42 Best Hotels in Kalispell, Missoula, and Northwest Montana, Montana

Situated in downtown Bigfork with views overlooking Bigfork Bay, the Swan River Inn has eight suites in a 19th-century building. Each suite is decorated according to a theme: art deco, Victorian, French country, and safari (with antiques from all over the world). They also have three houses 5 miles south of Bigfork on Flathead Lake: the Atelier Suite, an authentic log cabin, and rustic Trapper Cabin, with the same luxurious amenities. There's also a giant tepee with electricity, a queen bed, and separate bathroom and modest kitchenette.

Lavishly appointed log cabins sit amid 1.6 million acres of Montana's Bitterroot National Forest, providing a wonderful sense of heritage with log post beds, Western-themed quilts, spectacular photos, and world-class artworks, not to mention blissful isolation and excellent food. Most cabins offer wood-burning fireplaces and private outdoor hot tubs, in addition to such luxuries as plush terry robes and Blu-ray players. Foodies savor superb regional dishes from chef Jacob Leatherman such as Wagyu beef with caramelized-fennel home fries, roasted-date barbecue sauce, and purple potato. Rates include trail rides, hikes, tennis, cross-country skiing, fly-fishing and casting lessons, snowshoeing, three meals daily with a multicourse gourmet dinner, house wines and cocktails, and more. Additional off-site activities (incurring a surcharge) take full advantage of the nearby Bitterroot and Sapphire ranges or Salmon River with options like heli-hiking, photo safaris, summer cattle drives, golf, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, mountain biking, ATV rides, and downhill skiing. Special activities such as artists' workshops, Western horsemanship weekends, and vintners' programs are held several times annually.

This carefully restored, 1910 railroad hotel was the first of the iconic lodges built by the Great Northern Railroad and sits directly across the road from the historic West Glacier Railroad Station, making it particularly convenient for guests arriving by rail. The lodge is conveniently located just outside the West Glacier park entrance in what was once the park's winter headquarters. Rooms are cozy and bright with period furnishings and original woodwork. Some rooms open up to a private deck area with lovely views. The Lewis and Clark Cottages, which remain open in winter, are snug up against the evergreen forest behind the lodge. If train noise will bother you, ask for a room at the back of the hotel. 

A snug haven in a rugged landscape, this 1,200-acre ranch is surrounded by pines and aspens deep in Teton Canyon, an eastern gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The duplex cabins feel like a second home, with comfortable furniture, wood-paneled ceilings, rough-hewn wainscoting, and picture windows. Enveloping sofas and chairs, a large stone fireplace, and more golden wood fill the main lodge. The 3,600-square-foot log home has three suites, each with room for four or more people, making it ideal for larger groups. Three meals daily (included in the room rate) are served family-style, and the food is memorable: a sausage-egg-and-cheese bake with homemade muffins for breakfast, grilled lemon-glazed salmon for dinner, and pies just out of the oven. They'll fortify you for a day of hiking, wildlife viewing, or guided horseback riding (also included in the room rate). In summer multi-day pack trips into the Bob Marshall give riders a glimpse of the Rockies as Lewis and Clark saw them.

At the foot of the road that climbs to Big Mountain, this two-story log lodge has a lively ski motif—a child's sled for a coffee table, an antique ski for a handrail. Some of the rooms have their own Jacuzzis, and there's one outdoors as well. Rooms are individually decorated with rough-hewn pine furniture and ironwork, and each has its own entrance off a small deck. The living room's vaulted ceiling creates space for plenty of light and a 20-foot-high fireplace; the scene can be quite social, especially in summer. Breakfasts are a standout, and come evening a glass of wine or bottle of locally brewed beer is on the house. The skier-owners may even share their favorite powder run on Big Mountain.

This modern, upscale hotel is in a great location right downtown, with easy access to bars, restaurants, and shops, though parking can be a hassle in the high season. You can expect high levels of cleanliness and service, and there are two bars on-site, one in the lobby and the other on the roof, with grand views of the city and the surrounding mountains. 

Just a short drive north of Whitefish, this working dude ranch, nestled between two pine-covered ridges at the base of Spencer Mountain, is a playground for horse people and outdoor-recreation enthusiasts. You can ride the nearby trails on 3,000+ acres of public land or in the indoor arena, watch trainers work with horses, or take lessons yourself. There's unlimited hiking, fishing in nearby Spencer Lake, skeet shooting, archery, and more. The rooms are clean and comfortable with a distinct Western flair. The cabin overlooks pasture and the nearby woods, and it's not uncommon to sit on the deck and watch deer and other wildlife.

Views of the Bitterroot River give this inn a peaceful, country feel even though it's within walking distance of many of the shops and restaurants in downtown Stevensville. The rooms are made with comfort in mind, including down comforters and featherbeds in some rooms, and a cozy fireplace in another. Breakfasts are casual, but with egg casseroles, banana-bread French toast, and locally roasted coffee, they'll be sure to fuel you for the day. Children over six are welcome.

