We had a reservation here for two nights but arrived in a two wheel drive vehicle at 6.00 p.m. with the first winter storm forecast to be coming in later that night. Scrambled explanations to Jay, the proprietor, were met with total understanding, and he scubbed our reservation with no cancellation fee, giving us a recommendation of where to stay in Cody on our way out. He didn't have to and we appreciated it so we will be back as soon as possible.
With all of the campsites full and hotels in the area booked we found one last vacancy here. We were pleasantly surprised. Our room had a single bed, sitting area, and kitchenette. For the money we spent we definitely got a great deal. The staff was very pleasant and got us settled in even though it was later in the evening. This facility is relaxed and was a great fit for us for the night.
Bonus: They are only a few minutes from the park! In which was significant because we were rising before the sun to go spying for animals in the Lemar Valley. The location saved us time and allowed us to come back for a nap before check out time.
We stayed here one night in early July 2013. We were hoping to snag a campground or cancellation in the park, but we were out of luck so we headed to Silver Gate or Cooke City. Everything was booked for that night except one last room at the Grizzly Lodge.
The location is good, you can head up Beartooth Pass (in the summer) or west into the park, Lamar Valley, and beyond. You can walk to a couple small shops and restaurants. Nothing fancy in this area, but good burgers and beer.
The room was dated, the carpet was tired, the beds sloped a little. Nothing fancy or pretentious for sure. That said if you have been out camping in the weather for a few days, or are just plain beat tired, then you can appreciate a roof and a bed. I have stayed at many place like this in Montana and Idaho, and they are all basically the same, as long as it doesn't smell bad and the water tastes good and you have cold beer in your cooler it is a fine place to spend a night. Just don't expect city-slicker type accommodations.
There is a fire pit and Soda Butte Creek on the property, so the setting is nice. Also the staff are good, typical Montana...friendly and they let you dictate how much you want them involved in your story. Same with the owner's dog.
You probably won't find anything much nicer or different in the Cooke City/Silver Gate area, and most accommodations in the park are similar, so if they have room, give them a try, enjoy the fire pit and sound of the creek.
Thank you for your tripadvisor comments. I am proud to say we are getting all new beds this winter for summer 2014, new bedding, and are currently renovating 3 rooms. Call in advance to get one of our newer rooms.
The Grizzly Lodge is the way to go. Located only a mile away from the park, prices are excellent. The rooms are super basic but there is so much to do that we didn't lack for anything. Great hiking trails in every direction!!! Easy walks to 2 different waterfalls. Plus the property is surrounded by the Soda Butte river. After spending a few days in the park surrounded by people, it was so nice to escape to the Northeast entrance. Silver Gate is right outside park boundaries but you can hardly tell. Nature and wild life abound. We made friends with 2 different foxes and watched a buffalo grazing through our window! The owners are wonderful. They let us use their phone to call and check in at home. (It was so refreshing to be without cell service!!!) The camp fire was such a wonderful way to end an evening under the stars. Everything was so perfect, my friends and I are already planning our trip next summer!!
We just got back from a 7 night stay at the Grizzly Lodge (right outside Yellowstone. Jaime was such a great host and very friendly. The room was great, the people were great, beautiful setting, cool lodge, Bon-fire every night! Can't wait to go back!!! Thanks Jaime and Jay.
