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Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.

Golf
Interior
Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

1 bathroomSleeps 246.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Gardiner, MT
  • Yellowstone River
    1 min walk
  • Parks' Fly Shop
    5 min walk
  • Roosevelt Arch
    10 min walk
  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone)
    97 min drive

Room options

About the area

Gardiner

City center stay.Within a 15-minute walk of the cottage, you'll find Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone River are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Cottages in GardinerOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Parks' Fly Shop - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Roosevelt Arch - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Boiling River - 7 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Mammoth Hot Springs - 16 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone) - 97 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wonderland Cafe & Lodge - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Cowboy's Lodge & Grill - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Grill - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Yellowstone Perk - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Yellowstone Grill - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.

Access to Yellowstone Park from our north entrance was fully restored October 30, 2022 with a beautiful new road! Our sweet backyard cottage is nestled among the fruit and flower trees of the yard. It is easily within walking distance to the grocery store, coffee, shopping, restaurants, laundromat, post office, and local arch park events. It is at the north entrance to Yellowstone Park, as is all of Gardiner. The cottage is in the heart of town but shielded from the main street by the owners' home. The yard is shared with the owners but privacy is afforded by the layout. The owners' home was built in 1930 and its cottage was built in 1940 by former owners, the Eastons. It is believed that their intent was to rent the cottage to visitors of Yellowstone, making it a very early vacation rental in this town. The cottage is a perfect fit for two people who want to day trip to northern Yellowstone, book local activities like rafting, biking, horseback riding, and return to a simple, basic, clean environment to relax. Our guests note that the well cultivated green and floral landscaping add to the charm and character of their experience. The stucco cottage still has the details of its early history with the old style glass door knobs and kitchen cabinets. There is a comfortable queen bed, sitting area with Smart tv, eating area, full but small kitchen, and full bathroom. It is clean, well cared for, and you are welcome! We keep our reservation calendar updated to the minute and our description on this page accurate. So as you're reading this page if Lilac Cottage sounds like a good fit for you and if the dates you want are open on our calendar and you have no questions, you are welcome to book directly without contacting us (use Instant Booking option). Just follow VRBO's process with your credit card. We'd be in touch immediately upon booking, through VRBO. If you do have specific questions not answered here, please email Eleanor through VRBO. NOTE: Because the lilacs and other historic bushes and trees were planted in 1930s and 40s, Tom is constantly pruning and removing sections for new growth.

Property manager

Eleanor Stone

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Spices
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Soap
  • Towels provided
  • Shampoo
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevators
  • 2 stairs to reach property
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking is not allowed on the entire property.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Rafting nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 500 sq ft (46.5 sq m)
  • Property does not allow children

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 24

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: There are no exceptions.

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Groups staying nearby cannot congregate here
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: Groups staying nearby cannot congregate here For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Perfect Two Less Than Half Mile Yellowstone. 'downtown' Location
Perfect Two Less Than Half Mile Yellowstone. 'downtown' Location

Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 189 out of 199 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 199 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 199 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 199 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 199 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

christopher h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Retreat
Everything two people could need. Yes, it’s a small cottage, but it doesn’t lack for anything and has a nice sitting area just outside. Conveniently located with a grocery store just down the street and the North entrance to the park a few minutes away. We plan to return next May. Eleanor and Tom are wonderful hosts.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute place in great location
We enjoyed our time in Gardiner. Host was very communicative. The unit is very well equipped with kitchen supplies, games, and park information. Easy commute into the park.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

JoAnn J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Cottage
We enjoyed our stay at the Lilac Cottage. It was perfect for the two of us. Everything we needed for a great stay was provided by the hosts. The courtyard garden was beautiful but we did not get to enjoy it as our weather was cold and rainy. This is a great location while visiting Yellowstone.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cullen B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing cozy cottage
We loved our stay at the Lilac Cottage! After spending the whole day in Yellowstone we were ready to relax and enjoy a comfortable and clean place and the lilac cottage provided just that!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Casey G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great little house in Gardiner
My wife and I stayed here during our visit to Yellowstone National Park. If you are looking for a small place for a couple, then this is the place for you. The hosts were great.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cathy M., North Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness
Lilac Cottage Comfort
Our second time at this lovely home, and enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The location is ideal to YNP, and the tourist stops if you want. We cooked our breakfasts and dinners at the cottage, the kitchen having everything you need. The owners are marvelous, and close but it is still very private. Sitting in the yard is ideal after a long day.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lilac Cottage
Wonderful!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely little cottage
We really enjoyed our stay the the Lilac Cottage! Eleanor thought of everything. It was perfect great location, walking distance to everything. Would absolutely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Franziska B.

