11 Best Lodgings Inside Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, a wilderness sanctuary nestled in the rugged Rocky Mountains of Montana, is calling adventurers all year round. With towering peaks that pierce the sky and an abundance of wildlife roaming freely, we’re always excited whenever we have a chance to pay it a visit. No wonder this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a bucket-list destination for many. Yet, for many visitors (we used to be one of them), the question arises: where to stay amidst this breathtaking scenery? For convenience, you should stay at the best lodging inside Glacier National Park. Below are the options, and they’re nothing but charming. Our team spent days at each lodging, and most of them were oozing with old-world charm. Pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted.

Granite Park Chalet

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The first accommodation on this list is the Granite Park Chalet. This is a historic lodging, dating back to 1913, so you can expect a true backcountry feel. There are 12 rooms in the Main Chalet and Annex, ranging from cozy doubles to ones that can sleep up to six people. Be prepared for bunk beds though; all the rooms have them. While we couldn’t choose our room in advance, reservations were needed, so we made sure to make our booking early.

The focus here is definitely on providing a comfortable base for hikers. The chalet offers a large kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. The view of the Heavens Peak from the dining room while you cook is incredible. We brought our own food, but for those who want to lighten their packs, there’s an optional linen and bedding service, plus pre-packaged meals available for purchase.

Sperry Chalet

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Our night at Sperry Chalet was one of a kind. Seen as the best hotel to stay in Glacier National Park by some, it’s located high inside Glacier National Park. With only 17 guest rooms, the chalet offered an intimate and secluded atmosphere. We loved the variety of room options, from cozy singles to rooms that could sleep our whole group of five. While the beds weren’t the plushest, the chance to experience a piece of history outweighed any modern conveniences.

One of the highlights was the included meals. The chalet operates on an American Plan, so three delicious meals were part of the package. Day hikers can even join in on the lunch fun, but for breakfast and dinner, reservations are a must for non-guests. We were pleasantly surprised to find the meals hearty and satisfying, fueling us up for our adventures. The charm of Sperry Chalet, though, lies in its rustic character. The interiors and exteriors maintained their historic feel, except for the modernized kitchen and some new outside toilets. This meant no electricity or running water in the rooms

Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins

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If you want to experience a rustic stay inside Glacier National Park, the Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins is the perfect choice. Being the only AAA-approved lodging option in the park, we expected a lot from this place. The location in Apgar Village was fantastic. We could literally step out our door and rent bikes to explore, or take a refreshing dip in Lake McDonald. Kayaking on the calm waters or hiking a forested trail were also just moments away.

Furthermore, we loved there was a variety of accommodations. We opted for a cabin, but they also have motel rooms if you prefer something cozier. Either way, you’re guaranteed a secluded feel while being right next door to all the adventures Glacier National Park has to offer. Our cabin was rustic with charm, nestled amidst old-growth cedars. It had a private bathroom, which was a big plus, and the kitchen came fully equipped with a fridge, stove, toaster, and everything we needed to prepare meals. No wonder it’s named one of the best lodgings inside Glacier National Park.

If you don’t mind staying outside the park, here are the best hotels near Glacier National Park!

Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins

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We spent a night at the Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins, a charming little Glacier National Park lodging right on Rose Creek. Built in 1940, it had a real historic feel, and the location across from Saint Mary Lake was stunning. Our room was no-frills but comfortable. We accessed it through an exterior hallway, which wasn’t fancy but did give the place a cozy, low-key vibe. The room itself had a private bathroom, which was convenient.

Now, one thing to be aware of is there are no TVs or air conditioning in the rooms. We did ask for a fan, and they were happy to provide one, which helped keep things cool at night. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, this might not be your spot, but for us, it was all about location and immersing ourselves in the park’s atmosphere, and Rising Sun definitely delivered on that. Finally, this place also has a relaxed restaurant on-site, the Two Dog Flats Grill, which should be your go-to place for refueling after hiking.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins

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The Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in a picturesque spot, Swiftcurrent provides easy access to some incredible hikes. We loved that the trails to Iceberg Lake, Ptarmigan Lake, and the historic Ptarmigan Tunnel all started right here. But aside from the location, we also loved our room. Here, there are so many different accommodations to choose from. You can choose from motel-style rooms with outside access in one of three buildings, or opt for a cabin experience. There are even circular cabin clusters, some featuring private bathrooms.

