Yellowstone has its magnificent log cabin, Yosemite its blue-blooded Ahwahnee, Grand Teton its charming Jenny Lake Lodge. These are just three of the many lodges, hotels, and inns that can be found throughout the National Park System. Which is your favorite, and why?
Easy as that question might seem, arriving at an answer is no easy task. Where else but the Old Faithful Inn can you stay in a massive, century-old log cabin next to the world's most famous geyser? Book a room at Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park and when the sun goes down it almost feels as if the park is your own private paradise, as the day visitors vanished, leaving you on the shore of that incredible lake.
The list goes on and on. Bryce Canyon Lodge has its colorful amphitheater, El Tovar its fantastic canyon, LeConte its rumpled mountains, Rainer that grand inn.
So tell us. Which lodge is your all-time favorite?
Comments
Connie
Our family's #1 pick has to be the Old Faithful Inn! We have stayed there many times over the years, including the year of their centennial! In fact, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law have a short appearance in the "Yellowstone: America's First National Park" special that was taped there that same year. You see them inside the Inn on the balcony watching Old Faithful erupt! We ALWAYS stay in the Old House section, tons of atmosphere and charm! Our friend Rich Holstein was allowed to reclaim the flooring from the restoration project and has made frames, mirrors and even a coffee table for us! He is a talented artisit who has gifted back to the Inn mirrors and frames. Additional works of his can be seen at the Mammoth Springs Hotel Gift Shop.
Having said that, Many Glacier Hotel is second on my list. I love being able to watch the sun set over Swiftcurrent Lake and my husband has a spectacular photo of a moose in the lake with Many Glacier Hotel in the background. Couple that with catching David Walburn's media presentations on "Lewis & Clark", "Montana" or his "Cabin Song" which chronicles his homesteading and building a cabin with friends from College, is the best way to top off a great day in the Park.
Connie Hopkins
Denton, Texas
LeConte Lodge in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
You can only hike to it so there are no crowds, plenty of quiet, comfortable lodging, hearty food, and beautiful surroundings. The only negatives are that it is tough to get reservations to, the hikes are not easy, and you cannot predict the weather.
I found the Oregon Caves lodge to be very quaint and chariming. Snuggled up against a hillside it had a fairy tale type appearance and the creek running through the building itself brought the outdoors indoors.
Connie
Technically not a Lodge but the Sperry Chalet in Glacier NP is pretty incredible! In 2007 my son and I went up by horseback and met my husband and his brother who hiked in from Gunsight Pass. The dining room is the only facility with lights, etc powered by propane brought up by horseback. The staff was incredible and Albert makes the best pies ever! The next day we took an all day hike with a sack lunch they had prepared to Sperry Glacier. The mountain goats are all over the premises and you can see Lake McDonald far below!! The chalet is only open for * 10-12 weeks in the summer and it's one of our family's best memories!!
My favorite is the Charit Creek Lodge in the Big South Fork since it is the only one I've stayed in. I would recommend a visit. Great food, nice scenery and you have to hike or horseback ride in to it.
Sperry Chalet in Glacier is a small gem. Unbelieveable setting, great food and friendly staff. As Connie Hopkins noted, It is tough to get one of its 16 rooms which become available in early winter and are often filled by January. My wife and I worked there in 1986 and returned in 2004 with our kids and grandkids. No TV but the GK s including teens loved it.
It is difficult to beat the view from the Crater Lake Lodge. Its the only place you can stay overnight with a view of Crater Lake. Taking in sunset from a rocking chair on the back porch is sublime. Inside, the lodge was rebuilt in the rustic style matching the original stone fireplace. And the food's pretty good too.
Phantom Ranch may not have the granduer of Old Faithful Lodge or the overlook in Glacier but afterall you do have to work you tail off to achieve a night either in the cabins or bunk house. Starts 23 months in advance trying to get a reservation, from there, all down hill, literally, 9 miles before you can unstrap your boots and enjoy an ice cold tecate or ice tea. By the time the dinner bell rings you have been smelling the steaks grilling as the smoke drifts up the canyon tempting those starting their descent from the north rim. After dinner soak your feet in one of mothers natures true wonders, the ice cold Colorado River, quickly dispensing the pain and getting you pumped up for the 9 miles climb the next day unless you are blessed enough to spend a couple of nights below the rim.