Old Faithful Inn — Inside the Park Hotel

I’m glad we managed to spend a night at the Inn. The room was basic, but the bed and pillows were really comfortable, and the shared public spaces felt relaxed and welcoming. The gift shop is lovely and has a lot to offer, and we enjoyed the restaurant and bar too. Old Faithful is literally steps away. Staying here is VERY expensive, so plan your budget well ahead.

We were in room 224, which had no bathroom or shower. We knew that ahead of time, and they were just down the hall, so that part was no big deal. The walls are paper thin, though, and we could hear the people next door talking and snoring. It was a great value for a really cool place. Just hope your neighbors aren’t loud.

The check-in went smoothly, and our room was ready with the accommodations we expected. After that, things went downhill. We chose this lodging partly because the Old Faithful Dining Room required reservations and was supposedly available only to hotel guests. Our table was at 8 p.m., after the dinner rush, but service was still a mess. We ordered drinks, appetizers, and entrees together. The entrees came before the drinks and appetizers, so we sent them back. The appetizers then arrived, including lukewarm soup and salad. The cheese curds were the only thing served piping hot. When the entrees came back, they seemed to be the same ones left under a heat lamp, not freshly made. The manager insisted they were fresh, but the burger buns were rock hard and dried out, and the mashed potatoes and meat were cold, so we sent them back again. With reservations required and few late-night options, we asked to be sent to the Obsidian Lounge. Food was delayed there too, with the kitchen short staffed and management showing little urgency. This was our first Yellowstone visit, and we’d hoped staying in the park would save us driving time. The room and easy check-in were the high point. The dining experience was extremely disappointing and made the place feel like it had just opened, even though it was opening for the 2026 season. Don’t waste your time or money.

From the front portico, the building looks like it needs cleaning and maintenance. The hotel is historic and has the makings of a special place, but it doesn’t live up to that. We expected no Wi-Fi and the charm of a shared bathroom. We didn’t expect so few staff or such significant maintenance problems. The young employees do what they can, but it isn’t enough. Room prices are high, while the company operating this and other park hotels is making a killing. I’d stop by to watch Old Faithful and take a few pictures, then stay somewhere else.