You’re walking down Glenwood Street, the Wyoming wind biting at your face, and you see it—the brickwork, the gables, that Tudor-style silhouette that looks like it belongs in a sleepy English village rather than a rugged mountain town. This is The Wort Hotel. It’s been here since 1941. Honestly, if these walls could talk, they wouldn’t just speak; they’d roar with stories of illegal gambling, Hollywood flings, and a fire that almost leveled the place.
Most people think of it as just a "fancy old hotel" near the town square. They’re wrong. It’s the soul of Jackson.
Why The Wort Hotel Jackson Wyoming Still Matters
Jackson Hole has changed. It’s gone from a dusty ranching hub to a billionaire’s playground with sleek, glass-fronted resorts. But The Wort Hotel Jackson Wyoming remains the anchor. Built by John and Jess Wort on the site of their father Charles's old livery stable, it was the first real luxury stay in town. Back then, "luxury" meant you didn’t have to share a bathroom with ten other cowboys.
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Today, it’s a AAA Four-Diamond property, but it hasn’t lost its grit.
The Silver Dollar Bar: 2,032 Reasons to Visit
You can't talk about The Wort without the Silver Dollar Bar. Added in 1950, the bar top is famous for being inlaid with 2,032 uncirculated 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars. It’s not a gimmick; it’s a masterpiece of German craftsmanship. They used dry ice to shrink the coins before pressing them into the Formica so patrons couldn't pry them out with a pocketknife.
Kinda genius, right?
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The bar has seen everything. In the 50s, gambling was technically illegal in Wyoming, but local authorities basically looked the other way. At The Wort, the high-stakes action happened in the basement, a spot known as the "Snake Pit." When the Governor eventually cracked down, the roulette wheels stopped, but the party didn't.
Pro Tip: Look closely at the bar top. There are at least two spots where the alternating heads-tails pattern of the coins is broken. It’s a little "Easter egg" the staff loves.
More Than Just a Place to Sleep
There are only 55 rooms here. That’s why it feels like a lodge, not a Marriott. Every room has its own vibe, but the Silver Dollar Suite is the heavy hitter. It’s got an authentic recreation of the bar downstairs with another 250 antique coins.
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- Original Art: There are over 200 pieces of Western art scattered through the halls.
- The Teddy Bear: You’ll find a "Silver Dollar Sam" bear on your bed when you check-in.
- The Vibe: It’s all lodgepole pine beds and leather club chairs.
In 1980, a massive fire ripped through the second floor. It could have been the end. Instead, the community rallied. High school students literally helped carry the Silver Dollar Bar to a bank vault for safekeeping while the hotel was rebuilt. They reopened in just one year. That’s Jackson for you.
What to Do When You Step Outside
You're half a block from the Town Square. You know, the one with the elk antler arches? You’re walking distance to:
- The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: The Wort actually owns this iconic spot now. Wort guests get the cover charge waived.
- The Jackson Hole Playhouse: Catch a Western musical just down the street.
- Art Galleries: Some of the best Western and contemporary art in the world is within three blocks.
If you’re here in the winter, the hotel runs a private shuttle to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You get to skip the public bus and feel a bit like a VIP.
The Food and The "Snake"
The Silver Dollar Grill is where you go for the Corn Chowder. It’s famous. Don’t ask why; just order it. They also do a mean elk gyro and buffalo burgers that actually taste like Wyoming, not some factory-farmed substitute.
Every Tuesday night, the place transforms for Bluegrass Tuesdays. It’s a local institution. One Ton Pig has been playing there for years, and the dance floor gets crowded fast. You’ll see guys in $2,000 Stetson hats dancing next to ski bums who haven't showered in three days. It’s the great equalizer.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
- Parking is a pain: Downtown Jackson is tight. The Wort offers valet, and honestly, just pay for it. Searching for a spot in a snowstorm is a nightmare you don't want.
- Book early: With only 55 rooms, they sell out months in advance, especially for the Arts Festival in September or the height of ski season.
- Ask for a tour: The concierge can give you a walking tour of the art collection. It’s worth the 20 minutes to hear the stories behind the bronzes and oils.
- Check the schedule: Live music happens Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in The Showroom.
To get the most out of your stay at The Wort Hotel, start by visiting the Silver Dollar Bar during the 4-6 PM happy hour to see the coins in the afternoon light. If you're a guest, make sure to show your room key at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar to bypass the line and cover. For a quieter moment, head to the second-floor library area near the fireplace—it’s the best spot in the building to read a book while the town buzzes outside.