Where to Stay in Jackson Hole (4 Best Places, By a Local)

 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is a valley located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming. It’s bordered to the west by Grand Teton National Park and to the east by the Gros Ventre Range. The two primary hubs of activity in Jackson Hole are the town of Jackson and the ski area, Teton Village, which is nine miles away.

Jackson

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Downtown Jackson Hotels: Rusty Parrot Lodge • The Virginian Lodge • The Cloudveil • Cache House

What makes Jackson unique is its old-fashioned, small-town appeal, combined with the hustle and bustle of a destination summer and winter resort. It’s the perfect place for first-time visitors to stay. 

Jackson’s town square is the hub of activity for visitors. It can be accessed through massive antler arches (pictured above) and opens onto an inviting grassy area that’s perfect for picnics. Shoppers wandering the wooden boardwalks will find western art galleries alongside t-shirt and souvenir shops. 

A short walk from the town square is The Virginian Lodge, which is an excellent option for families. It has plenty of on-site amenities like restaurants, a pool, and spa. There’s even bunk beds for the kiddos. 

Blocks off the main square, is my #1 hotel pick, the Rusty Parrot Lodge. It’s located in a quieter neighborhood that retains its peaceful, residential feel. An abundance of restaurants and bars are all within easy walking distance, including the rooftop lounge at The Cloudveil, which offers views of Snow King Mountain Resort, with night skiing in winter and a half-mile-long Alpine slide in summer. 

Budget-minded travelers should consider a stay at the Cache House. It is a stone’s throw from the Jackson rodeo, which is every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night!

Pros of Staying in Jackson:

• Easy walking distance to shops and nightlife
• Majority of restaurants nearby 
• Alpine Slide, Western shoot out on the town square, and the rodeo!

Cons of Staying in Jackson:

•  A lot of hustle and bustle
• Nature is close, but not right outside your door

Teton Village

👉 Best Area For Active Travelers | ✨ Best Teton Village Hotels: Four Seasons Resort • The Hostel • Teton Club

Teton Village is the base area of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This is where I recommend staying for active and adventurous travelers. 

In winter, Teton Village offers an upbeat apres-ski vibe to fun-sters who want the exhilaration of skiing at one of the nation’s best resorts. In summertime, the slopes transform into dynamic mountain bike trails, peaceful hiking paths, and stunning views at the summit, accessible via the aerial tram, which cruises directly over the Teton Club. 

Private homes and condos are tucked up into the trees throughout the village, while the majority of hotel lodging borders the base area. Great burgers and shopping can be found at the Mangy Moose Saloon and Emporium, which is a short walk from my top budget hotel pick, The Hostel. 

On the other hand, consider the Four Seasons Resort if you’re looking for modern comfort and luxury. Here, guests will have a range of amenities from ski rentals and lessons to a spa and on-site restaurants. You’re sure to have a cozy, comfortable stay. 

Pros of Staying in Teton Village:

• Skiing, hiking, biking, and nature right outside your door
• Beat the crowds driving from town for the first tracks in winter!
• Activities and restaurants are all within easy walking distance

Cons of Staying in Teton Village:

• You will want a rental car to check out town 
• Hotels and condos are very pricey
• Fewer options for dining and nightlife
• 17 miles from the airport

Teton National Park

👉 Best Area For Nature Lovers | ✨ Best Teton National Park Hotels: Jackson Lake Lodge • Jenny Lake Lodge • Signal Mountain Lodge

I once overheard a woman complain to her companion that she didn’t understand the appeal of Grand Teton National Park. “After all,” she said, “you just drive by and look at them.” Boy, was she misinformed! 

Teton National Park is a playground that covers approximately 484 square miles, offering vacationers the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature… but on steroids. 

At the north end of the park, rustic and historic lodging options such as Jackson Lake Lodge or Signal Mountain Lodge provide visitors with spectacular bases for endless hiking and wildlife viewing. These accommodations are also perfect for mountain climbing novices to experts, and guided float trips on the Snake River. 

Jenny Lake Lodge, located closer to the town of Jackson, offers guests a similarly unique Western experience. Surprisingly enough, all of the lakes in the park have water warm enough to swim in! Even at an elevation of 7,000 feet. 

Pros of Staying in Teton National Park:

• Spectacular vistas – After all, it is a National Park!
• Wildlife at your door, and sometimes in your cabin
• A unique western US experience not found anywhere else in the world

Cons of Staying in Teton National Park:

• Nightlife consists of a card game with your family (or nightlife is almost nil)
• You will definitely need a rental car
• The short summer season creates problematic booking unless done WAY in advance

Jackson Hole (North)

👉 Best Area For a Western Experience | ✨ Best Jackson Hole (North) Hotels: Triangle X Ranch • Togwotee Mountain Lodge • The Hatchet Resort

Looking for a Western Experience? Look no further than Jackson Hole (North). Think horseback rides, s’mores around a campfire, and stars galore.

