Where is the best place to stay in Gardiner, Montana?
If you’re heading to Yellowstone National Park and want an authentic Montana gateway with epic views and genuine charm, Gardiner is a fantastic base. Located right at the park’s North Entrance, Gardiner gives you quick access to Mammoth Hot Springs and the scenic Lamar Valley, plus fewer crowds than West Yellowstone.
You’ll often find elk wandering through town, and there are hot springs nearby with stunning views of the Yellowstone River cutting through rocky hills.
Whether you’re visiting for hiking, wildlife watching, or a peaceful nature escape, Gardiner offers a cozy, welcoming home base.
I’ve rounded up the best Gardiner hotels, Montana, including rustic lodges, riverside cabins, and affordable motels, to help you find the perfect stay for your summer Yellowstone adventure.
Quick tip: The nearby North Entrance and road into the Yellowstone National Park are open all year, but summer is peak season! Hotels in Gardiner book up early (especially June–August), so make reservations as far in advance as possible for the best choices.
BEST HOTEL IN GARDINER, MONTANA
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best choice is the beautiful The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, Ascend Hotel Collection
Gardiner is laid-back and filled with charm. A quieter, more relaxed alternative to the park’s busier entrances. Whether you want luxury with a view, budget lodging, or family-friendly convenience, you’ll find it here.
Let’s take a look at the best Gardiner Montana hotels for your Yellowstone getaway.
Table of Contents
🏆 My Top 3 Picks: Best Hotels: Gardiner, Montana, USA
Looking for the best places to stay near Yellowstone’s North Entrance? Here are my top 3 picks:
🥇 THE RIDGELINE HOTEL
Best for: Travelers wanting comfort, amenities, and location — all in one sleek hotel right by the entrance.
Best for: Couples or small groups looking for quiet, scenic views and charming riverside cabins.
Best for: Families or longer stays — apartment-style suites with kitchens and room to spread out.
Comparison of the Top Hotels: Gardiner, Montana
| Name | Photo | Location | Why Book | Rating | BOOK NOW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ridgeline Hotel | | Town center (N Entrance) | Full-service hotel, pool, restaurant, modern vibe | ★★★★☆ | CHECK NOW |
| Yellowstone Riverside Cottages | | By the Yellowstone River | Quiet, scenic cottages with riverfront views | ★★★★☆ | CHECK NOW |
| Yellowstone Gateway Inn | | Town center | Spacious suites w/ kitchens, family-friendly | ★★★★☆ | CHECK NOW |
| The Roosevelt Hotel |  | Slightly outside town | Lodge-style comfort, peaceful and scenic | ★★★★☆ | CHECK NOW |
| Park Hotel Yellowstone |  | Historic downtown | Boutique feel with vintage touches | ★★★★☆ | CHECK NOW |
| Travelodge by Wyndham |  | Main road | Budget-friendly, clean, and convenient | ★★★☆☆ | CHECK NOW |
| Yellowstone Village Inn |  | Just outside town | Family-run, great views, indoor pool | ★★★★☆ | CHECK NOW |
| Yellowstone Big Rock Inn |  | In-town | Large rooms, balconies, and mountain views | ★★★★☆ | CHECK NOW |
| Absaroka Lodge |  | On the river | Affordable riverside motel with balconies | ★★★☆☆ | CHECK NOW |
| Antler Lodge Gardiner |  | North end of town | Clean, affordable, easy parking | ★★★☆☆ | CHECK NOW |
The Ten Best Hotels in Gardiner Montana USA
1. The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone
📍 Address: 905 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030
Modern, clean, and welcoming – this hotel has everything you need for a comfortable basecamp.
❓ Why stay here? It’s the only full-service hotel in Gardiner with an indoor pool, on-site restaurant, and gym. Plus, it’s less than a mile from Yellowstone’s North Entrance — location and comfort rolled into one.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Modern amenities, indoor pool, onsite dining, walkable location.
❎ The Worst Parts: Can book out early due to popularity.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Travelers who want full-service comfort and a polished hotel experience right by Yellowstone.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
2. Yellowstone Riverside Cottages
📍 Address: 521 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030
Charming cottages and suites right along the Yellowstone River.
❓ Why stay here? These peaceful riverside cottages offer quiet seclusion, gorgeous views, and a more homey feel — perfect for unwinding after a day in the park.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Tranquil setting, river views, charming interiors.
❎ The Worst Parts: Some units are smaller than standard hotel rooms.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Couples or nature-lovers looking for peaceful riverfront charm.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
3. Yellowstone Gateway Inn
📍 Address: 103 Bigelow Ln, Gardiner, MT 59030
Spacious suites with full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and living areas.
❓ Why stay here? You’ll get apartment-style space and flexibility — ideal for cooking meals, spreading out with kids, or staying several nights without feeling cramped.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Apartment-style layout, kitchens, great for families.
❎ The Worst Parts: No daily housekeeping unless requested.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families, small groups, or anyone who wants to self-cater while exploring Yellowstone.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
4. Park Hotel Yellowstone
📍 Address: 107 Main St, Gardiner, MT 59030
A small boutique hotel with just five rooms, this historic spot blends Old West character with thoughtful updates.
❓ Why stay here? It’s locally owned and full of charm, offering a more personal, quiet experience just steps from the Roosevelt Arch.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Boutique feel, vintage charm, quiet location.
