Old Faithful Inn Review: Is This Historic Yellowstone Lodge Worth the Stay?

If there’s one hotel in Yellowstone National Park that everyone has heard of, it’s the Old Faithful Inn. This national historic landmark is more than just a place to sleep. It’s part of the park experience itself. Built in 1904 with local logs and stone, the Inn is often called the largest log structure in the world. With its massive stone fireplace, handcrafted details, and a lobby that soars seven stories high, it feels like stepping back in time.

I’ve stayed at the Old Faithful Inn twice, and I can say without hesitation that it’s a great place to be if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Old Faithful area. That said, there are quirks and trade-offs you’ll want to know about before booking. In this review, I’ll share what I loved, what surprised me, and practical tips for making the most of your stay.

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The Location: You Can’t Beat It

The Inn sits right next to the world-famous Old Faithful geyser and the Upper Geyser Basin, home to more than half of the geysers in the world. Step out the front door and you’re minutes away from the boardwalks leading to Morning Glory Pool, Castle Geyser, and dozens of other hot springs and geysers.

If your goal is to see Old Faithful erupt multiple times a day, this is hands-down the best lodging facility in Yellowstone. While the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Old Faithful Lodge Cabins are nearby, the Inn itself gives you that unbeatable view of the geyser just steps away. Many guests even time their breakfast or dinner to catch an eruption between meals.

The Historic Charm

When you walk into the Inn, the towering lobby is the first thing that hits you. The immense lobby is supported by rough-hewn local logs, with iron serving details, a handcrafted clock, and that large stone fireplace roaring in cooler months. The atmosphere is lively, often with lots of families, hikers, and couples gathered in the sitting room or along the balconies.

During the summer, you might hear a string quartet or see guests playing board games near the fire. The rustic details like the dormer windows, the asymmetry of the building, and the wood shingle exterior make it one of the most memorable historic hotels of America.

The Inn is also part of the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and you’ll find interpretive signs explaining the history of architect Robert Reamer (also known as Robert C. Reamer) and his vision for this rustic-style lodge.

Rooms: What You Should Know Before Booking

One of the biggest decisions when booking the Old Faithful Inn is which wing to stay in.

Old House Rooms (Original Part of the Inn): These are in the original part of the inn, closest to the lobby. They’re charming, but most don’t have a private bathroom. Instead, you’ll be sharing a basic room with a sink and using shared restrooms and showers down the hall. Some people love the authenticity, but for me, it felt inconvenient, especially with kids.
East Wing and West Wing Rooms: These newer wings have more modern amenities. You’ll get queen beds, a full bathroom, and sometimes extras like a coffee maker or alarm clock. If comfort matters to you, I highly recommend booking here. I’ve stayed in these rooms and found them much more practical while still enjoying the Inn’s atmosphere. They are further from the lobby. But the extra space and private bathroom more then make up for the walk.
Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites: If you want more space, look for deluxe rooms or a junior suite in the East or West Wing. These often have sitting areas and better great views of the geyser basin.

This is what the double queen rooms look like in the east and west wings.

And there is a look at the private bathroom set up in the east and west wing rooms.

None of the guest rooms have air conditioning, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting in July or August. Nights are usually cool in Yellowstone, but the rooms can get stuffy in the afternoon. Many rooms do have fans, but if you can bring your own fan, you should be fine.

Here is a look at another room we stayed in. This room came with a cot for our daughter.

I believe a number of the rooms at Old Faithful Inn have been renovated and look more like the first set of photos (see above) and less like these photos. But the set up is still basically the same.

How to Get a Room at Old Faithful Inn

Getting a reservation here can be harder than spotting a wolf in Lamar Valley. Rooms at the Inn are in very high demand, and they sell out months (sometimes a year) in advance. Here are some tips:

Book as early as possible. Reservations for Yellowstone lodging open 13 months in advance through the official Yellowstone National Park Lodges website. Mark your calendar and be ready.
Be flexible with dates. Weekdays and shoulder season (like early May or September) often have more availability than mid-summer.
Check back often. People cancel trips, and rooms pop back up. I’ve snagged last-minute openings by refreshing the website daily.
Consider different room types. The Old House rooms without a private bath are often the last to book up. If you’re okay with the shared bathroom setup, you may find availability even when the East Wing or West Wing rooms are sold out.
Call the reservations line. Sometimes an agent can see availability that isn’t showing online. It’s worth a quick phone call.
Have a backup plan. If you can’t get into the Inn, look at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, which are both walking distance from the geyser.

