We stayed in a hot tub cabin. Love the location, but the US Park Service should certainly update these 1936 cabins!Here are a few of the things that kept it from being a five star for us:– the hot tub jets barely make a wave. The mechanic who came to check it out, said that there’s low pressure and that all the hot tubs are the same.– in a room for two people there’s only one chair. Thankfully, we could bring in a chair and little table from the patio —why can’t there be a little table and two chairs? A huge desk is not necessary.– No microwave or little refrigerator, that could easily be added with a shelf.- no Wi-Fi, and when you’re coming in because it’s dark outside, it’d be nice to watch something, but there’s no TV and thankfully, we could get cell service.We came to the park to see sites and relax, not to “rough it!”– Glad to have hot water for coffee, but the cool electric kettle spit water everywhere!– Glad to have hot water for coffee, but the cool electric kettle spit water everywhere!– The patio was such an odd place to sit, surrounded by privacy fence (that is nice for the hot tub), but a little bit of care with a planter or artwork would make a huge improvement.- we enjoyed the tea and pour over coffee packets, the friendly staff, and comfortable, clean bed.- while the cabins are historic, the park would do well to offer upgraded accommodations.-with our suitcases, and bringing in the chair from outside, the room was pretty limited. Can’t imagine even trying to bring in a family.We were shocked to think there are cabins that share toilets! So thankful we had our own!If you’re paying about $350 a night, it shouldn’t be just because it’s on the grounds of Yellowstone. We might’ve stayed in Gardiner, it’s just a little bit further outside the park, and there are other accommodations to choose from. We came at the beginning of October and had amazing weather, totally stunned and awed with the beauty of nature of Yellowstone. Nature: 5 stars. Might be boring for kids, but we absolutely soaked it in and loved the morning wake up from an elk bowl, walking outside our window and calling out to all of us to wake up.Everywhere we ate and shopped in the park, the staff was very friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Five stars on all the staff!

Visited the Hot Springs Terraces later in the day so crowds were smaller. We drove the upper terrace loop, stopping to see locations, nice views of upper and lower. Parking is a little tight, but got through in a reasonable timer.We then moved down to the middle terrace, parking off of Grand Loop road and used the walkways which gave us a nice view of how they cascade down.

Our return to the hotel for some afternoon chill time included our first visit with the Elk of Mammoth Hot Springs. They were just chillaxing on the lawn and looked so beautiful in the midday sun! We knew there was a good chance for more Elken magic this evening As expected, Elk #24: A famous, dominant local bull with an ear tagknown as the King of Mammoth, was out and about, moving his cows around a few times in the hour or so we watched them, bugelling, pawing his foot, rubbing his antlers on the ground and all sort of other Elk Rut kinds of behavior. This was Moms first experience with Elk this time of year, and We really had a front row seat for it.

Mammoth is amazing place to see. The travertine deposits are mind boggling how they have formed and are still forming. The little town is small with lots of conveniences. Usually there are Elk hanging around but we didn’t see them this time.

Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge is very nice!It’s clean and has a good restaurant.I would advise booking online for a better price.It’s located at the North entrance just inside the park right at Mammoth Hot Springs .The hot springs are well worth viewing take the steps if you’re in shape. Drive to the top if not.I booked through Stay forLong at a much cheaper rate.