The Lake Hotel Annex in Yellowstone National Park is a historic extension of the iconic Lake Yellowstone Hotel, offering additional accommodations for park visitors. Built in the early 20th century, the annex complements the main hotel’s Colonial Revival style architecture. It provides guests with comfortable lodging options while maintaining the charm and elegance of the original structure. The annex is an integral part of the Lake Yellowstone Hotel complex, which is renowned for its stunning views of Yellowstone Lake and surrounding landscapes.
What is the History of Lake Hotel Annex?
The Lake Hotel Annex has a rich history dating back to the early days of Yellowstone National Park tourism. Here are some key points about its history:
- Construction Date: The annex was built in 1922-1923 as an extension to the main Lake Hotel.
- Architectural Style: It was designed to complement the Colonial Revival style of the main hotel.
- Purpose: The annex was constructed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to Yellowstone National Park.
- Renovation: Like the main hotel, the annex has undergone several renovations over the years to maintain its structure and improve guest amenities.
What Types of Accommodations are Available at Lake Hotel Annex?
The Lake Hotel Annex offers various accommodation options to suit different preferences and group sizes:
- Standard Rooms
- Typically feature one king or one queen bed
- Full private bathroom
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Basic amenities like coffee maker, hairdryer, and fan
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Deluxe Rooms
- Options include one king, one queen, or two queen beds
- Some rooms offer partial lake views
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Full bathroom or shower-only options available
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Suites
- Limited number of suites with separate bedrooms and sitting areas
- Ideal for families or groups requiring more space
| Room Type | Bed Options | Bathroom | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | King or Queen | Full | Limited |
| Deluxe | King, Queen, or 2 Queens | Full or Shower-only | Partial Lake View (some) |
| Suite | Varies | Full | Partial Lake View |
What Amenities are Provided in Lake Hotel Annex Rooms?
While the Lake Hotel Annex maintains a historic ambiance, it still provides essential amenities for guest comfort:
- Private bathrooms (shower-only in some rooms)
- Heating
- Telephone
- Coffee maker
- Hairdryer
- Alarm clock
- Fan
- Iron and ironing board
- In-room safe
It’s important to note that, in keeping with the historic nature of the property, rooms do not include:
– Air conditioning
– Television
– Radio
How Does the Lake Hotel Annex Differ from the Main Hotel?
The Lake Hotel Annex, while part of the Lake Yellowstone Hotel complex, has some distinct characteristics:
- Architecture: The annex, while complementary, has a slightly different architectural style than the main hotel.
- Room Types: The annex may offer different room configurations or styles compared to the main hotel.
- Views: Some rooms in the annex might have different views compared to those in the main hotel building.
- Proximity to Amenities: Guests staying in the annex may need to walk a short distance to access main hotel facilities like the dining room or lobby.
What Dining Options are Available for Annex Guests?
Guests staying in the Lake Hotel Annex have access to the same dining options as those in the main hotel:
- Lake Hotel Dining Room
- Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Features creative, upscale cuisine with a focus on sustainable ingredients
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Reservations recommended, especially for dinner
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Lake Hotel Deli
- Provides grab-and-go options for quick meals
- Offers sandwiches, soups, desserts, and beverages
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Convenient for guests planning day trips in the park
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Sun Room
- Features a bar for relaxation and drinks
- Often hosts live music performances in the evenings
What Activities are Available Near Lake Hotel Annex?
The Lake Hotel Annex’s location provides easy access to numerous activities within Yellowstone National Park:
- Yellowstone Lake Activities
- Fishing (with proper permits)
- Boating and kayaking
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Scenic lake tours
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Hiking Trails
- Several trails of varying difficulty levels start near the hotel complex
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Opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography
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Guided Tours
- Various park tours depart from or near the Lake Hotel area
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Options include wildlife watching, geyser basin tours, and historical tours
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Evening Programs
- The hotel often hosts educational programs about Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history
How Can I Make a Reservation at Lake Hotel Annex?
To book a stay at the Lake Hotel Annex:
- Online Booking
- Visit the official Yellowstone National Park Lodges website
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Select Lake Yellowstone Hotel and specify annex preference if possible
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Phone Reservations
- Call 866-256-9046 (within the US) or 406-552-1657 (outside the US)
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Specify your interest in staying in the annex
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Booking Tips
- Reserve well in advance, especially for peak summer months
- Be flexible with dates if possible
- Consider shoulder seasons for better availability and rates
What Should I Know About Visiting During Different Seasons?
The Lake Hotel Annex, like the main hotel, operates seasonally:
- Summer (Peak Season)
- Open from late May to early October
- Busiest time with fullest range of services and activities
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Advance reservations highly recommended
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Spring and Fall (Shoulder Seasons)
- May offer more availability and potentially lower rates
- Some services or activities may be limited
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Weather can be more unpredictable
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Winter
- The Lake Hotel complex, including the annex, is closed during winter months
How Does the Lake Hotel Annex Contribute to Yellowstone’s Sustainability Efforts?
The Lake Hotel Annex, as part of the larger Yellowstone lodging complex, participates in various sustainability initiatives:
- Energy Conservation
- Use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances
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Encouragement of guest participation in energy-saving practices
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Waste Reduction
- Recycling programs in place
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Use of eco-friendly products where possible
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Water Conservation
- Low-flow fixtures in bathrooms
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Linen reuse program to reduce water usage
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Sustainable Dining
- Use of locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients in the dining room
- Efforts to reduce food waste
By staying at the Lake Hotel Annex, guests contribute to these sustainability efforts and help preserve Yellowstone National Park for future generations.
References:
1. https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/hotel/lake-yellowstone-hotel-cabins/
2. https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/lodging.htm
3. https://www.usparklodging.com/yellowstone/lake_hotel.php