I've been trying to figure out the current situation at St. Mary's Lodge just outside Glacier NP in Montana for a couple of weeks and the results of my research have left me somewhat confused and still with questions.

The location seems like it would be a good central base camp to do day trips to all the parts of the park, but my research has identified some oddities about the lodge.

I've read a few places that there were some management problems there over the last few years and rumors of the place being for sale, etc. When I called to check availability and rates I was told that the St. Mary's complex had been taken over by Delaware North Corp (DNC) as the management company. I've stayed in other properties at other parks run by DNC that were fine so this would lead me to believe that the service/management etc. should be better now. That said, they only took it over a couple of months ago according to the reservations agent.

To add to my uncertanties about the lodge, I'm confused about the different types of accomodations. I'm assuming the Great Bear Lodge is proprobably decent due to the fact it was built in 2001 but I don't want to pay the price for its rooms ($200+). I can't figure out the difference between the "east", "west" and "main" lodge rooms but they are all priced about the same so I can't gather any info based on price ($120).

Does anyone have any info specific to St. Mary's Lodge (not Great Bear Lodge at St. Mary's Lodge complex)? Keep in mind, I'm more interested in hearing about the actual accomodations rather than service since I believe service in the past must have been atrocious but will give it the benefit of the doubt it will improve under new management.

I'm ok with staying in accomodations that are not luxurious but don't want to pay more for a room than it is worth. TIA.

ttt

You ought to read the hotel/lodging reviews on Trip Advisor for The Resort at Glacier/St. Mary.

Yeah, I've done that but the thing is that the reviews are either for the Great Bear Lodge which I'm not interested in due to the price or the reviews are rather vague about which lodge they are for.

Glacier River Resort has 2 rental cabins that has good reviews on Frommers. Looks like a good base camp for day trips.

Why not check out Waterton (Canada side) accomodations. It is really close to St. Mary and has some nice, lower cost motels (Bayshore is very basic but clean and ok for sleeping, Kilmorrey is a bit more but still very nice) and some higher end properties.

All will be quoted in Cdn $ which isn't a huge difference these days but still cheaper.

Crossing the border isn't a problem as long as you have proper documentation, ie at this point in time, a US birth certificate is ok a passport is better but you will not be turned away with the BC. I am assuming you are from the USA.

I saw this post after I answered your questions on the other post. If I were you, I'd read the Trip Advisor reviews; They aren't perfect, but I think you can get a pretty good idea of what to expect in the varied lodging at St. Mary or anyplace in the park. It would help if there were more traveller photos, wouldn't it? (I put six or seven with my review for Pinnacles.)

As far as the new management goes, they were very responsive to all of our needs and requests. As an example, they brought us an extra bedside lamp we requested within a half-hour. Then we needed light bulbs and again, they delivered them right away. Housekeeping did a good job. The food was very good at the restaurant. The service was good and I'm guessing they probably hired many employees from before.

The price of lodging, meals, groceries, and activities (boat tours, etc.) is high in Glacier. Don't be surprised. Of course, the season is so short, how else can they stay in business?

I'm not familiar with St Mary's lodge but we thought the Lake Mcdonald lodge has the best location within the park.