Hotel Yellowstone in Jackson, Wyoming: Review

Welcome to Checking In, a new review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best new (and revamped) luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.

In three words: Breathtaking, all-encompassing tranquility.

What’s the deal?
The first thing you’ll notice about Hotel Yellowstone isn’t the hotel at all: It’s the Teton Mountains, a jagged, majestic cluster that you can see, clear as day, from the property grounds, with a wide, green valley stretching out at the range’s feet. Then, you’ll notice just how quiet the hotel grounds are. it’s the sort of serenity that only Mother Nature can bring, a mind-quieting stillness that lets you bask in the wilderness before you.

And that’s exactly what the folks behind Hotel Yellowstone wanted out of their 36-suite property. Touted at the adults-only hotel in Jackson, Wyoming (where millionaires and billionaires are flocking, thanks to a lack of state income tax), the resort opened its doors in August of this year to welcome guests to its luxe locale. Everything here is modern with a slight dash of that Western fun—think black and neutral colors mixed in with plush, furry seating and pops of light wood, reminiscent of a moose’s antlers. A fun perk? Breakfast is included in your stay at the lovely Olivia’s Restaurant reach morning (try the Berries Sensation smoothie—the perfect way to fuel up before you head out to conquer the national parks).

An entrance to the Grand Teton National Park is a mere 15 miles away, with Yellowstone National Park sitting 60 miles from the hotel’s door (and the quaint town of Jackson is a mere 4.9 miles down the road). You could, of course, explore the terrain on your own, but Hotel Yellowstone also has you covered with an array of activities, thanks to its partnership with local outfitter Backcountry Safaris. Take the Curated Yellowstone Wildlife Safari ($2,000 for a private tour for two people) to hit all the highlights the park has to offer—the ever-dependable Old Faithful, the colorful Grand Prismatic Springs—and enjoy a picnic along Firehole River, a journey that’s customizable to your must-see list. Or perhaps you’d like to indulge in a little fly-fishing at a private ranch via the Curated Snake River Float and ATV Tour Excursion ($3,050 for two people) and then scurry on over to an AV adventure through 2,000 acres of wilderness—and see those breathtaking views from a new angle.

If you feel like staying a little closer to home (re: your suite), the property offers up a heated indoor pool with more insane views of the Tetons, a gym, and a spa, which is a welcome respite after a day of travel or exploring. Here, your options range from a relaxing therapeutic massage, which melted my stress away and left me smelling like fresh air, to a red-light therapy sauna experience. And a trip to the spa may (hopefully?) help you keep your cool if you happen to stumble across any wildlife—bears and moose and bison, oh my!—during your stay. A staff member told us that, two weeks prior, a mama grizzly and her cubs were stumbling around the valley right near the resort. Here, nature is your backyard, after all.

The best room: Each suite here is set up in a cluster of four rooms: Think of miniature houses dotting the property, each with two separated accommodations on the lower level and two on the upper. But the best spot is filled by the Grand Teton Suite (from $1,999 per night). Though each suite at Hotel Yellowstone is a 600-square-foot, indoor/outdoor stunner, only this room gives you completely unobstructed views of the Tetons beyond, while other accommodations are set further back on the property, offering you vistas of the mountains and the hotel’s small pond. Custom RH furniture adorns each space, along with a chic sitting area, a gas fireplace, and—the star of the show—a private balcony, which, with these stellar views, is hard to top. Of course, the sight during the day is spectacular, but take a pit-stop at your room before dinner to see the real star of the show: the sun setting over the Tetons, illuminated the mountain range in a golden halo and turning the sky a lovely shade of lavender.

And in the Grand Teton Suite, as well as the others, everything is controlled digitally. And I mean everything. The only time you have to lift a finger is when you’re pressing a button on the room’s iPad, which is the master behind the TV, the lights, the room service, and everything else that’s up for grabs in your space. Even the fireplace is controlled by a switchpad on the wall, but don’t worry about leaving it on—it turns off automatically after 20 minutes, meaning you can fall asleep in your cozy, king-sized bed worry-free. As for the freestanding tub, the Nespresso machine, and the custom B&B Italia closets, those are just the cherry on top.

The Rundown 

Did they greet you by name at check-in?
Not only was I greeted by name at check-in, but also any time I stepped foot into the main lobby. The whole process of snagging your room key is very casual affair, since there’s no official front desk. Instead, you join your host on a lush chair while they go over the resort’s info, making the experience seem much more personal.

Welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived? (Bonus point if it wasn’t just fruit juice) Forget just a welcome drink (though the property has a delightful huckleberry lemonade waiting for you when you arrive, in addition to a slew of coffees, teas, and, of course, water. Reminder about those pesky elevation changes—stay hydrated, folks!) Hotel Yellowstone serves up an entire spread for you, including muffins and cookies galore. And, when the clock hits 4 p.m., the offerings turn more happy-hour-esqe, with wine and other light bits on offer for you to sit back and enjoy on a spacious deck.

Private butler for every room? No butlers to be found here, but the staff was perfectly polite. And they gave fabulous trips and tricks on what to see and do in the area.

Is the sheet thread count higher than 300? 300 on the dot, in fact, courtesy of Frette’s oh-so-cozy Sateen Mercerized Cotton sheets. It’s the perfect respite after a day of trekking through national parks.

Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet? 
Here, you’ll find a heated Calcutta-marble floor (that’s toasty all year round), a Toto bidet, and a towel warmer perched on the wall—you can’t really get better than that for cozy mountain living. Another touch worth mentioning: the lights below the vanity are motion-activated, so you could make a late-dash to the bathroom without turning on a dozen bright lights and jolting your partner (and you) out of dreamland and into reality.

Are the toiletries full-sized?
Byredo’s Gypsy Water will be the scent of your stay at Hotel Yellowstone—besides that crisp mountain air, obviously. The fragrance has a touch of pine, with a strong sandalwood and amber undercurrent that pairs well with your surroundings. You’ll have full-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at the ready, as well as some miniature versions of you feel like taking a dip in the oversized tub (which we recommend whole-heartedly). And, as the icing on the cake, the hotel even offers up some Byredo bath salts to enjoy while soaking in those vistas (and soaking in the bath) from one of the best perches in the suite.

Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use?
You may not get a private pool, but you can still enjoy a heated dip in the hotel’s negative-edge pool, located off the main lobby. The area has expansive retractable windows, so you can feel that mountain air on your face while staying nice and toasty under the water. And you can see those wonderful Tetons while you float—because, of course.

Is there caviar on the room-service menu? 
While you can enjoy in-room dining from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., you won’t find caviar on this menu. If you’re craving seafood, try out the lobster tempura, which had just the right amount of crunch and three delicious sauces to pair with it (the duck sauce was my dip of choice); our waiter told us it’s a guest favorite, and it’s easy to see why.

Is the restaurant worth its salt? Oh, Olivia’s: Whether you’re popping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the cuisine here will not disappoint. The short rib bao is a delightful shared plate, and the chef’s Wagyu Cut of the Day (in our case, filet mignon) was cooked to perfection. The house-made brioche buns are also worth snacking on while you wait for your apps to arrive. And, no surprise, the eatery has plenty of windows for you to take in that Tetons view no matter what time of day it is.

Do you want to spend Friday night in the lobby bar?
There’s a small bar area attached to Olivia’s, that’s clad in comfy, light-hued couches, black accents, and a marble bar, where you can grab a drink before you saunter over for dinner. It’s not exactly a rip-roaring scene, but then again, Jackson itself doesn’t scream nightlife. (Most places in town close by 9 or 10 p.m.) After all, your reason for saying here is to enjoy the great outdoors, and Olivia’s views certainly help you do just that. This bar brings you peace, not a party, after a long day exploring, and we’re more than okay with that given the setting. We’d recommend the Huckleberry Mountain, a Grey Goose–based cocktail that, thanks to that aforementioned huckleberry, is just the right combination of tart and sweet.

Would you buy the hotel if you could?
You’re getting completely unobstructed views to the Tetons and the Snake River Valley here, folks. So, based on location alone, Hotel Yellowstone is worth any price tag, especially if you’re a nature lover like me who’s longing to see some of the U.S’s finest features. Once you throw in the delicious food, the spacious suites, and that free-standing soaking tub, it’s really a done deal.

The Verdict

At Hotel Yellowstone, you can get away from it all while still having it all. The rest of the world—and your worries—seem rather small with the Tetons looming in the distance; the resort truly is a place for you to turn off your mind and simply enjoy the nature in front of you. And the hotel has paired that tranquility with top-end luxury, from the roomy suites to the lavish amenities to the delectable food. Plus, its proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks can’t be beat, whether you choose to venture off on your own or let the management coordinate your activities. Really, what more could you ask for on your grand Wyoming adventure?

Rates: From $1,499, including breakfast (in-room breakfast is an additional cost).

Score: 8

What Our Score Means: 
1-3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here. 
4-6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch. 

7-8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms. 
9-10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?