Antler Inn

This quirky property has been family-run for over 50 years. The decidedly rustic lobby was built around an old log cabin, and signs of its original structure are evident in the log ceiling beams. Animal skulls, log furniture, pine paneling, and Western art decorate the small lobby that has a fireplace and lots of brochures touting everything to do and see in Jackson. Free coffee is presented near the reception desk. Since there's no breakfast room or restaurant, there’s no central gathering point at this motel-style property other than perhaps the huge whirlpool. Most guests (a mix of couples and families) tend to stick to themselves, but the hotel has a relaxed, peaceful, and friendly vibe that should make most any traveler comfortable. Note that there is no elevator service to rooms on the second floor, and some guests must walk outside to access the lobby and whirlpool area.

The Antler Inn has one of Jackson’s best locations for a budget property. It’s located a three-minute walk from Jackson Hole’s historic Town Square, for cute shops, nightclubs, and gourmet restaurants. There's a grocery across the street. The National Elk Refuge and Snow King Resort are about five minutes away by car. Jackson Hole Airport is reachable in a 15-minute drive. Craig Thomas Visitor Center, a starting point for Grand Teton National Park, is 20 minutes away.  In the winter, the hotel provides a free ski shuttle to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village, which is 23 minutes away. Yellowstone National Park is approximately a 75-minute drive. 

The choice of rooms is quite a contrast here, with Standard and Cedar options. The Standard Kings and Double Queens look much like basic motel accommodations with the exception of rustic hickory and knotted pine furniture that include headboards, desks, and upholstered chairs. Walls are white and the green carpet has subtle gold accents. Gold bedspreads are accented by terra-cotta bed throws and bolster pillows. Black-and-white Old West photos add to the theme. Benches and rods to hang clothes are provided in lieu of closets. The cramped bathrooms are where these motel rooms most show their age. They have white acrylic shower/tub inserts and small acrylic vanities in the bedroom areas. Some Standard Rooms have wood-burning fireplaces. The Cedar Log Rooms are like mini-cabins whose interior walls and ceilings are framed by lovely amber cedar paneling. The double beds have the same color scheme as Standard Rooms, and they also include similar wood furniture. Carpet matches the terra-cotta accents. High ceilings prevent these units from being gloomy or claustrophobic. Bathrooms are equally cramped, with white acrylic shower/tub combos and vanities in the rooms. Amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Firewood is provided free of charge for guests with fireplaces in their rooms. Views are generally unremarkable, and rooms that front the busy road tend to hear ambient noise.

This limited-service, motel-style property doesn’t provide a lot of features, but there are some nice extras. Breakfast is notably missing, but there's free coffee all day and packaged pastries are for sale. In ski season, the hotel provides free shuttles to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The fitness center is in a bland, concrete-block room, but it has three pieces of cardio equipment and free weights. There's a sauna and a huge whirlpool that can accommodate up to 25 people. It’s in a brightly-decorated enclosure with a painted sky ceiling mural and blue tile walls. The laundry room is exceptionally large, with four coin-operated washer/dryer sets. Parking is free, and some spaces are positioned directly in front of the rooms. Pets are welcome without a surcharge. Wi-Fi is free.