the rusty parrot lodge & spa, jackson hole, wyoming
In a comeback victory after a devastating fire, this Jackson Hole favorite has been rebuilt with a chic and cozy design, cushy spa, and access to Wyoming’s best outdoor experiences—all the makings for a one-of-a-kind mountain escape.
Flying into Jackson Hole, the view will make your jaw drop. The Grand Tetons rise sharply, those pyramid-shaped mountains cutting through the sky and creating the visual drama you’d hope for from this wild western locale. All the dreamy oohing and ahhing you’ve likely heard to translate its magic are not, it turns out, superlatives. Actual words don’t do it justice. That imposing, staggering landscape is felt with awe, adrenaline, and paradoxical calmness.
This is not a bad mental state to be in when arriving at The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa, just on the edge of town. The friendly, sophisticated, family-owned boutique hotel is exactly the warm refuge you want as an antidote to that untamed environment.
The first thing I notice upon entering the lobby is an elaborate chandelier composed of a tangle of antlers. Welcome to the west! Adorning the walls is a thoughtful gallery of collected wildlife art from local artists; it’s balanced with unfussy furnishings in earthy hues and cozy textures. This all feels authentically Wyoming—the vibe is there, but it’s not trying too hard. The Rusty Parrot itself hangs near the entrance as an instant conversation starter, though if you want the origin story, tradition says you’ll have to get it from Brandon Harrison, the general manager.
The rooms (there are 40) are chicly designed for max comfort and subtle pampering. Mine, a King Fireplace Balcony Room, had everything I didn’t know I needed, like a gas fireplace opposite a chaise that I lounged on with my morning coffee under a super soft throw. That is, when I wasn’t on the deck watching the sunrise over the mountains. The bathroom has a deep soaking tub and high-end Amouage bath products. Little details, like complimentary eye masks from the spa and slippers make it extra homey. As does the library on the second floor that invites you to grab a book, along with a freshly-baked cookie (they put them out daily, and believe me when I say they’re irresistible).
One of the highlights of staying here is the food. The Wild Sage Restaurant & Bar, with its small, 48-seat setup, feels like dining in a stylish mountain home. Breakfast is hearty, as it should be for a day of skiing, or exploring the range. Dinner is elegant but casual, so it feels super special without the stress. After a perfectly cooked steak or homemade pasta, you’ll want to move into the bar, sink into a chair by the fireplace, and wind down with a nightcap.
The outdoor spaces deserve a mention, too. The Perch, an open-air deck on the third floor, offers a mix of seating around a fireplace. There’s also a smaller Wildlife Viewing Deck where you might spot elk against the East Gros Ventre Butte.
But as tempting as hanging out by the firepit and outdoor hot tub (there’s that too) might be, Jackson hole is all about the topography. That means skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, tracking down buffalo…The hotel runs shuttles to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for skiing, and they’ll arrange tours with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris in Grand Teton National Park. On my outdoor venture, which embarked early, just as the light was coming over the peaks, we spotted meandering moose, a gang of elk, a herd of grazing bison, one regal bald eagle, and, after an exhilarating chase based on shared info from a network of eye-witnesses, a great grizzly that came almost close enough to pet, which we did not do.
To come down after such an adventurous day, there’s nothing better than The Body Sage Spa, a calm, intimate space with an indoor and outdoor lounging area where you can sip a variety of teas before your treatment. I got the Sage Within Massage tailored to address all my traveler’s aches and pains that rendered me “limp noodle,” in the best way. They offer a range of body work options and facials, using natural ingredients in high-end clean brands including Esse and Voya. “We are also fortunate to have incredible botanical products that are sourced and made locally,” Spa Director, Kimberly Acker, tells me. Those include Alpyn Beauty made here in Jackson Hole, and Phia, from nearby Colorado, both derived from plants chosen for their highly-potent active ingredients. “We have such vitality and richness in this part of the country,” says Acker, “we’re lucky to reap the benefits.” That energy comes through not just on the treatment table, but in every corner of the hotel, and out to the impressive peaks of the mountainous landscape.

