Seth A.
Yelp
It's been a lifelong goal of mine to visit every national park in the country. So, this year I decided to come to Yellowstone National Park and of course I paired it with neighbor Grand Teton National Park as well. For my visit to these incredible parks, as usual I planned EARLY in advance. I'm a very simple person and don't need much. I knew that in order to experience and explore Yellowstone (and the fact it's so big), I'd need to stay inside the park. I also recognized that it'd probably be expensive for accommodations in the park. Like I mentioned, I researched the trip and BOOKED EARLY!
I explored Yellowstone in early May....perfect since it wasn't near peak season with the tremendous crowds (it may be the most popular park in the country, especially for wildlife viewing), and I booked my reservation at Old Faithful Lodge Cabins on February 20th of this year....almost 3 months in advance. Also, because of the winter conditions....a lot of the hotels and lodges at Yellowstone don't even open till around May. So as soon as there's options availability to book a reservation inside Yellowstone, do it! Don't wait till spring time to book as I PROMISE accommodations will be SOLD OUT or prices per evening will be in $300-$400-$500 dollars per night range!
In my researching, I found these OLD Faithful Lodge Cabins to be the cheapest of all the places to stay in Yellowstone. I'd say there's up to 10 - 14 hotels/lodges/motels/cabins situated inside Yellowstone NP. I spent 2 nights here at the Old Faithful Cabins and 3 days overall inside Yellowstone...just enough time to see it all yet I had to rush myself around with all the incredible geysers and sights to see.
Booking on February 20th...my 2 nights with tax cost $216....$108 per night. I'll take that! And when booking, you have to pay half or $108 up front as a "deposit". The 2nd half or $108 you pay when you arrive. This was as good of a deal as I could find as these Lodge Cabins are right next to iconic Old Faithful Geyser and plenty of surrounding springs to experience as well as the incredible, timeless Old faithful Inn....which I urge everyone to explore....one of the most amazing hotels I have seen!
For being in the heart of it all. I'd highly recommend these cabins. But remember, I'm a simplistic person. I will warn....the cabin that I had was tiny (literally a full size bed encompassing the entire cabin) yet it was quaint and perfect for me....and it doesn't have a bathroom inside of it. You do have to walk outside and a few feet away and use shared toilets and showers. I must say the best part about the cabin was the rustic look it had to it and the quality of shape it was in. It looked brand new inside, I had a very comfortable bed WITH a sink for my toiletries, shaving and brushing my teeth. Also, for early May it got cold in the evenings and the cabin does have an electronic heater to keep you warm. In all, my favorite part about staying here was the location of the cabin. You're virtually staying in the middle of the forest with incredible nature surrounding you. I genuinely felt transported as far away from reality as possibly. During my 2 nights, I sat outside of my cabin, gazed up at the stars and recalled how grateful I felt for being in Yellowstone and having the opportunity to explore one of the most recognized national parks out there!
For breakfasts while you're visiting....there are a few choices of places to eat at. There's a quick little "grab-n-go" at the Old faithful Lodge as well as a cafeteria. Right next door to my cabin, I grabbed a 7am early (no wait) breakfast at the Snow Lodge. Old Faithful Inn does offer breakfast though it's pretty upscale and prices are not cheap. If you need a gift shop, souvenirs, snacks or supplies, there's 2 places for shopping nearby your cabin. They are Yellowstone General Stores and Old Faithful Snow Lodge Gift Shop and Geyser Grill.
Finally, when checking into your cabin, you go inside the Old Faithful Lodge to the hotel counter. They will provide directions to your cabin which you will have to get in your car and drive to. My cabin and the surrounding cabins are kept in great shape like I mentioned and I even received maid service to make my bed and replenish the towels and soaps. In the area...internet service on your phone is real average. For a majority of the time I had limited service but from time to time I did receive a quick connection.
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins was as good of an experience as I could have hoped for. It just added onto my entire experience and appreciation of Yellowstone. I'm thrilled I chose these cabins and certainly recommend to everyone out there to book early as it's ideal for the budget friendly traveler!