According to the back cover, The Complete Guide To The National Park Lodges is "the only definitive and practical guide of its kind — covering all the lodges in America’s national parks, from luxurious inns to rustic cabins."
Authors David L. Scott and Kay W. Scott are national park experts who relate how to leave behind the hassles and headaches and make trip planning painless. Having visited nearly every national park area and lodge in America, they share their sage advice on how to choose a lodge that will best suit your taste and pocketbook. Each entry includes firsthand information about the property, including room rates, reservation phone numbers, exact location within the park, availability of food or meals, transportation details, facilities, activities, and detailed maps.
"The two of us have devoted six summers to visiting and staying in America's national park lodges," the Scotts said. "During our stays we walk the property, inspect the rooms, eat the food, and talk with the employees. We tell you about our favorite rooms and our favorite lodges. How to best make a reservation, tips to reduce expenses, and what to do once you arrive. Discover national park lodges that you didn't know existed. This book is the culmination of all our experiences visiting America's crown jewels."
Not only is this new edition thoroughly updated but it also features beautiful full-color photographs of the lodges and parks.
Kurt Repanshek recently discussed the book on the National Parks Traveler website, which is where I first heard of it as well.
"This edition should be part of any national park lover's personal library," Kurt said. "If you're going to be spending north of $100 a night for a room in a park, you definitely want to know what that lodge, and its rooms, are like."
I couldn't agree more. I'm ashamed to admit that I have hardly visited any of our national parks, but Yellowstone and the like are very, very high up on my RVing bucket list. When we do decide to go, we may or may not stay in one of the lodges. I've always wanted to stay in a national parks lodge, mainly because their majestic, rugged beauty is simply intoxicating. Ken Burns' series The National Parks, America's Best Idea, features dazzling images of these majestic structures, as do the various programs often seen on the Travel channel including one specifically on the best National Parks lodges.
But, back to the book.
Kurt says the book is a "solid, well-written, and informative resource that will prove invaluable to park visitors."
"As with past editions, the Scotts open this one with some things to keep in mind when considering where to spend the night," Kurt said. "For instance, they note that some lodge rooms don't have phones or televisions in them, some rooms require the use of a communal bathroom, and while it might be called a "lodge," the rooms might be unattached units that can appear both rustic or motelish.
"Also within the covers you'll find information on how best to go about reserving a room so your vacation is dictated by when you went to go, not when a room is available; details on pets; how to save some dollars (take the room without the bath), and; even information on Wi-Fi or cellphone access (it's spotty at best)."
All essential information for any National Parks traveler. When we finally do make our way to one of our more popular national parks, you can bet The Complete Guide To The National Park Lodges will be an integral part of our research.
FYI: If you decide to purchase the book, please go through the National Parks Traveler website. The folks there will get a small commission that way.
(Amazon.com description) The definitive guide to memorable stays in America's most beautiful places. Details and recommendations for each national park lodge by authors who have stayed in them. From Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park to Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park, this book offers information on making reservations, selecting rooms, and the facilities that are available at each property. The bible of national park lodges for travelers who appreciate rooms with a view.
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