“… one of the smaller, more personable places …”
I have made it a point to stay at the Riverside Cottages in Gardiner, when I visit Yellowstone. It is one of the smaller more personable places to stay where you have a choice of cabins, motel style rooms, and even a couple of larger suites for bigger groups. Cabins have kitchenettes in them, so you can make your own meals, and pack your lunch into the park, greatly curbing the cost of meals in the park and resturaunts. The place has always been clean, and Tom the owner, is a top notch person, who strives to offer a great place to stay.
If you are a bit sore after a day of hiking or walking the geyser trails, a hot tub awaits you by the river’s edge. There is also an outdoor table by the river, where you can just simply sit back, and watch the waning evening light fade in the valley, while the river burbles below you. To me, the experience is far better here, than staying at one of the chain hotels along the main drag, and I get to help keep a small business owner in action, instead of feeding another corporate lodging chain. (Frequent visitor from Texas)