Yes, in Spruce, Oak, Birch, Maple, and Pine cottages for $25/night per pet (2 max) or $150/week per pet. Motel rooms are not pet-friendly except for service dogs.

Reservations open in January for the upcoming summer season. For peak season, book about 6 months in advance.

Hillcrest Cottages: Seasonal Lodging with Kitchenettes

Q: What amenities are nearby?

Gardiner offers shops, restaurants, and groceries within a 5-minute walk; Mammoth Hot Springs is about 5 miles away.

Q: Is there travel between Gardiner and the North Entrance?

There’s no on-site shuttle listed. Drive from the hilltop cottages to the North Entrance in a few minutes; parking at Hillcrest is free and convenient.

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Overview

About This Property

Hillcrest Cottages puts you a quarter-mile from Yellowstone’s North Entrance in a hillside cluster of historic cabins. There are 15 units total—cottages and motel rooms—ranging from cozy queen cottages to a feature-rich two-bedroom Master Suite, with rates from $92 to $190. You get free WiFi, in-room fridges and microwaves, and kitchenette options in larger cottages. This is a practical base for explorers who want proximity and privacy over luxury.

Your Morning Game Plan

Skip the lobby coffee—use the in-room coffee maker or kitchenette. You're about 5 minutes from the North Entrance; plan to leave by 7:30 AM to beat traffic. Grab a quick bite in Gardiner or pack your own breakfast and head out early to maximize park time.

Highlights

Book If

✅ BOOK IF: You want a budget-friendly base with kitchenette options near the park entrance. ❌ SKIP IF: You require a pool or on-site dining and upscale finishes.

Notable Views

Electric Peak, mountains around Yellowstone North Entrance

Architecture

1920s rustic cabin-style

Family Friendly

Suitable for families and couples who value in-unit kitchenette facilities and convenient access to nearby amenities; not aimed at luxury travelers.

Best Time to Visit

Early May through early October

Pro Tips

Book 6 months in advance for peak season.
Pet-friendly cottages are Spruce, Oak, Birch, Maple, Pine; $25/night per pet (2 max) or $150/week.
Choose a unit on the hill to cut road noise; avoid the motel rooms if noise is a concern.
Kitchenette options let you cook; no on-site dining, but Gardiner has restaurants within a 5-minute walk.

Property History

Established: 1929

Recent Updates: Reservations open in January for the upcoming summer season; no listed renovations

The Honest Truth

It's not a luxury property. It's a historic set of cabins with basic conveniences and kitchenettes. Great value near the park entrance, but expect simple rooms and modest amenities. Cleaning/laundry fees apply and vary by cottage.

Who Should Skip This

If you need pools, on-site dining, or upscale finishes, look elsewhere

Booking Insider Tip

Book early via hillcrestcottages.com; peak-season stays require advance planning—six months out is wise. Request back-building cottages for quieter nights; mention pet needs if traveling with animals.

What Guests Say

4.5 stars from 179 reviews. Solid value and a homey, historic feel just minutes from the North Entrance, with kitchenettes and quiet hillside cottages. Not for luxury seekers, but excellent for families and couples who want convenient access and privacy.

Details

Rooms

Max Occupancy: 7 guests

Amenities

In-Room Amenities

Free WiFi
Satellite TV
Coffee maker
Microwave
Refrigerator
AC/heat
Larger cottages: two-burner electric stovetop

Property Amenities

Picnic tables
Benches
Charcoal grill
Fire pit
Firewood
Free parking adjacent to each cottage
No pool, no on-site restaurant

Facilities

Pool

No pool.

Restaurant

None on-site; numerous Gardiner restaurants within walking distance

Policies & Check-in

Cancellation Policy

Full deposit refund if canceled 48 hours before arrival; no refund if canceled less than 48 hours before arrival; deposits non-refundable; refunds issued only if rebooked for the same dates.

Pet Policy

Pets allowed in Spruce, Oak, Birch, Maple, and Pine cottages for $25/night per pet (2 pets max) or $150/week per pet. Pets not allowed in motel rooms, except service dogs with current paperwork. Service dogs must be leashed and cannot be left unattended on beds or furniture.

Parking

Free parking adjacent to each cottage.

Location

Address & Directions

Address

400 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA

Get Directions Apple Maps

Proximity

To Park Center

0.25 miles to Yellowstone's North Entrance gate

To Nearest Town

Gardiner, MT — within walking distance of shops and eateries

Access & Transportation

Shuttle Service

No on-site shuttle; no official park shuttle stop listed

Walkable Amenities

Gardiner shops, Gardiner restaurants, Grocery stores

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.5 /5

Based on 179 Google reviews

Based on 179 guest reviews

" 4.5 stars from 179 reviews. Solid value and a homey, historic feel just minutes from the North Entrance, with kitchenettes and quiet hillside cottages. Not for luxury seekers, but excellent for families and couples who want convenient access and privacy."

Reviews from Google

YES a must stay! Stayed 1 night between Yellowstone and into Montana. It was safe, cute, and most of all CLEAN!!! Had a small kitchen and with a regular size coffee pot! Thank you!!! We would definitely stay there again!!! Kudos to the staff and owner.

My love and I enjoyed our stay in a quaint little cottage. We saved money by giving up some convenience. The bed butted up against the wall. This meant one of us had to scooch down the bed in order not to wake the other one up in the middle of the night.The cottages are conveniently located close to many places to eat in town. It was also a straight shot out to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park.Our room was clean. The bed was comfortable. And the staff was friendly and accommodating.

This is such a convenient location. You can walk to the restaurants and shops. You are located in the middle of town. The little cabins have everything you need and super cozy. I would definitely book here again. Wildlife make appearances in the parking lot!

Showing 3 of 179 reviews

FAQs

Is breakfast included?

No breakfast is included. Cottages have kitchenette facilities to prepare your own meals.

Are pets allowed?

When should I book?

What amenities are nearby?

Is there travel between Gardiner and the North Entrance?

📖 visitgardinermt.com 📖 visityellowstonecountry.com 📖 gardinervacations.com 📖 visitmt.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 hillcrestcottages.com 📖 hillcrest-cottages.com 📖 trivago.co.uk 📖 trivago.com 📖 booking.com 📖 yellowstoneriversidecottages.com 📖 yellowstonenationalparklodges.com 📖 cloudbeds.com 📖 yellowstonevacations.com 📖 yellowstonevacationcabins.com 📖 nps.gov ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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