Idaho Falls, Idaho, Yellowstone Lodging Alternative

Idaho Falls, Idaho is a convenient, budget friendly choice for any traveler heading to Yellowstone National Park, just a two hour drive from Yellowstone West Entrance. Idaho Falls is located off interstate 15 with easy access to Highway 20...the mountainous drive climbing through the stunning Targhee National Forest. This route takes you over the Continental Divide and into the state of Montana.

At the junction of Highways 20 and 15 in Idaho Falls, at the Lindsay Blvd. exit, there are several good choices for both lodging and dining. We chose the Le Ritz hotel because of the advertised special of $80 a night. At check in they only had a Queen room available and we had not made reservations. Although our preference was a King, we decided to stay due to the budget -friendly price, costing less than the surrounding hotels comparable to the Le Ritz.

Kelli at the front desk was especially friendly and helpful as was the rest of the staff. The lobby was fairly new in appearance and gave the feeling of being in a local country hotel with painted deer murals and woodsy motifs throughout.

The room was very clean and bright. Unfortunately the quality of the mattress was a little disappointing. It was not as supportive as it could have been and felt springy, causing a somewhat restless night of tossing and turning.

The pool and spa area were easy to get to and stayed open late. The only downside to our room location was the proximity to the pool and spa. While making it convenient for swimming, it also made it somewhat noisy with children playing in the pool late at night. We stayed in the handicap room allowing for easy access to the parking lot and room. If you are a light sleeper and close to the pool you may want to consider ear plugs.

The room amenities included the following:

• Free High-speed Internet/wireless Internet
• Cable TV, HBO and movie channels
• Refrigerator, microwave, coffee make, coffee and tea
• Iron, ironing board, and hair dryer

The bed only had two pillows supplied, however, if you need more you may request them from the front desk and they will gladly bring you more.

Breakfast in the morning had something for everyone. From cereal and fruit, bagels, toast, and cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, biscuits biscuits and gravy, yogurt, waffles, juices, tea, and coffee. The offerings were as varied as any local fast food restaurant (minus the bacon and sausage). I would recommend arriving early, however, as the eggs tend to get dry as the morning goes on. In the breakfast room hotel staff walked around the room checking with guests asking how their breakfast was and if they needed anything else.

The local area of Idaho Falls also has plenty to offer the traveler. As an added bonus, Idaho Falls Idaho boasts of some world class fly fishing. After a day at Yellowstone, plan on spending a few more on the Henry's Fork or the South Fork of the Snake River for an opportunity to experience some of the best trout fishing around. If fishing isn't your thing there are still plenty of other things to do in Idaho Falls Idaho.

No matter what your trip plans are when visiting Idaho Falls Idaho lodging at the Le Ritz was a good mid-range choice as a budget-friendly hotel at $80 a night (despite the less than stellar mattress and pool noise). Overall I would recommend this hotel to the traveler who wants to spend the day in Yellowstone National Park but may find the cost of hotels in the park out of their budgets.

The Le Ritz Hotel is located at:
720 Lindsay Blvd
Idaho Falls ID. 83402.
For Reservations Call (800)813-9266

Other things to do in Idaho Falls Idaho:

Eagle Rock Art Museum
Idaho Falls River Walk
Willard Arts Center & Colonial Theater
Tautphus Park Zoo
Heise Hot Springs
Mountain River Ranch
Yellowstone Bear World