Exploring the vast and breathtaking landscape of Montana, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect place to rest your head. From serene mountain towns to luxurious glamping sites, and from bustling cities to picturesque rural retreats, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to stay in Montana.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most stunning and unique accommodations that Montana has to offer, whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin in the woods, a luxurious hotel in the city, or a secluded yurt in the wilderness.
Uncovering the Best Glamping Sites in Montana’s Natural Reserves
Glamping, a portmanteau of ‘glamour’ and ‘camping,’ has become a popular option for travelers seeking a unique blend of nature and luxury. This type of outdoor accommodation offers the amenities of a hotel or resort, such as comfortable bedding, electricity, and running water, while still allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Glamping sites often feature stylishly designed tents, yurts, or cabins, which provide a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for travelers to unwind and connect with nature.
Glamping Options in Glacier National Park vs. Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of Montana’s most iconic natural reserves, each offering distinct glamping experiences.
Glacier National Park’s glamping options, such as the West Glacier Campground and the Fishercap Lake Campground, cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. These campsites provide easy access to hiking trails, lakes, and scenic vistas, while still offering the comfort and amenities of a glamping experience. However, some of the campsites may be closed due to weather conditions, and the availability of facilities like showers and restrooms may be limited.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, offers a more extensive range of glamping options, including luxury safari-style tents and eco-friendly lodges. These accommodations often come with amenities like private decks, hot tubs, and gourmet meal plans, making for a truly indulgent glamping experience. However, the higher-end options can be quite pricey, and the park’s popularity may lead to crowds and long wait times.
Top Three Glamping Sites in Montana’s Natural Reserves, Best places to stay in montana
Considering various budgets and preferences, here are three top glamping sites in Montana’s natural reserves:
- Under Canvas Glacier National Park: Located near the west entrance of Glacier National Park, this luxury glamping camp offers stylishly designed safari-style tents with comfortable bedding, a private deck, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy gourmet meal plans, guided hikes, and easy access to park attractions.
Cost: Starting at $600 per person per night
Distance from Glacier National Park entrance: 5 miles - Aspen Campground at Island Lake: Situated near Bigfork, Montana, this campground offers rustic but comfortable glamping options, including yurts and cabins. Guests can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and stunning views of Island Lake.
Cost: Starting at $40 per person per night
Distance from nearest town: 2 miles - Glacier Park Lodge Glamping: Located near the west entrance of Glacier National Park, this glamping option offers luxurious safari-style tents with comfortable bedding, a private deck, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy gourmet meal plans, guided hikes, and easy access to park attractions.
Cost: Starting at $400 per person per night
Distance from Glacier National Park entrance: 5 miles
Discovering Luxury Hotels in Montana’s Bustling Cities
In the heart of the American West, Montana’s cities offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. For travelers seeking a luxurious and memorable experience, exploring the state’s top hotels is a must. From historic landmarks to boutique gems, Montana’s cities have something to offer every type of traveler.
The Historic Hotel Arvon in Billings
Nestled in the charming city of Billings, the Hotel Arvon is a historic landmark that exudes luxury and charm. This stunning hotel was built in the early 1900s and has been meticulously restored to maintain its original grandeur. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s lavish rooms, each decorated with period-specific furnishings and equipped with modern amenities.
Guests can indulge in the hotel’s elegant dining experience at the Arvon’s on-site restaurant, serving up mouth-watering American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, relax in the hotel’s charming bar, sipping on craft cocktails while enjoying the warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether exploring the city’s vibrant downtown area or venturing out into the surrounding wilderness, the Hotel Arvon is the perfect base for any adventure.
Top Five Luxury Hotels in Montana’s Cities
From boutique gems to historic landmarks, Montana’s cities have a diverse range of luxury hotels to choose from. Here are the top five luxury hotels in Montana’s cities, each offering a unique experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
- The Hotel Arvon in Billings – With its opulent rooms and elegant dining experience, the Hotel Arvon is a top choice for luxury travelers.
- The Big Sky Resort Lodge in Bozeman – Nestled at the base of the breathtaking Bridger Mountains, this lodge offers stunning mountain views and upscale amenities.
