We did not have geyser view, but must admit, that would be great while getting ready in the mornings and right before bedtime. However, there is a large patio on the second floor and we would take a bottle of wine and sit and talk and view Old Faithful. There is a bar there where you can buy it right before you go ourside, but we always just took our own. The patio has benches and tables. We always took a table for four and sat in the shade.

There are two different areas--the "Old House' is the central and original inn. The rooms have a sink but no toilet or shower. You have to go to a central bathroom. The rooms are more rustic and cheaper. The other section are the wings of Old Faithful Inn and they have their own bathrooms.

My two suggestions from our experience is to absolutely NOT stay on the ground floor unless you just have to. Old Faithful Inn is the most visited attraction in Yellowstone and people tend to forget people are actually staying there. There will be large crowds who are loud in the halls, even late at night. I came back to my room from the shower (2nd level) and couldn't get to my room because a tour group of about 30 people were blocking the hall in front of my door.

My other suggestion is to not stay on the west side during warm months. I'm not sure about the wings but the Old House (central) section) is not air conditioned and it really gets hot in the room in the afternoon on the west side.

A neat thing to do is to go out really late (after dark) to watch Old Faithful, especially if you have a good moon. You'll practically have the place to yourself (there are hundreds there during the day).

cd: Do you know if all the geyser view rooms actually have a view?

Connie: Do you know if all the geyser view rooms actually have a view?

I'm sorry--I don't.

Hello DebinTN

We've stayed at the Old Faithful Inn a couple years ago in mid-September. Our "eastside front facing" room was on the ground floor, and it was very quiet. Looking out the window, we had a perfect view of the geyser area (never saw the eruption from the room as we preferred being outside). Some of the rooms on this front facing side were pretty obscured by trees.

If you're interested in dining in their dining hall, make sure to secure a reservation as soon as you get your room settled.

Happy travels!

On what I believe is the second floor, there's a lovely large outside deck with a great view of the geyser area as well. Nice for mornings or evenings, quiet and away from the crowds. Lots of chairs for relaxation.

My husband and I are planning a trip to Yellowstone this September. I have not made any reservations yet because I don't know where to begin. Could someone give me information on how large Yellowstone is, and could we stay in one location and drive? Or should we stay at a couple of locations? We will have six days in Yellowstone.

We loved the OFI. Stayed in the historic wing on the second floor. Negative thing was we were near the staircase and that was a little noisy. My wife wasn't crazy about not having a bathroom.

Spend an entire day geyser gazing near OFI. Old Faith is great, but we liked Castle and Riverside even more.

Deb, sorry, do not personally know of the geyser room views.

I did want to commit on the above poster that suggested you make reservations in the Dining Room of Old Faithful...I agree. Breakfast was really good.

That is an interesting Hotel name

The geyser view rooms have views of Old Faithful. Hence the name.

I stayed in one for the first time several years ago. I was in a ground floor room and at the time there was Trex decking creating a boardwalk. It was the only thing between me and the geyser. I'm a very heavy sleeper and I found myself awake in the middle of the night. It took me a few seconds to realize it was the geyser! We were there in October on the last weekend the inn was open for the season. The room was beautifully appointed with private bath and those fun little bear soaps

I was back there last year (actually exactly a year ago). We were in a second floor room. Our party of four had two rooms and there were direct views of OF from the windows. I was amazed how much the pine trees in between had grown. Our room had a good view but there were some pine trees in between the window and the geyser. The adjacent room had a completely clear view of the geyser. The rooms can get hot in the summer (no A/C) and they have fans in the rooms. Therefore, the windows were open but the geyser didn't wake me up this time.

We took a free tour of the inn and we saw the old rooms without bathrooms. I loved the geyser view rooms we stayed in (with bathroom). They are very different in decor and size.

We stayed in two sections of the park as it is so large.

Last year, we stayed in a room with a view of the geyser but I'll have to look for the room number, it's burried in a box somewhere. It was a worthwhile experience, going to sleep and waking up to OF spewing. There are no crowds. Very few, if any, people by dawn and dusk and to simply watch and hear that geyser from our room was a neat experience. Yes, there was a tree outside our window but it did not detract from the experience and the geyser was easily seen and heard. I'll look for that room number and post back. Our room was small but comfortable; the bathroom was squeeky clean, roomy and very nicely appointed.