While we didn’t have a private bathroom in our cabin, there was a conveniently located washroom with showers within walking distance. All the accommodations, including ours, came with basic amenities, linens, and even laundry facilities were available for a small fee. However, you have to keep in mind that unlike some of the best hotels in Glacier National Park Montana, this place doesn’t allow cooking in the room. Beyond the rooms, Swiftcurrent has a restaurant, a well-stocked camp store, and a gift shop.

Glacier Park Lodge

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Best Modern. Up next on this list of the best lodgings inside Glacier National Park is the Glacier Park Lodge. Being the first hotel built by the Great Northern Railway, it felt like we were stepping back in time. Our room, the Superior Queen Room, was in the Great Northern Wing, accessible through an enclosed breezeway. It felt spacious and perfect for unwinding, especially since our bodies were sore from hours of walking and running.

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Thankfully, Glacier Park Lodge had everything we needed under one roof. The Great Northern Dining Room served up delicious comfort food with a Montana twist for breakfast and dinner. And when we were in the mood for something lighter, The Empire Bar offered lunch and we loved the friendly atmosphere. In case you didn’t know, it’s a popular spot to grab a drink and watch the game. Best of all, you can even rent a car at the reception desk.

“The Glacier Park Lodge is an attraction in its own right. It has more modern vibes and amenities compared to the others, which can be a huge plus for some travelers.”

WOW Travel

Paddle Ridge

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Best Amenities. Set in the heart of the West Glacier is Paddle Ridge. We loved our stay here. Our cozy one-bedroom cabin had everything we needed for a relaxing getaway, including a fully-equipped kitchen so we could whip up meals whenever we wanted. Plus, having a private stocked trout pond right there was amazing. Fresh fish for dinner anyone? During our stay, we also enjoyed curling up by the fireplace in the living area. Relaxing on the covered patio with a gas grill for barbecues was another highlight.

If you’re looking for some outdoor adventures, Paddle Ridge has you covered. They offer guided tours for fishing, river exploration, and even horseback riding. There’s also a tour desk on-site to help you plan the perfect itinerary. But you don’t even have to leave the property to have fun. We spent a hilarious afternoon practicing our aim in the horseshoe pits, and we even tried our hand at casting in the trout ponds.

West Glacier Cabin Village

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We were lucky enough to have the chance to spend two nights at West Glacier Cabin Village and were impressed with the comfortable and convenient amenities. Our cabin felt luxurious. It had a whole kitchenette with a fridge, stovetop, microwave, and even a dishwasher. We enjoyed whipping up meals in our “home away from home” after exploring Glacier National Park. In the evening, we would relax in the separate seating area and unwind with a movie on the flat-screen TV. There was also a patio where we could enjoy the fresh mountain air.

The cabin also came with coffee and tea supplies, which were perfect for those early mornings before hitting the trails. We didn’t have to worry about finding parking – the self-parking was free. The property also offered some great extras. There were laundry facilities on-site if needed, barbecue grills for those wanting to cook outdoors, and even gift shops/newsstands for any last-minute souvenirs. While it’s not the fanciest, it’s definitely one of the comfiest properties inside the park.

Lake McDonald Lodge

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We spent a few nights at Lake McDonald Lodge and absolutely loved the historic charm. Built in 1913, the lodge is a beauty, perched right on the shore of Lake McDonald (hence, the name). We were impressed with the variety of room options. We could have chosen a cozy room in the main lodge, a cabin nestled among the trees, or even a suite at the Cobb House with all the modern trimmings. In the end, we got the standard room in the main lodge, and it was everything we could ask for.

The location of the lodge is unbeatable. We were right next to Russell’s Fireside Dining Room, a perfect spot for a fancy dinner, or Jammer Joe’s Grill for a more casual meal. There was also Lucke’s Lounge for evening drinks and the Creekside Reading Room for a quiet afternoon with a book. Plus, the lodge offered tons of activities right at our doorstep, from Red Bus tours to boat cruises and horseback riding. We even enjoyed an evening ranger program. It was a great way to learn more about the park.

