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

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

Lilac Cottage is behind apple tree and among lilac bushes bordering the yard.
The cottage sits behind the owners' home. This is the backyard.
Lilac Cottage guests have a sweet yard to enjoy.
Entry to cottage. Bathroom and kitchen in view.
Eating area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 246.5 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Gardiner, MT
  • Parks' Fly Shop
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Roosevelt Arch
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone)
    ‪97 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

STUDIO

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

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
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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Exterior

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  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
9.6 out of 10, (233 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
Groups staying nearby cannot congregate here
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Pets

No pets allowed
There are no exceptions.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not allowed on the entire property.
Follow checkout list that is on the welcome letter in Cottage.
Entrance gate needs to be closed and latched each time that you exit/enter the property.
Maximum number of nights allowed to book - 18

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Groups staying nearby cannot congregate here
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Gardiner

Located in Gardiner, this cottage is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Gardiner, MT

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
  • Yellowstone Hot Springs - 9 min drive - 12.1 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

Frequently asked questions

Is Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location. located?

Located in the heart of Gardiner, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone River and Parks' Fly Shop are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
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

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
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

10/10 Excellent

Cullen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Debbie w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Casey G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Ed F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Daniel L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Alex M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Holly R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lilac Cottage

Wonderful!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

JoAnn J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Kenneth B., Pacific Northwest

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little cottage

We had a great stay and Eleanor and Tom were wonderful hosts
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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

Carrie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Everything as stated in listing. Owners gave great information!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

christopher h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Laurie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Amanda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Jenny R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Cathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Debra D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Convenient cottage with all your needs at affordable rates

Have stayed here before and keep coming back! Very convenient location, quiet, clean, well stocked for all your needs and as much privacy as you want or need.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karolin L., Portland, Oregon USA

Eleanor was great and her cozy cottage was perfect for us.

The location was perfect, the cottage was darling and Eleanor was the greatest!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2016

10/10 Excellent

Daphne R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Stay

The cottage was in a great location, easy to find and so close to the park. There was everything you'd need for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute little backyard cottage

This was an adorable cottage that was perfect for our needs.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Collin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Mike M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely, cozy cottage. Everything we needed and then some was at our fingertips

A beautiful setting. It felt like home.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Eleanor Stone

Host profile image
Tom and Eleanor Stone came to Yellowstone Park in the late 70s and early 80s, met and were married here. We worked in the interior of the Park for a number of years and then settled in Gardiner in 1989. We raised our two daughters in Gardiner. Newly retired in 2019 from work in Yellowstone, Tom enjoys gardening, cooking, fly fishing, reading, home projects, and learning Italian. When not working at a local cattle and guest ranch, Eleanor loves to read, take walks, nordic ski, volunteer in the community, keep in touch with her very large family, and help Tom care for the house and cottage. We have been hosting family and friends in the Lilac Cottage for years and it makes us HAPPY to have opened it in 2014 to newcomers and folks who want to enjoy the area.

Why they chose this property

We have lived in Yellowstone/Gardiner for over 40 years and have owned our home and backyard cottage since 1995. The neighborhood is a mix of residential and commercial. With all the TLC we've poured into this property you can see from the reviews that the folks who love it most are the ones who enjoy that charm of the old cottage and the beautiful, outdoor space to relax. If you prefer a "newly built place" kind of character, or a vacation rental with owners far away, this may not suit your vacation.

What makes this property unique

We love our home and cottage because of its location. It is handy to go out the door to run errands, grab a meal, raft, rent an e-bike, shop, or hop into Yellowstone, and yet this downtown property has a surprising ability to tuck you away. We love the old fashioned comfort of this small, historic property and work to keep it that way. We purposely keep the nightly rate of Lilac Cottage reasonable for this area. The reason is that we think that the additional 12% taxes (8% state and 4% local) plus the $50 cleaning fee plus the taxable VRBO Service Fee add enough to your charges! We are making our rate fair in comparison to small vacation rentals in the area and even to Gardiner motels.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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