So I found the trip folder but the receipt showing which room we were in is not in there. Ah, moving. The confirmation sheet, after room type, reads "Premium Frontside East Wing". Reservation was made 1 year in advance. Good luck and happy trip planning!

Although not with a view of the geyser, We enjoyed the Old Faithful Lodge Cabins. Good price, moderately secluded from the bustle of the Inn.

big, are those the cabins directly in front of OF Inn, kinda off to the side? What do they look like inside?

Photogirl: We were there several years ago, and since my husband hates changing hotels, we stayed in one place in West Yellowstone for the entire week. It did require daily backtracking but the route took us past a bald eagle nest, tons of elk and buffalo, and river otters so we didn't mind too much.

AnnMarie: Thanks. That's very helpful.

The cabins are to the side. They look like a typical motel room

I was in Yellowstone the beginning of Aug last year.

I stayed in an Old Faithful Lodge cabin. Some have shared bathroom. I selected a cabin with a private in-cabin bathroom (a bit more expensive).

Most of the cabins are closer to Old faithful than the Inn. Though few if any have a view. Why care?

The cabin I was in was about a minute from the OF viewing deck. Couldn't be more convenient. Also, instead of parking in a lot and walking to the Inn, I just parked beside the cabin. Couldn't be more convenient.

Unless you have a balcony (or there's one in the inn) and you like to sit and sip wine in the evening, I'd pick the cabins over the Inn. Easy choice for me.

From the Inn you won't have a good view of OF in the morning as the sun will probably be in you eyes.

I have to admit the Inn is a lot more charming than a cabin. At least the lobby was when we went in once.

I'm not saying anything negative about the cabins, but it's pretty wondrous watching Old Faithful from one's bed. It's a splurge price-wise, but one that's been worth it twice (2 visits) for me.

I strongly agree with a meal at the dining room. Our dinner there was one of the best on the trip.

"Like"

starrs: DH reminded me that the whole point of staying inside the park is to stay at OFI. I was trying to save a few bucks. Guess I'll cut back somewhere else. Although, Myer's description of the cabins sound like a great plan B.
Guess I'll see what's available. Thanks, all!

I guess these posts highlight the differences in travelling styles.

Neither is wrong. It's a matter of style and goal.

I was truly impressed with Old Faithful. I didn't think I would be.

Since it erupts about every 90 minutes it was easy to see multiple times, various locations and different times of day: The view deck early morning, mid-morning morning and after dark, Observation Point in the morning and from Plume Geyser on Geyser Hill from mid- to late-afternoon.

While OF is a sight to see it's far from the only worthwhile sight.

So, if you select the Inn for the luxury (not sure) and ambiance then fine. But if you select it for its views of the park's sights, be aware that OF alone is a very, very small percentage of the sights in these (YNP & GTNP) amazing parks.

"But if you select it for its views of the park's sights, be aware that OF alone is a very, very small percentage of the sights in these (YNP & GTNP) amazing parks."

I don't think anyone would argue that point.


But...it's OLD FAITHFUL!!!

OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW!!!

AND YOU GET TO SEE IT FROM YOUR BED!!! In the middle of the night. All night long


"I guess these posts highlight the differences in travelling styles"
I've tent-camped in Yellowstone.
I've stayed in a simple cabin in Island Park, Idaho and driven in for days in Yellowstone.
I've stayed in "just a motel room" (in various towns) and driven into Yellowstone.
I've been in Yellowstone in every season, except winter. Although it did snow on us the last weekend the Inn was open in October.

So, the same person (me) can enjoy a variety of "traveling styles".

BUT, the OP asked input re this question - "Anybody stayed at Old Faithful Inn lately? Trying to book for Sept 2012. Not sure I'm willing to pay for geyser view (read where they don't provide good view)."


So, some of us were giving some input whether we thought it was worth {paying for a geyser view".

I don't think ANYONE said one MUST have a geyser view to enjoy the geyser or Yellowstone Park. I was trying to share my feelings on a room with a geyser view.

I'll repeat an earlier post - "I'm not saying anything negative about the cabins, but it's pretty wondrous watching Old Faithful from one's bed. It's a splurge price-wise, but one that's been worth it twice (2 visits) for me."

starrs,
While it might have appeared I was critical of your post I was not.