Located in a grove of old Ponderosa pines on the banks of the Swan River, these well-appointed cottages are an excellent place to stay any season of the year. From one-room suites to full one- and two-bedroom cabins, all the units offer the comforts of home just a short stroll from all the gastronomical and cultural amenities Bigfork has to offer. If you want to sit and admire the river from your front porch, choose one of the Deluxe River Cabins.

Located at the bottom of Grant Creek, near the Snowbowl ski area, this family favorite features a tree-filled courtyard with a pool, baby pool, five hot tubs, and a waterfall. Log beams, animal mounts, and a large fireplace contribute to its lodge-like atmosphere; on the second floor, they feature balconies. Some rooms have kitchens, jetted tubs, and/or sitting areas.

If you want the atmosphere of a mountain lodge with modern amenities and good connectivity, this property is ideal. The spacious lobby features a large stone fireplace, beautiful floor tile work that looks like a mountain river, and nice stone features. Rooms have LED TVs, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, and microwaves, and on-site amenities include an indoor pool, a hot tub, a business center, and a fitness room. Breakfast is included, and there's a 24-hour complimentary coffee bar with free cookies in the afternoon. The lodge is 18 miles from West Glacier, but there's a free shuttle to Lake McDonald Lodge in summer and a free shuttle to Whitefish Mountain Resort during ski season. Rooms on the east side have a mountain view; those on the west side overlook a community green space.

This 20,000-acre working cattle ranch offers nice accommodations in a rural setting with stunning views of the Mission Valley. You can take part in ranching life in summer or take a pack trip from June through November while staying in one of two fully-equipped cabins. Daily horseback rides are available. Fish for trout, bass, bullhead, and perch, and explore the nearby Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge and Kicking Horse Reservoir in the valley below.

This renovated, classic 1950s-era motel gives you exactly what is promised: simple, clean rooms with modern touches of style and functionality, right in the middle of downtown Missoula.

These once-functional grain silos are one of the more memorable—and popular—accommodation options in the Kalispell area. Located on an 80-acre, third-generation family farm, these beautifully designed units offer loft bedrooms, full kitchenettes, and stunning mountain views. 

The handsome log main lodge built in 1929 combines European grace and Western trimmings on a 200-acre spread. The great room's stone fireplace is a guest gathering spot; nearby in Seasons Restaurant ($$$) the sophisticated and changing menu features rib eyes with sautéed mushrooms, Red Bird organic chicken, and Alaskan halibut. Guest rooms and log cabins are simply furnished with a few antiques and fluffy comforters. Early-20th-century log homes with antiques, knotty-pine interiors, and modern kitchens are popular with families. The resort sits adjacent to one of the finest golf courses in northwestern Montana.

Since 1945, the lodge (previously "Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge") has been providing families a wholesome and active Western getaway. The beautiful green grounds are on the shore of the lake, where beach fires, canoeing, and sailing take place. The lodge, accommodations, and other buildings are all log-and-stone structures. Horseback rides set out both in the morning and evening, and you can learn to rope in the rodeo arena. Many activities such as rafting and guided fishing trips are available for an extra cost. It's BYOB at the bar. From October through May, the lodge is open for corporate retreats only.

This 1923, antique-filled home has five spacious guest rooms with down duvets. Special extras include a morning coffee tray delivered to your room and nightly turndown service. The snow bus to the ski resort stops one block away.

Tucked away in a forested canyon, this rustic, eco-friendly lodge is within walking distance of downtown restaurants and other amenities in West Glacier. Rooms are basic, but large, and all have mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite cable. There's a 24-hour guest lounge with a computer and printer as well as snacks, coffee, and tea. The locally sourced continental breakfast is exceptionally good and includes fresh fruit, baked goods, granola, cereals, and hard-boiled eggs or quiche. Maximum occupancy is two people per room, even in rooms with two queen beds. Two nearby guesthouses can accommodate up to eight people.

Just east of the park, across from the Amtrak station, this beautiful full-service hotel built in 1913 is supported by 500- to 800-year-old Douglas firs and 3-foot-thick cedar logs; little wonder that its nickname is "Big Tree Lodge." Entertainers delight guests with storytelling and singing in the spectacular great hall, where a crackling fire blazes in a massive stone fireplace. Rooms are sparsely decorated, but historic framed posters hang on the hallway walls. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, a bar, a convenience store, and a gift shop. There is also a house for rent on the grounds. It's next to the golf course, the oldest grass-greens course in Montana. If you golf on it, watch out for moose. 

Built in 1911 for the first president of the University of Montana and fully remodeled in 2021, this prairie-style brick home offers six apartment-style units, each with a kitchen or kitchenette (and all but one with laundry facilities). The building sits on the bank of the Clark Fork River, at the end of a footbridge that leads to campus. With big white eaves and an ample porch overlooking the river—where blue heron, osprey, and bald eagles congregate—this historic building offers the opportunity to put down shallow roots if you need a place for a longer stay. The Clark Fork suite has a king-size bed, private entry, and riverside porch. The two-room Bitterroot Apartment offers two rooms (one queen, one twin), two full baths and two patios. Most suites have full kitchens and laundry, and all have river views.

