The 9 Most Romantic National Park Lodges in America
The national parks of both the United States and Canada exemplify the two nations' commitment to preserving the iconic wild beauty that is abundant in North America. From the swamps of the Everglades, to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, and down to the vast deserts of the Southwest, the options are nearly endless for outdoor adventurers of all kinds.
Accommodations for travelers have served to be almost as important as the parks themselves, and over the last 100 years since the dawn of the automobile, a massive service industry has sprouted up in and around many of these wonderful protected areas. Although many opt to stay the night in the towns and cities near the parks, many feature their own lodges to accommodate visitors within park boundaries.
Let's take a look at some of the most iconic national park lodges and see what has made so many visitors over the years romanticize them alongside the parks themselves.
Old Faithful Inn - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Built in 1904, the Old Faithful Inn is a prime example of "parkitecture," a rustic architectural style that blends well with its natural surroundings. This is demonstrated by the lodge's primarily wooden structure and cottage-like appearance, designed to make you feel as if you're in your own wilderness cabin during your stay.
The lobby, with its soaring log construction, handcrafted details, and towering stone fireplace, evokes a sense of stepping back to when the building was first built. It should also be mentioned that the Old Faithful Inn is the world's largest log structure, a cool fact to share with your friends when you get back home.
Accommodations range from historic rooms to modern options with private baths, providing choices for a variety of budgets. Guests can also dine at the on-site restaurant, which features many regionally inspired dishes.
Situated near the iconic Old Faithful geyser, this lodge offers you a chance to experience Yellowstone National Park's geothermal wonders just steps from your accommodations.
El Tovar Hotel - Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Perched on the more developed South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, the El Tovar Hotel has welcomed visitors since 1905. Designed in a blend of Mission Revival and Swiss Chalet styles, reflecting both the Spanish influence in the area dating back centuries and the classic Swiss lodges found in Europe at the time.
The hotel has 78 rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated and sized to suit different budgets and guest needs. Many rooms offer stunning views of the massive Grand Canyon right from their windows or balconies, making them some of the best spots to watch the sunset or sunrise over this huge geological marvel.
Dining at the El Tovar Dining Room is another highlight, with dishes inspired by local ingredients and the area's multicultural heritage. The hotel also serves as an obvious gateway to exploring the canyon, with trailheads and scenic viewpoints just steps away.
As a National Historic Landmark, El Tovar is one of America's most cherished lodges in one of its most visited parks.
Ahwahnee Hotel - Yosemite National Park, California
Renowned for its architecture that fits in nicely with the towering rocky walls of the canyon around it, the Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927, is Yosemite Valley's most luxurious amenity. This National Historic Landmark seamlessly integrates stone, wood, and glass to frame breathtaking views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point for all of its visitors.
The hotel offers 121 rooms, including luxurious suites and cottages. When it comes to food, guests can dine in the lodge's grand dining room, a space characterized by soaring ceilings, large windows, and ornate woodwork.
Sought after for its rich history, the Ahwahnee has hosted presidents like John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and several other notable names, adding a touch of prestige to its already luxurious wilderness setting.
Fairmont Banff Springs - Banff National Park, Alberta
Located within the world-famous Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs is often referred to as the “Castle in the Rockies” due to its grand, castle-like architecture in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Built in 1888, the hotel sits at the base of Mount Rundle and wows guests with its exceptional views of the nearby mountainscapes, forests, and the Bow River.
The hotel offers luxurious rooms, suites, and a variety of dining options, including fine dining at the 1888 Chop House, tailored for higher budgets. Its central location provides easy access to Banff, which also features numerous luxury shops, outfitters, and restaurants.
Outdoor activities are obviously another highly sought-after reason to visit Banff, with wonderful landmarks, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon nearby, along with countless trails for both hiking and horseback riding.
Winter sees just as much business as the warmer months, with some of the most loved ski hills sitting nearby, namely Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort.
It is also highly recommended that you spend some time unwinding in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Willow Stream Spa, or just a short drive away at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Zion Lodge - Zion National Park, Utah
Situated within Zion National Park in southern Utah, Zion Lodge provides direct access to the park’s stunning sandstone cliffs and red rock valleys. Originally built in 1924 and rebuilt in 1966 after a fire, the lodge maintains its rustic charm while offering modern comforts in this somewhat remote area of the country
Zion Lodge is the only lodging inside the park, offering a rare chance to enjoy Zion’s beauty during quieter times in this normally busy park at almost any time of year. Guests can choose from hotel rooms, cabins, and suites, many with private porches to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings in the morning, evening, or whenever they like.
