Home to over a dozen glaciers, Glacier National Park is one of Montana’s crown jewels. It’s a land of towering peaks, pristine lakes, and epic hikes. For nature lovers like us, this place is simply flawless. During our last trip, we were exhausted, but our smiles never left our faces. However, aside from planning what you want to do there, you should also plan where to stay. After all, an outdoor enthusiast like you deserves a comfy and relaxing bed to call it a day. Need some recommendations? Below are some of the best hotels near Glacier National Park, Montana. From hotels with historic charm to accommodations with modern convenience, this article will unveil only the top options. We had an unforgettable stay at the hotels below, and we’re sure it’ll be the same for you.
Table of contents
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Whitefish
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kalispell
- The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River
- My Place Hotel-Kalispell, MT
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell
- Meadow Lake Resort & Condos
- Wonderstone at Glacier
- Grouse Mountain Lodge
- Après Whitefish
- Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish
- Firebrand Hotel
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park?
- Where do people stay when they go to Glacier National Park?
- Is it better to stay in Glacier National Park or outside?
- Is it better to stay in Whitefish or Kalispell?
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Whitefish
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Let’s kick off this list with the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Whitefish. Just outside Whitefish, this place is only half an hour away from Glacier National Park. But what impressed us the most was probably the top-notch staff. The front desk was available 24/7 and really helpful with recommendations and storing our luggage. There was even a shared lounge where we could relax and unwind in the evenings.
Our room, the King Studio, was spacious and comfortable. It felt more like a home away from home than a hotel room. Having a full kitchen with a stovetop, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave was a huge deal. We could easily prepare meals and save money on eating out every night. Plus, the in-room tea and coffee maker made our stay flawless. Also, make sure to take advantage of the fitness center and the hot tub.
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kalispell
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Staying at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kalispell was a great choice for our trip. The location was convenient, just off the highway, and the hotel even had free parking. Our room was spacious and comfortable, perfect for relaxation and that much-needed self-pampering. One of the highlights for us was their breakfast. Every morning, we had a delicious buffet spread, which was a great way to fuel up.
In addition, the hotel even had a fitness center on-site, which was perfect for those mornings we wanted to get a workout in. In the evenings, we enjoyed unwinding by the indoor pool or playing a round of mini golf. Yep, there’s a putting green right there at the hotel! If you’re planning a ski trip, this hotel seems well-suited for that, too. It has a ski pass sales point, and the area is known for great skiing.
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The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River
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If you plan to stay in Whitefish, The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River is a great choice. This hotel has a real, down-to-earth feel with a beautiful timber facade. Its location was perfect for us. It was right on the Whitefish River, just a 15-mile drive from Glacier National Park, which was what we were there to see. Our stay was also amazing, thanks to the freebies. Think free continental breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. And when it comes to amenities, we loved the connected indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, and fitness center.
Our room was a classic one, but it was still really comfortable. It had a bit of a rustic vibe with the furnishings, which fit the whole lodge aesthetic. Plus, it came with everything we wanted – cable TV to unwind after a day of exploring and free Wi-Fi to stay connected. If you’re looking for something a bit more spacious, they have upgraded rooms with balconies that boast gorgeous mountain views.
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My Place Hotel-Kalispell, MT
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Best Budget. Looking for a budget option? Enter the My Place Hotel-Kalispell, MT. While this isn’t the fanciest hotel, we have to admit that the location is amazing. Right off Route 93, it was easy to get around, with a shopping mall next door for any last-minute supplies. It took us around 40 minutes to get to Glacier National Park, and the proximity to Village Greens Golf Course (only 4 miles away) is tempting for any golfer travelers out there.
Throughout our stay, we slept in the King Room, which was simple but functional. It had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including a full kitchen with a fridge, stove, and even a coffee maker. We also loved that there was a dining space in the room where we could enjoy meals. Some rooms even have recliners, which would be great for kicking back and relaxing after a long day. The hotel also offers some extras that may come in handy. Free parking is a plus, especially for road trip travelers. Plus, the on-site convenience store is great for grabbing snacks or drinks.
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell
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Up next is the Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell, only around 15 minutes from Glacier National Park. This makes it the perfect Hilton hotel near Glacier National Park. The location was just outside the center of Kalispell, which was perfect for us – close enough to be easy to get around but quiet enough for a relaxing stay. The real highlight for us, though, was the suite itself. It was spacious and well-equipped, with a full kitchen that came in handy for whipping up meals. Speaking of food, we loved the complimentary breakfast. The manager’s reception with drinks and snacks in the evenings was a nice way to meet other guests.