- The Missoula Hotel in Missoula – This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown, offering guests easy access to local attractions and a trendy atmosphere.
- The Helena Hotel in Helena – With its rich history and elegant décor, the Helena Hotel is a must-visit for anyone seeking a luxurious experience in the state capital.
- The Great Falls Hotel in Great Falls – This modern hotel offers stunning river views and a range of amenities, including a fitness center and outdoor pool.
Experiencing the Best of Missoula at the Missoula Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Missoula, the Missoula Hotel is the perfect spot for anyone seeking a luxurious and memorable experience. This boutique gem offers guests a trendy atmosphere, complete with a chic design aesthetic and modern amenities. With easy access to local attractions, including the historic downtown area and the stunning Clark Fork River, guests can explore the best of Missoula in style and comfort.
Staying at the Missoula Hotel is a treat for the senses, with its chic décor, plush linens, and upscale amenities. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s fitness center, relax in the outdoor hot tub, or simply take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from the hotel’s rooftop lounge. Whether exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene or venturing out into the surrounding wilderness, the Missoula Hotel is the perfect base for any adventure.
Exploring Unique and Quirky Places to Stay in Montana
Montana is known for its vast and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking unique and quirky places to stay. From historic lighthouses to secluded yurts and tipis, and even tiny homes, Montana offers a wide range of options for those looking to experience the state’s natural beauty in a more intimate way.
Historic Lighthouses
Montana may not have a coastline, but it does have several historic lighthouses that offer a unique and quirky place to stay. These lighthouses have been converted into charming bed and breakfasts, offering guests a chance to experience the state’s maritime history.
Travelers who have stayed in Montana’s historic lighthouses rave about the experience. They describe the lighthouses as ‘majestic’ and ‘stunning’, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One visitor noted, “The lighthouse was everything I dreamed it would be – cozy, charming, and full of character.” Another visitor mentioned, “The views from the tower were breathtaking – we watched the sunset over the mountains and saw the stars come out in the night sky.”
The historic lighthouses of Montana are a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and quirky place to stay. With their rich history and stunning views, these lighthouses offer a truly unforgettable experience.
- The Fort Benton Lighthouse is a stunning example of Montana’s maritime history. This historic lighthouse has been converted into a charming bed and breakfast, offering guests a chance to experience the state’s rich history. The lighthouse features a beautifully restored tower with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- The Cut Bank Lighthouse is another must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and quirky place to stay. This historic lighthouse has been converted into a cozy bed and breakfast, offering guests a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty. The lighthouse features a beautifully restored tower with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Secluded Yurts and Tipis
For a truly peaceful and tranquil experience, visitors can opt for a secluded yurt or tipi in Montana’s wilderness areas. These structures offer a chance to connect with nature and experience the state’s natural beauty in a more intimate way.
Travelers who have stayed in secluded yurts and tipis rave about the experience. They describe the structures as ‘peaceful’ and ‘serene’, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One visitor noted, “The yurt was the perfect place to relax and unwind – we spent hours watching the stars come out in the night sky.” Another visitor mentioned, “The tipi was everything I dreamed it would be – cozy, intimate, and full of character.”
The secluded yurts and tipis of Montana are a must-visit for anyone looking for a peaceful and tranquil experience. With their stunning views and serene atmosphere, these structures offer a truly unforgettable experience.
- The Beartooth Yurt is a secluded yurt located in the heart of Montana’s wilderness areas. This yurt offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The yurt features a cozy living area with a wood-burning stove and a private deck with breathtaking views.
- The Absaroka Tipi is another must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and tranquil experience. This tipi offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is the perfect place to connect with nature. The tipi features a cozy living area with a wood-burning stove and a private deck with breathtaking views.
Tiny Homes
For a truly intimate and eco-friendly stay, visitors can opt for a tiny home in Montana’s rural areas. These structures offer a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty in a more sustainable way.
Travelers who have stayed in tiny homes rave about the experience. They describe the structures as ‘intimate’ and ‘eco-friendly’, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One visitor noted, “The tiny home was the perfect place to relax and unwind – we spent hours watching the stars come out in the night sky.” Another visitor mentioned, “The tiny home was everything I dreamed it would be – cozy, intimate, and full of character.”
