Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn is a seasonal historic hotel in Yellowstone’s Old Faithful developed area. You can visit the public lobby without staying overnight, and its six-story timber hall makes this more than a place to sleep. The Inn sits beside the geyser basin, so it’s an easy add-on while you’re already at Old Faithful.

The central room rises beneath a steep roof, with log balconies stacked above a huge stone fireplace. Look for the handcrafted clock made from copper, wood and wrought iron, then notice the gnarled lodgepole pine worked into stairways and window details. For a photo, include the fireplace below the balconies so the stone and timber show together.

Architect Robert Reamer used rhyolite from the caldera in the foundation and local lodgepole pine for the walls. The rough materials give the building its wilderness character, while the handworked details make it feel carefully finished. When the Inn opened in 1904, candle-like electric lights and radiators powered by a steam generator brought modern comforts to the remote hotel.

The Upper Geyser Basin’s earlier hotel burned in 1894. Railroad-backed financing funded its replacement, which opened in 1904. The east wing followed in 1919 and the west wing in 1927; the Inn became a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Its name comes from the nearby Old Faithful geyser.

The Inn has a full-service dining room, the Bear Paw Deli for sandwiches, salads, snacks and ice cream, and the Bear Pit Lounge for drinks and a small menu. The dining room has a grand log interior but no geyser view. Plan ahead for dinner; day visitors can ask the host stand about same-day openings. There’s also a gift shop and public restrooms.

The hotel operates seasonally, so check its current dates before planning an interior visit. Rooms vary: some Old House rooms share bathrooms, and the Inn has no air conditioning or Wi-Fi. Check the specific room type before booking if a private bath, cooling or internet matters. Guest rooms are for overnight guests; day visitors can enjoy the public lobby and dining areas.