Jackson Lake Lodge consists of an impressive central lodge building plus multiple-unit cottages where most of the guestrooms are located. The lodge rests on a bluff overlooking Jackson Lake and the scenic Teton mountains that fill views through huge glass windows in the hotel lobby, possibly one of the most impressive public rooms of any national park lodging facility. In fact, the word "impressive" probably doesn't do it justice. Guests enter the lodge at ground level, walk through the

Jackson Lake Lodge consists of an impressive central lodge building plus multiple-unit cottages where most of the guestrooms are located. The lodge rests on a bluff overlooking Jackson Lake and the scenic Teton mountains that fill views through huge glass windows in the hotel lobby, possibly one of the most impressive public rooms of any national park lodging facility. In fact, the word "impressive" probably doesn't do it justice. Guests enter the lodge at ground level, walk through the registration area, climb a staircase (an elevator is available), and enter the grand lobby with its stunning mountain views. The Tetons are spread across the picture windows in all their glory. It is quite an entrance, especially for first-time guests. The lodge, finished in 1955, was designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, the architect for Yosemite's Ahwahnee. The lodge has an attractive dining room (with large murals and excellent window views), a grill, cocktail lounge, apparel shop, and two gift shops.

The lodging complex offers a total of 385 guestrooms, only 37 of which are in the main lodge. The remaining accommodations are in a series of one- and two-story cottages arranged around a series of lanes beside the main lodge. All rooms have heat, a telephone, and a private bath, but no television or air-conditioning. Rooms in the main lodge are all on the third floor and are quite large. They differ primarily on the basis of the window views that are available. Those on the west side offer excellent mountain views and rent for about $80 per night more than rooms on the east side that face the cottages and parking areas. However, consider renting a non-view room and use the savings for a great dinner followed by a walk down to the lobby to gaze at the Tetons at sunset.

Cottage rooms are mostly in a series of one-story wood-frame buildings that each hold eight to twenty guestrooms. These have plenty of interior room and are nicely furnished and landscaped. Most of these buildings offer no mountain or lake views. Five buildings have cottages with a private back patio or balcony and rent for a slight premium. Three two-story cottage buildings have a private balcony or patio that faces the Tetons. These are probably the top choices among the cottages and on par with view rooms in the main lodge. Like the lodge view rooms, the view cottages rent for a substantial premium.

Jackson Lake Lodge is one of five lodging facilities in Grand Teton National Park. Colter Bay Village to the north and Signal Mountain Lodge to the south each offer rustic cabins at lower cost. Further south, Jenny Lake Lodge has upscale cabins and dining at substantially higher cost. The park's other lodging facility, Triangle X Ranch, is the only dude ranch operating in a national park.

David L. Scott and Kay W. Scott are the authors of The Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges. For more information about national-park lodges, visit their website.