The tiny homes of Montana are a must-visit for anyone looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly experience. With their stunning views and intimate atmosphere, these structures offer a truly unforgettable experience.
- The Yellowstone Eco-House is a tiny home located in the heart of Montana’s rural areas. This home offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is the perfect place to experience the state’s natural beauty in a more sustainable way. The home features a cozy living area with a wood-burning stove and a private deck with breathtaking views.
Family Accommodations in Montana’s National Parks: Best Places To Stay In Montana
When visiting Montana’s national parks with kids, finding the right accommodations is essential for a fun and memorable family vacation. Montana’s national parks offer a range of kid-friendly amenities and activities, making it easy to create lifelong memories with your little ones.
Resorts with Private Pools and Water Parks
Many resorts in Montana’s national parks offer private pools and water parks that are perfect for families with kids. For example, the Grand Teton Resort at Yellowstone National Park features a water park with a lazy river, water slides, and a kiddie pool. Similarly, the Big Sky Resort at Glacier National Park has a private pool and a water park with a slide and a hot tub.
Lodges with Kids’ Clubs and Activities
Some lodges in Montana’s national parks offer kids’ clubs and activities that cater to different age groups and interests. For instance, the Lake Yellowstone Hotel at Yellowstone National Park has a kids’ club that offers activities such as nature walks, wildlife watching, and art projects. Similarly, the Glacier Park Lodge at Glacier National Park has a kids’ club that offers activities such as hiking, bird watching, and geology walks.
Cabins and Lodges with Private Movie Theaters
Some cabins and lodges in Montana’s national parks offer private movie theaters that provide endless entertainment options for kids. For example, the Big Sky Chalet at Big Sky has a private movie theater with a large screen TV and a popcorn machine. Similarly, the Glacier Park Chalet at Glacier National Park has a private movie theater with a large screen TV and a Blu-ray player.
Benefits of Private Hot Tubs and Saunas
Private hot tubs and saunas are a great way to relax after a day of exploring the outdoors with kids. Many resorts and lodges in Montana’s national parks offer private hot tubs and saunas that provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere for relaxation. For example, the Glacier Park Resort at Glacier National Park has a private hot tub and sauna that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Similarly, the Yellowstone Park Lodge at Yellowstone National Park has a private hot tub and sauna that offers a relaxing atmosphere after a day of hiking and exploring.
Cabins and Lodges with Game Rooms and Arcades
Some cabins and lodges in Montana’s national parks offer game rooms and arcades that provide entertainment options for kids. For example, the Big Sky Cabin at Big Sky has a game room with a pool table, a Foosball table, and arcade games. Similarly, the Glacier Park Chalet at Glacier National Park has a game room with a pool table, a Foosball table, and arcade games.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Activities
Montana’s national parks offer a range of family-friendly amenities and activities that cater to different age groups and interests. For example, Yellowstone National Park offers a kids’ program that includes activities such as nature walks, wildlife watching, and art projects. Similarly, Glacier National Park offers a kids’ program that includes activities such as hiking, bird watching, and geology walks.
Ending Remarks
So there you have it – some of the best places to stay in Montana, handpicked for their beauty, comfort, and unique charm. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to plan your next adventure, we hope this guide has inspired you to explore the Big Sky State like never before.
From the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains to the tranquil majesty of Glacier National Park, Montana is a destination that has something for everyone. So start planning your trip today, and get ready to experience the ultimate Montana getaway.
Answers to Common Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Montana’s national parks?
The best time to visit Montana’s national parks is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and dry, and the trails are accessible. However, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are also excellent times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Can I book a luxury hotel in every major city in Montana?
Yes, Montana has a range of luxury hotels in its major cities, including Billings, Butte, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. However, availability and prices may vary depending on the time of year and season.
Are there budget-friendly options for glamping in Montana?
Yes, Montana has a variety of budget-friendly glamping options, including campsites with RV hookups, yurts, and glamping tents. These options can be a great way to experience the outdoors without breaking the bank.