Village Inn at Apgar

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Best Views. When we were planning our Glacier National Park trip, we knew we had to spend a few nights on the west side, and the Village Inn at Apgar looked ideal. Located right on the south end of Lake McDonald, the Inn offered a perfect base for exploring the west side of the park. We were excited to be close to hikes like Rocky Point, Johns Lake Loop, Avalanche Lake, and the Trail of the Cedars.

One of the selling points of this place is the kitchenettes in some rooms. We made breakfasts and dinners in our room and the kitchenette had most of the basics we needed. But the absolute highlight of our stay was the view. Every room has a lakeside view, and we were speechless when we first drew back the curtains on the massive picture window. The lake was literally steps from our doorstep, with the majestic mountains rising up in the distance. There was even a backdoor with two chairs so we could watch other travelers play by the lake.

Many Glacier Hotel

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Best Historic. Set on the east side of the park, Many Glacier Hotel has a charming historic atmosphere. First opened in 1915, this hotel was built right on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, and the location is breathtaking. You can’t beat the view from the lakeside Ptarmigan Dining Room or the relaxed atmosphere of the Swiss Lounge. We grabbed snacks at Heidi’s Snack Shop a couple of times for a quick bite and also browsed through the gift shop for some souvenirs. The coolest thing, though, was the variety of activities available right at the hotel. We joined a Red Bus tour for a fun exploration of the area and even took a boat cruise on the lake. Psst! Check out these top things to do in Montana Glacier National Park, too.

Back to the hotel, it felt like a secluded escape. Even though it’s a five-story building, the setting amidst the mountains made it feel intimate. Our room was comfortable and rustic, exactly what we were hoping for in a national park lodge. While it might lack modern amenities, it was somehow in line with the old-world charm. The beds were comfy and we had everything we needed, including a private bathroom and phone. We also appreciated that the entire hotel was non-smoking and offered some accessible rooms.

Our Verdict!

With the lodgings above, you shouldn’t worry about the quality of your stay. However, we understand that different travelers have different preferences when it comes to picking the best lodging inside Glacier National Park. To help make your decision-making process easier, we’ve categorized some of our picks based on the following:

• Best Historic: Many Glacier Hotel
• Best Views: Village Inn at Apgar
• Best Amenities: Paddle Ridge
• Best Modern: Glacier Park Lodge

Where to Stay in Glacier National Park

When staying inside the park, you’ll need to choose accommodation on the west side or east side. Glacier National Park’s west side is more developed than the east. It also offers great access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that traverses the park’s heart. Some of the park’s iconic spots are here too, like Logan Pass and Lake McDonald. On top of that, it offers more amenities outside the park, including restaurants, shops, and gas stations.

On the other hand, the east side is known for its tranquility and stunning scenery, particularly the Many Glacier Valley. This area is generally seen to have better wildlife viewing opportunities. However, there are fewer lodging options inside the park.

So, if you prefer a more developed area with all the comforts and amenities, the west side is a good choice. On the other hand, if you want a quieter, more rustic experience with incredible scenery, the east side is the better choice. You can also consider splitting your stay between the two sides to experience the best of both worlds!

While we’re at it, why don’t you spend a minute to check out these best ski resorts in Whitefish, Montana? They’re not too far away from the park! Also, we have a feeling you’ll want to know about these 8 most stunning glaciers in the world.

Is it better to stay inside Glacier National Park?

Staying inside Glacier National Park offers convenient access to sights and allows you to experience the park’s atmosphere more fully. However, lodging books up fast, so you should book early in advance.

Is it better to stay on the west side or east side of Glacier National Park?

As mentioned earlier, it depends on your preferences. The west side of Glacier National Park has more lodging options and a scenic portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road, but the east side offers a quieter, more remote feel with excellent hiking, especially around Many Glacier.

How long does it take to drive from one side of Glacier National Park to the other?

It depends on which route you take and how often you stop. The fastest route, which avoids Going-to-the-Sun Road, takes about 1 hour. However, allowing at least 2 hours is recommended to account for scenic overlooks and potential traffic, especially during peak season.