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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.

Lilac Cottage is behind apple tree and among lilac bushes bordering the yard.
The cottage sits behind the owners' home. This is the backyard.
Lilac Cottage guests have a sweet yard to enjoy.
Entry to cottage. Bathroom and kitchen in view.
Eating area.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Gardiner, MT
  • Place, Yellowstone River
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Roosevelt Arch
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Yellowstone National Park North Entrance
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Airport, West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone)
    ‪114 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

STUDIO

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 24

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Adults only

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Events

No events allowed

Groups staying nearby cannot congregate here

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Pets

No pets allowed

There are no exceptions.

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking is not allowed on the entire property.

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

Important information

You need to know

Property # 602487vb
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

About the area

Gardiner

Located in Gardiner, this cottage is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
View more Cottages in GardinerOpens in a new window
Map
Gardiner, MT

What's nearby

  • Yellowstone River - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Parks' Fly Shop - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Roosevelt Arch - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Gardiner Community Library - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 17 min walk - 1.5 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
  • ‪Rusty Rail - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room - ‬14 min drive

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 is parking at Perfect for two! Less than half mile from Yellowstone. 'Downtown' location.?

On-site parking is available at the 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.?

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 Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. Parks' Fly Shop and Gardiner Community Library are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
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

10/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresia K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a fantastic time in the Lilac Cottage. It was extremely clean and well stocked. Can fully recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

markhansvan

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
location was great. the place was great. the owner was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jim b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great, cozy, clean, well equipped place
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept 2025
Thanks so much Jim and we hope you can return someday!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location to access the North entrance to Yellowstone NP. The hosts have thought of everything to make a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The location was peaceful and the cottage's kitchen was well-equipped to prepare meals. We hope to stay again sometime.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had everything that we needed for our stay. Quiet and comfortable. Perfect for our time at Yellowstone.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen Randall S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Lilac Cottage was adorable and just perfect for us! It was very well furnished and had many little extras. The location was great for visiting Yellowstone everyday that we were there.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2025
Thank you both so much for the review and I’m glad the Cottage pleased you! We like to supply it with the things that we look for when we’re on vacation away from home
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great base for visiting the upper loop. Very cute cottage within walking distance to restaurants. It had everything we needed and then some. The hosts are very friendly!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul 2025
Glad to hear it, Matthew! Sorry we didn’t get to meet. You’re welcome back anytime.
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ellie s.

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

Excellent

Perfect in every way!Great placeGreat hosts!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun 2025
Thank you Ellie! Great to meet you and thanks for your gentle use of the cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

TIM H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful comfortable cottage with everything you need. Great base to explore Yellowstone. We even saw wildlife right outside. Hosts were awesome and very helpful throughout.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2025
Thanks very much, Tim! Glad you found the cottage to be well supplied. That is what we aim for and over the years, we’ve used good ideas from guests and used our perspectives as travelers. Please come back anytime.
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jun 2025
Glad you found all the information useful! Gardiner is a busy town with limited eating and we try to steer our guests through that and through the best resources for the best Yellowstone knowledge. Sorry we never got to meet but thanks for the great communication!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucinda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed this cozy space. The owners have really tried to think of everything you might need and make themselves available for any questions you might have during your visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martha N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute little place for a couple of nights. Was very clean and had nice touches-like ice cream in the fridge!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jun 2025
Thanks Martha! We try to make it as much of a home away from home as possible.
Verified

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
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul 2025
We’re glad you liked the flowers!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was awesome
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jun 2025
Thanks for the appreciation!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth B.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct 2023
Thanks Kenneth!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hosts were awesome! Property is super close to the park. Was very clean and well maintained decor was very country charming. Lots of information left by owners! I would highly recommend this listing super perfect for one couple.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2025
Thanks so much, John! Sorry we didn’t get to meet you, but I’m glad you found everything you needed and thanks for keeping in touch!
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jul 2025
Thanks very much Traci! Sorry I get to meet you.
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2025
Glad to hear it was comfortable for you guys and glad you got to meet an elk and calf in the neighborhood. The Cottage is not ADA compliant and I’m glad your husband could get around well!
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jul 2025
So glad that you enjoyed the cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy S.

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

I didn’t want to leave!

We sure loved this place. If I were a VRBO host, it’s exactly how my rental would look and be. Hands down, my favorite place we’ve stayed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2025
What an endorsement Christy - thanks! You were wonderful guests and we appreciate your gentle use of the cottage.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Karolin L.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Thank you and it was so nice to meet you. We sure enjoy having the cottage for all of our traveling guests to enjoy! We strive to be a good deal in this beautiful area.

About the host

Hosted by Eleanor Stone

Host profile image

Tom and Eleanor Stone came to Yellowstone Park in the late 70s and early 80s, met and were married here. We worked in the interior of the Park for a number of years and then settled in Gardiner in 1989. We raised our two daughters in Gardiner. Newly retired in 2019 from work in Yellowstone, Tom enjoys gardening, cooking, fly fishing, reading, home projects, and learning Italian. When not working at a local cattle and guest ranch, Eleanor loves to read, take walks, nordic ski, volunteer in the community, keep in touch with her very large family, and help Tom care for the house and cottage. We have been hosting family and friends in the Lilac Cottage for years and it makes us HAPPY to have opened it in 2014 to newcomers and folks who want to enjoy the area.

Why they chose this property

We have lived in Yellowstone/Gardiner for over 40 years and have owned our home and backyard cottage since 1995. The neighborhood is a mix of residential and commercial. With all the TLC we've poured into this property you can see from the reviews that the folks who love it most are the ones who enjoy that charm of the old cottage and the beautiful, outdoor space to relax. If you prefer a "newly built place" kind of character, or a vacation rental with owners far away, this may not suit your vacation.

What makes this property unique

We love our home and cottage because of its location. It is handy to go out the door to run errands, grab a meal, raft, rent an e-bike, shop, or hop into Yellowstone, and yet this downtown property has a surprising ability to tuck you away. We love the old fashioned comfort of this small, historic property and work to keep it that way. We purposely keep the nightly rate of Lilac Cottage reasonable for this area. The reason is that we think that the additional 12% taxes (8% state and 4% local) plus the $50 cleaning fee plus the taxable VRBO Service Fee add enough to your charges! We are making our rate fair in comparison to small vacation rentals in the area and even to Gardiner motels.

Languages:

English

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