I’ve been exploring Glacier National Park, which sits on the Montana-Canada border.
It’s home to beautiful alpine lakes, a variety of wildlife, and the famous Going to the Sun Road.
As the park becomes more popular, I need to find the best place to stay. So i tried them all so you don’t have hehe!
So, I’ve put together my personal guide to the best 6 accommodations in Glacier National Park for 2024, starting from number 6 and working my way up to the best option.
6. Bar W Guest Ranch
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I recently visited Bar W Guest Ranch, just outside Whitefish, MT, and was instantly met with a warm welcome and engaging conversation. The facility was not only clean but also well-maintained. Checking in was smooth, taking place in a cabin filled with merchandise and refreshments for purchase.
The staff were exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, expertly selecting the perfect horses for us. Among us was a young child, about 5 years old, who was given appropriate attention and care by both the staff and the horse during the ride.
The trails we explored were fairly easy to navigate during the 2-hour ride I chose, which was a breeze for me since I’m accustomed to lengthy trail rides. I would definitely recommend Bar W Guest Ranch to anyone looking to experience the forest in a unique and memorable way!
- Address: 2875 Highway 93 West, Whitefish, MT 59937
- Visit hotel website
- Phone: 00 1 406-281-7919
5. The Green O
The Green O is definitely tailored for adults, featuring just 12 ultra-modern units, setting it apart as the place to stay, especially since Paws Up tends to attract more families during the summer.
The food is absolutely amazing and stands out as a key part of the experience at the Green O. I highly recommend spending at least one evening sitting at the bar to watch the chefs work their magic. Although we tried dining at Paws Up one night, we quickly realized we preferred the exclusivity and atmosphere of the Social Haus, which is only for Green O guests.
As a guest at the Green O, you have access to all the facilities at Paws Up. Despite the limited time, we managed to enjoy a wide range of activities including ATV, UTV, horseback riding, canoeing, rafting, sporting clays (which we did twice), and paintball. Paintball was definitely my favorite, though my husband might disagree!
Overall, it’s a five-star experience. Since it’s relatively new, there are a few minor kinks that still need to be ironed out, but it’s worth being patient for.
Many customers left positive reviews after staying here, I read most of them and I didn’t find a negative review worth mentioning:
“The food servers and kitchen staff were very friendly and made us feel at home.”
- PRICE RANGE: $2,448 – $2,992 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
- Visit hotel website
- Address: 4069 Back Country Rd, Greenough, MT 59823-8001
4. Dancing Spirit Ranch
Dancing Spirit Ranch turned out to be an incredible location for a retreat. It’s incredibly scenic, offers nourishing meals with produce grown right on the property, and features stunning natural landscapes and stone formations.
Everything feels organic, rustic, yet comfortable and well-equipped. It’s a peaceful and inspiring setting, perfect for focusing and creating.
The beds were outfitted with soft bedding and large, comfortable pillows, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
For some light outdoor activity, there were paddle boards and kayaks available, along with a small lake/pond. The ranch offers plenty of space for walking and exploration, boasting beautiful views. It’s an excellent spot for either a retreat or a family reunion, offering something special for everyone.
- Address: 1600 Conn Rd, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
- Visit their website
- Village Area (excluding the Cedar House): $3,800 plus tax
- Entire Ranch (including the Cedar House): $4,885 plus tax
Off-peak rates are roughly 25% less.
Please note they have a 2-night minimum.
3. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
I wish I could rate The Lodge at Whitefish Lake higher than five stars, as it exceeded all my expectations for our vacation in Montana. Our room was exactly as depicted on their website, beautifully furnished and incredibly comfortable.
The dining experience was exceptional, from breakfast and dinner at the Boat Club to lunches at the Boat Club Bar, not to mention the convenience and quality of room service which we indulged in multiple times. We also took advantage of the Jeep rental offered by the Lodge, and extending our rental for an extra day was effortlessly accommodated.
Every interaction with the staff, whether it was with the valet, front desk, restaurant, or concierge, was marked by attentiveness and a genuine desire to make us feel welcome. I wholeheartedly recommend The Lodge at Whitefish Lake to anyone looking for a top-notch stay.
- Address: 1380 Wisconsin Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937-3338
- Visit hotel website
2. Many Glacier Hotel
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For weeks leading up to our Glacier trip, I was glued to the reservation website, checking multiple times a day.
Luckily, I managed to book a room with one queen and one twin bed for the one night we needed. We were prepared for the absence of a TV, refrigerator, and microwave, embracing the rustic charm of this historic lodge nestled in nature, perched beside a stunning lake with awe-inspiring views.
Dining options were few, but the meals we had in the grand dining room were utterly delicious. Every staff member we encountered was exceptionally kind and helpful, many of them quite young.
Of all the places we stayed during our ten days exploring Glacier, Banff, and Jasper, this lodge was among my favorites.
I highly recommend it to anyone and would love to return. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a Hilton packed with modern amenities, but that’s exactly what adds to its enchantment.
- Address: 1147 Rte 3, Babb, MT 59411
1. Meadowlark Treehouse
To our delight, our suite turned out to be more like a small condo, offering plenty of space along with a small fridge, cooktop, and a gas fireplace in the seating area. I mention this because having a sofa for lounging during our extended stay of three nights was a real bonus.
The on-site restaurant served great food, and we thoroughly enjoyed the multiple hot tubs available, especially the large outdoor one at the fitness center.
The bottom line is that this place offered fantastic value. We would certainly come back.
- Address: 100 Saint Andrews Dr, Columbia Falls, MT 59912-8874
- check their website
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Price Range: $104 – $129
Final Thoughts
I’ve experienced everything from cozy, historic lodges to luxurious condos. Each place had its own vibe and perks, from quiet, scenic views to action-packed activities. I’ve got to say, whether you’re into the simple life or prefer a bit of luxury, you’ll find something that fits in Montana.
The key takeaway from my journey is the variety of accommodations available to suit different tastes and budgets. So, if you’re planning a trip to Glacier National Park, there’s definitely a perfect spot for you. My advice? Look into each option and pick what feels right for you. Glacier National Park won’t disappoint.
I’m Annabel, and traveling has always been my passion. My idea of fun? A lot of biking and hiking. From the Himalayas to the local hills, if there’s a path (or not), I’ve probably been there or it’s on my list.
