The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
3170 Road 40 1/2, Shell, WY 82441
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#1 of 5 Specialty lodging in Shell
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Travellers' Choice
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is an upscale guest ranch, limited to approx. 25 riders weekly. The ranch is all about riding, horses, and horsemanship. We take great pride in our horses, keeping them as healthy and well-trained as possible. Nestled at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains in Shell, Wyoming - East of Cody and Yellowstone National Park, we welcome guests from all over North America and the world. As owners, modern Western pioneers ourselves hailing from Europe, we are very hands in the day-to-day operations to assure the well-being of our guests, horses, and staff. The area offers a seldom seen diversity of scenery and depending on the season we ride elevations ranging from 4200 feet in the valley to 10,000 feet in the mountains, accessing close to 650,000 acres on private and public lands. The Hideout takes pride in a growing number of repeat guests, and most of our new guests come through word of mouth. The ranch is clean, organized and managed by professionals to assure you have a safe, fun, and diverse riding experience. Given the terrain we ride in, and out of respect for our horses, we have a strict weight limit of 230 pounds. We welcome different levels of riders, but recommend riders to be fit, healthy and in good shape to fully enjoy the experience. We strongly advise you to take out trip insurance when booking your trip at The Hideout. Thank you for your interest in our ranch. Please call us if you have questions, and we hope to welcome you at The Hideout for a very special Western riding vacation.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot bath
Bar / lounge
Horseback riding
Entertainment staff
Airport transportation
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Special diet menus
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
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Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Location
3170 Road 40 1/2, Shell, WY 82441
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Rental CarsSee all Shell car hire
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The Hideout Ranch is an absolute gem in the beautiful Big Horn Mountains close to Shell, Wy. My husband and I are still talking about it. We had trail rides in the mountains, in canyons, and in the valleys that were all uniquely stunning and magnificent. There were magical moments on these rides when we were all moving along a narrow trail, single file, everyone quiet except for the sound of the horses. Relationships with the other guests quickly went from 'never met before' to planning a reunion at The Hideout in 2 years. The food was phenomenal, and my allergies and preferences were well attended. The hospitality and attention to detail was evident in everything at the ranch, from the aesthetics of the pool overlooking the mountains to the flow of Cocktail Hour and Dinner every evening. Peter, Marin, Melanie, the Wranglers and all the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful every minute of every day. I was not a horse rider before I arrived at The Hideout, but the first ride changed all of that. Marin's presentation of Authentic Horsemanship was beautiful and a lesson for all leaders, not just those riding in the saddle. The Hideout gets more than 5 stars from me as I have already booked my next trip back in April.…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded 3 days ago
Thank you Kae for taking the time to share your experience. Yes. What a week it was. With a good mix of beginning, intermeadiate and advanced riders. It was another week of complete strangers from different walks of life and cultures, coming together hiding out at The Hideout to share their love for horses, riding and indulding in exploring this great and unique riding country. Every week we witness and enjoy strangers becoming friends and at the end of their stay book again to come back with their newly found friends to enjoy another week at The Hideout. That is our greatest reward and satisfaction. And to offer this unique place as a catalyst for making this happen! Week after week, month after month and season after season. From the bottom of our hearts thank you for sharing and taking the time to share your experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Dear Horse Riding Enthusiasts, I am writing to share my absolutely wonderful experience at The Hideout Lodge, where I had the privilege of staying in June. If you're searching for a truly exceptional horse riding lodge, look no further – The Hideout Lodge exceeded all my expectations and provided an unforgettable adventure. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the lodge's picturesque surroundings and the warm welcome I received from the owners and staff. The attention to detail and commitment to creating a memorable experience were evident in every aspect of my stay. The trails at The Hideout Lodge are a rider's dream come true. Whether you're a novice or an experienced rider, there are trails suited for all skill levels, each offering breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The well-maintained trails provide a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility, making every ride an absolute delight. The horses at The Hideout Lodge are not only well-trained and responsive but also a joy to ride. It's clear that the lodge's dedication to natural horsemanship has created a unique bond between the horses and their riders. The experience is a testament to the genuine care and training invested in these magnificent animals. Speaking of care, the lodge provides top-notch riding gear and