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Entire home

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

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

Exterior detail
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Smart TV, books
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 2

Popular amenities

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

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 manager

Eleanor Stone

Languages

English

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

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

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is recommended for transportation 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 neighborhood

Located in Gardiner, this cottage is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Visit our Gardiner travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Cottages in GardinerOpens in a new window
Map
MT, Gardiner

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 - 18 min drive - 10.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Wonderland Cafe & Lodge - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Cowboy's Lodge & Grill - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Terrace Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Antler Bar and Grill - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Eat Sandwichs - ‬9 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.

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.?

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 208 out of 218 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 218 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 218 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 218 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 218 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

Robert S.

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

Awesome adventure!

Five Stars! Very close to the park in an awesome little mountain town!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean M.

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

Totally amazing cottage!

Lilacs in full bloom, cozy and quiet, exquisitely stocked and beautifully furnished! Eleanor and Tom made this a perfect home away from home with cute unexpected extras! Super hosts
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Friendly and welcoming hosts, comfortable cottage, fantastically well-equipped kitchen and in an area with lots to see and do: a great location for visiting Yellowstone.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cullen B.

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

Amazing cozy cottage

We loved our stay at the Lilac Cottage! After spending the whole day in Yellowstone we were ready to relax and enjoy a comfortable and clean place and the lilac cottage provided just that!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth B., Pacific Northwest

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

Great little cottage

We had a great stay and Eleanor and Tom were wonderful hosts
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie w.

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

Lovely little cottage

We really enjoyed our stay the the Lilac Cottage! Eleanor thought of everything. It was perfect great location, walking distance to everything. Would absolutely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

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

Daniel L.

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

Great Place to Stay Near Yellowstone

This cute and comfortable cottage was the perfect base camp for our visit to Yellowstone. The property was nicely equipped with all the essentials for our stay. The next visit to the park may be in early fall to avoid the summer crowds; I'm hoping we can land this property again when we return!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karolin L., Portland, Oregon USA

Eleanor was great and her cozy cottage was perfect for us.

The location was perfect, the cottage was darling and Eleanor was the greatest!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2016

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We love Lilac Cottage!! Very comfortable, quiet, and clean! Hosts have made this darling cottage available with everything you could possibly need and more!! We will stay here again!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 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

Debra D.

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

Convenient cottage with all your needs at affordable rates

Have stayed here before and keep coming back! Very convenient location, quiet, clean, well stocked for all your needs and as much privacy as you want or need.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daphne R.

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

Cozy Stay

The cottage was in a great location, easy to find and so close to the park. There was everything you'd need for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

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

Cute place in great location

We enjoyed our time in Gardiner. Host was very communicative. The unit is very well equipped with kitchen supplies, games, and park information. Easy commute into the park.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie G.

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

Great stay

Everything as stated in listing. Owners gave great information!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly R.

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

Lilac Cottage

Wonderful!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

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

Perfect for Two

Very clean and convenient location. The owner is super sweet and helpful. The property is well maintained and extremely clean. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie C.

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

Yellowstone

We stayed our first night after a day at Yellowstone, then a second night after another day at Yellowstone. Very close to the North entrance and we had a very comfortable stay. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

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

Jenny R.

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

Yellowstone visit

This is an amazing place to stay! Can walk to restaurants and grocery store. Eleanor is super friendly. There is an information book that is put together with all the restaurants and is super helpful! Just a wonderful experience all together!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike M.

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

A lovely, cozy cottage. Everything we needed and then some was at our fingertips

A beautiful setting. It felt like home.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

christopher h.

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

Perfect Retreat

Everything two people could need. Yes, it’s a small cottage, but it doesn’t lack for anything and has a nice sitting area just outside. Conveniently located with a grocery store just down the street and the North entrance to the park a few minutes away. We plan to return next May. Eleanor and Tom are wonderful hosts.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susanne B.

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

cozy cottage

we felt very welcome and enjoyed the quiet garden- a chat with our host included.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kristin P.

Perfect stay!

Great little cottage! Close to the park, yet so far away from the crowds and chaos. Cottage is super comfortable, has everything you need, and is close to everything in town. Owners super friendly! A peaceful oasis in a beautiful setting--highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2016

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

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

review

Perfect for two and location excellent. Definitely recommend to friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023