Hillcrest Cottages: Seasonal Lodging with Kitchenettes

White lodge building with a brown sign in Yellowstone National Park, near a large tree and a stone retaining wall.

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.

Streamlined quarters, some with kitchenettes, in a laid-back motel offering picnic areas & BBQs.

Quick facts

Lodging Type: Motel
Price Low Season: 92
Price High Season: 190

Stay details

Lodging Type: Motel
Price Low Season: 92
Price High Season: 190
Peak Season Dates: June–August
Off Season Dates: Mid-October to early May (property operates seasonally; winter access not listed)
Minimum Stay: 2
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.

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available: Single room cottage with one queen bed
Single room cottage with one queen bed and one twin bed
Cottage with two queen beds
Cottage with two queen beds and one twin bed
Two-room cottage with two queen beds
Duplex with two adjoining rooms (sleeps up to 7)
Motel room with one queen bed
Motel room with two queen beds
Master Suite (two bedrooms, living room, full kitchen)
Max Occupancy: 7
Bed Configurations: Queen
Queen + Twin
Two Queens
Two Queens + Twin
Two Queens
Duplex: two adjoining rooms
Queen
Two Queens
Master Suite: two bedrooms
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
Pool Details: No pool.
Restaurant Details: None on-site; numerous Gardiner restaurants within walking distance
Family Amenities: Kitchenette in many cottages
Porches with seating and mountain views

Location & access

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park – North Entrance, Gardiner, MT
Distance To Park: 0.25 miles to Yellowstone's North Entrance gate
Distance To Town: Gardiner, MT — within walking distance of shops and eateries
Distance To Visitor Center: 5 miles to Mammoth Hot Springs
Parking Details: Free parking adjacent to each cottage.
Shuttle Service: No on-site shuttle; no official park shuttle stop listed
Walkable Amenities: Gardiner shops
Gardiner restaurants
Grocery stores

Policies & fit

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.
Seasonal Operation: Early May through early October
Winter Access: Seasonal operation; winter access is limited and depends on weather conditions.
Best For: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a budget-friendly, homey base near the park entrance with kitchenette options. ❌ SKIP IF: You require a pool, on-site dining, or formal vibes.
Who Should Skip This: If you need pools, on-site dining, or upscale finishes, look elsewhere

Planning advice

Review Summary: 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.
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.
Room Insider Tips: Pet-friendly units are Spruce, Oak, Birch, Maple, and Pine; pick a cottage on the hill to minimize road noise. For peak weeks, book 6 months ahead. If you value privacy, choose a cottage rather than the duplex; the duplex sleeps up to 7 but proximity to others may affect quiet.
Pro Tip Booking: 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.
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.
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.

More details

Lodging Category: motel
Is Valid Lodging: 1
Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Not Recommended For: Luxury-focused travelers seeking resort-level amenities
Cell Service Wi-Fi: Complimentary WiFi is provided in all cottages; speeds vary by unit and location within the property.
Local Hazards: Free-roaming wildlife in Yellowstone; be mindful of wildlife and bears
Year Built: 1929
Year Renovated: 0
Notable Views: Electric Peak
mountains around Yellowstone North Entrance
Architecture Style: 1920s rustic cabin-style
Recent Updates: Reservations open in January for the upcoming summer season; no listed renovations
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for families and couples who value in-unit kitchenette facilities and convenient access to nearby amenities; not aimed at luxury travelers.
Babysitting Available: 0
Nearby Facilities: Gardiner shops, restaurants, and grocery within a 5-minute walk
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.

Location

Photos

Yellowstone National Park lodge room with two queen beds, a sofa, and large windows overlooking the trees.

Guest bathroom in lodging within Yellowstone National Park, featuring a toilet, sink, window with dark green curtains, and towel rack.

Cottage kitchenette inside a Yellowstone National Park lodging room, with a small sink, microwave, mini fridge, and dining table.

Lodging unit interior in Yellowstone National Park with a wall-mounted TV, small kitchenette, and wooden furniture.

Frequently asked questions

Is breakfast included?

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

Are pets allowed?

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.

When should I book?

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

What amenities are nearby?

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

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.