A Review of the Best Western Plus’ The Lodge at Jackson Hole

18 Dec A Review of the Best Western Plus’ The Lodge at Jackson Hole

Themes.  I love the idea of indulging in whatever a particular region is best known for.  When I was offered the opportunity to be the guest of the Best Western Plus’ The Lodge at Jackson Hole, images of a dense forest, roaming deer and pristine lakes flowing over jagged rocks popped into my head.

I was certainly getting used to the idea of how great the Best Western brand was turning out to be after my sweet revelation in Sedona, Arizona.

One common theme regarding the buildings in Jackson Hole was that they were mostly timbered facades of varying shades of the seven colors each was limited to.  The city proper is rather densely populated with businesses meant to attract tourists, so nothing is too far out of reach to walk or take a short drive to.  So, I was surprised it was so easy to find the Lodge even though it was slightly hidden off the main drag.

Pulling up to the hotel’s parking lot, I was amused by how closely it mirrored what my minds-eye had conceived.  It was huge, surrounded by pines as far as the eye could see.

The marquee had a half-life-sized mama bear watching over her cub perched atop which added to its clever tribute to my wild west fantasy.  The hotel resembled the typical log cabin type lodge that you would find sitting at the crest of a mountain top.

The sun glowing in the distance seemed to welcome us after our long journey.  We found a spot close to the entrance and as we walked to the lobby we came to the realization that this hotel was being overrun by a host of furry creatures:

On the way to report this travesty to the management, I had to pause for a second at the foyer to admire the old western feel of it.  The chandlier with its amber glow was made of elk antlers, the leather bound overstuffed seating was bulky enough to give anyone who sat there great comfort.

We spied several hunter’s trophies mounted proudly on the wall and with some irony we were not afraid, in fact, we would have been let down if they weren’t there.  To our immediate left, just before reaching the front desk, was a small sundry/souvenir shop.  Right across from the front desk to the right was an expansive  staircase  leading to the second of the three floors just past the requisite fireplace.

As enticing as it was, we opted for the elevator just behind it since we’re not into dragging luggage up stairs regardless as to how beautiful it looked.  If you continue to walk ahead, you would run right into the dining room where we ate breakfast each morning.

I was slightly disappointed in the breakfast selections….I think I was spoiled by what another BW hotel offered for their breakfast.  It was mostly cold food and the lone hot selection was a mixture of scrambled eggs and sausage.  There were plenty of beverages…coffee, tea, orange, apple and cranberry juices.  The dining room was spacious with several televisions wisely stationed to entertain the guests who don’t like to speak to one another while eating.  The menu never changed from day to day but you never left hungry so that’s really all that matters.

We made our way up to our room on the second floor to unpack and we were pleased to see how clean, crisp and cool our room was.  It definitely met BW’s high standards and the room was kept immaculate every day.  The hotel offered free wi-fi as do the rest of the Best Western brand.  I will say that it was strangely silent at night which accounts for the blessed and amazing sleep that I enjoyed during my stay.

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When we weren’t out flyfishing, whitewater rafting, going to rodeos or riding stagecoaches, I took some time out to check out the hotel.  Adjacent to the front desk was a computer station, so I made a mental note to do my airline check in and print my boarding pass there.  On the opposite end of the hallway was a pretty decent laundry room which came in handy when we were running out of clothes.

Right next to the side exit was the entrance to the indoor pool. It had to be Olympic sized or at the very least it was the largest pool I had seen.  There were no outdoor pools, I would think it’s because it would be a bear to maintain when you get hundreds of inches of snow each year.

Final analysis: I really had a great time while staying there. Though I was a little disappointed in the breakfast and there was a small housekeeping issue with the carpet on the staircase landing that I noticed as we finally set foot on it, it was a very pleasant experience. I think the issues were minor and nothing that a little carpet shampooer and a rotating menu couldn’t solve. Overall, it was a peaceful respite from some very hectic and adventurous days. The desk clerks were genial, helpful and extremely courteous. I think their customer service is one of their greatest strengths.

Full Disclosure: While staying in Jackson Hole, WY, I was a guest of the hotel management. However, my review was and always will be my honest opinion of my stay there.

Visiting Jackson Hole? Make a reservation at:

The Lodge at Jackson Hole
80 Scott Lane
Jackson, WY 83002
Toll-Free: 800.458.3866
[email protected]

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