Perhaps the oldest hotel in Montana, the Grand Union was built on the bank of the Missouri in 1882 to serve steamboat and stage travelers. Filled with period pieces, the two-story building is as elegant as ever. With its dark-wood accents and Victorian-style lighting, the Union Grille Restaurant ($$$-$$$$) brings to mind the refinement cultivated by the Western frontier's elite. The menu features Montana regional cuisine and fare from afar, including seared sea scallops, charbroiled venison, and grilled buffalo tenderloin, and the wine list is populated by choices from California and Washington vineyards. Pros: Full-service hotels are rare in Fort Benton. Many rooms have river views, and beds have best pillows in Montana. Cons: Hard to get a reservation in high season. Spacious hallways and public spaces tend to feel lonely during off season.
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