I'm trying to plan accommodations for this summer's travel - thinking 2-4 nights in Yellowstone at 1-2 locations and 1-2 nights in the Grand Tetons area.

Here are some of the properties I am considering and am open to suggestions about these or others I haven't found yet.

It'll most likely be me, my husband & my father in law; prefer nightly rate $175 or less; prefer atmosphere & great views nearby (I read a review of someone who sat outside the Lake Lodge & Roosevelt Lodge on rocking chairs with a beer overlooking the lake views - and we'd love to have places within walking distance of our room for something like that - sitting outside, campfires, rocking chairs, etc - that kind of atmosphere)...

Roosevelt Lodge
Canyon Lodge
Grant Village
Lake Lodge
Lake Yellowstone Lodge
Colter Bay Village
Signal Mountain Lodge
Togwotee Mountain Lodge

Any suggestions?

the forum is moving fast today - topping.

I can recommend Lake Yellowstone Lodge And Signal Mountain Lodge. Colter Bay Village is also good, but is not a convenient lcation with the Grand Teton.
A strong word of advice: You better make your reservations immediately. You may already be too late to get reservations at most, if not all the places you lst.

While I really like Colter Bay Village for its rustic charm, I don't recall any views.

If it's sweeping panorama you want, you cannot beat Jackson Lake Lodge.

I have checked most of these for my dates & all have availability.

Both of you like Colter Bay Village but note there aren't really "views" and also not convenient location. What is there to do at that location or whats nearby to make it a worthwhile stop?

Mind me asking what it is you recommend & like about Lake Yellowstone Lodge & Signal Mountain?

Just to clarify, we don't necessarily need views from our room, but love to be able to sit outside at a central spot on the hotel property at night after hiking/exploring in the day. Nice perks would be a hot tub, campfire, rustic bar. Of course, this is ideal & me being choosy.

Enjoyed an extended stay in this area last September. Highly recommend Signal Mt Lodge, it is the "best seat in the house" IMO. As far a Yellowstone is concerned, we stayed at The Old Faithful Inn, Mamouth Springs Inn and Lake Yellowstone Lodge with The Old Faithful Inn being our favorite by far. It is a very beautiful area - enjoy! PS: If you find yourselves in Wilson (just west of Jackson Hole) be sure to eat at Nora's Fish Creek Inn - Great place.

sclubb,

My comments are from experience. As I've not had the pleasure of staying at Signal Mountain Lodge I can't comment on it. However, from the rave reviews it gets from fellow Fodorites, give it due consideration.

btw, I assume you've been here:

http://www.colterbayvillage.com/lodgeCBV.shtml

Colter Bay is a cluster of rustic / spartan cabins set in a woodsy setting on the shores of Jackson lake. The rooms are clean and spacious, with linoleum floors and comfortable beds. Frankly, I don't recall if there was a TV or phone in the room. When we were there several years ago, they were ideal for a family, as we got adjoining/attached rooms...one for the kids, and one for DW and me....At the lakeshore there are great views, boat rentals, campfire areas, etc. The Ranger programs, available everywhere in GT and Yellowstone, are great and should not be missed. Lastly on CBV, we loved the Chuck Wagon....a cafeteria that raises the bar for a buffet.

Jackson Lake Lodge is a great hotel. Great views, sumptuous decor, first class restaurants and amenities. Have that drink on the terrace with all the grandeur of the Teton range as a backdrop. We took the kids on the cowboy horseback ride out through the grasslands between the hotel and the lake. We sat around the campfire, ate cowboy beans, sang cowboy songs, fed the world's fattest prairie dogs and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Frankly, your are dealing with varying degrees of excellence. It's tough to go wrong in such a magnificant setting.