The Sylvan Lodge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

In Jackson Hole’s ever-expanding luxury hospitality scene, it sometimes feels as if the hotel options blend together in a sea filled with earth tones, wood and stone accents, the obligatory walls of wildlife photography, and other contemporary-meets-Wild West design choices. 

To stand out, a hotel must have something truly unique: an imitable backstory, an enviable location, or an element of exclusivity. Over the past few years, several new properties have individually checked one or two of those boxes, but there hasn’t been one that’s nailed all three—until now. On June 18, The Sylvan Lodge, a brand-new retreat at the Snake River Sporting Club, opened its doors, and I was among the first to stay. 

Although I’ve been frequenting this part of Wyoming for several years, I never stepped foot inside the private club’s grounds. Prior to the hotel’s opening, access to this pocket of Jackson Hole, Wyoming—25 minutes south of the town of Jackson—was reserved for members, their guests, or those renting one of the club’s luxury homes or cabins.

“The idea for The Sylvan Lodge was born out of organic demand. Because of the quality of our golf course and club amenities, we’ve long had members and their guests from out of town looking for a place to stay while in Jackson,” Christopher Swann, founder and CEO of Cygnus Capital, tells Travel + Leisure.

The club spans nearly 1,000 acres and is renowned for its Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course; the scenic 18-hole layout is tucked between the banks of the meandering Snake River and Bridger-Teton National Forest land. While a reservation at The Sylvan Lodge grants you the ability to schedule a tee time on this otherwise private course, it also provides something slightly less tangible: a chance to experience Jackson Hole’s natural beauty and accompanying recreational activities without having to navigate around the thousands of visitors who descend upon the area daily.

Even though it’s inherently tied to the Snake River Sporting Club, the 38-key Sylvan Lodge is still grounded in its brand and story. “Sylvan” has a few definitions, but at its core, it refers to something that is “of the woods.” The theme is central to the design of the property—for example, each suite is named after a local tree.

“The goal was to create a refined, residential retreat that feels connected to the land and invites guests to be part of the forest, rather than just near it,” says Ryan Kingston, the area managing director for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, which manages a group of properties that now includes The Sylvan Lodge. “The design incorporates natural materials and a neutral palette, along with original artwork by regional artists that reflects the landscape and wildlife, including eagles, elk, and native tree species.”

While the team was still putting the final touches on some of the hotel’s amenities (including its on-site restaurant, fitness center, and spa) during my stay, the level of excellence The Sylvan Lodge is striving to achieve was already apparent. Every detail felt thoughtful and intentional, from the complimentary snack, drink, and coffee bar on the third floor to the heated bathroom floors and the bathrobes that felt so soft, I made note of the brand (Comphy by Coop, in case you’re also curious). 

I think perhaps what impressed me most, though, was the level of service: the graciously attentive housekeeping, the always-helpful front desk, the waitstaff at the clubhouse who consistently remembered my name. The staff created a warm hospitality experience that will set the hotel up for success as it takes its place in Jackson Hole.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at The Sylvan Lodge.

The Rooms 

Of the 38 guest rooms, 15 are suites. The smallest room category is a King, which has a fairly standard layout with a mini fridge and a Nespresso machine. If you’re staying for more than a couple of nights (or traveling with children), I recommend upgrading to one of the suites, which come with in-room laundry and a kitchen, creating a true “home away from home” experience. Suites also have furnished balconies—they’re the perfect place to unwind in the Wyoming sunshine.

I stayed in the Two-Bedroom Canopy Suite, a spacious spread that can house up to six guests, thanks to the king room and two sets of bunks in the secondary bedroom. During the day, the European white oak ceilings and walls, as well as the Restoration Hardware furnishings, are flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, making the space feel bright and airy. My only complaint would be that the shades are operated by hand. Besides that, there isn’t an inch of the space that doesn’t marry both function and design. 

The coffee tables are accessorized with books, a backgammon set, and coasters designed to reflect the topography of the Teton Range. The kitchen cabinets and shelves are stocked with Riedel glassware, Churchill stoneware, and all manner of utensils; the custom Sylvan Lodge knife from New West KnifeWorks, a local company, is a particular highlight. 

Food and Drink 

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Engelmann’s Bistro, was not open during my visit, but according to Kingston, the eatery will “initially focus on breakfast, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Western region.” That said, the dining experiences during my stay took place at the Snake River Sporting Club’s clubhouse restaurants, led by executive chef Eric Gruber. The menu at River Room is well curated—one page of soups, salads, starters, sides, and mains—and there’s a range of seasonal items. I kept coming back to the beet duo (a combination of pickled and roasted beets and herb-whipped feta), but the daily specials, like the crispy salmon, frequently caught my attention. I also couldn’t help but end each meal with a scoop of the bay laurel ice cream, an in-house specialty. 