Liked: Cleanliness
All around Perfect!
Ideally located just a few minutes from the North Entrance of Yellowstone Park, the Lilac Cottage offered all amenities and more. Very attention to detail and extremely comfortable for even a longer stay. The cottage was in top notch condition and very well looked after. The backyard was a serene place in the afternoon to relax with a book and glass of your favorite drink. Perfection!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Convenient and Clean!
Perfect for 2 and minutes away from the North entrance. If you're going to the park don’t pass this cottage up!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie C., Middleboro, Ma

Liked: Cleanliness
Yellowstone
We stayed our first night after a day at Yellowstone, then a second night after another day at Yellowstone. Very close to the North entrance and we had a very comfortable stay. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place to Stay Near Yellowstone
This cute and comfortable cottage was the perfect base camp for our visit to Yellowstone. The property was nicely equipped with all the essentials for our stay. The next visit to the park may be in early fall to avoid the summer crowds; I'm hoping we can land this property again when we return!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ada D., Elizabeth, in

Liked: Cleanliness
Handy to Yellowstone
Gardiner is right by the north entrance of Yellowstone N.P. We were able to visit the park two days, going two different directions and returning to this cottage. Well stocked and a treat was waiting for us in the freezer! Thanks for sharing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny R., Rock island

Liked: Cleanliness
Yellowstone visit
This is an amazing place to stay! Can walk to restaurants and grocery store. Eleanor is super friendly. There is an information book that is put together with all the restaurants and is super helpful! Just a wonderful experience all together!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janice W., Mechanicsville, Va.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint, convenient cottage
We recently stayed at this lovely little cottage in Gardiner. Check in was easy, cottage is in back yard of owners, they are available if needed but give you your privacy. Cottage is in walking distance of many restaurants, activities. Close to Yellowstone, which we visited several days we were there. Cottage was small but just right for two of us & had everything we needed. A lovely, relaxing stay. Would highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Collin M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage in a lovely town
We had a great time in Gardiner while we visited Yellowstone. This cottage was a perfect place to come back to after a long day in the park. It was quiet, clean, safe, and private. It had everything we needed. Eleanor and Tom are great hosts. Check in and out was very simple and easy. I would recommend this cottage to anyone!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Everything as stated in listing. Owners gave great information!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

G. Spencer B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for two!
The Lilac Cottage was wonderful! We loved our stay. The owners thought of everything! We enjoyed the beautiful views and cozy cottage. We had a great time relaxing in the recliners after a day of exploring Yellowstone. It was so close to everything in Gardiner. Our only regret is not being able to stay longer. 10/10
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stay in Gardiner at Lilac Cottage
This cottage was absolutely beautiful and was equipped with everything anyone would ever need to be comfortable and feel at home. The English garden type yard was lovely and I could watch the birds play in the water as I downloaded the photographs that I took each day. The hosts were extremely nice and overall the stay was very pleasant and enjoyable. I highly recommend this cottage in Gardiner. Parking was really nice, too, as there is a dedicated spot. The cottage is right downtown so the store and station are minutes away.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love Lilac Cottage!! Very comfortable, quiet, and clean! Hosts have made this darling cottage available with everything you could possibly need and more!! We will stay here again!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Valerie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Montana Trip for Niece's Wedding '24
This property is the perfect cottage for a quiet, comfortable vacation spot for two with easy access to YNP. Just as advertised! The hosts are accommodating, friendly, and thoughtful, providing everything you need to make your stay feel like home. I recommend the Lilac Cottage highly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for Two
Very clean and convenient location. The owner is super sweet and helpful. The property is well maintained and extremely clean. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ed F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Yellowstone Getaway
This was a perfect location for my wife and I to spend 3-4 days exploring Yellowstone. Tom and Eleanor are fantastic hosts and were very accomodating. Location was great and we would stay here again in a heartbeat!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

paula L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage
We loved the Lilac Cottage. It was so comfy, nestled in a lovely yard. The cottage had everything we needed to cook a meal. The owners are super people, great communicators and respect your privacy. Definitely worth a visit on your trip to Yellowstone, as it is very close to the parks north entrance .
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Friendly and welcoming hosts, comfortable cottage, fantastically well-equipped kitchen and in an area with lots to see and do: a great location for visiting Yellowstone.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024