Dining at Old Faithful Inn

One of the highlights of staying at the Inn is being able to eat right on site. The Old Faithful Inn Dining Room is more than just a restaurant. It’s part of the experience. Picture towering log beams, glowing lanterns, and a rustic-yet-grand atmosphere that makes even a simple breakfast feel special.

Breakfast Buffet

We ate breakfast here several mornings, and it’s a fantastic way to start a day in Yellowstone. The breakfast buffet is generous, with plenty of hot and cold options:

Made-to-order eggs and omelets (or ready-made scrambled eggs if you’re in a hurry)
Crispy bacon, sausage, and breakfast potatoes
Oatmeal with all the toppings (brown sugar, raisins, nuts, fruit)
Fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, and cereal
Strong coffee and juices to fuel a morning hike

The best part? If you time it right, you can snag a seat by the windows and actually see Old Faithful geyser erupt while sipping your coffee. It’s hard to top that.

Dinner Buffet

Dinner at the Inn feels a little more formal but still family-friendly. The dinner buffet has a rotating menu, but you can usually expect a mix of hearty house specialties and crowd-pleasers:

Carved meats (roast beef, pork, or turkey depending on the night)
Regional fish dishes (we saw trout featured more than once)
Pasta or casserole options
Fresh salads and seasonal vegetables
A selection of breads and soups (often with a Yellowstone-inspired touch)
A dessert spread that always drew a crowd: cakes, pies, and sometimes even cobblers

We found the quality to be solid. This dinner is certainly better than you’d expect from a national park service buffet, and it was so nice to just head downstairs after a long day exploring. Pro tip: dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want to eat during peak eruption times for Old Faithful.

Casual Dining Options

Bear Paw Deli: Great for grabbing sandwiches, pizza, or coffee on the go. Perfect if you’re heading out early for a hike.
Ice Cream and Coffee Shop: If you’re traveling with kids, this was a lifesaver. We loved sitting outside with an ice cream cone, waiting for the next geyser eruption.
Bar and Lounge: If you’re traveling without kids, the lounge offers drinks and lighter fare in a relaxed setting.

Between the dining room, snack bar, and general stores nearby, you’re never far from something to eat or drink. That said, food in the park isn’t cheap, so budget accordingly.

Tips for Dining at Old Faithful Inn

A few things we learned from eating here multiple times:

Make dinner reservations as soon as you can. Even though you’re staying onsite, the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room fills up quickly. Book before your trip, or check with the front desk as soon as you arrive.
Time your meals with the geyser. If you can, snag a table near a window during predicted eruption times. Watching Old Faithful geyser blow while you eat is unforgettable.
Breakfast is easier to get into. The breakfast buffet doesn’t usually require reservations and is the smoothest option for families.
The deli gets busy mid-day. If you’re planning to grab lunch from the Bear Paw Deli, aim for off-peak times (before 11:30 AM or after 1:30 PM) to avoid long lines.
Budget for park pricing. Meals are hearty and convenient, but they’re priced higher than you’d pay outside the park. Still, the convenience of eating where you sleep is worth it.
Save room for dessert. The dinner buffet’s dessert station is a kid favorite, and I’d argue just as much fun for the adults.

Atmosphere and Extras

A few more things that make staying here memorable:

Lofty Lookout / Widow’s Walk: At the top of the hotel, there’s a lookout deck that used to be open for viewing Old Faithful eruptions. Access is now restricted for preservation, but even knowing it exists adds to the lore.

Live Music: Depending on the night, you may hear live piano or string performances in the dining area or lobby.
Free tours of the Old Faithful Inn. This is really great if you are into history or architecture.

Check out some of the guided tours you can reserve. We went on the Twilight on the Firehole tour and it was fantastic!

Programs: Families can take advantage of the Junior Ranger Program at the nearby Old Faithful Visitor Center, just a short walk from the Inn.

Practical Considerations

Here are a few things to know before you book:

Seasonality: The Old Faithful Inn operates roughly from early May to October. It closes in the winter season, unlike the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, which stays open.
Parking: There’s a large parking lot in front of the Inn, but it can fill up quickly during the day with day-visitors.
Rooms Are Rustic: Don’t expect luxury hotel standards. Think hotel room basics with historic charm. Hot water can take time, and walls are thin.
Available Onsite: There’s no TV, Wi-Fi is limited, and cold water comes straight from the park system. But honestly, that’s part of the experience.
Nearby Services: A gas station, snack bar, and additional general stores are within walking distance.

