Holiday Inn West Yellowstone

Like many hotels in the area, the Holiday Inn embraces all things "western" in terms of style and decor, though it's ultimately a humble and straightforward hotel. The brown three-story building is accented with stone and wood columns, and there is plenty of free parking all around. A huge painted bison stands guard by the covered entrance. Inside, the hotel feels like a cozy western lodge, with dark tile floors, rustic wood accents, and a giant photo of Yellowstone National Park hanging above the front desk. A leather sofa in front of a stone fireplace provides a cozy spot for guests to gather, and there are additional seating groups throughout the space as well -- a prospect made all the more inviting by the free coffee and tea that are available 24/7. The hotel attracts all types of travelers, including families, couples, groups of friends, and businesspeople. 

This Holiday Inn is located in the heart of West Yellowstone, less than a mile from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park (a three-minute drive). It's surrounded by other park-oriented businesses, such as tourist shops and a museum across the street. The location is convenient for anyone visiting Yellowstone, although in high season the line of cars entering the park can be long. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, and Yellowstone's famed Old Faithful Geyser can be reached by car in less than an hour inside the park. The Jackson Hole Airport is about two hours and 45 minutes south of the hotel, though the closest major airport is Salt Lake City International, about four hours and 45 minutes south. 

Rooms are spacious but basic, with earth-tone color schemes, cream or light green walls, Mission-style wood furnishings, brown patterned carpeting, and red bed runners. Brown upholstered arm chairs and sofas have a leather seat and ottoman, and the overall look is homey and pleasant, with vibrant wall art that includes landscape portraits adding a welcome dose of color. Amenities include microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, MP3 alarm clock radios, and free Wi-Fi. Modern bathrooms are small, with brown tile floors and patterned walls -- some rooms have shower/tub combos while others have showers only. Toiletries are provided. Spa rooms have a hot tub in the living area, and Executive Suites add a wet bar and gas fireplace.  

The Branch Restaurant & Bar serves open range cuisine and is open for all meals. It's a cozy space with wood floors, orange and wood accent walls, booth seating, and a pair of leather armchairs in front of a gas fireplace and big-screen TV. There's also a restored rail car that dates to 1903. The adjacent Branch Bar & Casino has a daily happy hour and big-screen TVs, though the casino is just a room with several electronic machines. Live entertainment performs occasionally, and there are game nights. A free breakfast voucher is provided to guests, but the free selections are limited. A heated indoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, and there are windows that let in natural light. A few chairs are on the deck for guests who want to relax poolside, and there is a small hot tub as well. Pool toys and towels are provided. A sauna is adjacent, and there's a small fitness center as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and the business center has two computers and printers for guests to use; there's also 10,000 square feet of meeting space. Guest laundry facilities are free, with soap included. An activity director provides guidance on fishing trips, whitewater rafting, kayaking, park tours, skiing, and snowmobile and snow coach tours.