Soda Butte Lodge

This hotel offers a unique, rustic experience, primarily serving as a convenient base for exploring Yellowstone National Park, especially the Lamar Valley, making it ideal for wildlife photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its signature feature is its proximity to the park's Northeast entrance, a major draw for guests. While some appreciate its historic charm, many note its dated condition and the need for significant updates. Guests frequently mention the challenges with internet connectivity and the lack of air conditioning. The hotel is best suited for adventurous travelers who prioritize location over modern comforts and are prepared for a more traditional, no-frills stay. To enhance your visit, be aware that cell service is generally unavailable in the area, so plan accordingly for communication, and consider bringing extra pillows for added comfort.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides basic amenities, though their functionality and availability are inconsistent. Wi-Fi is a major point of contention, with many guests reporting it as poor, unreliable, or non-existent, making phone service difficult as there is no cell reception in the town. Rooms often lack air conditioning, leading to warm and stuffy conditions, though some rooms have ceiling fans or allow windows to be opened (though screens may be missing). In-room amenities like mini-fridges, coffee makers, hairdryers, and irons are frequently reported as absent or non-functional. The hotel does not have an elevator, which can be challenging for guests with luggage or mobility issues, particularly for rooms on upper floors. Some guests noted the presence of a gift shop and laundry facilities, but these are not consistently highlighted.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly polarized. Many guests describe rooms as dirty, with stained carpets, stained sheets, and visible dust. Reports of cockroaches and even a mouse are concerning. Maintenance issues are prevalent, including cracked bathtubs, unsecured sinks, holes in walls/ceilings, peeling paint, and non-functional lights or electrical outlets. The hotel often has a musty or unpleasant smell. While some guests found the beds comfortable, many others reported them as lumpy, cratered, worn out, or having too few pillows. Thin walls are a common complaint, leading to significant noise transfer from neighboring rooms and hallways, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed reviews, with many guests noting inconsistencies in availability and quality. The restaurant and bar are frequently reported as being closed, often due to staff shortages, or having limited and unpredictable hours, especially for breakfast. When open, the food quality varies; some guests praise specific items like burgers, garlic parmesan wings, fries, and milkshakes, and some appreciate the availability of Indian cuisine. However, others describe the food as terrible, tasteless, or causing illness. Breakfast is often not provided, or consists of a very limited continental offering, with the coffee machine sometimes being out of order. Service in the dining areas can be slow and disorganized, with staff sometimes struggling to understand orders.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Cooke City is a significant advantage, placing guests very close to the Yellowstone National Park Northeast entrance, making it an excellent base for exploring the park, particularly the Lamar Valley. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of other businesses in the small mountain town. Parking is generally available directly in front of the building. A major point of concern, however, is the complete lack of cell phone service in Cooke City, forcing guests to rely entirely on the hotel's often unreliable Wi-Fi for communication. The absence of an elevator can pose an accessibility challenge for guests with heavy luggage or mobility impairments, especially for rooms located on upper floors.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback on staff and service is highly varied. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and attentive, particularly in assisting with late check-ins or food requests. Some describe the check-in process as easy and quick. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with staff being unfriendly, surlly, indifferent, or unprofessional. There are frequent mentions of language barriers, making communication difficult and leading to misunderstandings regarding services or requests. Some guests reported staff being absent from the front desk, sleeping, or occupying common lobby areas. Housekeeping practices also drew criticism, with reports of staff entering rooms without knocking or not cleaning rooms during multi-night stays.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several unique aspects of the hotel experience. The property is described as an older building with a rustic charm, which some guests appreciate as an authentic "step back in time" experience, while others perceive it as simply run down and in need of significant updates. A recurring theme is the presence of the owners and their family members frequently occupying the lobby seating areas, which some guests found to be unwelcoming or to limit guest use of common spaces. Information provided in the rooms, such as binders, is often outdated, reflecting previous ownership. The hotel's reliance on its own Wi-Fi for communication is critical due to the complete absence of cell phone service in the town, a factor that significantly impacts the guest experience.