There are numerous ways to experience the 61 national parks. Many visitors spend less than a day in the park— often the experience is limited to scenic overlooks on suggested park driving routes. We suggest spending at least a few days by booking a historic lodge and immersing yourself in everything the park has to offer. To follow this advice, it’s time to start planning your summer vacation for 2020, especially if you want to stay in one of the iconic National Park Lodges. Today, we feature five lodges that should be on your bucket list.
Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake Lodge was constructed in 1915 to accommodate visitors to Crater Lake National Park. The lodge is in Rim Village, next to the Rim Village Visitor Center. A stay at the hotel affords you panoramic views of stunning Crater Lake Caldera. The view is spectacular from the back deck of the lodge while relaxing in a rocking chair 1,000 feet above the lake. The lodge conveniently located near Crater Lake Village and the main Visitors Center.
Accommodations: The lodge is open May through October and has 71 modern rooms, all with private baths. Room options include standard lodge, deluxe lake view, and loft rooms. The Great Hall is a gathering place for many visitors of the park. The dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and overlooks the southwest rim of the crater. There is a small exhibit area off the lobby that outlines the history of the national park and Crater Lake Lodge.
Reservations: The lodge is owned by the National Park Service and operated by Crater Lake Hospitality.
El Tovar
Grand Canyon National Park
El Tovar opened in 1905 and is 100 yards from the Grand Canyon Depot— both were built by the Santa Fe Railway. The lodge is one of the historic buildings in the Grand Canyon Village, close to the Verkamp Visitor Center. The lodge was once owned by the Fred Harvey Company and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, the historic El Tovar retains its rustic charm and is widely considered the crown jewel of the Historic National Park Lodges.
Accommodations: The lodge is open year-round and has 78 rooms, many of which are suites. Due to the historic nature of the hotel, no two rooms are alike, giving the hotel distinctive charm. There are 12 hotel suites, each one with a unique name, identity, and decor. Choose from rooms with one double bed, one queen bed, two queen beds, or one king bed. Every room has a private bath.
The El Tovar lobby is stunning. The main floor also has a fine dining room, lounge, gift shop, and newsstand. Relax by the fireplace in the evening with your family and discuss the next day’s activities.
Reservations: El Tovar is operated by Xanterra Travel Collection.
The Awahnee Hotel
Yosemite National Park
The Ahwahnee Hotel, opened in 1927, is a grand architectural gem in Yosemite National Park. The lodge is in the Yosemite Valley area of the park and was designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. Just a short distance from the lodge is Yosemite Village and the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and Amphitheater.
Accommodations: The lodge is open year-round and has 97 rooms, parlors, and suites, each accented with original Native American designs. There are also 24 cottages behind the main building. Choose from standard hotel rooms, junior suites, hotel parlors and cottages. The Ahwahnee Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The lodge offers a gift shop, sweet shop, lobby bar, and a heated outdoor swimming pool.
Reservations: The lodge is operated by Aramark, the primary concessionaire of Yosemite National Park.
Old Faithful Inn
Yellowstone National Park
The Old Faithful Inn was built in 1904 by the Yellowstone Park Company, which was affiliated with the Northern Pacific Railway. The inn is located in the Old Faithful Historic District and is the largest log hotel in the world. Due in part to its proximity to the world famous Old Faithful Geyser, the inn is one of the most popular lodging options at Yellowstone National Park. The inn is considered the queen of rustic hotels in the US National Parks.
Accommodations: The inn is open from May to October and has 327 rooms, including newly renovated suites and premium rooms that combine old-fashioned charm and modern amenities. Choose from Old House rooms, standard rooms, premium rooms, junior suites, and suites. Some of the rooms do not have private baths, so confirm your room type upon reservation. The inn features a log and limb style lobby with an impressive 500-ton stone fireplace. The first level of the inn also features a gift shop, fine dining room, and a cafeteria & bake shop.
Reservations: The Old Faithful Inn is operated by Xanterra Travel Collection.
Paradise Inn
Mount Rainier National Park
The Paradise Inn opened in 1917, built by the Mount Rainier National Park Company. The historic hotel is in the Paradise Historic District of Mt. Rainer National Park near the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. The four-story timber frame inn was closed for two years, reopening in 2008 after a $20 million structural overhaul. Another $24 million renovation to prevent seismic activity from shifting the structure was completed before the 2019 season. Both kept the historic integrity of the building intact.
Accommodations: The Paradise Inn is open from May to September and offers 121 guest rooms. Choose from original historic rooms, annex rooms, annex guest rooms, annex two-room units, and annex suites. Some of the rooms do not have private baths, confirm your room type upon reservation. The lobby level incudes the Paradise Inn Dining Room, Tatoosh Cafe, and gift shop.
Reservations: The inn is operated by Guest Services, Inc.
Travel Tip: The National Parks are very special places to visit and the lodges we highlighted are unique and extraordinary for many reasons. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance, while each of the operating companies and properties have different reservation procedures. Rooms with views and larger suites book very quickly. Lodging in the National Parks can be limited, especially during the peak travel season. Plan ahead, be patient, and enjoy your historic national park experience.
