17 Best Places to Stay at Glacier National Park, MT

Encompassing over 1,500 square miles in northern Montana, Glacier National Park often takes several days to experience. And its remote nature makes finding a place to stay an essential logistic of planning a trip. Historic hotels and motor inns are within the park, and several other hotel options reside in the surrounding communities.

Iconic spots like Lake McDonald Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel offer a rustic charm in prominent areas of the park. These places to stay within Glacier book out months in advance and come at a premium during peak summer season.

Some of the closest hotels to Glacier are in communities like West Glacier, East Glacier Park Village, and St. Mary. These hotels are within minutes of park entrance gates, and also in proximity to resources like grocery stores and restaurants. Many of these hotels, like places to stay inside Glacier National Park, operate on a seasonal basis between May and September.

The most significant concentration of hotels near Glacier National Park are in the resort cities of Whitefish and Kalispell. The only four-star hotel in the region is in Whitefish, as well as several places to enjoy some nightlife. Places to stay in Kalispell also feature access to the magnificent Flathead Lake. Both Whitefish and Kalispell are within 30 minutes of the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. En route and even closer, the community of Columbia Falls also has hotels to spend the night.

Lodging inside Glacier National Park

1. Lake McDonald Lodge

17 Best Places to Stay at Glacier National Park, MT

Lake McDonald Lodge is on the shores of Lake McDonald on the west side of the park. This historic hotel provides quite the memorable Glacier experience. Built in 1913, the iconic Swiss-chalet inspired architecture of the hotel comes into view immediately upon laying eyes on the lodge. The interior lobby, too, has a distinct cozy, wintry feel even in summer, much in thanks to log furnishings and a big stone fireplace.

Lake McDonald Lodge features 82 rooms spread across three floors. The rooms have a rustic feel and comfortable furnishings. Alongside proximity to Lake McDonald, the lodge is also near the Going-to-the-Sun Road for easy access to the rest of the park. Lake McDonald Lodge also oversees a collection of suites, cabins, and hostel rooms separate from the main lodge but on the same property.

Address: 288 Lake Mcdonald Lodge Loop, West Glacier, Montana

2. Many Glacier Hotel

In the northeast Many Glacier region, this historic hotel provides one of the best views from any lodging inside Glacier National Park. It’s on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and the imposing peak of Mount Grinnell is hard to miss from the hotel’s back patio area.

Many of the hotel’s 200-plus rooms offer personal views of this beautiful mountain scenery. The hotel also features a select number of suites and family rooms. And the Swiss-chalet decor of Many Glacier Hotel is further encouraged by staff dressed in lederhosen.

Quintessential Glacier National Park experiences surround Many Glacier Hotel. Hikers enjoy the plethora of trails nearby, including the iconic Grinnell Glacier route. Kayak rentals are also available at the hotel to get onto the lake. And dining at the Ptarmigan Dining Room within the hotel offers some of the finest dining in Glacier.

Address: 1 Rte 3, Browning, Montana

Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel

3. Village Inn at Apgar

The Village Inn at Apgar features rustic lodging options and access to several amenities within Apgar Village. It’s less than two miles from the West Entrance and features magnificent views of Lake McDonald. Thirty rooms and a dozen cabins are available. Lodge rooms range from single queen motel rooms to two-bedroom family units. All cabins and select rooms come with a kitchenette.

The access to Glacier National Park is nearly unbeatable at the Apgar Village Lodge. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is easily accessible from the lodge, as is the Apgar Village Visitor Center. Nearby food options in Apgar Village include the West Glacier Cafe and the West Glacier Mercantile.

Address: Lake View Drive, West Glacier, Montana

Accommodation: Village in at Apgar

4. Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

The Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is less than a mile from Many Glacier Hotel on the northeast side of the park. It features nearly 100 rooms and cabins at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value for those looking for an affordable basecamp in the park. And some of the best hiking trails in Glacier are in immediate proximity to the hotel, including the route up to Iceberg Lake.

All motel rooms and some cabins at Swiftcurrent have private baths. Cabins without private bathrooms have running water and share a centrally located bathhouse. A full stocked camp store is next to the lodging, as well as the full-service Nell’s at Swiftcurrent Restaurant. Much like all places to stay in Glacier National Park, rooms at Swiftcurrent often book months in advance.