Nothing can beat the relaxation an indoor pool offers after a day of trying the top things to do in Montana Glacier National Park. The hotel’s pool was clean, and it was our go-to spot for unwinding. Additionally, there’s a fitness center for keeping up with your exercise routine. Finally, the close proximity to the airport and other attractions like Big Mountain Golf Club and Whitefish Mountain Resort is also a major perk.
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Meadow Lake Resort & Condos
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The Meadow Lake Resort & Condos is amazing. Perfectly nestled in a peaceful spot with beautiful scenery, it is perfect for a vacation. First, let’s talk about the amenities. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool for soaking up the Montana sun and a year-round indoor pool for when the weather isn’t cooperating. Plus, there’s a hot tub and a spa center on-site if you’re looking to truly unwind. In the evenings, we enjoyed grilling with other travelers at the barbecue facilities.
Our room was comfortable and well-equipped. Our favorite part was the cozy seating area, perfect for reading a book after a day of exploring. Also, the free shuttle service was one of the most convenient things about the resource. It took the stress out of getting around, whether we needed to go to the airport or the Amtrak station. Speaking of exploring, the area offered tons of activities. Since the resort is located right in Montana’s Flathead Valley, there’s easy access to golfing or horseback riding. The resort even offered us free bicycles to cruise around the area.
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Wonderstone at Glacier
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Best Interior. Wonderstone at Glacier isn’t your average roadside hotel. Sure, it has all the essentials. But step inside, and a surprisingly stylish space greets you. Think moody dark tones balanced with crisp whites, creating a minimalist yet inviting atmosphere. Pops of color and patterned textiles add visual interest without being overwhelming. It’s clear they’ve put a lot of thought into the design, and we were impressed that the attention to detail extends right down to the complimentary coffee bar featuring Montana Coffee Traders. It was a delicious way to start our Glacier adventure.
The rooms are well-appointed and spotless. We were particularly in love with the spotless bathroom, which came with everything we could wish for. If you’re lucky, you can even get a mountain view. While our room was more basic, the suites offer extra space, kitchenettes, and whirlpool tubs, making them the perfect choice for families or extended stays. Best of all, Wonderstone also provides a complimentary breakfast to fuel your day’s adventures, whether it’s hiking, skiing, or cycling in the surrounding area. Thanks to the lobby’s cozy coffee and tea station, our stay was even better.
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Grouse Mountain Lodge
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The Grouse Mountain Lodge offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. We loved this hotel a lot. It had a cozy, log cabin vibe, and the room was well-equipped with a mini-fridge and coffee maker – perfect for those mornings when we wanted to hit the ground running. One of the things we liked most was the convenience factor. The hotel offered us a free shuttle that took us right to downtown Whitefish, the Amtrak station, and even the airport. No rental car? No problem! Also, if you’re wondering, the Glacier National Park is just a 25-minute drive away.
Back at the hotel, we had plenty of ways to unwind. The outdoor firepit, with its seating area, was perfect for roasting marshmallows under the starry sky. We also enjoyed taking a dip in the giant outdoor hot tub. You can also find an indoor pool and a dry sauna, perfect for soothing tired muscles. Feel free to hit the tennis courts or the fitness center if you’re feeling energetic.
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Après Whitefish
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Best Boutique. Opened in 2022, the Après Whitefish is still new to Montana’s hotel scene. However, it has quickly made a name for itself as one of the best hotels near Glacier National Park. The real magic happens in the communal areas. After a day of conquering Avalanche Lake, we couldn’t wait to unwind by the firepit. Sipping a locally roasted coffee from the espresso bar and flipping through records on a midcentury sofa was pure bliss. It felt like hanging out at a friend’s cool pad, not a hotel. Speaking of friends, the firepit was a great spot to chat with fellow travelers and swap stories about our Montana adventures.
