A stay at this historic log masterpiece is a quintessential Yellowstone experience. The lobby alone is worth a visit, just to sit in front of the impossibly large rhyolite fireplace and listen to the pianist upstairs. The cheapest ‘Old House’ rooms provide the most atmosphere, with log walls and original washbasins, but bathrooms are down the hall.
The lobby is a bit of a zoo during the day, but the day-trippers melt away with the sun. The building is full of charming hidden corners, with 327 rooms, a lovely balcony, library-style desks and century-old furniture.
The hotel has a vast variety of rooms, including some that are wheelchair accessible, and there are some tips to bear in mind. Old House rooms with two queens are larger than those with one, but they cost the same. Be aware that you can hear every footstep through the creaking wooden ceiling. Easily the best rooms without bathrooms are the two- and three-bed 'dormers' off the 3rd-floor lobby.
The only rooms that have a view of Old Faithful are a couple of ‘premium’ east-wing rooms ($397); these get snapped up a year in advance. Even if you face Old Faithful, you’ll find that the pine trees block most of the view, so get a premium room in the east wing and save yourself dinner money.
The only bum rooms in the hotel are the west-wing lower-level 'garden view' rooms that are below the ground floor. Staff refer to these affectionately as the ‘dungeon rooms.’ Request a higher floor when booking.
Book well in advance (preferably a year), or you’ll find there’s no room at the inn.
