Kelly Inn West Yellowstone

This hotel is typical for West Yellowstone -- it's a simple, straightforward property with a woodsy theme inside and out. It's distinguished, however, by carved bears and other Yellowstone critters that are attached to posts and beams around the property, including some that peek into guest room windows. This cute detail gives the property a homier vibe, though admittedly the look won't be for everyone. Guests arrive to find two huge carved bears standing guard at the covered entrance. A large parking lot surrounds the three-story brown building. Inside, more carved bears are climbing poles at the front desk. Brown tile flooring, pine-log furniture, and western-themed art combine to create a lodge-like atmosphere. Upholstered benches provide seating at the entrance, and there's also a sofa and chairs where guests can kick back under large black-and-white photos on the walls. The hotel is geared toward tourists visiting Yellowstone. In summer, it is overrun with families, and in the off-season, when rates are lowest, it attracts mostly outdoor sports enthusiasts.

The hotel is situated a few blocks from Yellowstone National Park's west entrance, across from the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and the town's IMAX Theater. It is surrounded by other hotels and tourist-friendly small businesses, and is next door to a McDonald's. The area in general is busy with tourists in high season, since it's convenient for visitors to the park. The hotel is also within an easy walk to nearby dining and shopping, as well as the Yellowstone Historic Center. Famed Old Faithful Geyser is less than an hour's drive from the hotel. The closest major airport is Salt Lake City International, about four hours and 45 minutes south. Jackson Hole Airport is two hours and 45 minutes south. 

As is typical in Yellowstone, decor is Western-themed with lodge-style log furnishings, earth-tone color schemes, brown carpeting, and animal motifs on the artwork, bed runners, and accent furnishings. The look is a bit more put together here than many other hotels in town, and it feels homey -- some guests may find the look charming; some may consider it overdone. Features include air-conditioning, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, 37-inch LED TVs with 40 satellite channels and a Yellowstone channel, Simmons Beautyrest pillow-top mattresses, and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a table and two straight-back chairs. Jacuzzi rooms add additional space with a sofa bed, a wet bar, and jetted tub. Some upper-floor rooms have carved bears peeking into windows, but these must be requested in advance. Small bathrooms are basic, with hairdryers, shower/tub combos, Western-themed shower curtains, and toiletries. Sinks are external to the main body of the bathroom. Rooms on the first floor have an additional exterior private entrance, and Whirlpool Suite Guest Rooms have private jetted tubs. All rooms face a lighted parking lot surrounded by lodgepole pine trees. 

The breakfast area overlooks the indoor pool, but there is also seating outside on the terrace for alfresco dining in nice weather -- a plus since inside seating can get crowded in high season. The Western theme carries over to this area, and there are stuffed elk and moose heads on the walls plus landscape artwork. A gas fireplace with a TV above adds a cozy touch. The breakfast itself, while free, gets mixed reviews, and includes pancake machines, yogurt, fruit, and various breads and pastries. Plastic lounge chairs and cafe seating surround the indoor heated pool, one of the larger ones in town. Pool toys and towels are provided, and there's a hot tub and sauna. Windows on one side allow in natural light and overlook the breakfast area on the other. Potted plants add a bit of greenery. Two outdoor patios provide a gas fire pit and picnic tables with a charcoal grill for guest use. The hotel has two coin-operated guest laundry rooms and ice machines are on all three floors. Vending machines offer snacks and drinks on the first floor. There is a computer and printer in the lobby. Registered pets are allowed in first- and second-floor rooms at no charge. Pet stations with disposal bags are located around the parking lot perimeter next to the wooded pet walking areas. Extra-large parking spaces in back accommodate buses, trailers, and snowmobiles. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.