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

Cottage with kitchen, near Yellowstone National Park North Entrance

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Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, books
Property grounds
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bathroomSleeps 2500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Gardiner, MT
  • Place, Yellowstone River
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Roosevelt Arch
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Yellowstone National Park North Entrance
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone)
    ‪93 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Gardiner

This cottage places you within a 15-minute stroll of popular sights such as Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. The cottage includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
View more Cottages in GardinerOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Yellowstone River - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Parks' Fly Shop - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Roosevelt Arch - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Gardiner Community Library - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Terrace Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Wonderland Cafe & Lodge - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Cowboy's Lodge & Grill - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Antler Bar and Grill - ‬11 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.
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen with a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave, and a stovetop. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a coffee maker, an ironing board, and a dining table.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 2 steps to reach entrance
  • No elevator
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

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

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 500 square feet

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

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

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets
  • Note from host: There are no exceptions.

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children

Events

No events allowed
Groups staying nearby cannot congregate here

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not allowed on the entire property.

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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 24

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Note from host: Groups staying nearby cannot congregate here
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do close to this cottage?

This cottage is located in Gardiner, a short 14-minute walk from Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and also 14 minutes on foot from Yellowstone National Park. You'll also find Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone River less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at this cottage?

No, there isn't parking at this cottage.

Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

What do couples enjoy most about Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.?

Couples staying at this cottage will appreciate amenities like a kitchen and a smart TV as well as a garden.

Does Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location. have a hot tub?

No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this cottage offer breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cottage.

Are there rooms with balconies at Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location..

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 218 out of 228 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 228 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 228 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 228 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 228 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

Oliver D.

Liked: Cleanliness
The concerns and hospitality of the host was amazing. They made sure we knew all the ins and outs of visiting their area in non-opportune times. They even texted us during our stay to make sure we were aware of changing wheather conditions. On top of all that the lodging was so comfy and cozy and they provided items to make the stay even better. I will be a return guest. Not sure you can say anthying better than that.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location to access the North entrance to Yellowstone NP. The hosts have thought of everything to make a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The location was peaceful and the cottage's kitchen was well-equipped to prepare meals. We hope to stay again sometime.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark R., Northfield

Liked: Cleanliness
This was the perfect size place to stay for the two of us. The cottage is so beautifully decorated and comfortable. We found ourselves ending the nights on the recliner chairs catching up after a long day in Yellowstone hiking. All of the restaurants and downtown shops are just across the bridge from the home and we walked to dinner both nights. The bed is on the separate side of the cottage from the kitchen and table which made it great for me to get up early and be in a separate area with my laptop and coffee while my girlfriend could sleep in a little longer. We only stayed two nights, but would definitely stay here longer if we make it back out. I was not able to find a corkscrew anywhere in the kitchen, so either I did not look well enough or they did not have one. I carry my own small cheap version with me (we love to relax with some wine at the end of the day). The ice-cream in the freezer was a really nice treat.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had everything that we needed for our stay. Quiet and comfortable. Perfect for our time at Yellowstone.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Einat O.

Liked: Cleanliness
This was truly the most generous hospitality I’ve ever experienced. Everything was prepared with care and thoughtfulness. The place itself is cute, cozy, and welcoming - shining clean and maintained at the highest standard.The kitchen and pantry were exceptionally well equipped, which allowed us to cook our own meals with ease. We especially appreciated being able to use the property’s grill.It was clear that the Stones went above and beyond to think of everything a guest might need.The location is also excellent - just a short drive to the northern entrance of Yellowstone, which made exploring the park very easy. Having a grocery store nearby was extremely convenient.Beyond the amenities and location, what really stood out was the warmth and generosity of the hospitality. We felt cared for and comfortable throughout our stay. It felt like being welcomed into a home.We would absolutely recommend this property wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a relaxing, spotless, and thoughtfully prepared getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

markhansvan

Liked: Cleanliness
location was great. the place was great. the owner was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucy C.

Liked: Cleanliness
This little place was awesome! So close to the park, walkable town, and an amazing host. The host thought of everything. Lighting in the cottage was perfect and thoughtful, there were 2 new recliners that were amazing after hiking all day, the bed was comfortable, and even the towels were top notch. Also the kitchen had everything we needed to cook several meals. The yard was immaculate and charming. We loved our stay here!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

jim b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great, cozy, clean, well equipped place
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great base for visiting the upper loop. Very cute cottage within walking distance to restaurants. It had everything we needed and then some. The hosts are very friendly!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John F., Ambridge

Liked: Cleanliness
Hosts were awesome! Property is super close to the park. Was very clean and well maintained decor was very country charming. Lots of information left by owners! I would highly recommend this listing super perfect for one couple.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen Randall S.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Lilac Cottage was adorable and just perfect for us! It was very well furnished and had many little extras. The location was great for visiting Yellowstone everyday that we were there.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

lisa h.

Liked: Cleanliness

A little GEM

So cute, very clean, would highly recommend. Super easy access to Yellowstone and walking distance to fun cafes and restaurants. The kitchen had everything we needed including small oven, refrigerator, toaster etc….Everything pristine and lovely!
Lilac Cottage
North Yellowstone
Sunset, North Yellowstone
Mammoth
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

sheila p.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sweet garden

Wish we could have stayed longer! Sweet garden!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew P.

Liked: Cleanliness
The check in process was great. Cute cottage. The location is great for going in the north entrance to Yellowstone.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Traci D., SIMPSONVILLE,SC

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect host and location

The cottage was better than advertised! The hosts were very accommodating. The kitchen had everything you needed and included a few treats for us. Our only regret is that our stay was not longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved the location, it was easy check in and check out process. My husband has mobility issues but was still able to move around fine in the small space. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

TIM H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful comfortable cottage with everything you need. Great base to explore Yellowstone. We even saw wildlife right outside. Hosts were awesome and very helpful throughout.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect :)

Very comfortable two nights and it had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christy S., Hurricane, WV

Liked: Cleanliness

I didn’t want to leave!

We sure loved this place. If I were a VRBO host, it’s exactly how my rental would look and be. Hands down, my favorite place we’ve stayed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martha N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute little place for a couple of nights. Was very clean and had nice touches-like ice cream in the fridge!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris ..

Liked: Cleanliness

Convenient Yellowstone Stay

Beautiful, cozy cottage. Very clean and well appointed. We really appreciated the Yellowstone park information and town tips.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Host was awesome
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucinda B.

Liked: Cleanliness
We really enjoyed this cozy space. The owners have really tried to think of everything you might need and make themselves available for any questions you might have during your visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything about Lilac Cottage was wonderful. Great location with plenty of privacy and everything couples would need. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025