Note: When we stayed here in 2021 the internet was not great. When we stayed in 2025, the internet was much better. So, it won’t be blazing fast, but it does exist. Yeah for modernization!

Comparing to Other Yellowstone Lodging

If you’re still deciding, here’s how the Old Faithful Inn compares to other Yellowstone National Park Lodges:

Old Faithful Snow Lodge: More modern, stays open in winter, but lacks the historic charm.
Canyon Lodge: Better for exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, but far from Old Faithful.
Grant Village: Near Yellowstone Lake, quieter, but you’ll miss the geyser action.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Located at the north entrance, this lodge is great if you want easy access to wildlife in the Lamar Valley or the travertine terraces, but it’s a long drive from the geysers.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins: A stately, elegant choice on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Perfect if you prefer lake views and a more refined atmosphere, but you won’t have the same geyser-side convenience.

If your top priority is being at the heart of the action with a chance to fully soak up the geyser basin atmosphere, the Inn is the winner.

Who Will Love the Old Faithful Inn

First-time visitors who want the full Yellowstone experience
History buffs who love historic preservation and staying in historic hotels
Families who want easy access to the geysers without extra driving
Couples looking for a unique, romantic lodge stay

Final Thoughts: Is Old Faithful Inn Worth It?

For me, the answer is a big yes, with a caveat. Staying in the Old House rooms without a private bath may sound romantic, but in reality, I much prefer the East or West Wing rooms with their own full bathroom. Having that convenience after a long day of hiking is worth every penny.

The price tag is higher than other Yellowstone lodging, but you’re paying for location and history. Being able to walk out of your room and see Old Faithful geyser erupt under the stars, or to wander into the hotel lobby and sit by the massive stone fireplace, is priceless.

If you want a great place to stay that combines history, location, and atmosphere, the Old Faithful Inn absolutely delivers.

If the cost makes you blanche but you still want the experience of staying here, I would suggest staying at Old Faithful Inn 1-2 nights and then balancing that with a cheaper lodging option inside the park or outside the park.

Old Faithful Inn FAQ

Does Old Faithful Inn have air conditioning?
No. Like most lodging in Yellowstone, the Inn does not have air conditioning. Nights are cool even in summer, but rooms can get warm in the afternoon. Opening the windows usually helps.

Can you see Old Faithful geyser from your room?
Only a handful of guest rooms and suites have partial geyser views. Most rooms do not directly overlook Old Faithful, but you’re just steps away from the boardwalk and the viewing area.

What’s the difference between the Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Old Faithful Lodge Cabins?

Old Faithful Inn: The historic, iconic lodge with the famous towering lobby and massive stone fireplace. Best for atmosphere and history buffs.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge: A modern hotel open year-round, with more contemporary amenities.
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins: Rustic cabins (some with private bathrooms, some without) that are more budget-friendly but still right by the geyser.

When is the Old Faithful Inn open?
The Inn typically opens in early May and closes in early October. It is closed during the winter season.

How do I get a room at Old Faithful Inn?
Book as far ahead as possible: 13 months in advance through the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website. Rooms often sell out quickly, especially in summer. Cancellations do happen, so check back often.

Does Old Faithful Inn have a restaurant?
Yes, the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room serves a breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner buffet. There’s also the Bear Paw Deli, an ice cream and coffee shop, and a bar/lounge onsite. Dinner reservations are highly recommended.

Are the Old House rooms worth it?
The Old House rooms are located in the original, historic wing of the hotel. They’re charming, but most don’t have a private bathroom. For more comfort, book in the East Wing or West Wing where you’ll get a full bathroom.

Is Old Faithful Inn family-friendly?
Yes! You’ll see lots of families staying here. Kids especially love the ice cream shop, the string quartet performances in the lobby, and being able to walk right outside to see geysers erupt.

Old Faithful Inn Review: Is This Historic Yellowstone Lodge Worth the Stay?

The Location: You Can’t Beat It

The Historic Charm

Rooms: What You Should Know Before Booking

How to Get a Room at Old Faithful Inn