I've seen posts where people half my age feel the only way to see a specific sight is to go canyoneering or rock climbing.

My style (age probably has a lot to do with it) is to only do "easy" but I can be non-stop all day.

I went to Yellowstone with a friend (had just come back from another trip with my wife) so lying in bed watching OF all night wasn't what I had in mind.

While I'm not really interested in camping I'm sure you had a great time. I just came back from taking my daughter and granddaughter to Yosemite and while out early saw a number of cars with people sleeping in them. Well, at least they were able to spend some time in the park.

My style is to do "easy", stop when I want for as long as I want but I can be non-stop.

I know the lodging around OF can be confusing: Inn, Lodge (private and share bathroom), Snow Lodge, etc.

I just wanted the OP to understand (if she didn't already) there are choices and that they should attempt to select what they need for what they want to do.

Sounds good.

I'm still a bit confused with - "so lying in bed watching OF all night wasn't what I had in mind. "

Where do you sleep if it's not in bed all night?

The cool thing about a geyser-view room is that your view is OF. It's a pretty cool thing. The OP wanted info as to whether it was worth the splurge. With varied input (you = no, me = yes) she has info that may help her make up her mind.

I forgot I stayed in Snow Lodge once. Don't quite remember which trip...

starrs,
I think I'll drop the part about rooms with a view. With the pace I keep I'm asleep the minute my head hits the pillow. The next thing I know the sun is coming up and I'm out with my camera. Any more than a basic, comfortable room would be a waste for me.

Although my trip to Yellowstone was only a year ago, it's funny the things that stand out.

I expected OF and the Lower Falls to be "consumer sights". After seeing them I decided they were all they could be. I felt the viewing deck early in the morning showed OF at it's best and while the "consumer views" of the Lower Falls were fine, Red Rock Point showed the best of the Falls. Rainbow and all.

I thought the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring (and the much smaller Morning Glory) were a highlight and hiking a mile to an unoffical trail that gave a helicoptor view of GPS was amazing.

Another highlight was the crowd reaction at Grand Geyser (it had just started to erupt) when I announced my wife had just called to tell me our third granddaughter had just beem born. Too bad her middle name is not Grand.

I envy the number of times you've been there. I could easily go back again.

"...had just called to tell me our third granddaughter had just beem born. Too bad her middle name is not Grand"

I was flying over Denali National Park when my niece was born. I still think "Denali" or "McKinley" would have been good choices. Darn that Southern tradition of family names

Deb, we stayed at OFI in early June,2011. If I ever stay there again I am going to ask for rooms 150 thru 154. They do not have a view of old Faithful, but they are in a quiet hall right next to the semi-secret claw foot bathtub rooms, and since the rooms have a shared bathroom, they are the cheapest in the hotel. Stay in the Inn, it is an unforgetable place to sleep.

Thanks, ziggy

Made our reservation. Had to take a West Wing Frontside room. Will keep checking back for a geyser view room. I know how they become available, especially during the month or so before. Thanks, all.

Thanks,everyone for ALL of your wonderful input,and even the entertainment between Myer and Starrs! You've all helped me so much with my many questions on where to stay...Definitely OFI, and what to see. Now,I have a few questions for Myer.... How do I find the secret unofficial trail that gives the helicopter view of Grand Prismatic Pool????? That is one of the shots I'd like to get! My husband is going to mutiny if I drag him all over for days to get my pictures. Any, and all,photo helps would keep my hubby from making me hitchhike home with my camera and gear!!! Wildlife shots,geysers,etc!This is our anniversary trip,so have to save some time for hubby!!

Photogirl,
For the unofficial trail to see Grand Prismatic Spring from above. It may be unofficial but not secret.

The Fairy Falls trailhead is about a mile from GSP back towards Old Faithful. So, if you're coming from OF stop at the trailhead a little before reaching GPS.

Then hike the first mile of the Fairy Falls hike (actually, it's more of a dirt road). When you reach GPS (it will be on your right) look to the left. There will be a hill and you will either see some others climbing up or you should see enough of a path to make it out.

A little steep but nothing really difficult or very high. It takes about 10 minutes to go up.

When we went there about half a dozen people were there before us and about half a dozen cam after.

