Where to Stay Near Yellowstone: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone Review
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If you’re looking for a comfortable, convenient place to stay while exploring Yellowstone National Park, Kelly Inn West Yellowstone is a solid choice. We stayed here for two nights during our road trip and chose it mainly for one big reason: location. The hotel is just a 4-minute drive to the West Entrance of Yellowstone, which made early mornings and long park days much easier.
Even better, the hotel sits right in the heart of downtown West Yellowstone, so you’re within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, bars, gift shops, and even a McDonald’s right next door. After a full day in the park, being able to walk over for a quick and easy meal was a lifesaver.
Hotel Basics at a Glance
Room Type: Queen Room with 2 Queen Beds
Address: 104 South Canyon Street, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Check-in: 4:00 pm | Check-out: 11:00 am
Free Breakfast: Yes 🥐
Rate: $354/night (we used 57,298 Chase points + $111 cash, saving $598!)
Room Overview: Two Queen Beds
While I usually prefer a king bed, the two-queen room often comes in at a better price, and this one worked well for us. The room was spacious and functional, with plenty of surfaces and storage to spread out after long days of exploring.
The beds were what I’d call mid-range comfortable. Not luxurious, but not uncomfortable either. Each bed had four pillows, which I always appreciate. Across from the beds was a small dining table with sturdy wooden chairs, continuing the lodge-style theme you’ll see throughout the hotel.
Some standout room features:
Two luggage racks (huge win, since most hotels only give you one)
Mini fridge with a small freezer
Microwave
Large wooden dresser with deep drawers
Full-length mirror
Closet with plenty of hangers, iron, and ironing board
The sink area was separate from the toilet and shower, which made mornings easier when getting ready at the same time.
Bathroom & Amenities
The bathroom itself was simple but worked well. Water temperature and pressure were good, and everything functioned as expected. The shower head squeaked a bit, but nothing major. Toiletries included soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and even makeup wipes, which was a nice touch.
The hotel leans fully into a cozy cabin vibe, with lots of wood finishes and adorable bear and moose decor throughout the room and common areas. One of my favorite details was the little bear accents on the lamps and artwork. Even the outside of the building has climbing bear decorations near the windows, which immediately made the place feel welcoming and fun.
Hotel Amenities
Kelly Inn offers some solid amenities:
Free Breakfast (6:30 am to 9:30 am): We had breakfast on our last morning, and it was pretty good. They had the typical continental breakfast items plus some hot food options. Instead of a waffle station, they have a pancake station (the pancakes were decent). They also had eggs, sausage, bread, yogurt, and granola.
Indoor Pool & Jacuzzi: Perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking.
Laundry Room: Available on both the first and second floors. It's $3 for both washer and dryer (they provide quarters if you need them). A bit pricier than other hotels I've stayed at, but convenient if you need it.
No Gym: When I asked about a gym, the staff told me "the park is the gym." Fair point, I guess! Though on a rainy day like our checkout day, it would've been nice to have that option.
Overall Thoughts
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone isn’t a luxury hotel, but it doesn’t try to be. What it offers instead is comfort, character, and an unbeatable location. For a Yellowstone trip, that combination goes a long way.
The staff was friendly and helpful, the room had everything we needed, and the cozy lodge vibe made it feel like part of the overall national park experience. Considering how hit-or-miss (and pricey) accommodations near major parks can be, this was a stay I’d happily recommend and would book again.
If you’re planning a Yellowstone adventure and want to stay close to the action without sacrificing comfort, Kelly Inn West Yellowstone is a great option.
✅ Pros
Excellent location just minutes from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
Walkable to downtown West Yellowstone restaurants, cafes, and shops
Free breakfast included, which helps offset high park-area hotel prices
Spacious rooms with mini fridge, microwave, and plenty of storage
Indoor pool and hot tub
❌ Cons
Beds were comfortable but not luxury-level
Hotel rates can feel high during peak Yellowstone season
No on-site gym (though the park itself offers plenty of activity)
