The Rusty Parrot: Western Charm & Sophistication

By Dawn Wilson

The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa has been an integral part of the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, hospitality scene since it opened in 1990. It wasn’t long before it caught the attention of locals, who had no problem making it a hub of social gatherings, making it one of the most desirable places to be seen.

The family-owned lodge’s appeal was its welcoming environment. It was also highly regarded for the personal attention provided to its guests. Over the years, it has received many accolades from notable trade magazines, such as Condé Nast Traveler.

Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the hotel in November 2019. However, despite losing the original structure, with a firm commitment to restore it, the family began a collaborative rebuilding phase. With the help of WRJ Interiors, they enhanced its luxurious interiors to reflect the level of quality the newly rebuilt lodge & spa now offers. The new lodge has 40 rooms, the Body Sage Spa, and the Wild Sage restaurant. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the Harrison family, whose legacy will now continue.

To say the Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa is charming is an understatement. It captured my immediate attention before entering the lobby. Its exteriors are of natural stone, with timber framing and weathered wood that blends seamlessly with the rugged territory surrounding it. It exudes modern rustic charm, which lends to its overall appeal. E-bikes and classic bicycles are available. Situated just outside the front door, classic bicycles and E-bikes are available, adding to the picture-perfect image of this unpretentious luxury lodge and spa.

I was blown away by the modern interiors of the lodge, which offer guests an intimate atmosphere for relaxing. The plush leather furnishings, rustic accent pieces, ambient lighting, and natural stone detailing give the lodge an undeniable level of comfort and warmth. Although there is an elevator to each floor, the enormous staircase lined by beautiful Western-inspired artwork seemed to be a draw for most guests. Taking the stairs to your room made it feel as though you were staying in a home with friends.

The second floor houses a library nook and a charming seating area across from a credenza where guests help themselves with tea and coffee throughout the day. Also, sitting out on the credenza is a welcome surprise, their signature cookies, made fresh daily for guests. These cookies were so delicious that I had to ask for the recipes, which I did!

Guests on the third floor have immediate access to The Perch, an open-air deck with expansive seating surrounding a centralized fireplace offering guests a warm retreat to relax and enjoy the fresh outdoor air. There is also a Wildlife Viewing Deck located on the third floor, opposite The Perch. This intimate location is the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploration or a tranquil space for quiet contemplation before the start of a busy day of adventure.

Every room and suite at The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa offers comfort, tranquility, and luxury. King and Double Queen Rooms are intimate and feature artisan-crafted furnishings and fine bed linens. Balcony Rooms and the King Fireplace Rooms offer a little more warmth to an already cozy environment.

Balcony Rooms offer additional space with a chaise lounge, upholstered bed, gas fireplace, larger bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, and a private balcony. I especially loved sitting in front of the fireplace, curled up in the chaise lounge with tea and cookies at the end of the day. Another small touch that I appreciated was the lighting that illuminates in the dark to light the way to the bathroom.

These small touches make such an impact on a guest’s total experience. Suites provide the largest layout and are perfect for anyone seeking a more elevated experience, as they offer spa-like bathrooms, separate sitting areas, and more upscale design elements than the other accommodations. Standard in each room and suite are plush robes, slippers, and high-end bath amenities.

Wild Sage, the lodge’s culinary delight, is an award-winning restaurant that serves the area’s most delicious cuisine. The small dining space and open kitchen offer guests an intimate, personal dining experience. The menu items are arranged seasonally and are sourced locally. You can expect some of the freshest ingredients, like bison, elk, and fresh produce grown in the region. We were privileged enough to experience a wide variety of menu items, as the head chef was present and eager to show us why their restaurant is one of the hottest tickets in town.

Our meals started with the restaurant’s delicious House Focaccia with cultured butter with smoked salt, and the most tantalizing Beef Tartare. With help from a passionate and knowledgeable server, we selected entrees that suited our taste preferences, such as Duck Steak Au Poivre (pan-roasted magret, sansho & green peppercorn),

Wild Halibut (smoked trout caviar, English peas, crème fraiche, green chickpea puree), and Anson Mills Heirloom Rice (Urfa roasted yam, avocado, ginger, sesame). To further enhance our fine dining experience, we were served wines selected by the chef and server that everyone enjoyed.

Opposite the restaurant is the bar lounge, a warm and inviting space with soft leather armchairs, wood accents, and a fireplace. Bartenders are eager to assist with your drink selection or to craft something unique based on taste preferences. The lodge’s bar lounge area is a great place to relax before and after dinner. It isn’t hard to imagine yourself in the home of close friends while relaxing by the fireplace.

Guests also have full access to the Body Sage Spa, a tranquil respite for rejuvenation. Just off the main lobby, tucked in a corner of the lodge, is their well-appointed spa. Expert therapists administer holistic treatments, which include massages, facials, and body wraps, using natural ingredients.

The space exudes warmth with its soothing fragrances, muted lighting, and soft sounds. I received a therapeutic massage in the premium treatment room known as the Couple’s Suite. This treatment room is tranquil and sophisticated, with a cozy fireplace and freestanding soaking tub used for pre-treatment and post-treatment bathing ceremonies.

The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa’s other notable amenities include: valet parking, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a hot tub, use of both regular and electric bikes, and a complimentary shuttle to the slopes during ski season. These amenities and the high-quality customer service experiences offered make it the ideal base for exploring Jackson Hole and the surrounding Teton Valley.