Built of cedar timbers and decorated in a Western style, this lodge-style bed-and-breakfast is warm and inviting. A hearty breakfast is served at individual tables in the dining room, and hors d'oeuvres are served with wine by the fireplace in the late afternoon. All rooms have private baths, and most have balconies with mountain views. The lovely garden has a deck, gas firepit, and hot tub. As the lodge is very close to Whitefish Mountain Resort, it has a ski room with boot and glove dryers, and the snow bus to the ski area stops right outside. Fitness center passes are free for guests, and there are also on-site laundry facilities.

This cozy inn has a wraparound deck that provides wonderful mountain views; inside is a comfortable lounge area where guests can relax and mingle. The inn accommodates a maximum of 18 guests, and also on the property are two log cabins with fully-equipped kitchens that can sleep six and seven people. The inn's spacious rooms are decorated with Western-style wood furnishings and Western arts and crafts, all with flat-screen TVs and mini-refrigerators. Some rooms have fireplaces and private patios. The room rate includes a delicious breakfast with hot and cold menu items. Complimentary laundry facilities are on-site, and the lodge loans bear spray to guests for hiking excursions.

Always a Whitefish favorite, Grouse Mountain is consistently booked solid in July and August. Public tennis courts and cross-country trails border the lodge, and there's a 36-hole golf course next door. Off-season you can book some bargain activity packages. Thoroughly modern, it has a sunny lounge area with a lacquered slate floor, elk-horn chandeliers, soft-cushioned furniture, and a tall fireplace. The Grill at Grouse ($$–$$$$) focuses on steaks, ribs, and Pacific Northwest salmon baked on a cedar plank. Food is also served outside from mid-April to mid-October on the deck and patio ($–$$$), where there's shade and a large stone firepit. The Wine Room can be reserved for a five-course dinner expertly paired with wines from their impressive collection. Recently renovated guest rooms are less refined but have standard modern furnishings and features, including 24-inch flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi. Also updated, with a refrigerator, wet bar, and microwave, the loft units are a good choice for families. During the holidays the lodge is decorated with twinkly flair.

This hotel 1 mile west of downtown features an indoor pool, fitness center, gift shop, and shuttle service. The spacious rooms, Western decor, and river-rock fireplace in the lobby give the place a homey feel. Some suites have private hot tubs and fireplaces.

With a fully equipped business center near the lobby and spacious, Montana-theme rooms anchored by large desks and flat-screen TVs, this standard business-oriented hotel is a reliable choice. The Blue Canyon Kitchen and Silver Creek Tavern next door serve lunch and dinner, and the Garden Grille and Bar next to the lobby serves breakfast only (for an extra charge). A 24-hour convenience mart has the sundries that you forgot, and the helpful staff is able to direct you to the sights and recreational opportunities in the area.

The Missoula member of the Holiday Inn chain is a large, comfortable hotel with a lush atrium in the center and remodeled rooms, some with a lovely river view. The property's greatest asset is its location in Missoula's riverfront Bess Reed Park, a stone's throw from the Clark Fork River and across the river from the university, a ¾-mile walk. There's a pool, hot tub, sauna, and business and fitness centers. Pets are welcome.

When the snow flies, this lodge is nearly buried, which makes for cozy fireside dining and relaxing. The log lodge sits on the lakeshore, where you can cross-country ski or snowshoe from the door. In summer, step off the cabin porch for a hike or a swim. Cabins are updated yet rustic. You can dine on trout in the restaurant ($$$$) while watching the trout rise.

The smell of freshly baked cookies greets travelers in the afternoon as soon as they walk into the Kalispell Grand. The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1912, shortly after Glacier became a national park. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with nice-size work desks for business travelers. 

Located in the ski village, this hotel has the feel of a true mountain lodge: quiet and cozy, the massive lobby fireplace and the Snug Bar are attractive public spaces, while the wood-accented guest rooms feature tile-and-granite finishes, leather furniture, and down comforters on the beds. The Kandahar Wellness Center provides on-site massage services daily. Also on-site is Cafe Kandahar (no lunch, reservations recommended); owned by well-regarded chef Andy, it boasts a wine list that has been recognized by major wine magazines. Three- and four-course meals force diners to choose between 10 or so "thoughtfully constructed" delicacies, including bison tenderloin with chanterelle mushrooms and rack of lamb with lavender, mustard seed, and fondant potatoes.

On the edge of the lake, this luxury resort offers several accommodation options, including two lodges and a selection of luxury condo and home rentals nearby. The Main Lodge has well-appointed suites of various sizes, while the Viking Lodge has smaller, classic hotel rooms. You can spend an afternoon on the private beach or use their marina for sailing, jet-skiing, or kayaking. In winter, daily shuttle service is available to the ski slopes. The only lakefront restaurant in the area, the Boat Club ($$$$), offers high-end dining with a large selection of beer and wine, while the Boat Club Bar serves food and drink in a more casual setting.