The on-site Red Rock Grill serves hearty meals, and the ability to dine outdoors here will offer you views of the surrounding canyon walls while you refuel.
Hiking trails like Emerald Pools and The Grotto are just a short walk away, making it an ideal base for exploring the park.
Crater Lake Lodge - Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Overlooking the crystal clear waters of Crater Lake, Crater Lake Lodge has been a centerpiece of the park since 1915. Perched on the rim of the caldera, the lodge is near some of the stunning vistas over the lake’s deep blue waters and the surrounding cliffs formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.
The lodge has 71 cozy rooms designed to blend with the natural setting using wood and other natural materials. Guests can unwind in the Great Hall by the large stone fireplace or take in panoramic views from the outdoor terrace.
Like many national park lodges, this one's dining room emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, offering a menu that celebrates the flavors of the lush Pacific Northwest.
With its unmatched location, Crater Lake Lodge also serves as an ideal starting point for hiking, boat tours, and road trips around the rim's circumnavigating highway.
Many Glacier Hotel - Glacier National Park, Montana
Resting on the banks of Swiftcurrent Lake, Many Glacier Hotel is certain to provide you with an authentic alpine experience in the heart of Glacier National Park. Built in 1915 by the tracks of the Great Northern Railway, the lodge’s Swiss chalet design fits in perfectly with the rugged peaks and glaciers that surround it.
Sometimes referred to as the “Gem of the West,” Many Glacier Hotel combines its rich history with access to some of the park’s most breathtaking landscapes. Nearby activities include boat tours, guided hikes, and wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of bears, moose, and mountain goats.
The hotel features 214 rooms, offering a range of accommodations, some with private balconies overlooking the lake and/or mountains. In this remote area of Montana, the Ptarmigan Dining Hall and the Swiss Lounge are some of the only dining options, but they are renowned for their quality, with dining rooms that also feature great views over the nearby lake.
Flamingo Lodge - Everglades National Park, Florida
Flamingo Lodge, located at the southernmost point of Everglades National Park, offers an immersive experience in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Although not the prettiest-looking lodge on this list, it is one of the only indoor accommodations within this massive east coast national park.
Originally opened over 40 years ago, the lodge has since been reimagined with eco-friendly rooms that bring visitors close to the park’s extensive waterways and wildlife in both the Everglades and the nearby Gulf of Mexico.
Here, you can rent kayaks or take guided boat tours to explore the park’s mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and the vast Florida Bay. It’s common to spot manatees, dolphins, and various bird species, including the distinctive roseate spoonbills gathering nearby.
Fishing is another popular activity in this part of Florida, with both freshwater and saltwater species found in the waters near the lodge.
The area around Flamingo Lodge also includes a visitor center, marina, and dining options (at the aptly named Flamingo Restaurant), ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the remote beauty of Florida's wildest park.
Prince of Wales Hotel - Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
The Prince of Wales Hotel was built in 1927 and stands as a striking landmark on a bluff overlooking Waterton Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park. Known for its dramatic, windswept location, the hotel is a hotspot for panoramic views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and the village of Waterton below.
The lodge’s distinctive alpine design contains steep gables and timbered details, evoking a unique European style that is often found in mountainous parks like this around the world. Inside, the lobby impresses with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the nearby scenery.
Accommodations feature 86 rooms, a dining area, and the Windsor Lounge, a classic English-style pub. Guests frequently enjoy afternoon tea in the Royal Stewart Dining Room, a tradition that has continued since the hotel’s opening.
With its proximity to world-class hiking trails, boat cruises, and wildlife viewing areas, the Prince of Wales Hotel provides a memorable stay. Its storied history as a favorite lodge among royalty and its cultural relevance in Canada has also helped lead to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Get the Best Out of Your Next National Park Adventure
Although many of the selections on this list are not particularly budget-friendly, the convenience, beauty, historical value, and all-around luxury they offer can enhance your national park trip. From views of some of America's most iconic natural landmarks to upscale dining options, staying at any of these romantic lodges will likely create memories that last a lifetime.
A piece of advice, though - many of these accommodations also require booking well in advance due to their popularity. Start planning your next national park vacation now!