Martin Creek Poolside Grill is a casual option for members and lodge guests. I went for the gourmet barbecue sandwich and a side of crudité. While the overall atmosphere of this dining outlet is relaxed, the team was attentive and ensured my gluten-free dietary restriction was top of mind. 

If you’re just looking for drinks, the indoor-outdoor Dark Sky Bar on the third floor of The Sylvan Lodge is the place to be. An expertly prepared, not-too-sweet mocktail was my beverage of choice.

Activities and Experiences 

As the cliché goes, there’s something for everyone here.

As a guest of The Sylvan Lodge, you receive the Snake River Sporting Club’s member benefits. Play a round of golf (there are, notably, a few time restrictions for hotel guests), or grab a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to take out on Beaver Pond, a water feature located near the 11th green and 12th tee. In the warmer months of the year, guests can head up to the five-stand skeet shooting range, book a trail ride along the Snake River, or lounge under an umbrella by the infinity-edge pool beneath the clubhouse. There’s also the option to test your hand-eye coordination at the clay tennis court, frisbee golf course, or archery course, complete with 3D targets. 

In the winter, the sporting club transforms into a haven for cross-country skiers. The team can also help facilitate heli-skiing trips and transport guests to the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Eventually, there will be an on-site shop, called “The Hub,” to facilitate all activities for guests. 

The Spa 

Helmed by Abril Gruber, the former spa manager of the Amangani resort, the 20,000-square-foot spa at The Sylvan Lodge officially opened its eight treatment rooms and additional facilities a few days after I checked out. I did, however, get to try the Sylvan Signature Massage through an in-room experience. The much-needed service effectively removed the tension and soreness that had built up in my body following a full day of travel, plus a few rounds of skeet shooting and a golf lesson. 

I also got to walk through the soon-to-open spa upon my arrival, and I was impressed by the full-service facility. In total, the spa has steam rooms, a cold plunge, and an infrared sauna—as well as a therapy pool, a heated deck, and a sun-filled relaxation room. And if you’ve been thinking about trying a red-light therapy mask? You can pick one up at the spa’s retail boutique. 

Additionally, the fitness center, which is more expansive than many hotel gyms I’ve encountered, is right next door. While I got my heart rate up with long walks from the hotel down to the clubhouse and equestrian center, guests now have the option to exercise indoors. The weekly yoga and pilates classes are also complimentary. 

Family-friendly Offerings

Both Snake River Sporting Club and The Sylvan Lodge are designed to entertain visitors of all ages. The pool at the clubhouse, for example, is popular among younger guests, as is the Beaver Pond. Snake River Sporting Club also has a roster of kids’ camps and kid-friendly lessons, focusing on golf, horseback riding, swimming, fly fishing, kayaking, frisbee golf, and more. 

Accessibility and Sustainability

The common spaces within The Sylvan Lodge are ADA-compliant, and each floor is accessible by an elevator. There is also a lift for the spa’s therapy pool available upon request. As far as accommodations go, there is an ADA-compliant king room, outfitted with an accessible sink, bathtub, and toilet with grab bars.

Like many hotels in Jackson Hole, The Sylvan Lodge has a few sustainability measures in place. Each guest receives their own Yeti water bottle to refill as necessary, cutting down on plastic usage. The bathrooms also have full-sized Lather products—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer—rather than small, single-use plastic bottles.

Location

The Sylvan Lodge is about 30 minutes from downtown Jackson and 40 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). To get to Snake River Sporting Club, you’ll pass over the red Astoria Bridge, with Astoria Hot Springs Park on your left. The hotel and club are located in Snake River Canyon. While you don’t get any views of the Tetons, the contrast of the immaculate golf course, glittering river, and dense forest is spectacular in its own right.

Ubers and Lyfts are available, but depending on the season and driving availability, it can sometimes be difficult to get a ride this far from town. Renting a car will be your best bet—especially if you plan on venturing out to Grand Teton National Park. Alternatively, the hotel can arrange a private transfer to and from the airport. The bell staff can also shuttle guests around the property via golf cart as needed.

Book Now

At this time, The Sylvan Lodge does not have a loyalty program or a partnership with a credit card. There are, however, a few different offers in place, including a grand opening offer (available through December 31) and the “Serenity at Sylvan” package, which includes a two-night stay and a $300 spa credit. Nightly rates at The Sylvan Lodge start from $700.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.