Need advice on where to stay inside Yellowstone National Park
 

Hi. Planned a trip to YNP this July. Have reservations at the Lake Yellowstone for 4 nights. They say it is a renovated room with private bath overlooking the lake. I tried to book Old Faithfull Inn for 2 of those 4 nights since I heard it would be better to try stay there, if possible because of the driving distances between the two locations. There was no availability at Old Faithfull Inn but 2 nights opened for the Old Faithfull Snow Lodge also with private bath. They say the Snow Lodge is right next to Old Faithfull Inn. Do you advise that we stay 2 nights at the Snow Lodge and 2 at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel or just all 4 at the Lake Yellowstone? Or do you suggest that we just keep trying to see if the Old Faithfull inn becomes available. This is our first time at YNP. Thanks, Warren

Yes, keep trying to get a room at the Old Faithful Inn.
The Snow Lodge is right next door and is more modern.
I'd do 2 nights there and 2 nights at the lake - but keep trying to get 4 nights at the OFI. Keep calling. There will be cancellations.

I would take the 2 at Snow Lodge and then the 2 at Lake Hotel.
You can always have a meal in Old Faithful Inn. Sounds like a great trip to me.

Thanks for posting this. I'm interested in this area too. Is four nights about right?

Yellowstone is a big park. It takes time to get around.

Personally, I think 4 nights in the OF area is too much.

Also, I think Lake is too close to OF. Maybe more like Canyon or further north.

I stayed at OF Lodge and Canyon a couple of years ago and I thought it was a good mix. Others may not.

Myer,
I think the area that volcongirl is mentioning is the entire park.

If you like the historic lodges, you'll love the Lake Hotel

We stayed at the Old Faithful cabins.

Yes, how long to see the Yellowstone area? Just wondering how long most people stay?

Our trips to Yellowstone have been about a week, then a couple more days thrown in for Grand Teton. That has given us time to explore the park in sections, get out for some short hikes, and enjoy. We keep coming back though, to see/do new things and revisit our favs.

Especially during the summer, you can spend your entire day stuck in the car due to "animal jams" and crowds - not fun. Yet a lot of people just drive through and think they've "seen" Yellowstone (DD #2 included). Four nights will mean being more selective about what you have time to see and do, but it's ok for a first trip.

spiro,

I was responding to the original OP as she mentions staying in one place the entire time. I think.

Interesting that you mention historic lodges. I have never booked national park lodging based on staying at a historic lodge.

In fact, I prefer motel style lodging where your car is parked right outside the room and luggage can easily be unloaded and loaded.

Lots of historic cabins too. Roosevelt for example Yellowstone. I even totally went out of my way to stay at Oregon Caves Chateau. One of the more obscure/never heard of national park lodges. One of my all time favorites. The lodge was better than the cave.

Thank you all very very much. You have convinced me to split between the two areas. The main reason I mentioned those two areas because I was fortunate enough to find lodging at both. And both have private baths. Sorry, I admit, that is my preference. We plan on flying into Salt Lake City, taking the long drive to the Snow Lodge, spend 2 nights there, then to Lake Yellowstone for 2 nights to explore that area of the park and then off to Jackson Hole for 3 nights. Some people asked why 3 nights..well because I figured that we would spend the 5th day at YNP and then head to Jackson Hole where I imagine it would be late so 1 night is already gone. Then I thought 1 full day at Grand Teton and then one to relax by the pool and explore Jackson. From there it is 1 night in Salt Lake City before we fly home. A lot of planning but most of it was due to all the great support and replies everybody provided. Again, special thanks and please let me know if the plan sounds good! One more thing, is Old Faithfull Inn worth staying at over the Snow Lodge since they are both in the same area? Thanks, Warren.

Stayed at the Snow Lodge in January and found it delightful. Have not stayed at Old Faithful Inn, so cannot compare. However, being that they ARE right next to each other, you can enjoy the public areas at either one equally.

What I would do is keep the reservation for Lake and try for a cancellation at Canyon. Most cancellations probably happen in the last few weeks so call a couple of times a day.

Snow Lodge is more modern. Old Faithful Inn is considered the granddaddy of them all type deal for the National Park Lodges. I stayed in the "old wing" "original" just because and that part doesn't have private bath. Expect thin walls and to pay really more than what you are getting. You are paying for location location location in the park lodges and some if it is historical value. They are expensive to maintain.