By Matt Gibson
If one thing can be said of Wyoming's hotels, it's that they have a character that can't be found anywhere else. Although they vary greatly in style and price, most of Wyoming's hotels have a homey western atmosphere. The hotels included in this review are no exception.
The White Buffalo Club + Cellars Restaurant
The White Buffalo Club is one of Jackson's newest luxury hotels. Opened in 2008, this hotel has one of the country's few 100% USDA Prime steakhouses, a top-notch fitness center, and a luxurious spa, which make it a difficult hotel to leave. Rooms are spacious with a unique design. I particularly enjoyed the indoor/outdoor fireplace, which can be enjoyed both in the sitting area and on the balcony.
The Cellar Restaurant is a favorite with locals and serves the best rib eye that this reviewer has ever eaten.
Snake River Lodge and Spa + Gamefish Restaurant
Set in an enormous log-style building at the base of Jackson Hole (it's one of the few hotels where you can ski to the door), the Snake River Lodge and Spa intimately mixes Wyoming's pioneer past with AAA Four-Diamond luxury sensibilities. This recently remodeled lodge's new owners have been upgrading and improving on what was already one of Teton Village's finest hotels. Although the rooms are cozy and the spa is world-class, we most enjoyed relaxing in the outdoor hot tub -- which sits beside the heated indoor/outdoor pool -- enjoying the beverage service.
Also given a recent makeover, the hotel's Gamefish Restaurant, blends the area's western history with urban luxury. The award-winning wine list offers accompaniments for unique and savory dishes such as Braised Bison Oxtail and Miso Glazed Utah Steelhead Trout.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge + Obsidian Dining Room
Not to be mistaken with the historic Old Faithful Inn (which is closed in the winter), the Old Faithful Snow lodge is a newer, but no less impressive, log structure that stands just yards from it's predecessor and the sight that everyone goes there to see, Old Faithful. The lodge has accommodations of varying types, including cabins, and also offers snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals for those who wish to venture into the park.
As one of the few facilities for visitors in Grant Village, it's important that that the lodge offer a variety of amenities, including good food service. The largest restaurant in the lodge is the Obsedian Room. The Obsedian Room has a short, but varied, menu that caters to pretty any but the most exotic dietary requirements. The service is surprisingly fast for a restaurant of such a large size, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is cozy. I particularly enjoyed the sausage sampler plate, featuring sausages made of various kinds of local game.
Follow Roundup blogger Matt Gibson this winter as he shares the best of Wyoming’s adventures. Matt is a freelance adventure travel writer, photographer and blogger. For more adventure travel goodness, check out Matt's Blog.