The best hotels in US national parks offer a rare chance to wake up surrounded by some of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders. From alpine lakes and desert landscapes to towering peaks and ancient forests, these stays aren’t just about comfort; they’re about connection to the wild.
Whether you’re sipping coffee with views of geysers or stargazing from a historic lodge, each hotel brings its own unique charm and story. Think rustic elegance, cozy cabins, and grand architecture tucked into unforgettable settings. Ready to discover where nature meets hospitality at its finest? Let’s explore the best of the best.
Historic stays on the canyon’s edge
Good for: Photo, Adventure
El Tovar Hotel is perched right on the rim of the Grand Canyon, offering guests front-row seats to one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. This well-designed, century-old lodge blends rustic charm with refined touches, making it one of the most sought-after hotels in the area. Step outside and you’re instantly immersed in sweeping canyon views that shift with the light, from golden sunrises to fiery sunsets.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with cozy corners ideal for relaxing after a day of adventure. Enjoy guided tours and stargazing programs just steps from your room. It’s a stay that feels timeless, with nature’s grandeur always just beyond the window.
El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park
A lodge that erupts with character
Good for: History, Photo
Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic US national park hotels, and for good reason. It’s built incredibly close to Yellowstone’s famous geyser, offering a front-row seat to nature’s spectacular show. This massive log-and-stone lodge, dating back to 1904, feels like stepping into a storybook, with its towering lobby, crackling fireplaces, and gorgeous hand-crafted clock.
Watch Old Faithful erupt from the viewing deck, explore nearby geothermal wonders, or simply soak in the lodge’s warm, woodsy atmosphere. It’s a place where adventure and architecture meet, and where the rhythm of the earth sets the pace for your stay.
Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park
Accommodations in the “Switzerland of North America”
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, surrounded by the towering peaks of Glacier National Park. It’s extremely photogenic, with views that feel almost alpine-European. Think turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and the occasional mountain goat. The Swiss chalet-style architecture adds to the appeal, making it a favorite for travelers seeking both beauty and character.
Spend your time paddling across the lake, hiking to hidden waterfalls, or catching glimpses of wildlife from the comfort of the deck. With nature right at your doorstep and panoramic vistas in every direction, it’s a stay that’s as dramatic as the landscape itself.
Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park
Luxury cabins in the shadow of the Tetons
Good for: Adventure, Families
There’s something magical about waking up at Jenny Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park. Maybe it’s the stillness of the morning air, the scent of pine, or the way the jagged peaks of the Tetons catch the first light. Tucked into a quiet corner of Grand Teton National Park, this collection of upscale log cabins offers a rare blend of seclusion and sophistication.
Days here are shaped by the landscape. Start with a sunrise hike, glide across the lake on a raft, or join a guided tour through wildflower-strewn trails. It’s a stay that invites you to slow down, tune in, and let the mountains do the talking.
Jenny Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park
Desert luxury below sea level
Good for: Luxury, Couples
At first glance, Death Valley National Park might seem like an unlikely place for a luxury stay, but The Inn at Death Valley proves otherwise. Set within a true oasis, this historic hideaway offers spring-fed pools, palm-shaded courtyards, and elegant rooms with sweeping desert views. Hike golden canyons at sunrise, explore salt flats that shimmer like snow, or simply float in the warm pool while gazing at the Panamint Mountains.
The inn’s refined Southwestern style and peaceful atmosphere make it a welcome contrast to the raw power of the landscape. It’s a place where you can experience the extremes of nature, then retreat to cool tile floors, fine dining, and total tranquility.
The Inn at Death Valley, Death Valley National Park
Mountain views and Appalachian warmth
Good for: Photo, Families
Big Meadows Lodge captures the essence of Shenandoah National Park: laid-back, scenic, and full of charisma. Perched along Skyline Drive, it offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and easy access to some of the park’s most beloved trails. Whether you’re watching deer graze in the meadow or catching a fiery sunset from the terrace, the setting invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Built from native stone and chestnut wood, the lodge has a rustic, welcoming feel. Enjoy live music in the taproom, gather with family and friends around the fireplace, or head out for a night of stargazing. It’s a cozy base for exploring one of the East Coast’s most beautiful landscapes.
Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park
An alpine escape beneath the Sleeping Giant
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Paradise Inn sits high on the slopes of Mount Rainier, surrounded by wildflower meadows and framed by snow-capped peaks. It’s a beloved hotel not just for its dramatic setting, but for the way it feels like part of the mountain itself. The lodge’s timber-framed architecture and massive stone hearths create an intimate, alpine atmosphere that’s especially inviting after a day on the trails.
Here, adventure begins right outside your door; hike through fields of lupine, spot marmots on the ridgeline, or watch clouds swirl around the summit after a satisfying climb. Inside, the inn offers a warm welcome, simple comforts, and a front-row seat to Rainier’s ever-changing vistas.
Paradise Inn, Mount Rainier National Park
Tranquil shores in a temperate rainforest
Good for: Adventure, Families
Lake Crescent Lodge sits beside deep, shimmering waters surrounded by towering evergreens and misty mountain ridges in Olympic National Park. Built in 1916, the lodge blends rustic style with the quiet beauty of the park’s temperate rainforest. Paddle in the lake as the morning sun rises or walk through moss-covered trails, where waterfalls and wildlife are never far away.
Inside the lodge, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with vintage touches and views that invite you to linger. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch or watching the fog roll in over the lake, it’s a place that encourages you to make wonderful memories.
Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National Park
Canyon comfort in Zion’s red rock wonderland
Good for: Adventure, Families
Zion National Park Lodge is the only accommodation located within the park itself, placing you right in the heart of towering sandstone cliffs and winding canyon trails. Mornings often begin with golden light spilling over the rocks and the promise of adventure. Whether it’s hiking to Emerald Pools, discovering the Zion Nature Center with the kids, or spotting bighorn sheep from your balcony, the experience is immersive from the moment you arrive.
The lodge blends rural simplicity with unbeatable access. Rooms are cozy and relaxed, and the surrounding scenery makes for striking photos. After a day of exploring, unwind under starry skies and reflect on the sheer scale and beauty of Zion’s natural cathedral.
Zion National Park Lodge, Zion National Park
Victorian charm in Yosemite’s wild heart
Good for: History, Couples
Wawona Hotel brings a touch of 19th-century elegance to the rugged beauty of Yosemite National Park. Established in 1856, it exudes vintage charm with its whitewashed verandas, antique furnishings, and wraparound porches.
Located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, it’s a great base for scenic walks, wildlife spotting, or simply unwinding on the porch with a book and birdsong. Don’t miss the barbecue every Saturday night in the summer, or a round of golf on the 9-hole course. Whether listening to live piano by the fireside or soaking up the sun from the outdoor pool, Wawona offers a refreshing contrast to Yosemite’s dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
Wawona Hotel, Yosemite National Park
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