It looks like you're looking for good photo locations. You can do a search on my name for my report and see my photos at:

www.travelwalks.com

For Old Faithful, I think the best view is early in the morning from the viewing deck with the Lodge (not the Inn) behind you. The sun will be behind you glistening off OF and hopefully no wind.

I would walk the whole basin and Geyser Hill at least a couple of times. In the morning and late in the afternoon.

I walked up to Observation Point to see OF erupt but from high up it lost something. Late in the afternoon you're better to watch it from the west. Go to Plume Geyser and be one of a few people watching it from there.

At Canyon the two best views of the Lower Falls are at Artist Point on the south side and Red Rock Point on the north side. Artist Point is a bit far but your also get the canyon in. Red Rock Point will have few people as most will stay at the viewpoint above (I forget which one but read my report). This requires a bit of a hike down (and then of course back up).

Great angle of view at a perfect distance. We even saw a great rainbow at about 9AM in early August.

It's hard to predict where you'll see wildlife. There could be a moose in a gulley beside a road.

I went to Hayden Valley early in the morning and got some very good shots of some deer and bison. There are always bison there. Lamar Valley is also good but it was far from us.

In general, the farther you go from the parking lots the fewer the people you'll see. And that start at about 100 yards.

Great tips, Myer. Thanks.

Old Faithful Lodge is beautiful, but I regret to report that when we visited it last year the magnificent lobby was overrun with people eating big tubs of ice cream. They were clogging the hallway, sitting on the floors, sitting on the stairs--it was quite an incongruous sight.

HTTY

Myer, Your photo tips are just what I am looking for! Thanks so much! I now have an idea of what areas to photograph and will start the reservation process. I think we will stay at either OFI or somewhere nearby for a couple of nights. From what all of you are telling me the extra cost of staying near OF is offset by the incredible memories experienced. We just added Glacier to our plans and will probably go there first because of a possibility of snow on the road between Glacier and Yellowstone. The Tetons will be at the end of our trip and if anyone has highlights, or photo tips for Tetons,I welcome them!!! Again, thanks so much for all of your help, everyone! I've never been to this site before and will definitely return!

Photogirl: We are combining Yellowstone & Glacier on this trip, too. This will be our second trip to each. The first time in Yellowstone, I had shot about 25 rolls of film, only to get home and find out that my camera had mal-functioned & I only had 6 pictures! When they called me from the place where I have my pics developed and I went and saw that even the 6 were crappy, I didn't know whether I was going to cry or throw up right there in the store. I bought a digital camera the next month. Last time at Glacier we were travelling with another couple and didn't get to do much more than drive GTTS Road. We are SO looking forward to next September.

DebInTN,
What is your schedule for Glacier? We will leave Michigan on the Saturday after Labor Day and push to Glacier. We will stay there for three days and then off to Yellowstone and the Tetons. Maybe we'll cross paths!

Photogirl:

We will be in Yellowstone beginning 9/8/12. Then to West Glacier on the 11th and then on up to Many Glacier area for 3 days.

Have you found the GNP chat board yet? Loads of helpful people there: http://glacier.nationalparkschat.com/phpBB3/

We normally would be travelling later in September (my birthday) but Going to the Sun Road is closing 9/17 for construction. That's OK, though. We get to go on vacation a couple of weeks early next year!!!

Photogirl,

I was away in Banff, Victoria and Vancouver so I'm just answering about photos in GTNP.

I don't know if you have researched the layout og GTNP. There's an inside road and an outside road. You can go a little faster on the outside road. They meet at the top.

Most photo sights will be early as the sun rises in the east and the mountains are to the west.
On the outside road:

Mormon Row (two old barns with a spectacular view of the mountains behind them),

Schwabacker Landing (most people skip this as you have to drive about a half mile down a dirt road. park the car and walk along the river. great views of the water in the foreground, mountains behind and reflections in the water).
Oxbow Bend (the inside and outside roads meet. good early and late. sometimes some wild life there)

Somewhere between the north entrance and Oxbow Bend (we entered late in the day and got great sunset views).
Signal Mountain (went up early and late several times. saw a black bear and other wildlife. some excellent views from near some viewpoints up there).

Jenny Lake (my least favorite area as we went on a Sunday and the hike was body-to-body. However, the falls there are much better than I expected. Also saw some rock climbers to the left of the falls).