Address: Columbia Falls, Montana

Accommodation: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

5. Rising Sun Motor Inn

The historic Rising Sun Motor Inn is the closest hotel to the East Entrance of Glacier. The hotel is also within proximity to St. Mary Lake. Overnight accommodations range from motel rooms to shared-wall cabins.

The hotel first opened to the public in 1940. Like all historic places to stay in Glacier, no telephones, television, or air-conditioning are available in any of the rooms. But the views from the Motor Inn, and the immediate access to the park, offer plenty to keep guests entertained.

Logan Pass and signature hikes like the Highline Trail are less than 12 miles up the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the Rising Sun Motor Inn. The facility features a fully stocked camp store, as well as the Two Dogs Flat Grill.

Address: Going-to-the-Sun Road, East Glacier Park, Montana

Accommodation: Rising Sun Motor Inn

Hotels in West Glacier

6. Glacier Guides Lodge

Adventure opportunity surrounds this commercial lodge less than a mile from the West Entrance of the park. Alongside modern accommodations, Glacier Guides Lodge also operates a reputable guiding company. Adventures led by Glacier Guides include fly-fishing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. This combination of a place to stay and things to do makes Glacier Guides Lodge one of the best hotels near Glacier National Park.

Glacier Guides Lodge sources local woodworkers and artisans for the furnishings and decor of the hotel. The rotating continental breakfast at the lodge is also locally sourced. Alongside a collection of standard lodge rooms, a separate Glacier Guides Guest House is available to rent on the property. It features a large outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying the summer weather.

Glacier Guides Lodge is open between May and October.

Accommodation: Glacier Guides Lodge

7. Vista Motel

With a wide range of rooms at an affordable price, the Vista Motel caters to many types of travel. This cozy accommodation is less than a mile from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. It features triple twin bedrooms and king cabins and easy access to the mountains.

The Rock Room at the hotel is a comfortable shared space complete with a fireplace and mountain views. Plenty of picnic space surrounds the property. The motel also has BBQ pits available for guests to use. The Vista Motel operates seasonally between June and September.

Accommodation: Vista Motel

Hotels in East Glacier Park Village

8. Mountain Pine Motel

This cozy motel in East Glacier Park Village is minutes from the Two Medicine region of the park. An aromatic lodgepole pine forest surrounds the manicured grounds of the hotel. Alongside close access to Glacier National Park, the motel is also near restaurants and shops in East Glacier Park Village.

Accommodations include 25 comfortable units and a two-bedroom house available to rent. Standard rooms at Mountain Pine Hotel feature either one or two queen beds and plenty of natural light. The motel operates between May and September and features reduced rates in the shoulder seasons.

Accommodation: Mountain Pine Motel

9. Whistling Swan Motel

The family-owned Whistling Swan Motel is a treasured tradition for many East Glacier vacations. This long-running motel is near restaurants and the conveniences of East Glacier Park Village. The motel is also minutes from the Two Medicine entrance of the Park.

Families tend to enjoy the quaint and quiet nature of the Whistling Swan Motel. Budget travelers also appreciate the affordable value. While some of the hotel reflects its age, the Whistling Swan has an excellent reputation for keeping everything neat and tidy. Above all, the access to Glacier Country is right outside the front door.

Accommodation: Whistling Swan Motel

Hotels in St. Mary

10. St. Mary Lodge & Resort

This popular lodge is near the St. Mary Entrance on the east side of the park. It features 127 rooms across seven different units and each overnight space has modern furniture and great views. With rooms ranging in price and layout between the seven units, the St. Mary Lodge facilitates several types of travel.

The Lodge and Resort is at the heart of the St. Mary Village and near local restaurants and general stores. On-site dining is also available at the lodge at the Snowgoose Grill. The resort is also home to a unique Tiny Home Village, where guests can spread out in a little house of their own.

Accommodation: St. Mary Lodge & Resort

Hotels in Columbia Falls

11. North Forty Resort

North Forty Resort is a popular place to stay, located on 40 acres in the Flathead Valley, approximately 22 miles from the West Entrance station.

The resort offers a combination of woodsy appeal and modern furnishings within its 23 individual log cabins. These fully furnished cabins have authentic log furniture and well-stocked kitchens. Most of the cabins accommodate five guests, while the largest has room for up to 10 people.

