . The free breakfast and free parking are a big plus at this Yellowstone hotel near the South Entrance. Plus, as a Hilton hotel property, you can earn or use Hilton Honor points.
Why it works for families:
88 rooms with LCD TVs and free wifi
Fitness center
Free hot breakfast and free parking
Connecting rooms available
Fitness center inside; fire pit outside
9. Kelly Inn
104 S Canyon St. West Yellowstone, MT 59758 (406) 646-4544
The Kelly Inn is the closest hotel to the West Entrance of Yellowstone, the best entrance to access the wonders of the Norris Geyser Basin. This 78-room pet-friendly property is very popular with families because it has a large heated indoor pool. And located across the street are two of West Yellowstone’s kid-friendly attractions: the IMAX theatre and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.
Why it works for families:
Free breakfast and free parking
Complimentary airport shuttle to/from Yellowstone Airport
Rooms equipped with refrigerators and LED TVs
Rustic exterior with carved bears and other local wildlife
Plenty of room for the family to spread out in an Explorer Cabin. Photo credit: Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
10. Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
250 S Canyon St. West Yellowstone, MT 59758 (877) 600-4308
Not a camper but feel like it’s the only way you should stay in Yellowstone? The family-friendly Explorer Cabins might be the right fit for you and the kids. Your “room” will be one of 50 rustic cabins equipped with fine linens, flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes near the park’s West Entrance. Plus you’ll have access to the pool and hot tub at the Gray Wolf Inn & Suites , yard games and bike rentals.
Operated as part of the Yellowstone Vacations hospitality group, the Explorer Cabins celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2023. Curate your national park adventure by adding one of Yellowstone Vacations’ year-round tour options – in summer by bus; in winter via snowcoach or snowmobile. Or grab provisions from one of the 11 general stores inside Yellowstone.
Why it works for families:
Complimentary welcome s’mores kit for roasting over the communal fire pit
Dog-friendly cabins available
Roomy accommodations for multi-gen family groups
Complimentary West Yellowstone shuttle service
Camp host provides insider tips on how to get the most out of your Yellowstone vacation during the summer months
11. Holiday Inn West Yellowstone
315 Yellowstone Ave. West Yellowstone, MT 59758 (406) 646-7365
This IHG property is a reliable option for families visiting Yellowstone National Park. It features a budget-friendly “Kids Stay and Eat Free” promotion for up to two kids, 11 and under. The hotel’s on-site Branch Restaurant features locally inspired “open range cuisine.” If you’re traveling with your pet, note that there are limited rooms available so it’s important to reserve ASAP.
Why it works for families:
123 room property with onsite restaurant
Game room with air hockey, gaming table, an Xbox One
Heated indoor pool and whirlpool
Bicycle rentals available
Pet-friendly
12. Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone (formerly the Best Western by Mammoth Hot Springs)
905 Scott St W. Gardiner, MT 5903 0 (406) 203-9965
If you’re a member of the Choice Privileges award program, this Ascend Hotel Collection property might interest your family. You’ll be minutes from the North Entrance, Roosevelt Arch and Tower Falls Trailhead at this hotel complex which has an on-site casino for the grown-ups. The indoor pool and hot tub are set to open on May 15 following a major renovation of the rooms and restaurant.
The Ridgeline’s operated by Yellowstone Vacations and there are new cabins at the property. Named for a famous frontiersman and wildlife guide, the Jim Bridger Cabins offer the “comforts of home with the perks of a hotel.”
If you’re interested in the Ridgeline, don’t dawdle about making reservations. With the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel closed while repairs are made to the wastewater system, there’s been increased reservation demand at the Ridgeline and in the Gardiner area.
Why it works for families:
86 guest rooms, including a 2 King Bed, 1 Room Suite (6 person occupancy)
Pet friendly
Heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, two saunas
Guest laundry
On-site restaurant, the Yellowstone Mine, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
13. Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa
163 Chico Road Pray, MT 59065 (406) 333-4933
Families interested in checking out a natural hot springs pool can stay at the Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa near the park’s North Entrance. This historic resort (established in 1900) offers a variety of accommodations, including a glamping experience in an authentic Conestoga wagon. Two geothermally heated chemical-free pools are open year-round for night sky gazing in the Absaroka Mountains.
Why it works for families:
Four locations for resort lodging: Historic Main Lodge, Lower Lodge, Warren Wing, Fisherman’s Lodge
Pet-friendly
Multiple on-site dining options
No TVs or telephones are in the guest rooms to encourage guests to explore nature during their stay
14. Yellowstone Super 8
702 Scott St W Gardiner, MT 59030 (406) 848-1081
Renovated in 2022-2023, the budget-friendly Yellowstone Super 8 has standard hotel room configurations plus others ideal for families, including a 3-queen room and a two-bedroom suite with a queen bed, bunk bed and sofa bed. Property dining consists of two food trucks to grab light fare like morning coffee or burgers and fries. Use or earn Wyndham Rewards points at this North Entrance property.
Why it works for families:
66 rooms renovated in 2022 in a color scheme that reflects Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring with locally crafted furniture
Room rates include a light breakfast
Free guest parking and wifi
Onsite guest laundry
Silver Gate Lodging promises super clean accommodations with a focus on wildlife viewing. Photo credit: Silver Gate Lodging
15. Silver Gate Lodging
Cooke City, MT (406) 838-2371
The abundant Lamar Valley wildlife is the primary draw at this family-friendly lodging , located near the park’s Northeast Entrance. With 11 different options ranging from motel rooms to individual log cabins and the Range Rider Lodge, a choice that comes with this warning from the resort: “Only the seasoned traveler should embark on this journey.” I’m intrigued. How about you?
Book a private wildlife viewing tour with the resort’s sister company, Silver Gate Guides , if your family is really into animals. Half-day sunrise and sunset and full-day options are available.
Why it works for families:
Wide range of accommodation choices and room configurations
Most rooms have a kitchenette
Wildlife spotting scopes and e-bikes available for rent
Visiting Glacier National Park Too? Consider Staying in Bozeman
If your road trip includes Glacier National Park , then you may want to book a night at one of these hotels in Bozeman, Montana . It’s a wonderful destination for families with tons of fun things to do . Want a resort stay? Check out the popular luxury ranch, The Resort at Paws Up . The post 15 Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone for Families in 2023 appeared first on She Buys Travel .
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