This is the area to stay if you want to be close to nature and visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife is especially abundant in this part of Jackson Hole, from coyotes howling in the evening to the distinctive call of Sandhill Cranes. 

I recommend staying at a dude ranch, which is a unique type of lodge known for its rustic, Western appeal. These types of accommodations offer seasonal opportunities to ride horses, snowmobile, cross-country ski, or visit Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. 

Book a stay at Triangle X Ranch for authentic Western experiences and breathtaking natural surroundings. It’s the only remaining guest ranch within Teton National Park.

Note that Triangle X Ranch and Togwotee Mountain Lodge close their doors and shutter their windows at the end of September, opening again in December. 

Another accommodation choice is Hatchet Resort, a quaint cluster of cabins and a tiny restaurant nestled at the base of Togwotee Pass. It’s also seasonal, though, and reopens in May after the spring runoff and what locals call “mud season.”

Although I recommend the abovementioned properties for getting a true Old West experience, the majority of properties in town remain open during the “off-season” after summer. 

Pros of Staying in Jackson Hole (North):

• Access to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park
• Truly the Old West experience
• Many pet-friendly properties
• Spectacular views

Cons of Staying in Jackson Hole (North):

• Rustic means rustic, and many properties are antiquated with paper-thin walls
• You will definitely need a car
• Far from town and the airport
• On-site dining options are the only option… for miles

Tips for Staying in Jackson Hole

Rent a Vehicle

If you are flying into Jackson, consider renting a car. Many hotels and lodges offer transportation to and from the airport, and a regular bus service is available between Jackson and Teton Village. However, there are numerous wonderful activities and sights to see, but they are scattered throughout the valley. You will want four-wheel drive in the winter. 

High Fashion in Jackson Hole

Sandals during the day and cowboy boots at night are the norm in this mountain community. High heels only get stuck in the cracks of the boardwalk — trust me, I speak from experience!

Layering is also a good idea, as the temperature fluctuation from day to evening can vary significantly. 

Maintain a Distance from Wildlife

Jackson Hole is home to a fantastic amount of wildlife. While they may seem approachable and fluffy enough to pet, wildlife refers to undomesticated and unpredictable animals. Take photos, but do so from a distance.

Explore Over the Hill

The small communities of Victor and Driggs, Idaho, are located on the “quiet side of the Tetons” and offer a glimpse of what Jackson was like 20 years ago. 

If you want to explore here, consider staying at Grand Targhee Ski Resort on the western slopes of the Teton Range. It offers powdery ski runs in winter and a fantastic Blue Grass Festival in the summer. 

Don’t Forget About Sunblock and Hydration

At 6,400 feet, the sun can be particularly harsh on the skin. I cannot stress enough the importance of using sunblock, whether you’re hiking, skiing, or rafting. Hydration at this elevation is also crucial, especially before hitting the nightlife scene.

FAQs about Jackson Hole

What are the best areas to stay in Jackson Hole for first-timers?

The town of Jackson is the ideal destination for first-time visitors. There are numerous options for winter and summer activities, as well as an abundance of shopping and nightlife within walking distance.

What are safe areas to stay in Jackson Hole?

I cannot say crime is non-existent in Jackson Hole, but it is minimal. Once upon a time, I would park my car, throw the keys on the floor mat at my feet, and head off to whatever activity. I lock my car now, but I still feel safe walking anywhere, day or night, alone.

What are the best parts of Jackson Hole to stay on a budget? 

Unfortunately, Jackson Hole has become quite pricey for the budget-minded traveler. The Hostel and Cache House are among the most affordable options available. Alternatively, if you’re up for camping, the Gros Ventre Campground, located near Kelly, Wyoming, is close to the town of Jackson.

What are the best parts of Jackson Hole to stay for an extended stay?

Jackson is the best place to stay for an extended trip. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family, Jackson is centrally located for a multitude of activities. From town, there is easy access to the national parks to the north, Teton Village and Wilson, Wyoming, is situated on the west bank of the Snake River, or a short drive south to swimming holes and hot springs.

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Jackson Hole is truly “like no place on Earth.” Planning your trip well in advance will ensure that you have a wild time in the Old West. I’ll see you on a saddle at the Cowboy Bar!

Up next, read my guide to the 23 must-do activities in Jackson Hole.