BayouGal

I have been doing a lot of research online and in travel books for our Sept trip to GTNP and Yellowstone. It is our first trip to the area. As always, I have gotten a lot of terrific advice from Fodorites, from my own OPs and from reading other threads. I am still unsure if we'd be best off staying at Signal Mtn or Jackson Lake lodge for the final 3 nights when we'll be doing GTNP. Would some of you who know this area please advise? Thanks!

cmcfong

Well, hello Bayou Gal. I haven't seen much from you since you were so helpful to my DH for his New Orleans animal rescue trip. He felt good about what they accomplished and I believe he will return.
Now, about your question. I have stayed at Signal Mountain Lodge three times. The cabins are spare, and rustic, but comfortable and clean. I love the views from the property. It is a smallish property which draws family groups not tour buses. Jackson Lake Lodge is very pretty and has lovely common areas. The food I have eaten there was not good, very average stuff. It has been extremely crowded on each of my visits (I have not stayed there and cannot assess the rooms). You will be visiting late in the season and crowds will probably not be an issue in either place.
Enjoy the trip. It is abeautiful place.

BayouGal

Thanks for the lodging advice, but I was especially thankful to read about your DH's trip here. I wondered how it went and where they ended up staying. I don't know what Louisiana and Mississippi would have done without the many, many wonderful people who have come here to so graciously volunteer their help. Please thank your DH & his group again for me.

From what you have said about these 2 places, I take it we really can't go wrong. I'm leaning towards Signal Mtn because of its proximity to Oxbow Bend and the recommendations from folks like you.

Thanks, again!

wtm003

I have stayed in the cottage rooms at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Very basic, but clean, sort of like your standard Comfort Inn. I enjoy the location because I love the common areas in the main lodge. The main lodge has sort of a rustic elegance. Everytime I enter the main room my breath is taken away by the view of the Tetons through the floor to ceiling picture window. You will find a lot of families playing board games or individuals sipping cocktails & chatting. The deck outside is a great way to try to spot wildlife and enjoy the view. There is usually a ranger on hand in the evening to help guests spot moose hiding in the willows. There are also nightly ranger programs held in the lodge.

The food at the lodge is average. We ate in the Mural Room one evening and I was not impressed. My favorite meal was on my small porch enjoying sandwiches, fruit and cold beer from my cooler.

I think you will be happy with either choice. The cottage rooms are expensive for what you actually get, but you are paying for location. I've heard good things about Signal Mountain Lodge, so you probably can't go wrong either way. Have a great trip!

vgronek

they both are nice. i prefer signal mtn. lodge for its character and proximity to the lake. they have many types of rooms as well-not just cabins but the views are great . no matter which place you choose ensure you go to the top of signal mountain to watch the sunset on the tetons and the lakes. you must see this and its a shorteasy drive to the top. we also have seen moose on our way up the road. be sure to visit jenny lake as well.

BayouGal

Thanks, everyone, for the great advice!

cmcfong

Hi Bayou Gal. DH and I have a former coworker who manages a hotel in Savannah. He worked a deal for DH and the ladies which beat considerably the best rates we could find. Apparently FEMA sets the bar on hotel rates or did during his visit.
He was frustrated about the large number of pups and kittens born since Katrina since so many of the animals left behind were unneutered. He says the job is huge and many of the dogs are unadoptable. Daunting, but he still felt he made some headway so I think he will return to work with New Orleans Animal Rescue again. It is a challenge!

Ellijay

Several years ago my husband and I sat in lawn chairs right outside our room in the motel section of Signal Mountain and watched the sunset. But what really amazed us was the moon reflection on the water. It was an unforgettable sight that I have never seen mentioned before.

Bulldog_Dave

I've stayed at Signal Mountain and been in Jackson Lake Lodge. I'm partial to Signal Mountain because it is not as busy and a little more rustic. Jackson Lake has more amenities and activities.

Depends what you are looking for. If you can book a cabin at Signal Mtn with a lakefront view, I'd go for it. We did that, and sat and looked at the view for hours from our porch. Sunset over the Tetons can be spectacular!

BayouGal

Thanks again for all the advice. You all sure make planning so much more fun, plus it makes for such wonderful vacations!

BTW, cmcfong, how was the annual bike ride??!!

CarolineJ

We stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge a couple of years ago and loved it. We never went to Signal Mountain Lodge so I can't compare the two, but I think it really depends what you want. Signal Mountain Lodge is meant to be quieter and more rustic. But we were looking for a bit more choice in terms of food, bars and activities in the evening, so plumped for JLL. And we were very happy we did. Had a fantastic meal in the Mural Room and also loved the view from the picture window - out of this world. We had the same view from our cottage.

cmcfong

Bayou Gal, it went beautifully. Thank you for asking. We had gorgeous blue skies and a slight wind. The temps were low eighties and the humidity was about 57% which made for great conditions. We had over five hundred riders and one hundred volunteers. Our pictures should be on line in a few days so check it out
home.triad.rr.com/threemtnmetric/
Last year we raised $14k for our Civic Center...this year our totals will beat that!!!! Good for everyone.