Jackson Hole is expensive. There, I said it. If you’ve spent more than five minutes looking at lodging in downtown Jackson, you’ve probably noticed that prices for a decent room often rival a monthly mortgage payment in the Midwest. This is where the 49er Inn and Suites comes into the picture. It’s been sitting on West Pearl Avenue for decades, a literal block away from the world-famous town square, serving as a sort of middle ground for people who want to be near the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar but don't want to pay Four Seasons prices.
It isn't a boutique hotel. It isn't a rustic cabin in the woods.
It's a classic mountain lodge that has managed to survive the massive waves of gentrification that turned Jackson from a gritty cowboy town into a playground for billionaires. You'll see the neon sign—a gold prospector panning for luck—shining against the Wyoming sky. It’s a vibe. Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels deeply familiar even if you’ve never stayed there.
Why the 49er Inn and Suites Stays Crowded Year-Round
Location is everything in Teton County. If you stay out by the village (Teton Village), you’re close to the skiing but a twenty-minute drive from the nightlife and shops of the town. Staying at the 49er Inn and Suites puts you right in the heart of the "Town" side of things. You can walk to Snake River Brewing. You can walk to the antler arches.
The property is sprawling. It isn't just one building; it's a collection of wings built at different times, which means the room you get can vary wildly in style and "newness." Some rooms feel like a standard, reliable hotel stay, while the fireplace suites actually lean into that cozy, mountain-man aesthetic people expect when they cross the state line.
One thing people often overlook is the parking. In downtown Jackson, parking is a nightmare. Most hotels charge you a premium for it, or you're stuck circling blocks like a vulture. The 49er has its own lot. It sounds like a small detail until you’re trying to haul ski gear through a blizzard at 7:00 AM.
Breaking Down the Room Options
You have choices here. The "Extended Stay" suites are popular for people doing the Grand Teton National Park circuit because they have kitchenettes. If you're traveling with kids, this is a lifesaver. Eating out in Jackson for every meal will drain your bank account faster than a hole in a bucket. Having a fridge and a microwave means you can stock up at the local Smith’s grocery store and save your cash for the $20 cocktails at the Rose.
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Then you have the fireplace suites. These are the "fancy" option. They feel more like the Wyoming you see in movies. Heavy wood, warm lighting, and a place to thaw out your toes after a day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
The standard rooms are exactly that. Standard. They are clean, they are functional, and they serve as a base of operations. If you are the type of traveler who only uses a hotel room to sleep and shower, why pay for a $900-a-night resort fee down the street?
The Logistics of the Famous Jackson Hole Shuttle
A lot of guests stay at the 49er Inn and Suites specifically for the shuttle access. Jackson Hole is unique because the "Town" and the "Mountain" are two different entities. The town of Jackson is where the 49er is. The mountain (the skiing) is 12 miles away.
The START bus (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) runs constantly. There’s a stop right near the hotel.
But the hotel also runs its own ski shuttle during the winter months. This is a massive perk. You don't have to worry about driving on icy Teton Pass roads or paying for parking at the base of the mountain. You just hop on, clank your boots together, and you're at the tram in fifteen minutes. It’s convenient. It’s basically expected in this town, but the 49er executes it well.
Amenities That Actually Matter
Let’s talk about the pool. It’s an indoor/outdoor setup. In the winter, swimming in an outdoor pool while steam rises into the freezing air is a quintessential Jackson experience. There’s also a hot tub. After hiking Cascade Canyon or skiing Corbet’s Couloir, a hot tub isn't a luxury; it’s medical necessity.
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They also offer a continental breakfast. Look, it’s not a five-course brunch. It’s eggs, waffles, coffee, and pastries. But again, look at the prices of breakfast burritos in town. You’re looking at $18 minimum at most cafes. Getting a "free" meal included in your stay at the 49er Inn and Suites legitimately saves a family of four about $80 a day. That adds up over a week-long trip.