There were other spots but I forget. Check out my report. I list many things in detail. Also, my photos are at:

www.travelwalks.com

Great parks. I'm trying to convince my daughter that changing rooms every few days won't be an issue with her daughter.

Myer:
Banff is one of my favorite places on this earth. I envy you!

Myer:
Thanks for sharing your photos. What camera, etc., do you use? I'm a Canon gal.

Deb,
I have a Canon T2i (I upgraded from an older 350xt a little over a year ago).

I don't have the kit lens (the lens that comes with the camera). I have an excellent Canon 15-85 that's really sharp. It replaced the 17-85 and has been around for close to two years I believe.

It's an excellent travelling lens. There's a misconception that when you travel you need length. That's not true. You need width. Except of course for wildlife.

I have a 55-250 that I didn't take with. I wish I had.

One evening I was out looking for wildlife and came across a black bear and three cubs on Mt Norquay. The cubs were too far and it was way too dim but I was shooting away anyway.

I'm trying to do some surgery and may salvage a few with the cubs playing.

I got some shots of two other black bears but not the cubs. I was nose-to-nose with them.

Some elk, big horn sheep (first time) and a few smaller animals.

Myer,
We've also been out of town, but not to anywhere as beautiful as Banff. I haven't had the opportunity to look at your pictures but read that you have the Canon T2i. I am seriously looking at upgrading ( my Canon xTi is almost five years old) and have read some reviews on the T2i. I've also had some people tell me to buy a medium format camera body, but I don't know if I want to spend the extra money. I'm not a professional, but do shoot for a smalltown magazine, etc. Why did you choose the T2i, as compared to a medium format body? Price alone, or something else? I just don't think I could justify the cost of the medium format for what I make selling my shots. Thanks, again!

Photogirl,
By medium format I assume you mean full-frame as opposed to crop-frame.

As I get older I didn't want to lug around a heavier camera body. So I went with a crop camera and put the money into the 15-85. I don't buy the lens that comes with the camera. It's worth about $100. My 15-85 costs about as much as the camera. But it's pretty much sharp throughout the range as opposed to the kit lens that gets very soft when you push it a bit.

I had a 350xt for 4 generations and took about 25,000 shots with it.

When the T2i came out I read about it and decided to make a move. 18megapixels vs 8. Excellent high ISO performance. I don't use a flash (don't like it) so high ISO is important for me.

On the T2i ISO 3200 is much better than ISO 1600 on the older camera. I'll even shoot at ISO6400. Not bad.

The screen is high definition and much larger than the old one.

It takes video but that's not why I bought it. I've taken some videos and they came out ok. However, I've never taken a video that I've watched more than once.

I'm very happy with the T2i.

If money is no object and you don't mind carrying around a heavier body then go with full-frame. If you have some kind of budget then I'd rather spend the money on the lens.

Most kit lenses are about 18mm at the wide end. Mine is 15mm and that's about 20% wider. Big difference.

If you look at my web site all the trips from Tuscany 2010 and later are taken with the T2i and 15-85.

I think a couple of the photos at Yellowstone were taken with the 55-250. But not the one of the bear. That was taken with the 15-85 and not at 85. I was way too close.

Myer,
You've helped me with my decision.Thanks!I shop at a camera store in Grand Rapids and these guys are really knowledgeable and helpful.They told me the same thing last year about buying good lenses over a more expensive body. I can't afford the large frame body so will stay on the same track as before....better lenses.
My husband and I leave for our trip in a month and we've got a better sense as to where we're going, and when.Glacier Nat'l Park first and then on to Yellowstone and the Tetons. I've never gone on this long of a trip and not had every day planned to a "T". I hope that accomodations will work out. I still don't have those reserved yet. I'm getting mixed messages from people and I'm not sure who to listen to. Do you have any thoughts on whether we should make reservations at any of these parks ahead of time, or just call as our plans unfold? Your many suggestions have helped us and I hope that someone else will be able to direct you on your next trip.

I will always suggest in-park lodging and since they always fill up try to get reservations in advance.

Tours book blocks of rooms a year in advance and then start to release those unsold in the last few weeks.

Call, call, call everyday or even twice a day.

There's nothing like getting up in the morning and not having to drive to the park.

Yosemite is impossible if you're outside the park.

Bryce Canyon isn't too bad if you're at Ruby's but it's still more convenient inpark.

