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Where to Stay in Montana

Where to Stay in Montana

Montana Rocky Mountains, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels:

    Budget-friendly, mainly in Missoula and Bozeman. Dorm beds and private rooms often with communal kitchens.

  • Motels/Hotels:

    Economical chains to upscale properties throughout towns and cities, with consistent amenities.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    Smaller, independently owned properties with unique character in Bozeman, Missoula, or Whitefish.

  • Luxury Resorts & Lodges:

    High-end properties with extensive amenities, often near ski resorts or national parks. Consider IHG Hotels for luxury stays.

Unique Local Accommodations

  • Rustic Cabins/Lodges:

    Quintessential Montana experience near national parks or remote areas.

  • Dude Ranches:

    Immersive Western experiences with horseback riding and communal dining.

  • Glamping:

    Upscale camping in safari tents, yurts, or luxury cabins.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Houses, cabins, and apartments on Vrbo or Booking.com.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area has a different character and proximity to attractions.

Bozeman

Pros
  • Energetic university town.
  • Gateway to Yellowstone and Big Sky.
  • Proximity to mountains for outdoor activities.
  • Youthful atmosphere.
Cons
  • Can be expensive.
  • Traffic congestion at times.

Missoula

Pros
  • Culturally diverse, liberal university town.
  • Thriving arts scene and river recreation.
  • Generally more affordable than Bozeman.
  • Relaxed, friendly vibe.
Cons
  • Further from Glacier and Yellowstone.

Whitefish

Pros
  • Upscale resort town.
  • Gateway to Glacier National Park.
  • Excellent skiing in winter, beautiful lake in summer.
  • Good dining and nightlife.
Cons
  • Very expensive.
  • Crowded during peak seasons.

Safety Considerations

Generally Safe:

Montana is generally a safe state. Normal precautions against petty crime apply in urban areas.

Rural/Wilderness Safety:

Main safety concerns relate to wildlife encounters and outdoor hazards, rather than human-related crime.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies save money and aid in securing preferred accommodations.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Late June - Early September): Book 6-12 months in advance, especially for national park lodging and popular resort towns.
  • Shoulder Season (May-Early June, Late Sep-Oct): Book 3-6 months for popular spots, 1-3 months for others.
  • Low Season (Nov-April): Book 1-3 months for ski resort lodging. Other areas may have walk-in availability.
  • Rental cars also book up quickly during peak seasons.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb, VRBO.
  • National Parks: Recreation.gov for campgrounds. Book direct on official concessionaire websites for lodges.
  • Direct Booking: Check property websites for potentially better rates or flexible policies.

Important Considerations

Negotiation Customs:
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not customary in Montana hotels, especially during peak season.
  • A slight possibility exists for negotiation in small, independent motels during the low season.
Deposits & Cancellation:
  • Policies vary. National park lodging often has strict cancellation policies and non-refundable deposits.
  • Read terms and conditions carefully. Travel insurance can cover non-refundable deposits for covered reasons.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

High Prices:

Prices are significantly higher in summer and during the winter ski season in tourist hotspots.

Better Value:

Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) generally offer better value for money.

Agoda for Asia:

For Asian destinations, Agoda has strong local inventory.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top picks for various budget levels and travel needs.

Budget-Friendly Options

Hostels

Social and economical stays, like The Hostel Cafe & Lounge (Missoula) or Treasure State Hostel (Bozeman).

  • Good for solo travelers.
  • Often have communal kitchens.
  • Social atmosphere.
  • Explore options on Hostelworld.
Camping

National Park Service, National Forest, or State Park campgrounds.

  • Rustic to basic amenities.
  • Requires advance booking in popular parks.
  • Dispersed camping in National Forests.

Mid-Range & Luxury

Mid-Range Hotels & Cabins

Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn. Many independent lodges near national parks.

  • Comfortable stays.
  • Good value for families or groups.
  • Vacation rentals via Booking.com or Vrbo.
Luxury Resorts & Boutique Hotels

The Resort at Paws Up, Lone Mountain Ranch, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

  • Full-service amenities.
  • Unique, refined experiences.
  • Historic landmarks like The Old Faithful Inn or Kimpton Armory Hotel.
  • Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Family-Friendly Options

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Homes or cabins with multiple bedrooms and kitchens, offering space and flexibility.

  • Hotels with Pools:

    Look for properties with indoor or outdoor pools and complimentary breakfast.

  • Campgrounds:

    Choose campgrounds with playgrounds, ranger programs, or easy access to family-friendly trails.

  • Dude Ranches:

    Many have structured activities for children and families, an engaging experience.

Solo & Long-Stay Travel

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations:

    Hostels for budget and social opportunities. Hotels in safe, central locations. Organized tours for companionship.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations:

    Extended-stay hotels (kitchenettes, laundry). Monthly rentals via Airbnb/VRBO with discounts.

  • Cultural/Historical Significance:

    Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge (Glacier NP), Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone NP), The Wilma (Missoula), Kimpton Armory Hotel (Bozeman).

  • TrustedHousesitters:

    Explore house/pet sitting exchanges for unique, long-term stays via TrustedHousesitters.

Don't Miss

Book Early

For national park lodging or popular resort towns like Whitefish and Big Sky, book your accommodation 6-12 months in advance, especially for summer or winter ski season travel.

  • Availability is limited.
  • Demand is high.
  • Best rates for early birds.
Consider Hostels

For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a social atmosphere, hostels in Missoula and Bozeman are good choices.

  • Meet other travelers.
  • Communal spaces are common.
  • Cost-effective.

General Accommodation Advice

Read Reviews

Check recent reviews on Booking.com to gauge cleanliness, service, and location before booking.

Location First

Consider proximity to your main interests, be it national parks, ski resorts, or city centers.

Amenities Match Needs

Look for amenities like kitchens, laundry, or pet-friendly policies if these match your travel needs.