economie

I usually avoid hotel chains, but staying at a Four Seasons completely changed my tune

October 31, 20240
A wide view of the Four Seasons Jackson Hole.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Jackson Hole

The Four Seasons Jackson Hole opened in 2003 as a luxury ski resort in Teton Village. It sits below Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, next to Grand Teton National Park, and south of Yellowstone National Park.

With gable rooftops towering above pine trees across the property, I thought the hotel resembled a gigantic cabin.

The lobby set the stage for the elegant Western style of Jackson Hole.
The author’s room key.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The resort has 155 rooms, including 106 guest rooms, 18 suites, and 31 Resort Residences — with full kitchens and up to five bedrooms — for large groups.

Though BI received a media rate for the one-night stay, a company representative said starting prices range from $525 in the offseason to $995 in the winter.

Meanwhile, starting nightly rates for the Resort Residences range from $4,200 to $11,000, depending on the season.

I stayed in a 550-square-foot mountainside guest room.
The author’s king-sized bed.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Cherry-wood shutters gave my room a rustic look, elevated by works of art resembling nature. I ogled at the tree forms on the lit-up headboard.

There was a tablet on one of the nightstands with smart controls for the TV and room service requests.

The bathroom was roomy and luxurious.
A view of the mountain from the author’s balcony.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

It was incredibly cloudy during my stay, obstructing much of the view. But I imagine it would be an exceptional place to stargaze on a clear night.

After checking out my room, I stepped outside to see the grounds.
A view of the pool in summer (L) and winter (R).

Courtesy of Four Seasons Jackson Hole

In addition to the main pool, there were three whirlpools. In the winter, guests have access to heated towels and robes.

Back inside, there was an 11,685-square-foot spa.
Inside the Ascent Lounge.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Four Seasons has a steak house called Westbank Grill, a pub called The Handle Bar, and the Ascent Lounge, a pan-Asian eatery.

The restaurants source ingredients locally, from greens and potatoes to elk, beef, and buffalo.

The interior design in these spaces nodded to the American West through works of art and organic foundations such as stone walls and wooden cathedral ceilings.

In the summer of 2024, the hotel upgraded its luxury offerings with three new spots, including First Chair Grab and Go, a small marketplace selling snacks and coffee.
The speakeasy inside the Four Seasons.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Up to 30 guests can pile into the 750-square-foot 80 Proof, a speakeasy-style bar reminiscent of the traditional cowboy spirit.

“It’s designed to evoke how the old west used to be,” Cole said. “Like those railroad journeys through the American Frontier.”

The velvet curtains, intricately footed tables, and historic photos on the walls gave the room a classy, old-world feel.

Perhaps the biggest upgrade is the new ski lounge.
The Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora.

Four Seasons Press Room

And I’ll likely have a completely different experience.

While I still wouldn’t stay in hotels that look nearly identical across locations, my Four Seasons experience taught me that not all chains are the same — they can provide unique experiences.

So, when it comes to large hotel companies, I’m ditching the close-minded attitude.