Resort amenities at North Forty include a sheltered hot tub, a large open recreation space, and hiking trails that weave throughout the property. The location of North Forty, too, is perfect for adventures in the region. Glacier is within a short drive to the north, and the resort community of Whitefish is even closer to the south.

Accommodation: North Forty Resort

12. Cedar Creek Lodge & Conference Center

The Cedar Creek Lodge has an excellent location within Columbia Falls and the greater Flathead Valley region. Glacier National Park is a half-hour drive to the north, while other attractions like Flathead Lake and the Hungry Horse Reservoir are even closer. And the hotel reflects this nearby wild nature with a distinct lodge ambience and rustic appeal.

Cedar Creek Lodge offers several room types stemming from its well-lit and wood-furnished lobby. Alongside standard one-king and two-king rooms, the lodge also has deluxe accommodations and special fireplace suites. Standard amenities at the hotel include complimentary breakfast, fast and reliable Wi-Fi, and complimentary shuttles to Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Accommodation: Cedar Creek Lodge & Conference Center

Hotels in Whitefish

13. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

This four-star hotel is one of the most luxurious places to stay within an hour’s drive of Glacier National Park. The lodge is also near many restaurants, boutique shops, and the nightlife of Whitefish. It’s great for an extended Glacier vacation and the scenic surroundings of The Lodge at Whitefish Lake offer even more places to explore outside the park.

The shimmering water of Whitefish Lake is on full display from the Boat Club Dining Room at the lodge. Finger food is also available at the Lodge’s Tiki Grill in the summer.

Other exclusive amenities of the Lodge at Whitefish Lake include a Relaxation Lounge and the Spa at Whitefish Lake. Overnight spaces at The Lodge range from standard rooms to one-bedroom suites. The property also features lakeside condominiums.

Accommodation: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

14. Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish

This Hampton Inn & Suites is south of downtown Whitefish and surrounded by nature. The hotel offers a free shuttle to downtown Whitefish and Glacier Park International Airport. When it comes time to visit Glacier National Park, the West Entrance and Lake McDonald are within a 30-mile drive.

This newer hotel, opened in 2016, offers the latest in Hampton comfort and class. Comfortable beds lend to a good night’s sleep and beautiful furnishings also add some luxury. And the free hot breakfast at Hampton Inn is the perfect way to start a big day exploring Glacier National Park.

Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish

15. Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge

this Best Western provides Rocky Mountain appeal at an affordable value. A stylish lodge-style lobby welcomes guests the moment they walk into this hotel surrounded by mountains. The comforts continue into the rooms, with some deluxe accommodations featuring a fireplace and extra space to spread out.

A complimentary breakfast area at the hotel offers plenty of fuel to start a day. And the year-round heated outdoor pool provides a great place to soak after spending the day hiking in Glacier. Downtown Whitefish and several restaurants are also a short drive away.

Accommodation: Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge

Hotels in Kalispell

16. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Kalispell, Mt – Glacier Lodge

This Country Inn & Suites offers an authentic Montana experience less than 30 miles from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. The lodge-like interior of the hotel is undeniably western, with features like a stone fireplace and log furnishings. The chic mountain decor is also throughout the property’s 100 guest rooms.

Mountains are within view around every corner of the property. A landscaped outdoor space is excellent for relaxing after a day of enjoying the park. So is the second-story lounge, where snowcapped mountains dominate the horizon. The hotel offers a free breakfast every morning and a heated indoor pool complete with a waterslide.

Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Kalispell, Mt – Glacier Lodge

17. SpringHill Suites Kalispell

This suite-exclusive hotel in Kalispell is a 30-minute drive from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. SpringHill Suites offers a stylish and clean place to stay with easy access to wild and rugged nature. Suites at SpringHill has either one king or two queen beds, and each room features extra living space to spread out some adventure equipment.

Alongside easy access to Glacier, SpringHill Suites is near visitor resources in Kalispell. Great for extended travel in Glacier Country, SpringHill Suites also features an affordable rate. The free hot breakfast buffet at the hotel offers an excellent start to a day spent exploring the nearby park.

Accommodation: SpringHill Suites Kalispell