The Best National Park Hotels For A Serene Nature Getaway, According To Guests

It's no secret that the United States is home to some stunning national parks, but that doesn't mean that it's easy to visit these delightful public spaces. As these parks have been preserved for their unique plants, wildlife, and geological formations, many of them are located far away from major cities and other densely populated areas. Because of this, visitors might struggle to find lodging that is near the parks they want to visit. While rustic camping is often an option, some travelers prefer the creature comforts that can only be offered indoors.

As outdoor enthusiasts, we know a thing or two about identifying the best places to stay in rural areas. Using our skills as travel writers and researchers, we perused guest reviews of hotels across the United States. Ultimately, we uncovered some excellent hotels located within the confines of some of America's most popular national parks. After evaluating factors like location, history, and overall convenience, we narrowed down our search to our top picks. These establishments are so fantastic that we truly believe they represent the best national park hotels in the United States.

Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood National Forest

The Timberline Lodge is only 25 minutes from Mount Hood National Forest and offers a true escape from urban chaos. The Timberline thrusts guests into a universe of snow-capped hills and towering pine trees. Folks looking to experience a true winter wonderland will love this spot, as the snowfall in the region can be pretty serious. As one impressed guest wrote on Tripadvisor, "This hotel is amazing! It's located very high up Mount Hood where the snow levels are deep ... Heck, most of the hotel was submerged in snow, and we visited in the Spring."

The best part is that the lodge provides the perfect environment for warming up after a long day of skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking in the park. "The lodge is amazing with the massive 3 story fireplace and colossal natural wood columns on the inside providing an awe inspiring, unique and familiar lodge experience ... Natural log fires continually burning and many spots to cozy up make this a quintessential lodge experience," marveled a guest on Google. Indeed, many of the hotel's finishes can be traced back to its construction in 1937 when the Depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) sought to create lodging in public parks across the country. Guests at the Timberline continue to enjoy the building's historic architecture for prices starting around $250 a night.

Zion National Park Lodge, Zion National Park

If Zion National Park calls on visitors to hike to beautiful waterfalls and stunning pools, then Zion National Park Lodge practically begs them to enjoy it all up close and personal. Created in 1925 to attract visitors to the area, Zion Lodge is the only hotel located in this iconic natural preserve. As a result, the lodging provides unparalleled access to park activities. As one happy traveler wrote on Google reviews, "Location location location! You wake up, eat, sleep, and live in this breathtaking valley for your entire stay. It never got old seeing the sun creep over the valley or the hours long dusk as the sun set." 

While Zion National Park Lodge's location might be the main draw for guests, its facilities are also fantastic. Describing their stay on the r/NationalParks subreddit of Reddit, one former guest admitted that the lodge may be the best national park hotel out there. "Zion Lodge is fantastic, especially if you can get one of the cabins that has a fireplace (and go in December, when the crowds are less). Wonderful to be able to enjoy the peacefulness in the evening when the crowds are gone. And then watch the sun rise over the canyon above. Gorgeous," they wrote. This lodge is about 15 minutes from Zion National Park. Book a cabin at Zion National Park Lodge for $264 per night or a lodge suite for $336 per night.

Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park

If you are looking for the best places to stay in Yellowstone National Park, look no further than the Old Faithful Inn. Built in 1904, this historic hotel is practically brimming with old-fashioned charm. Log finishes line the lobby, and a stone fireplace towers over the lounge area. Reflecting on the inn's history in a Google review, one former guest marveled, "One of a kind experience of staying inside the old house section of the Inn. This historical building has so many stories to tell about the craftsmanship of men who braved the seasons to create this masterpiece in the center of nowhere in 1903-04..." Indeed, the Old Faithful Inn invites you to enjoy a space that has impressed guests for over a century.

Beyond the inn's enduring charm, it offers a spectacular location in the heart of the park. Guests only need to step right out the front door to view the iconic Old Faithful geyser. The Observation Point trail, which takes visitors over some of the park's most intense geothermal sights, is also located just 0.6 miles from the hotel entrance. This makes it easy to see the sights. "The location really can't be beat. It's such an easy walk to see Old Faithful — we just strolled over whenever we wanted," observed a visitor on Google reviews. The Old Faithful Inn is one hour from Yellowstone National Park and costs between $170 and $600 per night.

Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon National Park

When it comes to historic hotels, Grand Canyon National Park's Phantom Ranch is in a league of its own. Founded in the 1920s, this old-timey ranch is located inside the canyon. Visitors love it so much that it books out by lottery a full year in advance. The only catch? Although the hotel is just one minute from Grand Canyon National Park, guests typically arrive by foot or mule, as per a century-old tradition. This means that Phantom Ranch is ideal for anyone looking for a true outdoor adventure. As one visitor explained on the r/grandcanyon subreddit of Reddit, "The trail is mostly very wide, well-maintained and not terribly steep, but don't underestimate it. You need to train for this hike, with emphasis not so much on sheer strength but on stamina."

While hiking to Phantom Ranch may be challenging, previous visitors say that the experience is worth it. Describing her hotel stay on Google, one guest gushed, "Staying at Phantom Ranch was an unforgettable experience and the perfect reward after the challenging hike into the Grand Canyon. The cabin we stayed in was cozy and welcoming, with a surprisingly comfortable bed—exactly what we needed after hours of trekking through the canyon's rugged terrain." A night at Phantom Ranch will set you back $222, although meals cost extra. Despite this hefty price tag, folks say that this gem is one of the best national park hotels in the United States.

LeConte Lodge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Phantom Ranch is not the only national park hotel that draws scores of hiking enthusiasts. The LeConte Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park also provides solace to serious trekkers and mountaineers. Originally founded as a tent camp in 1925, this hotel can only be accessed on foot. While there are a number of trails that lead to this unique destination, the shortest option is 5 miles long. This makes LeConte one of the best national park hotels for extreme explorers. As one previous visitor commented on Tripadvisor, "Unique adventure hiking rainbow falls trail to Leconte Lodge. (Not for the novice hiker, I highly recommend hiking poles for the end of the trail) ... It was a joy to share our meals with like minded adventurers and hear their stories of great experiences exploring and hiking."

While getting to LeConte Lodge may not be easy, visitors say that arriving there is a pleasure. Writing on Google reviews, one satisfied guest explained, "LeConte Lodge is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. After a strenuous hike, we arrived to a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process was smooth, and the afternoon drink service was a lovely touch—lemonade, coffee, hot chocolate, and even tea on request made for a comforting welcome." Located 20 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this hotel is relatively accessible for travelers. Adults pay $189 per person per night in a resort cabin.

Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park

Switzerland may be a long way away from the American West, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a little bit of chalet energy in Montana. Glacier National Park's Many Glacier Hotel has major European vibes, thanks to its Swiss lounge, Heidi-themed snack shop, and location in the "Switzerland of North America." Previous visitors rave about the lodging's gorgeous mountain views, with one Google reviewer writing, "The Many Glacier Hotel is a once in a lifetime experience! The view is beyond breathtaking. Stay on the side with the lake view, the rooms may be a bit smaller, but the view is much better and you get a wonderful cool breeze blowing through. Great location to hike, animal watch, and appreciate nature."

Folks who love hiking will also likely appreciate that Glacier National Park is one of the top U.S. parks for pristine hiking adventures. Many Glacier is located smack in the middle of a web of trailheads, and it is easily one of the best national park hotels for hikers. As one former guest commented on Google, "... you are at the start of several great trail heads. There's a cafe and shop downstairs that have all the basics." Open since 1917, Many Glacier continues to impress more than a century later. The establishment is about 35 minutes from Glacier National Park. Rooms book out quickly during summer and cost between $200 and $400 per night.

Flamingo Lodge, Everglades National Park

The Sunshine State may be known for its sun and surf, but Everglades National Park is one of the preserves where Florida locals escape to on weekends. The protected land includes stunning islands, romantic boardwalk hikes, and plenty of birdwatching. To enjoy it all, head to Flamingo Lodge. Nestled along the coast in the heart of the Everglades, this incredible national park hotel is close to all of the action. As some previous visitors noted on Tripadvisor, "Wonderful experience at the Flamingo Lodge in the Everglades National Park. Beautiful area to explore with lots of available activities like hiking, boating, canoeing, boat tours, fishing, etc. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a balcony and water view."