Zion is more convenient inpark but Springdale is very, very close.

Yellowstone is gigantic. It's really several parks in one. Not only is it a big advantage inpark but you've really got to change location at least once in Yellowstone and then to Grand Tetons.

If wildlife is a priority for YNP & GTNP then inpark is very important as very early and just before sunset are prime wildlife times. You don't want to be driving too much in the dark and hit something on the road.

Photogirl: I agree with Myer, keep trying up until last minute to get in-park accomodations. Myer's recommended photo-ops are right on.

I'm having camera envy right now. I'd love to update my Canon DSLR and SLR, but it's like they are part of the family and I can't bring myself to do it until they give me trouble.

Deb,

I updated my canon 350 to a 550 (4 generations newer) last year even though I wasn't having trouble with the 350.

I don't use a flash (don't like the effect) and have grandchildren.

The noise at ISO1600 on the 350 had to be cleaned. I can shoot with the 550 at ISO3200 that doesn't have to be touched. At 6400 I'd probably use noise reduction software.

That alone was worth the upgrade that I did about a year and a half ago. I also got a much better lens.

The larger high definition screen was also very nice.

The newer camera has video but that's of little interest. I don't think I ever taken a video that I watched more than once.

Hubby and I are leaving this Saturday,September 10,and I have yet to get reservations at OFI in Yellowstone.Any phone numbers that you have called,other than Xanterra's number? Does Old Faithful Inn have a direct number? I will do just about anything to get a room there. It's our thirty-fifth anniversary trip and I've heard so much about OFI. Any suggestions from anyone? Thanks......sorry about the drama.....but I really want to stay there!

Photogirl, try 866-439-7375

Photogirl, Old Faithful Inn isn't all that. While it's fun to visit, it's noisy because of all the tourists traipsing through it, and it isn't the closest lodging to Geyser Hill (that would be the Old Faithful Lodge cabins) or the one with the cushiest rooms (that would be the Snow Lodge). If you can't snag a room at Old Faithful Inn, see if you can get something else at the Old Faithful region; the Snow Lodge in particular would be a romantic choice for an anniversary.

I'll have to disagree with the "it's noisy because of all the tourists traipsing through it". Yes, there are tourists walking through the lobby during the day and some wander a bit down the hall toward the older rooms in the original portion of the building. But the wings with the newer rooms definitely don't have tourists traipsing by. It's like hotels anywhere - guests and tourists in the lobby, guests in the areas where the rooms are.

I love the place. I've been lucky enough to snag a room overlooking Old Faithful twice and it's absolutely amazing to watch it erupt just feet away from the window during the night. I love it.

I loved Yellowstone, we stayed at three different hotels there and Old Faithful Inn was my absolute favorite! I loved taking a bottle of wine to the 2nd floor deck that has table and chairs and watching Old Faithfull while sipping wine! I loved the restaurant there also.

Photogirl: Good luck. I'd keep trying even up to the last minute. Please check back when you return. Would love to hear about your trip!

Photogirl, call at 4:05 pm.

4pm used to be the cancellation deadline for reservations. Double check to make sure that hasn't changed. Call 5 minutes after the deadline - or even 2 minutes after.

If you STILL don't have a reservation when you get there (and you have a room that has a 6pm cancellation), show up in the lobby about 20 minutes before and be there in person. I've gotten a room on the rim that way at the Grand Canyon.

Good luck! I also love this hotel and agree with cd, the 2nd floor deck is a great place to relax with a glass of wine. We were there when my kids were young teens and I'll never forget spending one evening sitting on the 2nd floor deck playing Pictionary. One of the times that it was my turn to draw what did I pick but a card that read "Old Faithful". Of all places to be when picking that card!

What can I say?!?!?!??! You guys are AWESOME! I'm going to try to call tonight, and will try Snow Lodge also. From what I've heard, both OFI and Snow Lodge are great places to stay! I LOVE this website and will let you all know if I snag some reservations!!

Photogirl: How was your trip? Were you able to snag a room at OFI? Any pics to share? Counting the days until our trip in Sept!

Yes,

Photogirl, how did the trip work out?

I'm planning a trip to Glacier NP in early August.

I have lodging (in Many Glacier and on Lake St Mary).

Ooooohhhh, Photogirl. You there?