There are a lot of vacation lodging options. Let’s review the most common ones, and we’ll include pros and cons to help you find the best arrangement for your next trip. Plus, we'll add the best places to stay in Jackson Hole. Note: The distinctions between categories sometimes run together, and some places to stay will be called one thing when they probably fit more cleanly being called some other thing.
Hotels
What is it?
What most people think of traditionally when they think of travel: multi-story buildings with large numbers of rooms; room entrances face into the hallways of buildings.
Pros:
Relatively consistent in knowing what kinds of amenities are provided: you can expect a mini fridge, extra blankets/pillows, and perhaps an iron and ironing board in your room. In the hotel you can usually expect laundry facilities, vending machines, and complimentary breakfast. You receive easily replaceable key cards at front desks for access to your room.
Cons:
Hotel quality can vary widely, and hotels can be some of the more expensive lodging options. Sometimes the overall experience can be sort of bland.
Highly rated options in Jackson Hole:
The Wort Hotel, Hotel Jackson
Motels/Inns
What is it?
Like hotels but with fewer amenities and are only 1- or 2-story buildings. They are usually accessed from the outside.
Pros:
Less expensive than hotels. They can have more privacy than a hotel in that you enter your room from the outside. Like hotels, you usually have a decent idea of what you’re going to get as far as basic amenities. Motels are also more likely to lean into the local vibe or character of the city.
Cons:
Motels often have lower budgets than hotels and thus can have lower cleanliness standards and sometimes be in various states of disrepair. Motels vary widely in overall quality, from a very comfortable place to stay to dirty and poorly maintained.
Highly rated options in Jackson Hole:
Flat Creek Inn (of course, but we are, in fact, rated very well), 4 Winds Motel
Vacation rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo)
What is it?
A relatively recent entrant into the lodging industry, vacation rentals are usually privately owned houses or portions of houses offered up for visitors to stay. Vrbo differs from Airbnb in that you don’t have lodging inside a family’s home--alongside them, for example. Whether meeting your host(s) is a pro or a con depends on the person, so we’re including that detail here.
Pros:
You never quite know what you’re going to get. Sometimes (especially if you do good research), you can get a quiet and highly unique place to stay in a very pretty place. You can receive a lot of amenities, like video games or a kitchen, that you wouldn’t receive with most other lodging options.
Cons:
You never quite know what you’re going to get. (It can be a bad thing too.) Instead of homey, you can get homely. Fees can often be added to the price you are shown. A degree of cleaning is often required before you leave.
Highly rated options in Jackson Hole:
Hostels
What is it?
Lodging where rooms, bathrooms or both are shared with strangers. More common in Europe and other portions of the world than in North America.
Pros:
Perfect if you’re a lone wolf, free spirit, or with a group of friends seeking adventure. It’s a great way to meet others traveling. It’s also a less expensive option.
Cons:
Generally, it’s low on amenities. Your privacy can be very limited. Sleeping arrangements may not be cushy.
Highly rated options in Jackson Hole:
Cache House, Teton Hostel Hideaway
Resorts
What is it?
Lower capacity lodging with many amenities, accommodations, and activities.
Pros:
More personalized experience, with many aspects of your trip taken care for you, sometimes including preplanned events. Often very luxurious.
Cons:
Usually the most expensive of all the options. Activities might be shared with other guests staying at the resort.
Highly rated options in Jackson Hole:
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Snow King Resort
Campgrounds
What is it?
Does this count as lodging? We aren’t sure, but we’re including it. Camping can be done in a tent, yurt, or RV, depending on the level of comfort or isolation you prefer.
Pros:
As long as it’s allowed, you can camp anywhere. It is the most inexpensive option.
Cons:
Least luxurious option. Not cushy or overly comfortable. No amenities.
Highly rated options in Jackson Hole:
Gros Venture Campgrounds, Jenny Lake Campgrounds
Growing up, Dillon could see the Grand Teton from his house on a clear day. His family took him to nearby national parks so often that he took the parks for granted. It took the rigors of life to teach him how good he had it, and he now spends as much time in the mountains as possible.
Photo by Matthew Smith on Unsplash
