Old Faithful Inn Cost Guide: Prices, Seasonal Rates & Booking Tips

Planning a visit to Yellowstone National Park often starts with the big question: Old Faithful Inn cost. This historic, log‑heavy hotel sits right on the edge of the world‑famous geyser basin, and its price tag can feel like a mystery, especially when you’re juggling travel dates, room options, and extra fees. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step breakdown of what you actually pay to stay at the Inn, how the rates shift through the year, and practical tips for squeezing the best value out of your Yellowstone adventure.

What Makes Old Faithful Inn Different?

Old Faithful Inn is a historic lodge located inside Yellowstone National Park, famous for its massive stone fireplace, hand‑crafted log architecture, and proximity to the Old Faithful geyser. Opened in 1904, it’s the largest log structure in the world and holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Because it’s operated by the National Park Service, the pricing model follows park regulations rather than a typical commercial hotel. That means rates are set by season, room type, and occupancy, and they include some native park fees that you won’t see at a city hotel.

How the Pricing Structure Works

The Inn’s rates are broken down into three core components:

1. Base Room Rate - varies by room category (e.g., standard, Dakota, or the iconic “Old Faithful Suite”).
2. Seasonal Adjustment - higher in summer (June‑August) and lower in shoulder seasons (May, September, early October).
3. Additional Fees - includes the mandatory Yellowstone accommodation tax (currently 7%), resort fee for internet and utilities, and optional extras such as meals or guided tours.

All rates are quoted per night, per room, and include tax where noted. The Inn does not charge per‑person fees for adults, but there is a small child surcharge for rooms with extra bedding.

Seasonal Rates and Room Types

Below is a snapshot of typical nightly rates for the 2025 season. Prices are averages; exact numbers can shift by a few dollars based on demand.

• Standard Rooms (2‑person occupancy): $280‑$350 in peak summer; $210‑$260 in shoulder season.
• Dakota Rooms (larger, 3‑4 person occupancy): $340‑$420 in peak; $260‑$310 in shoulder.
• Old Faithful Suite (luxury, 2‑person): $630‑$720 in peak; $530‑$610 in shoulder.

Peak season is defined as June1-August31. Shoulder season covers May1-May31 and September1-October15. The Inn closes for a brief maintenance period from early November through mid‑May, so rates for those months are not listed.

Room categories also differ by view and location within the Inn. For example, “lanai” rooms have a small private balcony overlooking the geyser basin, which adds roughly $30‑$50 to the base rate.

Extra Fees, Packages, and What’s Included

Understanding the add‑ons can prevent surprise costs at checkout:

• Resort Fee: $15 per night - covers Wi‑Fi, in‑room safes, and daily housekeeping.
• Meal Packages: Breakfast‑only ($12 per person) or Full‑Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner at the historic dining room for $45 per adult).
• Guided Geyser Tour: $35 per person - a 2‑hour walk led by a park ranger.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed in select rooms for a $25 per night surcharge.

All rooms include complimentary bottled water, a coffee maker, and a small fridge. The historic dining room serves classic American fare with a focus on local ingredients; you can also grab a snack at the front‑desk cafe without any extra charge beyond what you purchase.

How Old Faithful Inn Costs Compare to Other Yellowstone Lodgings

Many travelers wonder whether staying at the Inn is worth the premium. Below is a quick comparison of the most popular park‑run hotels for the 2025 season.

From the table, you can see that Old Faithful Inn sits toward the top end of the price range, mainly because of its iconic status and immediate geyser access. If the experience of waking up to an erupting geyser outweighs the extra $20‑$40 per night, many guests say it’s worth every penny.

Budget Strategies and Booking Tips

Even with a higher baseline, there are ways to keep the total expense manageable:

1. Book Early, Cancel Late: The Inn opens reservations 6 months in advance. Secure a room as soon as the window opens, then monitor the “My Reservations” portal for any price drops or cancellations that let you downgrade to a cheaper room type.
2. Stay During Shoulder Season: May and early September offer dramatically lower rates while still providing decent weather and shorter crowds.
3. Skip the Full‑Board Package: Bring a small cooler with snacks and use the free coffee/tea service. You’ll save $30‑$45 per night.
4. Use the Park’s Vacation Package: The Yellowstone Vacation Package bundles lodging, a limited‑entry pass, and a guided wildlife tour at a discount of roughly 10% off the combined price.
5. Consider a Shared Room: The Dakota rooms can accommodate up to four people. If you’re traveling with friends or family, splitting the cost can bring the per‑person price down to $80‑$100.

Finally, keep an eye on the official Yellowstone National Park website for flash promotions. During the 2023 “Family Fun Week,” they offered a 15% discount on all inn bookings made at least 30 days in advance.