Top 10 National Park Hotels for Unforgettable American Adventures
Few experiences rival the thrill of exploring America’s national parks. There’s something humbling about being standing so close to nature’s raw power. The United States is home to towering mountains and geological wonders. Where else can you gaze at pristine lakes and lock eyes with wildlife in their natural habitat? Each visit feels like stepping into a real-life nature documentary — raw, breathtaking, and unforgettable.
But let’s be honest: after a long day of hiking, wildlife spotting, and taking way too many photos of other-worldly landscapes, who wants to sleep in a lumpy sleeping bag in a cramped, leaky tent.
That’s where these incredible hotels and lodges come in.
Situated right in the heart of some of the most stunning national parks in the U.S., these accommodations boast rustic charm and all the modern necessities we’re accustomed to. They provide cozy beds, delicious meals, and jaw-dropping views.
Let me take you on a tour of ten of the best places to stay in America’s national parks:
1. The Ahwahnee Hotel – Yosemite National Park, California
If Yosemite is a world wonder and the crown jewel of America’s national parks, then The Ahwahnee Hotel is its royal palace. Built in 1927, This iconic lodge oozes history and grandeur.
Its massive stone fireplaces, stained-glass windows, and high wooden beams will make you feel like you’ve arrived at a luxurious mountain retreat. The hotel sits in the Yosemite Valley and offers the best views of the park’s most popular landmarks, including Half Dome and Glacier Point.
Staying here, you will feel like a 1930s Hollywood starlet who’s escaped the chaos of the City of Angels to commune with nature. Sip your morning coffee on a private balcony and watch the peach and golden sunrise slowly illuminate majestic cliffs.
In the evenings, dine in the grand hall, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the changing hues of the valley. The combination of history, comfort, and nature makes The Ahwahnee a must-visit for any Yosemite traveler.
2. Old Faithful Inn – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Envision yourself immersed in nature. You wake up, step outside your hotel room to see a steaming geyser erupt right in front of you. That’s what you get at Old Faithful Inn, a legendary lodge in the National Park System.
This comfy-cozy, log-style lodge, built in 1904, is a masterpiece of “Parkitecture.” It features an enormous stone fireplace, handcrafted wooden beams, and a multi-story lobby that’s out of a fairy tale!
Staying at this inn is your very own time travel adventure, where the lack of modern distractions – think in-room TVs and Wi-Fi – encourages you to embrace the natural wonders surrounding you.
Spend your afternoons exploring bubbling geysers and nearby colorful hot springs. Then return to sip a cocktail (or two) on the sprawling deck as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.
3. El Tovar Hotel – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Perched right on the edge of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, El Tovar Hotel boasts front-row seats to one of the most awe-inspiring views on Earth. Since opening in 1905, this elegant lodge has hosted famous guests like Theodore Roosevelt and Albert Einstein, and once you open the door to your room, you’ll see why.
The European-inspired architecture, cozy lobby, roaring fireplace, and rich wooden interiors create a warm and inviting atmosphere. At El Tovar, your morning ritual can involve grabbing a cup of coffee and stepping out onto the veranda as the sun rises and casts its light on the canyon walls.
The El Tovar dining room serves gourmet dishes, and nothing beats savoring a succulent steak while overlooking one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
4. Glacier Park Lodge – Glacier National Park, Montana
Few places capture the rugged beauty of the American West, such as Glacier National Park, and Glacier Park Lodge is a terrific place to experience it.
Built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway, this grand lodge greets visitors with towering Douglas fir columns in its massive lobby, lending it a stately yet welcoming ambiance. Enjoy exploring the park’s famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, spotting grizzly bears and mountain goats, and hiking through meadows teeming with wildflowers.
After an exhilarating day in the wilderness, kick back on the lodge’s expansive porch, sip wine, and watch as the alpenglow casts a warm reddish or soft pink glow on the mountain peaks.
5. Zion Lodge – Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is known for its towering red rock cliffs, canyons, and scenic trails. And there’s no better place to soak it all in than Zion Lodge.
As the only in-park hotel, it offers a rare chance to experience Zion’s splendor without the nearby town of Springdale’s tourists and crowds. Stay in a cozy cabin, which features a charming front porch perfect for sipping morning coffee while watching deer graze nearby.
The best part? Hitting the trails early before the park gets busy. You can experience what it’s like to hike The Narrows and then return to your cabin to relax on the lawn with a book.
6. Crater Lake Lodge – Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Sitting majestically on the edge of one of the deepest lakes in the world, Crater Lake Lodge has one unforgettable view.
The rich blue waters of Crater Lake are so mesmerizing they look unreal, and having a front-row seat to this natural wonder is an experience you soon won’t forget.
Stone fireplaces, wood-paneled interiors, and a cozy atmosphere lend this historic lodge a rustic elegance. The hiking trails around the lake offer stunning viewpoints.
In addition to hiking along the rim, you can take boat tours to Wizard Island.
7. The Oasis at Death Valley – Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley just might be the hottest place on Earth, but The Oasis at Death Valley provides a luxurious escape from the desert heat. This upscale resort features a refreshing, spring-fed pool, lush gardens, and fine dining under a star-studded sky.
Surrounded by the desert’s silence while floating in the warm pool at night under the dazzling Milky Way above is one of the most surreal experiences of a lifetime.
By day, explore the Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes before retreating to your comfortable, air-conditioned room. This is desert luxury at its finest.
8. Many Glacier Hotel – Glacier National Park, Montana
This Swiss-style lodge sits right on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. It has postcard-perfect views of Glacier National Park’s jagged peaks.
Wake up early, grab a kayak, and paddle out onto the glassy water, amidst mountains that look too perfect to be real.
In the evening, you can enjoy live music by the lobby’s fireplace and feel entirely at peace in this remote wilderness paradise.
9. Paradise Inn – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Found at the base of Mount Rainier, Paradise Inn is as dreamy as its name suggests. Launched in 1916, this lodge sits in a meadow bursting with wildflowers in the summer and deep snowdrifts in winter.
At Paradise Inn, hiking trails lined with alpine flowers, chasing waterfalls, and marveling at the glaciers that drape Mount Rainier’s massive peak are some activities you can count on enjoying.
The cozy, rustic atmosphere of the inn — complete with stone fireplaces and handcrafted wooden furniture — is a fantastic retreat after a long day of adventure.
10. Volcano House – Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Volcano House in Hawai’i is perched on the rim of Kīlauea Caldera. A destination for the explorer in you, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where you can awaken on the edge of an active volcano. This hotel has views of one of the most geologically active places on Earth.
Watch the mesmerizing glow of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater from the comfort of your room. By day, explore the park’s surreal landscapes, including lava tubes, steaming vents, and rainforests.
Return to the lodge’s restaurant at night, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while gazing out at the smoldering crater.
