Frequently Asked Questions
In some instances our FAQ responses are shorthand versions of the information in our Hotel Policies page. To the extent there are any inconsistences between the two, the Hotel Policies controls over the FAQ response.
The Hostel vs Traditional Hostels
Unlike traditional hostels, The Hostel offers private guest rooms with private in-room bathrooms—no shared dorms or communal bathrooms here. While the rooms are simpler and more compact than those in full-service hotels, they provide privacy, comfort, and unbeatable value.
Yes. All rooms include new air-conditioning and heating units by Ephoca (installed in 2024), Kohler showers, quartz sink counters, and free high-speed, fiber-optic Wi-Fi. We don’t have land-line telephones or alarm clocks. We found that our guests didn’t want traditional TVs; most stream on their own devices. For those who don’t have their device with them we provide loaner tablets with Hulu + Live TV, providing much more content to choose from than traditional hotel TV and allowing everyone to watch their own content. For those who want to watch the big game (or anything else) on a larger screen, we have traditional TVs in the basement lounge and game room.
Not a full kitchen, but guests have access to a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, toaster, and an outdoor BBQ area—perfect for light meals or après-adventure snacks.
The building is older and may have more ambient noise than newer hotels. However, extra soundproofing was added in 2014 and 2023, and most guests find it comfortable and peaceful, especially given the unbeatable location.
No, there is no elevator. Guests with mobility concerns or heavy luggage are encouraged to request a room on a lower floor in advance. Our staff is happy to assist with carrying bags when needed.
For a fraction of the cost of nearby hotels, you get a clean, comfortable, private room, a prime location at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and all the great amenities we provide with no extra 'resort fees' or parking fees that others charge. As Frommer's puts it: "It’s a great bargain ...and nobody will be able to tell you apart from the skiers staying at the Four Seasons."
Room Options & Occupancy
We have two room types. King Rooms have a king bed. Quad Rooms have four twin beds.
Yes! A rollaway bed can be added to any room for $5 + tax per night.
Yes. A third guest in a King Room or a fifth guest in a Quad Room incurs a $25 + tax per night charge.
Yes! Stays of 30+ days may qualify for a reduced, tax-exempt monthly rate. Please call or email us directly for details.
The Hostel building and lawn are non-smoking except for the designated outdoor smoking area located on the lawn at the north end of the building. Anyone smoking in the building will be subject to a $150 fee + tax.
Guests must be 18 or older to stay unaccompanied.
Groups & Special Requests
Yes. Group bookings of five or more rooms require pre-approval from Hostel management. Contact us to discuss availability and details.
We do our best to honor room or floor requests, but changes may be necessary to accommodate all guests. If your preference is important, please reach out to us as early as possible.
Lobby Hours & Late Arrivals
Our lobby hours are shown here.
If you know you will be arriving after lobby hours, please phone us in advance at (307) 733-3415 and we will provide instructions for picking up your room keycard. Phoning us is the best option, but you can also email us at thehosteljh@gmail.com. If you can’t notify us in advance, instructions are posted by the lobby door for picking up your room keycard.
Please plan to check in at least one hour before the lobby closes for the night. If you anticipate arriving later, just give us a call at 307-733-3415 ahead of time—we’ll be happy to arrange an after-hours check-in for you.
Deposits & Minimum Stay
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance for the full stay will be collected at check-in.
Cancellations, Delays & Early Departures
If your arrival is delayed, let us know and we will hold your reservation. If we do not hear from you, your reservation might be cancelled.
- Groups of 5+ rooms, stays of 10+ days, and Ski Season: Cancel by 3:00 PM, 14 days before arrival.
- All Other Bookings: Cancel by 3:00 PM, two days before arrival.
If canceled before the deadline, your deposit is refunded minus a 7% fee. After the deadline, the deposit is forfeited.
Partial refunds may be available. We retain:
- Charges for at least 50% of your originally intended stay.
- Charges for all nights within 48 hours of notifying us.
Refunds are subject to a 7% processing fee.
Pets
Yes! Cats and dogs are welcome for an added fee of $25 + tax per night, per pet. Pets are permitted on the first and second floors only. Limit of two pets per room.
Guests with pet allergies can request dander-free rooms on the 3rd or 4th floors.
Please do not leave dogs alone in the room during the day if they are likely to bark.
Check-in & Check-out Times
- Check-In: After 3:00 PM
- Check-Out: By 11:00 AM
If your room is ready early, we may be able to check you in sooner.
Yes, we do!
- Late check-out up to 1 pm is available for a fee of $25 + tax. An additional thirty-minute grace period (up to 1:30 pm) may be provided at no additional fee.
- Check-outs after 1:30 pm incur an additional night’s fee equal to the room rate in effect at the time the fee is incurred + tax.
Shipping & Storage
Yes! If you forget something, we can ship it back for shipping costs plus a handling fee:
- USPS: $10 + tax
- UPS: $20 + tax (typically shipped on Tuesdays)
Let us know your mailing address, preferred carrier, urgency, payment method (if different from what’s on file), and if you need insurance. Note: We cannot ship skis or snowboards.
Yes, you can ship items to The Hostel. Our shipping information and instructions are here.
Yes, we offer limited package storage at no charge immediately prior to your arrival or between adjacent stays.