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

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

This resort, perched above Flathead Lake, offers 30 well-appointed suites surrounding an outdoor pool on meticulously groomed grounds. From your room, enjoy sweeping views of the lake (best from the lakeside lodges) and surrounding mountains. The hotel is well situated for hiking, golfing, rafting, and lake cruising. The log-accented dining room is designed to let you watch the sunset while enjoying smoked pheasant and other delicacies. The dining room is open seasonally; the bar serves light dinners year-round.

The best of the three chain hotels in Polson offers comfortable beds and clean, quiet rooms, some of which have stunning views of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains. Mackenzie River Pizza and Grill, a local favorite, serves pub-style food and local beer right next door. 

Constructed on the site of the Missoula Mercantile and incorporating its old heavy timbers, this new hotel is the perfect blend of modern and historical. It offers studios and extended-stay suites, and bright, airy spaces to sit by the fireplace or enjoy your included breakfast. There's also a fitness center and rooftop courtyard.

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.

Oversize guest rooms and a 24-hour self-service business center here are designed with the business traveler in mind, but two waterslides and a splash pool please kids as well. Rooms have cordless phones, lounge chairs, and large TVs; a few have Jacuzzis. The inn serves a hot breakfast complete with omelets and waffles. It is right off the interstate and near the airport.

Combining eclectic Montana-inspired decor with a minimalist Scandinavian design aesthetic, the Wren is the highest-rated hotel in Missoula. It's right downtown, which means it's close to both the university campus and most of the city's eateries and live music venues.