equipment. The quality of the materials ensured both safety and comfort during my rides. This attention to detail added to the overall experience, allowing me to fully focus on the adventure at hand. One of the most remarkable aspects of The Hideout Lodge is the passion and commitment of the owners and staff. Their dedication to the principles of natural horsemanship shines through in every interaction. The lodge's philosophy of bringing horses and people together in a beautiful environment creates an atmosphere that is truly special. This dedication is what sets The Hideout Lodge apart and makes it a haven for anyone who loves horses and riding. If you're seeking an unforgettable horse riding experience in a picturesque setting, The Hideout Lodge is the place to be. From the incredible trails to the exceptional horses, the attention to detail, and the commitment to natural horsemanship, this lodge is a gem that offers an unparalleled adventure. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a novice, The Hideout Lodge promises a stay filled with joy, discovery, and a deep connection to both nature and these magnificent animals. I wholeheartedly recommend The Hideout Lodge to fellow horse riding enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Your time spent here will be nothing short of extraordinary. Saddle up for an experience of a lifetime at The Hideout Lodge! Warm regards, Vanessa Suykerbuyk Belgium…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded 3 days ago
Dear Vanessa / Liefste Vanessa, You came all the way from Belgium, the country we are also originally from, to come ride and experience a week at The Hideout. Thank you for traveling this far, and thank you for sharing your testimonial. As a world traveler and specialised horsevet and rider from horse country Belgium, it means a lot to us that you enjoyed this experience so much. Your observations about our horses and how we treat and train our horses as a vet makes us proud and throws a log on our fire to continue along this path. And that you booked at The Hideout through recommendations of other horse folks who have been at The Hideout, proves word of mouth is still the most powerful message. It encourages us to leave no stone untouched in offering a great horse hospitality destination and experience. A place where we care, go the extra lenght and are authentic in what we do. We are not perfect, and we will never be, but we will always work hard to come close to perfection. Once more thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and supportive testimonials.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It is a memory of a lifetime. They have excellent horses, equipment, food and lodging. They care very much about the welfare of the horses, wranglers, employees and guests. The family tries very hard to make your unique experience and needs addressed. Enjoy meals with the owner-family and learn about their history. One rainy day we shot clay pigeons and practiced with bows and arrows. Each day was a different and outstanding experience. You don't have to love horses to appreciate the views and people you meet.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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Room Tip: You will be outside and away from civilization for hours. Come prepared with sunscreen, hats,...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded 4 weeks ago
You really understand what we are about. We try to be more than a guest ranch. But a place where travelers can come and hide from the rest of the world, indulge in nature, great conversations, make new friends and spend a week riding, dining and having fun with peoplefrom all walks of life they would normally not get to meet. Our ranch wants to be that special place! And we do authentically care about making that experience happen. And to offer this very special platform and destination. That is what our ranch brand Authentic Horsemanship (AH) stands for. That is the brand we put on our horses, trucks, belts and logo.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Our week at The Hideout was everything we could have hoped for and more. From the great horses, to connecting with the wranglers, to the lodging, to the food, to enjoying the company of the other guests from around the world...we just loved every bit of our visit. Experiencing the views of the American West by horseback was breathtaking. Peter, Marjin, Victor, and the entire staff make you feel at home on the ranch. They strike a perfect balance between caring for the horses in a way that makes them excellent riding partners to attending to their guests' experience. We especially loved conversations at dinner with the staff and other guests. The wranglers were able to accommodate many different riding experiences and comfort levels so everyone had an opportunity to enjoy the week. Skeet shooting and archery offered opportunities to try something new. The clinic with Marjin was a special opportunity to learn from a very accomplished horsewoman. The week just could not have been more enjoyable! Even a couple months later, we keep reminiscing while looking at pictures and talking about our next visit.…
