
Old Faithful Inn
Best for visitors who want to stay inside the park, be within walking distance of Old Faithful, and experience a historic, unplugged lodge.
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Old Faithful Inn is a landmark log lodge inside Yellowstone National Park that suits travelers who want historic atmosphere and direct access to Old Faithful. Best Western Desert Inn is a recognizable chain hotel in West Yellowstone for travelers who prefer a familiar, convenient base just outside the park.
Updated · about 30 miles (≈48 km) apart

Best for visitors who want to stay inside the park, be within walking distance of Old Faithful, and experience a historic, unplugged lodge.

Best for travelers who want easy access to the West Entrance, predictable chain-hotel amenities (free breakfast, indoor pool), and a room with microwave/refrigerator options.
When Old Faithful Inn wins: choose Old Faithful Inn if being inside Yellowstone and steps from Old Faithful, plus the historic log-lodge atmosphere, are your priorities.
When Best Western Desert Inn wins: choose Best Western Desert Inn if you need a town-base near the West Entrance with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and standard accessible rooms and services.
Bottom line: Old Faithful Inn is about the location and historic experience inside the park; Best Western Desert Inn is the convenient, chain-hotel alternative in West Yellowstone with more typical hotel amenities.
| Category | Old Faithful Inn | Best Western Desert Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic national-park log lodge with intentionally 'unplugged' rooms and a large rustic lobby. | Familiar midscale chain-hotel feel with practical rooms and amenities. |
| Location | Inside Yellowstone National Park, a short walk to Old Faithful and the Visitor Education Center. | In West Yellowstone town, a short drive to the park's West Entrance. |
| Size (rooms) | About 327–329 rooms across the Inn. | 74 guestrooms. |
| Operating season | Seasonal (typically early May–mid October). | Year-round hotel (listing does not specify seasonal closure). |
| Rooms — tech & features | Rooms intentionally lack TVs, radios, air conditioning, and in-room internet; some historic rooms have shared bathrooms. | Rooms include refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and Wi‑Fi; many room types listed with microwave/refrigerator options. |
| Pools / signature amenity | No pool, hot tub, or spa on site. | Indoor pool on site. |
| Restaurants & bars | Old Faithful Inn Dining Room (historic dining room, buffet/service), Bear Pit Lounge, Bear Paw Deli, 2nd-floor espresso bar. | No signature on-site restaurant listed; complimentary full breakfast included and vending; exact on-site restaurant names not published in supplier listing. |
| Wellness / spa | No spa or fitness center on site. | No spa published in listing; fitness center not listed. |
| Accessibility | Most areas are elevator accessible except the first floor of the West Wing; some rooms not fully accessible. | Wheelchair-accessible registration desk and accessible rooms available (some roll-in shower options listed). |
| Known for | Proximity to Old Faithful geyser and historic National Historic Landmark building. | Convenient town location near West Entrance, free full breakfast, and indoor pool. |
Old Faithful Inn sits inside Yellowstone, steps from the Old Faithful viewing area and the Visitor Education Center.
If your priority is immediate park access and geyser viewing, Old Faithful Inn's location is the main reason to stay.
Best Western Desert Inn is in downtown West Yellowstone, minutes from the park’s West Entrance by car.
Best Western Desert Inn is a practical choice if you want town conveniences and easy drive-in access to Yellowstone.
Old Faithful Inn rooms preserve a historic, low-tech experience—many lack private baths or modern electronics.
Expect historic character and fewer modern in-room conveniences at Old Faithful Inn.
Best Western Desert Inn offers standard chain-hotel room types with microwave, refrigerator, and accessible options.
If you want in-room microwave/refrigerator and predictable room features, Best Western delivers.
Old Faithful Inn offers multiple on-site food and drink venues centered on the historic Dining Room.
Old Faithful Inn provides the on-site dining experiences you need while remaining inside the park.
Best Western Desert Inn includes a complimentary full breakfast and vending; no named signature restaurant is published in the supplier listing.
Best Western is convenient for quick mornings and town dining options but does not publish a historic, full-service on-site restaurant.
Old Faithful Inn has no pool, hot tub, or beach area.
If a pool or spa is essential, Old Faithful Inn is not the right fit.
Best Western Desert Inn has an indoor pool and rooftop-like pool sun-loungers listed in the amenities.
Best Western Desert Inn is the better choice if you want an on-site pool.
Old Faithful Inn emphasizes quiet evenings, lodge lounges, and nearby natural activities rather than a spa or fitness center.
Choose Old Faithful Inn for quiet evenings and access to natural attractions instead of nightlife or wellness facilities.
Best Western Desert Inn provides standard hotel services and some accessible features; no spa is listed.
Best Western suits travelers who want basic wellness amenities and town nightlife within walking distance.

Old Faithful Inn — walk to Old Faithful and the Visitor Education Center.

Best Western Desert Inn — indoor pool, free full breakfast, microwaves and refrigerators in rooms.

Old Faithful Inn — national-historic-landmark log lodge with large rustic common spaces.

Best Western Desert Inn — downtown West Yellowstone address near restaurants, visitor centers, and the West Entrance.
Stay inside the park (Old Faithful Inn) if you want immediate access to Old Faithful and the park experience; stay in West Yellowstone (Best Western Desert Inn) if you want town conveniences and an indoor pool.
No — Old Faithful Inn intentionally does not provide in-room Wi‑Fi, TVs, or radios to preserve the historic, unplugged experience.
Yes — the Best Western Desert Inn is not adults-only, offers an indoor pool, and provides a complimentary full breakfast; room types include family-friendly options.
Best Western Desert Inn may be easier without a car thanks to town services, shuttle options, and proximity to visitor centers; Old Faithful Inn gives direct park access but requires planning for transport around the park.
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