India, Dec. 27 -- The country's first national park is arguably the most iconic, with beautiful hot springs, geysers, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears and bison. Yellowstone National Park spans over 3,400 square miles across three states; you can't expect to see it all in a day, so you'll need a home base.

Staying inside the park is the most convenient option, but most on-site lodgings are pretty basic and only open during the warmer months. Booking a room at a nearby resort gives you more luxurious accommodations, better dining options, and extra amenities such as spas. And if you're wondering whether it's better to stay by the north or west entrance, bear in mind that the north entrance is open year-round, while the west ...