Although Flamingo Lodge's location is its main attraction, the hotel facilities are also said to be excellent. Describing their stay on Tripadvisor, a second visitor shared, "[The] one bed room we had offered a great view of the bay and was well equipped with a small kitchen for a longer stay. The bed was comfy, the room was very clean and we enjoyed our stay." While the hotel is located far from most grocery stores and eateries, guests can enjoy scrumptious meals at the Flamingo Restaurant. To arrive at Flamingo Lodge, visitors can drive less than an hour from Everglades National Park. Overnight stays at the establishment start at around $160 and $260 per night.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park

Imagine waking up, brewing your morning coffee, and stepping outside. You walk a few steps, and the breathtaking image of an orange and red canyon unfolds before you. If you stay at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, this experience can be more than just a daydream. Located in the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park, this hotel provides visitors easy access to trails and viewpoints. Want to watch the sun rise over the canyon? The Bryce Canyon National Park sunrise point is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel lobby. Itching to embark on a bike ride in the canyon? A sports rentals access point is just a few steps away from the lodge.

As one visitor put it on Google reviews, "The best part about the lodge at Bryce Canyon is the location. It is a short walk to the rim trail and the access is unbeatable as you are already in the park." Previous visitors also note that the facilities at the hotel are comfortable and modern, even though it opened in 1925. In the words of one Tripadvisor reviewer, "Comfortable stay for 1 night at Bryce Canyon. We were in Sunset Motel, which had reasonably sized rooms, with coffee making facilities." Rooms at this hotel cost around $254 per night.

Paradise Inn, Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park boasts a beautiful active volcano, plenty of hiking trails, and towering pine trees. And what better place to experience it all than Paradise Inn? Inaugurated in 1917, this historic hotel embraces the rugged rustic energy that has long attracted travelers to the Pacific Northwest. While it's not exactly a Hollywood-level luxury hotel, Paradise Inn provides explorers with the outdoor access that they crave. Attesting to this fact on Google, one guest explained, "Great place to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city Life. No Tv, no Wi-Fi, just life. I highly recommend for anyone who is interested in just hiking and enjoying nature and mount Rainier."

The best part is that the hotel restaurant offers the sort of hearty meals that many hikers crave after a long day on the mountain. As another previous visitor wrote on Google, "The restaurant was surprisingly good! We ate there both nights and the food was incredible. They have a new chef this season and he knew what he was doing. Plus they accommodated my food restrictions, which I really appreciate." This makes Paradise Inn one of the best national park hotels for foodies. To arrive at this marvelous destination, drive for less than an hour from Mount Rainier National Park. Rates range from $200 to $460 per night. 

Methodology

Creating this list of the best national park hotels in America was an exciting challenge. We wanted our choices to embrace some of the country's most majestic national parks with a special emphasis on history and location. For this reason, we included several hotels that have attracted guests for decades. While the Timberline Lodge has maintained open doors since 1937, Old Faithful Inn can trace its history back to 1904. Paradise Inn and Many Glacier Hotel have both been open since 1917. The LeConte Lodge, Zion National Park Lodge, and The Lodge at Bryce Canyon can trace their roots to 1925. Phantom Ranch was created in the 1920s.

In addition to their historical importance, these hotels were selected for their excellent location. Every single one of these facilities offers easy access to park activities. The Flamingo Lodge allows visitors to step outside into one of the most stunning parts of the Everglades, while the Old Faithful Inn is located steps away from the famous geyser of the same name. Many Glacier National Park and The Lodge at Bryce Canyon are situated near trailheads and viewpoints. The LeConte Lodge and Phantom Ranch, meanwhile, are only accessible by trail. Timberline Lodge allows visitors to experience winter beauty to its fullest through impressive amounts of snowfall. Although the experiences at these natural locations may be diverse, each offers a unique vision of the United States' great outdoors.

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