Jackson Hole Motels Make a Trip to Paradise Family-Friendly and Relatively Cheap!

Jackson Hole motels are plentiful. Jackson Hole has long been a summer tourist destination, due to its proximity to two national parks. So, for people who are looking for in-town, affordable lodging, this is good news because there are relatively inexpensive motel choices. These properties don't pretend to be fancy, and forget about a spa experience, but they are simple accommodations that free up your vacation money for other things...like lift tickets or nightlife. I guess it all depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. If you're going to be out all day and into the evening, and just need a clean, warm place to rest your head...consider a motel instead of a more luxurious hotel/inn option. Rates are lower in the winter in Jackson, so budget-minded skiers take note!

ANVIL MOTEL/ EL RANCHO MOTEL/ BUNKHOUSE -

These three properties are family-owned and operated and are near the town square. Both motels are older but updated, comfortable and clean. They offer HBO, in-room microwaves, smoking or non-smoking rooms, an outdoor hot tub. 2008 El Rancho rates are $104 summer and $45 winter. The Anvil's 2008 rates are $148 summer and $75 winter. This is an amazingly good deal for skiers who have a car or are willing to use public transportation to get to the slopes. The bunkhouse is in the basement of the El Rancho Motel. This is a true hostel, with 25 semi-private bunk beds in a large common room. The rate is only $25/night on a first-come/first-serve basis (unless a party greater than six, who can reserve space), over age 16, year-round. They limit stays in the bunkhouse to seven nights/month. So, you can't just move in! (307) 733-3668 or (800) 234-4507.

TOWN SQUARE INNS - Choice of four motel-style properties in Jackson:

ANTLER INN - Located 2 blocks from the town square. Nice two-story building. Amenities include HBO, wireless internet, hot tub, fitness area, complimentary ski shuttle in winter, some room have moss-rock fireplaces. 2008 summer rates are $88-$185 and 2008 winter rates are $52 to $185. (307) 733-2535 or (800) 522-2406.

49er Inn - Also 2 blocks from the town square. A large inn with 142 rooms and 2 conference rooms. Some suites and rooms available with fireplaces. Indoor and outdoor hot tubs, fitness center. AAA and 3 Diamond rating. 2008 summer rates are $79 to $330 and 2008 winter rates are $60 to $219. (307) 733-7550 or (800) 451- 2980.

ELK COUNTRY INN - Four blocks from the town square. HBO, ski shuttle, BBQ/picnic area, some rooms have kitchettes, pets OK, cabins available. 2008 summer rates are $88 to $212 and 2008 winter rates are $53 to $113. (307) 733-2364 or (800) 483-8667.

COWBOY VILLAGE - Cute! Individual log cabins are charming and private. Although the location is more marginal, this place makes up for it in charm. All cabins have kitchettes and additional sleeping with sofa-style sleepers. 2008 summer rates are $120 to $188 and 2008 winter rates are $86 to $166. No extra charge for more than two people in a cabin. (307) 733-3121 or (800) 962-4988.

Other Jackson Hole motels are:

CACHE CREEK MOTEL -

All 37 rooms have kitchettes, plus cable TV and wireless internet. The motel is 3 blocks from the square. This is an older building, with new ownership since early 2007 and plans for renovation/updating. 2008 rates are $100-$185/night from May 1 to September 30. After that, the rooms are available for monthly rental or even a year-long lease, at $1000-$1350/month. (307) 733-7781 or (800) 843-4788 (although the 800 number was not working when I recently tried it).

FOUR WINDS MOTEL -

Located less than 2 blocks from the town square and across the street from a city park. Rates are $60 to $120/night, double occupancy, with a charge of $10/nightly per extra person. The rates vary through the year, with winter being less expensive than summer. All 21 rooms are non-smoking. HBO and STARZ on cable. (307) 733-2474 or (800) 228-6461.

GOLDEN EAGLE INN -

"Sister inn" of the Four Winds Motel. 23 non-smoking rooms with HBO, STARZ, Encore on cable (but hey, get out of the room and see the sights!), microwaves, refrigerators, AC. There is a heated outdoor pool in summer. Rates are $60 to $135/night, double occupancy, with a charge of $10/nightly per extra person and a rollaway available for $10. Like the Four Winds, the rates vary through the year, with winter being less expensive than summer. They also have family rooms and a two bedroom bungalow, ranging from $130 to $290/night, based on double occupancy. (307) 733-2042.

ELK REFUGE INN -

Across from the elk refuge with refuge and mountain views (the Sleeping Indian of the Gros Ventre Range), this motel is non-smoking and non-pet. All rooms now offer high speed internet. Rates vary but are pretty much as follows: Summer is $160-$226, early Fall/Christmas season is $96-$160 and late Fall/Winter is $70-$106.(307) 733-3582 or (800) 544-3582.

FLAT CREEK INN -

Great location for high-tailing it out of Jackson towards the national parks in a hurry. On the outskirts of town, across from the elk refuge. You'll have quiet and views of the Gros Ventre Range but will not be right in the center of town if you stay here. There is a convenience store/mart on site. 2008 rates are $99 to $137 in summer, and $79 to $117 winter of 2008-2009...the higher end rooms are three suites that will accommodate 2-10 people. Now that's economical, so bring the family or friends! All rooms come with cable TV, microwave, mini-fridge. (307) 733-5276 or (800) 438-9338.