4 Best Hotels in Buffalo, Cody, Sheridan, and Northern Wyoming

This enchanting, fully restored grand hotel, founded in 1880, served emigrants on the Bozeman Trail, two U.S. presidents, and some of Wyoming's most colorful characters, and it remains in top form. Owen Wister immortalized the Occidental in his 1902 novel The Virginian, about the Johnson County Cattle War. After winning a high-stakes poker game in 1918, one family held on to the hotel for 58 years, keeping intact all of its original furnishings and architectural accents. A lavish $1 million–plus restoration under current owners John and Dawn Wexo spruced up the Victorian-style rooms and tin-ceiling lobby, saloon, and restaurant, sparing this living treasure from the wrecking ball. Most spectacular among the many nostalgic suites are the Clear Creek, with its six-post cherrywood bed, adjoining sitting room, and spacious bathroom, and the elegant Teddy Roosevelt Suite, furnished with a high-back walnut bed, an antique hardwood desk, and a claw-foot tub. Down in the saloon, the 25-foot bar, stained-glass shade, and tin ceiling look brand new—except for 23 bullet holes, revealing origins in the cutthroat, quick-draw era. On Thursday nights nowadays there's a bluegrass hootenanny jam-packed with friendlies.

Not only does this dude ranch have a stunning location at the base of some of the tallest mountains in the range, but it's also one of the oldest (circa 1907) and most progressive, as evidenced by its adults-only month (September) and two ladies' weeks. The rest of the summer has extensive children's programs, with everything from overnight pack trips to a kids' rodeo. Adult programs involve sing-alongs and fancy barbecues. The wranglers are very careful about matching riders to appropriate horses; multiday trips venture into the Bighorn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. Three full-time guides on staff take guests on fly-fishing excursions. Cabins are simple. Some have fireplaces; all have full baths and kitchenettes. There's a one-week minimum stay; ask about 30% discounts in June.

Several blocks from downtown, this motel is close to Clear Creek Trail, the city's bike and walking path. Rooms have generic motel furnishings, including desks and coffeemakers.