❎ The Worst Parts: Fewer amenities (no pool or breakfast).
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Travelers looking for character and a locally owned stay.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
5. Yellowstone Big Rock Inn
📍 Address: 902 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030
Spacious, modern rooms with balconies and mountain views — a great mid-range option with a convenient location.
❓ Why stay here? The rooms are among the largest in Gardiner, with gorgeous views of Electric Peak, making this a solid choice for space and scenery.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Huge rooms, views, great for families.
❎ The Worst Parts: Limited extra amenities.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families or travelers who want comfort and space.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
6. Travelodge by Wyndham Gardiner
📍 Address: 109 Hellroaring St, Gardiner, MT 59030
A classic budget motel with clean, simple rooms and a great central location.
❓ Why stay here? It’s one of the more affordable options in town, with reliable brand-name standards and a short walk to restaurants and shops.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Budget-friendly, walkable to restaurants.
❎ The Worst Parts: Basic décor, limited amenities.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize value and location.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
7. The Roosevelt Hotel Yellowstone
📍 Address: 1014 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030
A newer lodge-style hotel with rustic décor, comfy beds, and a peaceful vibe.
❓ Why stay here? This is a quieter, less crowded option with lodge charm — great for a relaxing end to a day in Yellowstone.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Lodge feel, peaceful setting, good value.
❎ The Worst Parts: Slightly farther from downtown.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Couples or travelers who want a quiet, lodge-style escape.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
8. Yellowstone Village Inn and Suites
📍 Address: 1102 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030
Family-run, comfortable inn with clean rooms, friendly service, and great views.
❓ Why stay here? It’s warm, welcoming, and one of the only places in town with an indoor pool — a bonus if you’re traveling with kids.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Welcoming vibe, indoor pool, good for families.
❎ The Worst Parts: Rooms are basic but clean.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families or road-trippers looking for a friendly stay.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
9. Absaroka Lodge
📍 Address: 310 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030
Affordable motel-style lodging perched above the Yellowstone River, with balconies overlooking the water.
❓ Why stay here? The views from the private balconies are stunning, and it’s a great value for travelers wanting riverside scenery without the luxury price.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: River views, great value, walkable location.
❎ The Worst Parts: Dated interiors.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Budget travelers who want riverfront views without breaking the bank.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
10. Antler Lodge
📍 Address: 107 Hellroaring St, Gardiner, MT 59030
Simple, clean, and no-frills — but comfortable and convenient.
❓ Why stay here? It’s a straightforward, well-kept hotel with ample parking and a location just far enough from the main drag for peace and quiet.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Affordable, good parking, quiet location.
❎ The Worst Parts: Not much character or flair.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Travelers who want a basic, affordable crash pad near Yellowstone.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
Best Gardiner Hotels Map
Use this map to see where these Gardiner accommodations are in relation to each other:
Choosing a place to stay is a very important step in planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park, and I hope this guide is helping.
However, as I’m sure you’re very aware, this is just one thing of many to decide and do. The thing that most people ask me about is how to put it all together into an itinerary that actually makes sense. They decide where to stay, but still worry about how to minimize the crowds, what to do – and when – and how to coordinate it all.
To help take away the overwhelm of planning a trip to Yellowstone, I’ve created several super detailed itineraries.
Without them, people often feel stressed about planning their trip. With them, they have the confidence of getting all the info they need in one spot. Plus, there’s flexibility built in, so they can easily adapt them to their own interests and activity levels.
There are 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4- day options for Yellowstone National Park: all with detailed hour-by-hour schedules, including alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and everything else you need to make the most of your time in Yellowstone National Park.
Enjoy your stay wherever you choose!
More Planning Resources for Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Yellowstone National Park Guide
⭐ Yellowstone Itineraries
⭐ 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ How Many Days in Yellowstone National Park?
⭐ Guide To Camping In Yellowstone National Park
⭐ How to Visit Yellowstone in Winter
⭐ Best Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
⭐ The Best Yellowstone Scenic Drives
⭐ Lamar Valley Scenic Drive
⭐ Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park
⭐ 7 Best Easy Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail Guide
⭐ Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Visiting Yellowstone Throughout the Year
⭐ How To Get To Yellowstone National Park
⭐ All The Airports Near Yellowstone National Park
⭐ The Closest Airport to Yellowstone National Park
⭐ 10 Fun Facts about Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Best Books about Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Vacation Rentals Near Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Yellowstone Packing List
⭐ 21 Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
Do you have any other tip picks for the best places to stay near Yellowstone’s North Entrance? I’d love to hear about it. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
If you liked this article about the top hotels near Gardiner MT, Pin It to your Yellowstone, National Parks, or Hotels board!
💡 Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
‼️ Are you looking for helpful tips for visiting US national parks? Read articles that share useful tips on a range of national-park related issues
💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Read my Guide to Yellowstone National Park
📋 Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Yellowstone? Get a detailed 1 – 4-day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
🛏️ Are you looking for a place to stay in or near Yellowstone National Park? Find a vacation rental near Yellowstone National Park or ⛺ Find a campground inside Yellowstone National Park
💲 Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
📖 Do you want to read a book about Yellowstone National Park? Check out my Recommended Reading List for Yellowstone National Park
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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