Cowboy Village Resort

In a town where rustic-chic is the name of the game, the log cabin ethos of the Cowboy Village Resort doesn't necessarily stand out -- but that's a good thing. A sharp contrast to the frequently pricey upscale hotels, the simple and homey atmosphere at this property -- which resembles an upmarket campground -- is a real plus for the many guests who flock here. All cabins have porches, and guests can often be seen sitting outside their cabins in the evening during the warmer months. The main lobby building is cozy, with carved wooden bears out front and Western-themed interior with a vaulted stacked-stone fireplace. Southwestern and cowboy-print upholstery on the couches and iron lamps and light fixtures complete the look. The atmosphere is relaxed and relatively quiet. With its humble style and frequently reasonable prices -- not to mention cabins that can sleep up to six in many cases -- the hotel draws plenty of families, though couples frequently find their way here as well.

This cabin village is surrounded by mountains and trees, with views of the ski resorts all around. There is a barbecue restaurant next door and the area is busy and well-lit at night. It's an easy 10-minute walk to the heart of this small city's action. Popular bars and restaurants include The Rose, which is next to the Pink Garter Theater, and Snake River Brewing -- both are an easy walk from the hotel. There are plenty of shops and entertainment options downtown as well. Jackson Airport is about a 10-minute drive away and the entrance of Grand Teton National Park is 15 minutes away by car. Most of the major ski resorts in the area are within a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

The 82 free-standing cabins at Cowboy Village Resort range in shape and size, but all are made from stacked pine logs that can't help but look cute. Each unit has a covered front porch and picnic table, as well as a few small windows. Inside things are cozy, as expected from a log cabin, with homey hardwood furniture, log bed frames, and classic patterned couches. With all of the furniture and the frequently compact layout, things can be a little tight in some units, like the Double Queen Deluxe that we visited. A few lamps and some framed landscape prints complete the look. All include kitchenettes with sinks, mini-fridges, microwaves, burners, coffeemakers, toasters, and some dishware. Lodge Family Suites have full kitchens with dishwashers and full-size refrigerators. Each cabin also has a mounted flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi plus a sofa bed (some can sleep up to six people). Attractive wood-paneled bathrooms are small but have granite counters and shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Each cabin gets its own parking space.

Despite being one of the more low-key hotels in town, there are a good number of features for guests here, particularly in the winter. A small breakfast room with four-person square tables serves a continental breakfast buffet -- it's free in the winter months, but only hot drinks, juices, cookies, and fruit are offered throughout the day throughout the rest of the year. A square-shaped pool and hot tub are housed in their own cabin, with a few chairs surrounding them. The gym is small, but has a nice selection of modern cardio and weight machines, free weights, and exercise balls. A grassy picnic area has several tables and two barbecue grills, and is a popular spot for large group lunches during the summer. There is a guest laundry, and bus stops on the property, and the hotel runs a free shuttle to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the winter time. The property is dog-friendly.