But Après Whitefish isn’t all about lounging. It has a 24-hour reception for late check-ins (perfect for spontaneous trips!) and laundry facilities if you need to freshen up after a day on the trails. Plus, Whitefish Lake State Park is just a short drive away. And though our room was simple, everything was clean and new. There are even some pet-friendly rooms.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish
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Another awesome addition to this list of the best hotels near Glacier National Park, Montana, is the Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish. While this hotel offers a lot, one of the highlights for us was the heated indoor saltwater pool and whirlpool. After a day at the Glacier National Park, which is only a short 30-minute drive away, there was nothing like relaxing in the water. Moreover, you can work out in the in-house fitness center, too.
Our room was well-equipped. We had everything we needed, from a microwave and mini-fridge to free Wi-Fi and a coffee maker, which was handy for our mornings. Speaking of mornings, the complimentary hot breakfast was so good. Everything tasted amazing, and it helped us start our day on a high note. Aside from that, the hotel also offered us complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby throughout the day, which was so nice of them. Want more free perks? Make sure to enjoy the complimentary area shuttle and parking as well.
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Firebrand Hotel
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Best Amenities. Our stay at the Firebrand Hotel was nothing short of fantastic. Located right off Highway 93, it was easy to get around. Plus, it’s close to both Whitefish Lake State Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort, perfect for adventurers like us. Heck, it was also only 30 minutes away for us to reach the West Glacier. The hotel itself has a cool, lodge-style vibe. Our Deluxe King Room was really polished and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. Plus, the in-room coffeemaker and minifridge kept our energy levels up. If you’re looking for something a bit more spacious, they have chic suites with fireplaces; some even have separate living areas with rustic wood touches. For those with a view, there are balconies overlooking the city or mountains.
The hotel has a great coffee shop for grabbing a quick pick-me-up in the mornings. The après-ski-style bar was a fun place to relax and people-watch in the evenings. They serve breakfast and light bites, which was perfect for when we didn’t feel like venturing out. That’s not all, as we loved soaking in the hot tub on the rooftop patio after a long day. Aside from that, the hotel also has a 24-hour fitness room, which is ideal for those who like to stick to their workout routine even while traveling. There’s a spa on-site, too, which would have been amazing if we had more time.
“We loved everything about this hotel. The location was great, the amenities were perfect, and our room was spotless.”
WOW Travel
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Our Verdict!
You’ll surely have an amazing stay regardless of which hotel you pick. However, if you want a quick summary, we’ve selected some of the standouts based on the following categories, so why don’t you check them out?
- Best Amenities: Firebrand Hotel
- Best Boutique: Après Whitefish
- Best Interior: Wonderstone at Glacier
- Best Budget: My Place Hotel-Kalispell, MT
Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park?
As you can see from the list above, many of the hotels are in Whitefish, one of the nearest cities to Glacier National Park. This charming resort town is a popular year-round destination known for its scenic beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is the star attraction. As one of the best ski resorts in Whitefish, Montana, it offers opportunities for hiking, biking, gondola rides, and ziplining in the summer, as well as world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Additionally, the town also boasts a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, breweries, and art galleries.
Then, there’s Kalispell, the largest city in the Flathead Valley and the commercial center for the region. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking a more comprehensive selection of shops, restaurants, and services. While Kalispell doesn’t have the same resort-town vibe as Whitefish, it has a historic downtown area with a variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors can also explore Conrad Mansion, a historic home built in the late 19th century, and learn about the area’s rich history at the Hockaday Museum of Art.
If you want to stay really close to the park, consider staying in West Glacier. It’s the closest town to the park’s western entrance and offers easy access to Lake McDonald and the Logan Pass Scenic Drive. Located on the park’s east side is East Glacier Park Village. This small village offers a more rustic experience than the west side, with stunning mountain scenery and access to hiking trails.
Speaking of which, you might also want to check out these lists of the most amazing national parks on Earth and the most stunning glaciers in the world.
Where do people stay when they go to Glacier National Park?
Those visiting Glacier National Park often stay somewhere in Kalispell or Whitefish. They offer a wide variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and shops to cater to visitors.
Is it better to stay in Glacier National Park or outside?
It depends on your preferences. Staying inside Glacier National Park puts you closer to stunning scenery and hiking trails, but it may have limited amenities and cost more. Towns near the park entrances offer a wider variety of restaurants and shops but require commutes to get to the park itself.
Is it better to stay in Whitefish or Kalispell?
For a more scenic and quaint experience, Whitefish is a better option with its charming downtown and proximity to Glacier National Park. However, Kalispell is a larger city with more dining and shopping options, making it a more convenient choice for those who prefer urban amenities.