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you so much for your kind words and appreciation of our efforts. We try hard to make it happen. Week after week, month after month, and year after year. And it is our brand and culture that holds it all together. But without guests like you, we can't do it. Every week is different because of the mix of travelers. And every week is unique and special for the same reason. Our greatest reward is to see how everybody is so happy. We are not perfect, but we try hard. Once more thank you for being such a nice and appreciative guest.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have just returned from the most incredible week at The Hideout. In no particular order - the owners and staff are some of the most welcoming and charming we've ever met. We felt like family the moment we arrived. Marijn and Peter have created a beautiful community of horses and wranglers and servers and cleaners. We couldn't fault anyone. Special mention to Nina, Seth and Victor. - the food and lodging are superb...even better than the photos! Food enough to keep us going all day but also not ridiculous portions that left us feeling too stuffed (dessert every night was sublime) - the facilities include a new swimming pool with views over the BigHorn mountains that are impossible to capture on film - And of course we have to mention the horses - what an incredible yard of beautifully trained Quarter horses and mustangs. Perfectly matched to their riders after a 'lope test' on Monday morning, we spent over 5 hours a day riding through some of the most amazing terrain. If you are reading this it's because you are interested in horse riding on a ranch - I can't fault The Hideout, we loved every second and can't wait to return. Just book it! …
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Stay in Cody on the sat night before heading to the ranch for shopping and Rodea
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded 4 weeks ago
And we are looking forward to you next visit to share more adventures and create more memories. Thank you so much for your kind words of appreciation.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our third year in a row that our family has spent a week at the Hideout, and we have already booked a week for next year. With so many places to go, this is a testament to the Hideout's exceptional appeal. Peter & Marijn, the staff and the facilities are all top-notch. The lodge and setting are beautiful, and the cabins are beyond very nice. They match horses to your ability, and all the horses we have ridden the last 3 years are extremely well trained and responsive. The trails available are so varied that you can ride every day and never have the same ride, plus the scenery is spectacular. All of the wranglers are extremely helpful and caring and are a real pleasure to ride with. We really enjoy the fact that it's a small group of guests each week. There are other great activities available, but being horse lovers, we tend to ride every day. Peter and Marijn are the ultimate hosts, and we really enjoy their company. We highly recommend the Hideout and are looking forward to going there again next year. Kurt and Jill Kosty…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded Aug 12, 2023
Thank you Jill and Kurt for your kind words and another great visit. We always enjoy your visits to the ranch. You are like family returning each season. It finally stopped raining here. And this week it even warmed up a bit in the valley. Not the real normal this season. But we are happy with the cooler temperatures in the valley and all the moisture. Everything looks so green. Our cattle are fat and sassy, we never harvested so much hay as this season. And we were one of the lucky few who's hay was not rained on. In 4 weeks our first grandchild gets born. As experienced grand parents you know how that feels. Marijn and I are pretty excited. Victor and Maria are a bit worried as it is their first child. Hugs from us all and looking forward to your next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is the true dream holiday! Everything at the Hideout is perfect. This must be the best guest ranch in all of the US. We have been guests twice now and love it. The staff, the horses ❤️, the lodge, the food, the wonderful nature. We Will come back!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded Aug 8, 2023
Dear Maria, From all of us a huge thank you for your kind words. We always tell our guests on arrival that we are not perfect, but we sure try hard to live up to what we commit to on our website and during the reservation process. We look forward to your next visit! A big hug from all of us at The Hideout.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A dude ranch has been on my bucket list for the past 40 plus years. My husband agreed to come although he isn't into horses at all. After doing lots of research he came across The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch and he informed me he wanted to ride there! Well I can only say that it surpassed all my expectations and I loved every minute. The riding was a real mixture of terrain with the mountains, valley's and sedona.The views were breathtaking! I am an experienced rider who has had horses all my life but I have never ridden over the terrain that we covered, some of it was pretty technical. The horses were incredible and so sure footed. I was in the experienced group of riders and we did get a move on. My husband was in a beginner group and he also had some great rides. We spent a day moving cattle along 10 miles of road and also did some cattle penning which was great fun. In the evening at cocktail hour you are given the choice of what rides you wanted to do the following day and were given a chance of half day, full day and 3/4 day rides. The ranch cabins are extremely comfortable and everything has been thought of to the welcome pack, toiletries, coffee machine and bath robes. The food was really good and extremely plentiful. Absolutely everything has been thought of within the ranch and the attention to detail was superb. However the main thing that made this trip so special was that all the staff were so friendly, helpful and professional. The owners were hands on and knew everything that was going on. I honestly can't fault the Hideout, it truly was a trip of a lifetime.…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded Aug 8, 2023
