The best places to stay in Yellowstone

Best for: those seeking a classic Yellowstone experience.

Having served Yellowstone visitors for over a century, the Old Faithful Inn is an institution in itself. Its towering stone fireplace and magnificent communal areas are a true spectacle – this place is, after all, the largest log structure in the entire world. And the best bit? Well, as the name suggests, you’re mere steps away from Old Faithful, one of Yellowstone’s most iconic sights.

Best for: adventurers on a budget.

If you’re doing Yellowstone on a budget, there’s little more you could ask for than The Cody. With its swimming pool, hot tub, gym and well-equipped rooms, it’s a solid place to hang up your boots after a long day exploring. About 45 minutes’ or so drive from the park, there’s also plenty to do in the city of Cody itself – including, obviously, lots of things related to the city’s namesake, William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody.

Best for: small families. 

The pictures don’t do this one justice. With its sumptuous deck (complete with phenomenal eastward views), huge number of home comforts and magnificently well-designed inside layout, the Solitude Ranch is a special rental indeed. And to top it all off, this place is practically on the doorstep – barely ten miles away, in fact – of the western entrance of Yellowstone

Best for: romantic getaways

Picture the scene: you wake up in the morning and it’s quiet. No children, just you, your special one and Yellowstone’s serene natural beauty. Maybe a few tweeting birds or crunching elk footsteps. Doesn’t that sound bloomin’ lovely? Well, that’s the draw of the 1872 Inn, an adults-exclusive boutique hotel in West Yellowstone.

Best for: small, active families.

This smartly renovated cabin is hidden away in the woods near Island Park (a city further out than West Yellowstone but still only 20 minutes from the park) and it’s the perfect stay for a small, active family. The space is efficiently utilised and packed full of included extras, from a TV and icemaker to an outside area that includes a firepit, BBQ and more.

Best for: a cozy family getaway.

From its forested riverside location and rich log cabin interiors to its supremely well-put-together interior design, everything about this home is primed to be as relaxing and comfortable as possible. This one’s in Gardiner on the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park.

Best for: kings and queens of convenience.

Located dead-center of Yellowstone National Park, it’s no wonder Canyon Lodge and Cabins gets booked up so far in advance. Sure, it’s somewhat functional, but it’s also clean and comfortable – and, location-wise, near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, it’s difficult to beat.  

Best for: avoiding the crowds

On the banks of the Yellowstone River in Gardiner, a town that acts as the national park’s northern gateway, these fully-furnished cabins are spacious, peaceful, comfy and in a truly spectacular setting. And while you’re barely more than a few minutes’ drive from the park itself, the immediate area is also a renowned fishing and hiking spot.

Best for: unfussy groups.

Before you say it: yes, we know they’re not actual tipis. This place is ideal for trekkers who don’t care where they put their head down, so long as it’s clean, comfy and with their buds. Pahaska Tepee Resort is just outside the park’s east gate, and while you shouldn’t expect anything super fancy (the vibe is more like a camp-style accom than cabins), it certainly does the job.

Best for: people that want it all done for them. 

With Four Seasons, you know what you’re getting. Basically deluxe everything – and the resort in Jackson Hole comes with extra phenomenal views over the dramatic surrounding landscape. This one is a little far from Yellowstone for those wanting to spend a week or more exploring the park, but if you’re looking for a fleeting tour, the resort’s concierge service is well-versed in coordinating day trips.

Best for: families hunting for the ‘Old West’.

Named because they’re located near a campsite once used by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Roosevelt Lodge Cabins go full-hilt for classic, rustic ‘Old West’ ambiance. These atmospheric huts might be popular with families and children, but they also boast a fabulous location within the park’s boundaries in the Tower Falls area – within easy reach of both Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.   

Best for: couples wanting a chilled retreat.

Few things are more romantic than being truly comfortable and relaxed in a place – and what’s exactly what’s on offer with this rental. Kitted-out with all the amenities and entertainment facilities you could reasonably hope for, the Basecamp also has gorgeous views out over Electric Peak. Despite being in Gardiner and exceptionally close to Yellowstone’s north gate, there’s a decent chance you might never want to leave…

Best for: a group of friends looking to splash the cash

Get enough mates together and the Beaver Springs Chalet will ensure your Yellowstone trip is truly unforgettable. Up to ten people can stay in this enormous chalet, of which the highlight is surely its extravagant second floor deck. From there, you can survey all that the magnificent landscape has to offer, from the Yellowstone Basin and Teton Mountains in the distance to herons, moose and deer in the surrounding habitat.

Best for: stargazers

When you hear people talk about Yellowstone, it’s the ancient rock formations, fascinating wildlife and unearthly habitats that are usually top of the agenda. But did you know it’s also a stargazing hotspot? Because it has so few sources of light pollution, the area is ideal for taking in the Milky Way. And Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel, being extra dark, is even more suited for stargazing than most Yellowstone sites. Plus, it’s got heated water, an on-site bar and, obvs, an unmissable nightly campfire.