Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park

A word about Jackson Lake Lodge. This is a national historic site, built in the ‘50s , typical of National Park lodges of the day. There is a main lodge, with a huge lobby and picture windows overlooking a vast meadow, Jackson Lake, and the Tetons. And there are 2 kinds of “cabins” where most people stay. There is the single story with front porches out to the road where your car is parked, and there is the 2-story with balconies or patios out back – some looking over a meadow between here and the main road (ours) and some with the same view as the main lodge (the ones we wish we had). There is also a pool and shops and 3 restaurants (one is the bar).

The lobby is amazing. Huge 2-story thing with massive picture windows. People are sitting everywhere in comfortable couches and chairs. There are some benches up by the window and a back patio area with some tables. And you don’t see that when you first walk in. You check in downstairs with no view, and then walk up the stairs to get this stunning vista. I have watched people from all countries sit playing games, talking, sleeping, working (playing) on their computers (good wireless there) and generally milling around. It’s fun to see new people come up and just stare.

You can see the wildlife from inside the lobby in the evening, or you can walk out to the patio area. So far all we’ve seen are elk and cranes, but they talk of seeing moose, bear, and other wild things.

Our room is a spacious second story room with a tall ceiling, a king bed, and the balcony overlooking some wilderness area. The one night we heard, but didn’t see moose strolling by. It has all the modern conveniences except for wireless internet and a TV. Apparently it is tradition at national parks not to have a TV since you’re supposed to be there communing with nature.

All in all, I have been very very happy staying here. It’s expensive, but I expected it to be and it isn’t as expensive as I expected. There’s a free shuttle that’ll take you to some Colter Bay or Jenny Lake, or even into Jackson. Nice people, comfortable room, great public space.