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Entire home·Private host

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

Cottage with kitchen, near Yellowstone National Park North Entrance

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

Property grounds
Smart TV, books
Exterior
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Nestled in the heart of Gardiner, Lilac Cottage is a charming retreat for two. This cozy backyard cottage offers a comfortable queen bed, full kitchen, and Smart TV amidst lush fruit and flower trees. Enjoy walking distance to local shops, restaurants, and Yellowstone's north entrance while appreciating the well-cultivated greenery that adds to its charm.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bathroomSleeps 247 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
The current price is €165
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov

Add dates for prices

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.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • 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 lift
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking is not allowed on the entire property.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre

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

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 24

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

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

Pets not allowed
Note from host: There are no exceptions.

Children and extra beds

This property does not 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

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
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

We should mention

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

Property is also known as

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

About the area

Map
Gardiner, MT

What's nearby

  • Parks' Fly Shop - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Roosevelt Arch - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Gardiner Community Library - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Mammoth Hot Springs - 17 min drive - 10.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Terrace Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Wonderland Cafe & Lodge - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Antler Bar and Grill - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Cowboy's Lodge & Grill - ‬5 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.?

As of 4 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location. on 16 Nov 2025 start from €165.40, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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.

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Reviews

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

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.2

Staff & service

10

Eco-friendliness

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
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

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matthew P.

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

Chris ..

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

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

Brian D.

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

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey C.

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

Perfect :)

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

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

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

Jeffery H., Portland

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

Great location. Great space. Great host.

The property is very close to the north entrance which makes access great. The property is well stocked for meal preparation. The owners are very accommodating. I would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

fred b., Silver Spring

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

All the comforts of home

Everything thing we needed was there. Very comfortable and quiet. Perfect home base to explore Yellowstone.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

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

Thomas C.

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

Great place

Convenient location with great hospitality. Hosts have the best equipped B&B we have ever stayed at! Everything that you would have at home from paper clips to pancake mix. Beautiful gardens and flowers. Easy and quick access to Yellowstone.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 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

Terrisa B.

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

Hidden gem near Yellowstone Nat Park (YNP)

The "Lilac Cottage" was the perfect get away and just minutes away from YNP. Beautifully crafted inside and out, Eleanor & Tom's hidden gem provided us everything we could ever need inside along with a beautiful garden outside to sit enjoy our morning coffee and cocktails at sunset. We would stay again! Thanks Eleanor & Tom D&T Bernard
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

G. Spencer B.

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

Perfect for two!

The Lilac Cottage was wonderful! We loved our stay. The owners thought of everything! We enjoyed the beautiful views and cozy cottage. We had a great time relaxing in the recliners after a day of exploring Yellowstone. It was so close to everything in Gardiner. Our only regret is not being able to stay longer. 10/10
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ada D.

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

Handy to Yellowstone

Gardiner is right by the north entrance of Yellowstone N.P. We were able to visit the park two days, going two different directions and returning to this cottage. Well stocked and a treat was waiting for us in the freezer! Thanks for sharing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony L., Huntington Beach

The Lilac Cottage

Already miss the Lilac's blooms! Can't say enough good about our stay. Elenor and Tom have thought of everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible. It was nice to know they are right there IF NEEDED but give you all the privacy you need. Location is PERFECT to the park entrance and Gardiner is a fun little town to explore. GO and ENJOY! We did.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jill H., Ohio

Perfect, little home away from home

Eleanor and Tom were wonderful hosts. There for you if you need them, but never comprised our privacy. The cottage is wonderful - even spotted an elk outside the kitchen window one morning. The cottage was VERY well stocked: games, movies, kitchen stuff including spices, blankets, etc., and nice outdoor seating area. Easy walk to grocery and Catholic church. Reserved parking spot. Incredible location - just north of the north entrance to Yellowstone.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

William P.

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

Lilac Cottage Adventure

First time to Yellowstone. We had a great vacation. Our hosts, Eleanor and Tom, were tremendous. You need any info, they had it for you. The cottage was beautiful and very accommodating. When we moved in we were greeted by two elk at our door. Never had to go far to get anywhere. Did lots of walking. Cottage is centrally located in town. Next time in Gardiner/Yellowstone , we will definitely stay at the Lilac Cottage. A big Thank You to the Stone's.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

DONALD W., Huntersville

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

Truly a home away from home!!

Staying here truly added to make our trip the "Trip of a Lifetime"! Eleanor and Tom were so gracious and kind. They really thought of everything. When my wife or I were looking for something and said to each other, "I bet Eleanor has it around here somewhere". And we were correct!!! It is a little piece of heaven and a stone's throw from Yellowstone. We felt at home the entire time and didn't want to leave! To Eleanor, we have to return after Covid and give you that big hug we promised!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Leah L.

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

She has thought of all the extra comforts

We really enjoyed our stay. Eleanor has xtra things throughout the space to ensure comfort. The only thing was I thought we were supposed to get off season pricing. Although I haven’t followed through and that’s on me. I know she is not out to scam anyone. I would highly recommend staying here! She has thought of everything that you might need. Thank you Eleanor!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carl L.

Quiet stay for two, nice touches

This is a perfect place to stay for two. The location is perfect for those visiting Yellowstone, whose entrance is a mere half mile away. The small town has many restaurants , a Market/Grocery store for those buying food to cook, and gift shops, all within walking distance. The apartment is very clean and very homey. there is a nice kitchen that is perfect for those who don't want to go out to eat for every meal. There was just about everything you'd need (pots, pans, etc) and many other items you'd normally need to buy (salt, pepper, plastic wrap, etc). Especially thoughtful were all of the nice little touches, like soap and shampoo, ice cream for two, and a candy dish. The owners are right next door, and provide space for those who wish it. A truly wonderful few days.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary and Steve F.

Cozy and comfortable

We enjoyed our stay at Lilac Cottage. Eleanor and Tom were wonderful hosts. The place had everything that you need for daily living. Plenty of everything. Other than groceries, all was supplied. We had fresh flowers, ice cream in the freezer and a basket of chocolates. We were able to use their bear spray, binoculars and all utensils for outdoor grilling. Eleanor and Tom were full of information and assistance. You can't find nicer people anywhere. We enjoyed the elk and deer that roamed about town at all times. The proximity to the park is wonderful. We would stay again if we are ever in the area again. Overall, a great experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016

10/10 Excellent

Regina G.

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

Perfect Stay

We stayed for 3 nights at the Lilac Cottage on our trip to Yellowstone. The cottage is located very close to the north entrance in the town of Gardiner. It is within walking distance to shops and restaurants in town. The cottage had everything we needed including a well stocked kitchen which let us prepare meals easily! There was even a cooler that made packing lunches for the park simple. It was also very clean and comfortable. The hosts provided so much information regarding restaurant and activity suggestions. So helpful! No TV but we were so busy touring Yellowstone we didn't miss it at all! And the wifi worked great. If we ever make it back out to this area we will definitely be booking here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

sheila p.

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

Sweet garden

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

10/10 Excellent

Traci D.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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