Dear Jan, Thank you so much for your kind views and describing your experience, which is what we aim to offer. We try to be a place about riding, horses and horsemanship surrounded by great hospitality and attention to detail. And to be a riding destination where experienced, intermediate as well as novice riders can have a great experience and learn. A big hug from all of us at The Hideout. We are looking forward to welcoming you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The absolute best western riding experience ever!! I just got back from a week at the Hideout. My 10 year old daughter and I went for a week. It was better in every way than we could have imagined!! The rides covered a variety of canyons, desert and high alpine. They ranged from technical and steep to flat. We moved cattle, crossed steams and saw abundant wildlife. The ranch itself is extremely luxurious by ranch standards and has fantastic food and alcohol options. The basement game room is well-appointed and very comfortable. The cabins are perfectly sized and vey nice. The wranglers are exceptional- special shoutouts to Molly, Shannon, Amanda, Ale and Seth. This was an adventure and experience we will never forget!!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded Jul 4, 2023
Thank you Douglas for your kind words and for visiting us with together your daughter, whom we all fell in love with! Our entire team also commented what a great dad you are, and how close you are to your daughter. She is a gem. And you made the trip about her. We hope to welcome you back in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have enjoyed Hideout Ranch for the last 5 years and found the quality of horses, accommodations, and scenery outstanding. Although all rides are trailered out, the trailer trips are short and the rides varied. I cannot praise the staff enough; we had the good fortune to ride with Ale, Amanda, Molly, Seth and Shannon, all very savvy and professional. Tom, the chef, and servers Drew and Kara bent over backwards to create and serve delicious and nutritious meals; the pastry chef produced desserts that were impossible to pass up. The only negative is the management: I understand as you get older there needs to be more caution. However, a capable elderly professional horseman should not be made to ride every ride with someone who is terrified and absolutely refuses to do anything other than walk on flat ground. When requested to ride with someone else, we were told we needed to be grouped with others our age. We both still trot and lope at another ranch we go to twice a year. Beware if you are a senior citizen with riding skills. The management should get feedback from the wranglers who are better able to access the individual riding skills. A special thanks to Patrick who understood the situation and enabled us to have a great ride on the last day and of course to Melanie in the office. …
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Peter De Cabooter, Owner at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
Responded Jun 28, 2023
Judith, thank you for your review and kind words about our organization. We try hard to make all guests’ experiences memorable. We have enjoyed your visits the past 5 years, and it is wonderful to see people age gracefully together while traveling and being active together - it sets a great example for us all. As hands-on owners of The Hideout, Marijn and I consult and listen to our staff daily. We listen to observations of other guests, and Marijn debriefs with the wranglers in the morning before the rides and in the evening after the rides. Feedback of the wranglers, especially the senior experienced wranglers who have worked here several seasons and have taken thousands of people out on rides, is taken very seriously. All this shapes the daily and weekly riding experience for our guests individually and as a group. You know that at The Hideout we deeply care about the experience of our guests. Caring is making sure guests have an enjoyable time, striking a balance between safety and pleasure. Caring at The Hideout goes further. Caring sometimes means we can’t say yes because it’s not safe or realistic given capabilities, age, medical conditions, etc. As we are in the hospitality business our crew is trained to always be kind, gentle, focus on the positives, be mindful and respectful when interacting with guests. This is the way we care about the elderly gentleman who is 90 years old. You are aware of his medical condition, that this gentleman has a hard time walking from his cabin to the barn. That he cannot mount or dismount his horse independently and two wranglers are required to help. As owners working together with our team of wranglers, we believe we did everything we could to offer an enjoyable and safe riding experience considering the circumstances. Judith, it is because we care we error on the safe side. Several other guests complimented our team and organization throughout the week for going the extra length to make this happen. Victor (not Patrick), our son, after consulting with Marijn, one of our owners, made an extra effort to make your last day as special as possible, as you know. We regret that you perceive our care and safety concerns for an elderly person as a negative.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
the hideout lodge & guest ranch hotel shell, the hideout lodge and guest ranch
LOCATION
United StatesWyomingShell
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
What are some of the property amenities at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a lounge, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Yes, guests have access to a heated pool during their stay.
Does The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch have airport transportation?
Yes, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.9 km away from the centre of Shell.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Does The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.