Surviving the Peak Season Crowds
Jackson Hole is no longer a "hidden gem." It is a global destination. If you're planning to stay at the 49er Inn and Suites in July or August, you need to book months in advance. The same goes for the Christmas to New Year's stretch.
The town gets packed. The sidewalks on the square are shoulder-to-shoulder. Because the 49er is so central, you will feel that energy. If you want total silence and isolation, this isn't the spot for you. Go stay in a cabin in Moran or Buffalo Valley. But if you want to be able to walk to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, have three beers, and not worry about an Uber, this is the spot.
One thing to keep in mind is the noise. Since the hotel is on a main-ish road, the rooms facing the street can get some traffic sounds. It’s not Manhattan, but it’s not the middle of the wilderness either. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room in one of the back wings. The staff is generally pretty chill about accommodating that if they aren't totally sold out.
Comparing the 49er to its Sister Properties
The 49er is part of a local group called Town Square Hospitality. They also own the Downtowner, the Elk Country Inn, and the Woods Motel. They all have a similar vibe, but the 49er Inn and Suites is generally considered the "flagship" of that mid-range tier.
- The Elk Country Inn is a bit more rustic, often featuring actual log cabins.
- The Cowboy Village Resort is all individual cabins (great for privacy).
- The 49er is the most "hotel-like" of the bunch. It feels the most polished of their budget-friendly options.
What People Get Wrong About Jackson Lodging
Most people think you have to choose between a dive motel or a luxury resort. They miss the middle. The 49er Inn and Suites occupies that middle ground. It’s not "cheap" by national standards—nothing in Jackson is—but it represents the best value for your dollar if you want a pool, a hot tub, breakfast, and a walk to the town square.
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There is a misconception that these older hotels are "run down." Sure, you might find a scuff on a baseboard or a piece of furniture that looks like it’s from 2005, but the maintenance teams in Jackson work incredibly hard. The turnover of guests is constant. The 49er stays updated enough to feel fresh without losing that old-school Wyoming charm. It doesn't try to be a sleek, modern glass box, and it shouldn't.
Hidden Perks Near the Hotel
If you stay here, skip the tourist traps for at least one night. Walk two blocks over to Persephone Bakery. It’s arguably the best bakery in the state. Get the seed bread or a croque madame.
Another local secret is the Vertical Harvest greenhouse nearby. It’s a three-story hydroponic farm that employs people with developmental disabilities and grows incredible greens. It’s a cool piece of local architecture and social enterprise right in the 49er’s backyard.
For dinner, Bin22 is right around the corner. It’s a wine shop and tapas bar. You can grab a bottle of wine off the shelf, pay the retail price plus a small corkage fee, and eat world-class meatballs. It’s one of the few places in town where you feel like a local rather than a tourist being milked for cash.
Final Thoughts on the 49er Experience
When you book the 49er Inn and Suites, you're buying access. You're buying the ability to see the Grand Tetons out your window while being close enough to smell the sourdough at the local cafes. It’s a place for people who love the outdoors but also appreciate a warm bed and a reliable heater.
Wyoming is a rugged place. The weather can change in six seconds. Having a home base that is centrally located, offers a massive hot tub, and doesn't require a second mortgage is the smartest way to do Jackson Hole.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a "New Wing" room: If you want the most modern experience, specify that you'd like to be in the newer part of the property.
- Utilize the grocery store: Use your in-room fridge. Jackson dining is incredible, but it’s also exhausting. A quiet night with a sandwich and a local brew from the 49er's lobby area is a great way to recharge.
- Check the shuttle schedule early: During ski season, the hotel shuttle is popular. Get down to the lobby five minutes early to ensure you get a seat.
- Book direct: Sometimes calling the hotel directly can snag you a better rate or a specific room type that isn't showing up on the big travel sites.
- Plan for the "Off-Season": If you can visit in "Slack" (the weeks between ski season and summer, usually May or late October), you can stay at the 49er for a fraction of the price. The town is quiet, the locals are relaxed, and the park is beautiful in a whole different way.