21 Best Hotels in Helena, Bozeman, and Southwest Montana, Montana

Even cowboys love soft pillows, which is one reason so many of them favor this 1904 town centerpiece, whose floors have seen silver-tipped cowboy boots, fly-fishing waders, and the polished heels of Hollywood celebrities. Antiques reflect a different theme in each guest room. The Murray was considered to be one of the best hotels in the world by Anthony Bourdain, a man who knew a thing or two about great hotels. Historic photos, a player piano, and stuffed game animals decorate the lobby and surround the antique elevator, which is still in use.

Plenty of legendary characters, including Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane, have stayed at this 1893 landmark in the heart of Red Lodge's historic district—Ernest Hemingway even mentioned the place in For Whom the Bell Tolls. Guns have been banned in the hotel ever since Harry Longabaugh, aka the Sundance Kid, brandished one when he robbed a bank on the corner. Common areas include a balcony that overlooks the gallery and fireplace, plus oak-paneled parlors that are perfect for a drink or to read a book. The rooms were remodeled in 2022 to bring the century-plus old building into the new age. 

Sitting close to the headwaters of the Mighty Missouri River, the Sacajawea Hotel has stood tall for over 100 years. With its iconic white clapboard and covered porch, this hotel provides elegance and a step back in time. Remodeled in 2010, it's the perfect mix of history and luxury and also is home to the Sacajawea Bar ($$$) and some of the best steaks in Montana at the Pompey's Grill. A spa, meeting room, and full-service resident wedding planner round out just a few of the other reasons to stay here.

Built as a private home in the early 1990s, this mansion has a historic feel thanks to hardwood accents, marble tile, and a classic redbrick exterior. Each of the four guest rooms is named after a character from Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. The ground-floor Papa Otter's Place, with its Victorian-style furnishings, marble-accented Jacuzzi, and French doors opening to a private garden, probably offers the best value. Sir Badger's Suite, which takes up the entire fifth floor with two bedrooms, a two-person Jacuzzi, walk-in closet, and loft-style windows, ranks as the most luxurious option.

On a pretty bend of the Yellowstone River in the heart of downtown Gardiner, this immaculate little compound of cottages, suites, and studios that sleep from two to six guests has kitchens or kitchenettes in every unit along with good Wi-Fi and private exterior entrances. A common deck overlooking the river is a great spot to relax and mingle, or you can cook dinner on one of the guest grills. Four of the suites have private decks with river views, too.

Butte's largest hotel is convenient to shopping, sports events, and the interstates. The rooms are clean and comfortable, if somewhat bland.

Located across the street from Carroll College, this full-service hotel with convention facilities is considered to be one of the nicer chain hotels in the state, often hosting visiting faculty and speakers at the university. Rooms are well-appointed, some with wet bars; on-site amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, and 24-hour fitness center.

This large B&B is a gem in Helena's historic district, offering guests such extra amenities as toiletries, complimentary beverages, luxury linens, and down pillows. Four of the rooms have fireplaces, and all of the rooms are beautifully decorated, bordering on ornate, yet not dated. And forget the omelettes for breakfast, though Chef Pat's specialties are his breakfast pastries that are so good you'll swear you're in Europe.

This rambling, quirky spa hotel opened in 1900, offering guests leisurely soaks in its 96°F–103°F hot-spring pools and accommodations with views of 10,920-foot Emigrant Peak and the Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness beyond. The historic property features two large outdoor soaking pools, lots of meeting space, a hilltop spa offering a wide variety of treatments, and a mix of upscale cabins, covered wagons, and simpler rooms in the main lodge (some share a bath). The excellent restaurant serves creatively prepared local game, steaks, and fish. Painter Charles Russell (1864–1926) once stayed here.

Completed in 1888 as the home of notorious Copper King William Andrews Clark, the mansion remains much in its original state, and is the only privately owned mansion in Montana accessible to the public through seasonal tours. Five of the mansion's 35 rooms are used as a B&B, and the owners have attempted to re-create the experience of living like a turn-of-the-century millionaire, with such furnishings as a hand-carved fireplace, burled walnut bed, and a circular shower that hits you from all sides.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Helena, this top-of-the-line chain hotel is steps away from great food, drinks, and shops. The no-frills rooms provide the comfort and cleanliness that is to be expected from a Hilton brand, and the balconies provide great views of Helena and the surrounding mountains. There is an on-site Italian Restaurant, the Bella Roma ($$$), as well as an indoor pool and fitness center. 

This dog-friendly LEED-certified extended-stay hotel is conveniently located one block off Main Street. A newer build, its five stories include a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor saltwater pool, 24-hour pantry, courtyard, and on-site locally owned restaurant. The continental breakfast is hard to beat, but most rooms include complete kitchens.

This resort between Anaconda and Butte is a great option for families. Although not much to look at, the Fairmont (not affiliated with the similarly named luxury hotel chain) has naturally heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 350-foot waterslide, a playground, and a day spa in a beautiful setting. There's also an 18-hole golf course on the grounds.

Virginia City's Fairweather Inn is a classic Western Victorian hotel with balconies in the heart of the area's gold-mining country. Although the property underwent a renovation in 2016, the furniture and vibes are still a blast from the distant past.

A large stone fireplace serves as the focal point of the living room, and gas or electric stoves or fireplaces lend a cozy feel to each guest room, as do quilts and artwork, both by the owners. Baked apple-pecan French toast with homemade syrup is a popular breakfast choice.

This comfortable property with a friendly staff is a 10-minute drive from downtown and 15 minutes from the airport. It has an indoor pool, fitness center, and a 24-hour pantry stocked with toiletries and snacks. Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves, but there is also a sumptuous breakfast buffet (extra charge) with omelets made to order.

Remodeled in 2021, this motor-court-style motel brings a mid-century modern touch to Bozeman and has some of the most competitive room rates in town. There's ample parking in front of each room. 

A towering stone fireplace and lots of natural wood greet guests in the lobby of this eco-friendly property. The homey hotel's handcrafted furniture is made from recycled natural materials. Rooms are lodge-themed and have nice touches like wildlife prints. Goldilocks and the Three Bears rooms are a real treat for kids. Creature comforts include a pool. Lower-priced motel rooms offer economy and access to the lovely lodge.

On the west end of Gardiner across from the Yellowstone River, this mid-range hotel provides a variety of room types and plenty of amenities to keep you entertained between day trips into Yellowstone. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, a basketball court, and a picnic area.