Home » National Parks » Yellowstone National Park » Old Faithful Inn Review: Is Staying at Yellowstone’s Iconic Lodge Worth It?

Our Quick Verdict

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5) Our rating reflects our honest Old Faithful Inn Review based on our stay in 2016.

Best for: Couples, history lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to stay steps from Old Faithful.

Not ideal for: Travelers wanting large modern rooms or luxury amenities.

Old Faithful Inn is all about location and atmosphere. The room was small but incredibly cozy, and on a cold, drizzly day, stepping into that warm space with a clawfoot tub full of bubbles felt like pure luxury. It’s not fancy, but it’s got soul—and you can’t beat walking out your door to see Old Faithful geyser erupt.

Why We Chose This Hotel

We wanted to be right in the heart of Yellowstone without spending every morning fighting for parking at the geyser basin. The lodge’s history and that massive stone fireplace also drew us in—we’re suckers for old park lodges with character. The fact that we could step onto the balcony and watch geysers from there sealed the deal.

Location: Steps From Old Faithful

Hands down the best part. You’re steps away from the Old Faithful viewing platform and the entire Upper Geyser Basin trail network. We watched eruptions multiple times a day without ever getting in the car. At night, the boardwalks are quiet and lit just enough to feel magical. If you’re here for the geothermal features, you literally cannot do better.

Interior view of the Old Faithful Inn featuring a large stone fireplace, wooden benches, and rustic timber beams, with warm lighting and large diamond-patterned windows.

Our Room

We chose the Old House Room with Bath – 1 Queen, one of the smaller historic rooms in the lodge. Yes, it is cozy, and travelers should know the historic rooms were designed during a different era when rooms were much smaller than today’s hotels. However, that’s also part of the charm. If you prefer more space, Old Faithful Inn does offer larger room categories and suites.

Amenities at Old Faithful Inn

The big central stone fireplace in the lobby is a showstopper—we camped out there with coffee and watched the rain through the windows. There’s a gift shop, a cafeteria-style dining room, and a bar area. Wi-Fi exists but is spotty (honestly, kind of a relief). No mini-fridge or microwave in the room, so plan accordingly.

What We Loved

  • That clawfoot tub after a long day of hiking in the cold
  • Waking up and walking two minutes to watch Old Faithful erupt from the platform
  • The lodge’s old-school charm—creaky floors, rustic beams, history everywhere
  • Sitting by the fireplace at dusk with a drink and zero phone reception
A vintage bathroom featuring a white freestanding bathtub with claw feet, chrome fixtures, and beige subway tile walls. Two white towels hang above the tub, and three dark bottles sit on the wall.
After hiking through Yellowstone on a cold, rainy day, soaking in this clawfoot tub became one of our favorite parts of staying at Old Faithful Inn.

Things to Know

The dining room was the weakest part of our stay. It can feel crowded during peak meal times, buffet lines may be long, and we found the food to be average rather than memorable. We also noticed several guests carrying bear spray indoors, including in the dining room. While bear spray is an important safety item in Yellowstone, it was surprising to see it brought into the restaurant.

Also, parking can be tight during peak hours, and the rooms don’t have A/C (not usually an issue in Yellowstone, but worth noting).

Is It Worth the Price?

For us, the historic room was worth it because we were choosing the experience of staying inside one of Yellowstone’s most iconic lodges. If you prefer extra space and modern conveniences, the larger room categories and suites may be a better fit.

Our Final Thoughts: Old Faithful Inn Review

Old Faithful Inn isn’t trying to be a five-star resort, and that’s exactly why we loved it. It’s humble, historic, and perfectly positioned for exploring the geyser basin. The room was small but warm, the tub was a dream, and the fireplace became our evening ritual. Just skip the dining room and bring your own snacks—or at least brace yourself for the bear spray crowd.

Note: Our Old Faithful Inn Review is based on our stay in 2016. Room layouts, amenities, and policies may have changed since our visit, so we recommend checking current details before booking your stay.

Person smiling behind an "Old Faithful Geyser" sign at Yellowstone. The geyser erupts in the background, surrounded by a cloudy sky and greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Faithful Inn

Q: Does Old Faithful Inn have air conditioning?

A: No, Old Faithful Inn does not have air conditioning. Like many historic lodges inside Yellowstone National Park, the rooms were built before modern cooling systems were common and rely on fans and natural ventilation instead. Honestly, we didn’t miss having AC. Even during summer, Yellowstone’s high elevation means evenings can cool down significantly, with nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 40s and 50s. Opening the window and using the fan was more than enough to keep the room comfortable during our stay.

Q: Are the rooms at Old Faithful Inn small?

A: Some of the historic rooms are smaller compared to modern hotels, which is part of the charm of staying in this iconic Yellowstone lodge. We stayed in the Old House Room with Bath – 1 Queen, which was cozy but comfortable. If you prefer more space, Old Faithful Inn does offer larger room categories and suites.

Q: How far in advance should you book Old Faithful Inn?

A: If you want to stay at Old Faithful Inn, especially during the busy summer season, it is best to make reservations as early as possible. The historic rooms and popular room categories can fill quickly because the inn is one of Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic places to stay. We recommend checking availability well in advance and booking directly through the official Yellowstone lodging website.