We will be spending 3 nights in the area and would love to know whether to stay in the park or in Jackson? How far is Jackson Lake Lodge from Jackson? Are there decent restaurants within easy commuting distance from the lodge or are we better off in Jackson. Thanks

It really depends on whether you would like a choice of restaurants (which it sounds from your question is important to you -- people do like to stay in Jackson for that reason). The park begins about 15 minutes from Jackson. It is probably about 30 minutes to Jackson Lake Lodge (without stopping). There is limited internet access in the lodges (although it is getting better) and most (if not all) do not have television in the rooms (which is important to some people). There are restaurants at each lodge (Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, Signal Mountain). Also, the southern part of the park and Moose visitor center is closer to Jackson than Jackson Lake Lodge. We have stayed both in Jackson and in the park -- GTNP isn't so big that you will go wrong either way as far as distance to see the park. Even if you stay in the park I'd go into Jackson to wander around for a day.

Jackson Lake Lodge offers outstanding views of the Tetons if you stay in one of the units in the back that look out at the mountains -- ours was ground-floor and had a patio outside, and the view at any time of day was spectacular. At sunrise you can lie in bed and watch the sun light up the mountain. Truly magical.

Jackson Lake Lodge also has a dining room that has floor-to-ceiling windows with that same view -- you can dine and see the sunset....often wildlife is visible just outside...even if you don't stay at the Lodge, have a dinner there.

We stayed there for 5 nights and drove into Jackson once or twice, and it was doable and fun.

I would stay "in park". There is a variety to eat in the park, but just not all in one location. Even Dornan's at the entrance is an option for a meal or two. I think you should eat at Jackson Lake Lodge dining room and in the cafe area. Both are very good. The cafe area has a lot of historical value and the food is good. Better than most average burger cafe's. This has real old fashioned type cafe food. We stayed in a cabin at Colter Village and really liked it. There is a ton of options. But yes, the better food is probably in Jackson.

I vote for staying in Jackson. We've tried both and I prefer Jackson. We stay in the park during the day and retire in Jackson for the night, have dinner at Snake River Grill (YUM!), and walk around the town. The lodge restaurants and quite typical National Parks food. Overpriced and not very good. I always feel cheated when I eat there but I have to do it at least once just to say I've tried it.

It all depends on what your priorities are. I always stay in park - food is not a problem in the parks for me. I just don't want to miss a minute in our parks. And like baker above, those accommodations mentioned are my favorite place I've ever stayed.

We didn't stay at JLL, but ate there a couple times. The food was just ok, but the view from the lobby (and if you can get a room that faces out back), is just beautiful.

We did stay in Jackson at the Rustic Inn. Thumbs up for both. In fact, I think the town of Jackson just might have been the best small town I've ever visited (and we travel a lot). Just charming. Lot's of good restaurants as well. We went in September.

I agree, jackson hole is my favorite small mountain town!

If food and night life are at the top of your list, stay in Jackson Hole. If nature and scenery are at the top, stay in the park.

Count us as much preferring inside the park. Food is definitely important to us, but there's no other place like the Tetons and you just don't get those views staying in Jackson Hole. The town is easy for day trips.

We had a room at Jackson Lake Lodge like bakerstreet and his/her description is right on the mark. We were also able to see plenty of wildlife from our room. Agree that food in the lodge is OK, but not spectacular. But it's the views.....

We've also spent a week at Jenny Lake Lodge (also mentioned above). If it's within your budget, highly recommend. More upscale with extremely nice accommodations. Their restaurant is excellent and anything but ordinary. Definitely eat there at least once even if you stay elsewhere.

The first two sentences of dfr4848's reply succinctly answered your question. (Wish I had put it so well myself.)

Would be interested in hearing about your trip afterward! You have selected a vacation destination where there really is no wrong decision. May we all be that fortunate!

We split our stay - 2 nights at the Trapper Inn in Jackson and 2 nights at the Signal Mountain Lodge - loved them both!!!