Glacier National Park Accommodation

The Firebrand Hotel

Location
Whitefish, Montana

Bringing a new level of luxury to mountain town of Whitefish, the Firebrand enjoys a premier location downtown. This chic boutique hotel blends contemporary sophistication and rustic details in an alpine-modern meld, incorporating lots of natural wood and stone in an outdoorsy palette of taupe, gray, beige and browns. Deluxe rooms have king-size or double queen platform beds with high thread-count cotton sheets and crisp white duvets. Stylish bathrooms feature stone tile floors, granite countertops trimmed in stainless steel, solid glass European-style walk-in showers with rock mosaic floors, robes and slippers, and a hair dryer. Other amenities include a writing desk with leather chair, 50-inch wall-mount flat screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, bedside USB charging ports and a safe. The 24-hour on-site fitness center includes an assortment of cardio equipment, weights, mats and fitness balls. The landscaped rooftop patio and large hot tub offer views over the town and surrounding mountains. In summer, the Firebrand Lounge serves drinks on the open rooftop—or cozy up indoors: leather sofas and armchairs by the fireplace offer an inviting spot to kick back with a glass of wine or one of the 12 Montana craft beers on tap. The lobby coffee shop offers fresh-baked pastries, smoothies, tea, espresso, and a custom coffee blend roasted in Whitefish by Montana Coffee Traders.

Lake McDonald Lodge

Location
Glacier National Park, Montana

Nestled in dense forest along the shores of scenic, crystal-clear Lake McDonald, Lake McDonald Lodge is a beloved national park hostelry. This inviting wilderness retreat is comprised of a historic 1913 hunting lodge—the Swiss-chalet-style original accommodation for visitors to the west side of Glacier National Park—plus a scattering of small lake cottages and a motel. The main lodge's warm, cozy atmosphere, centered on an enormous rock fireplace surrounded by rustic log settees and chairs, beckons guests to sit back and relax after an exhilarating day of exploring the wild outdoors. In keeping with the lodge's historic origins, it does not offer air conditioning, televisions or elevators. Guest rooms are small and simple with modest amenities. All rooms have en suite facilities and are clean and comfortable.

The Village Inn

Location
Agpar Village, Glacier National Park, Montana

In Apgar Village, two miles inside Glacier National Park’s west entrance, this mid-century modern lakeside lodge is outfitted for adventure. While recently renovated, The Village Inn retains its original 1950s charm, complete with retro tiled floors, eclectic carpeting, warm wood wainscoting and vintage photographs depicting the inn’s humble beginnings.

Tucked amid mixed conifer forest, The Village Inn’s maroon-stained exterior complements the dark greens of the valley’s western red cedar and hemlock trees. Hanging flower baskets adorn each guest room door, and Adirondack chairs offer beachfront lounging with a view over the lake. All 36 rooms have large windows with unobstructed views of the lake. Rooms are simple but comfortable, accented with colorful furnishings and fabrics that evoke the kaleidoscopic pebbles, or famed “rainbow rocks,” of Lake McDonald. In keeping with the era in which it was built, the mountain inn does not have air conditioning, televisions, in-room telephones or elevators. Amenities include eco-smart down alternative pillows, energy-efficient lighting, recycling bins, alarm clocks, fans (upon request), irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, extra blankets for warmth, and a coffee/tea maker.

Lake McDonald Valley is the hub of activity on the west side of Glacier National Park. Ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park. Wildlife viewing here can be outstanding, with species including bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, black bear, and whitetail and mule deer. Guests can easily walk to Eddie’s Cafe and Mercantile and the Apgar ice cream stand, just steps away.

Many Glacier Hotel

Location
Glacier National Park, Montana

Many Glacier Hotel enjoys one of the most spectacular settings anywhere in the world. Surrounded by sheer peaks, hanging glaciers and rugged wilderness, this magnificent lodge overlooks Swiftcurrent Lake in the northeast sector of Glacier National Park. The hotel was constructed in Swiss alpine style by the Great Northern Railway and completed in 1915. Along with Glacier Park Lodge, which opened two years earlier, Many Glacier was part of an effort by Louis W. Hill, president of the Great Northern Railway and son of "empire builder" James J. Hill, to establish Glacier National Park as a destination resort, promoting the area as the "American Alps." Today it is a National Historic Landmark. The Swiss atmosphere is captured in its chalet-style architecture and decor, enhanced by the dramatic alpine setting. In keeping with the era in which the hotel was built, it does not have air conditioning, televisions or elevators. Comfortable guest rooms are small and simple with modest amenities. All rooms have private bathrooms, direct-dial telephones, and deluxe king or queen beds or twin beds. Facilities include the Ptarmigan Dining Room, the Swiss Room Lounge and Interlaken Lounge, and Heidi's Snack Shop.

Prince of Wales Hotel

Location
Waterton Lake National Park, Alberta

Perched regally on a bluff with overlooking Upper Waterton Lake and surrounding peaks, the Prince of Wales Hotel is a true Canadian icon. Like the grand national park hotels of neighboring Glacier National Park, the Prince of Wales was a pet project of Great Northern Railway baron James J. Hill. His favored chalet-style architectural themes are vividly represented in this unique structure, which was completed in 1927 and is a National Historic Site of Canada. The historic hotel first lured Prohibition-era American guests to Canada for an exclusive and carefree getaway, and guests today enjoy the same delightful ambience. The hotel was named for the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), in a transparent attempt to entice him to stay on his 1927 Canadian tour, but the prince opted for a nearby ranch instead.

The lodge is reminiscent of a magnificent Swiss chalet, evoking a romantic alpine feel with its soaring roof, peaked gables, dramatic balconies and timber-framed lobby. Room decor features hardwood wainscoting, plaid upholstered chairs, and gorgeous views of the shimmering lake or majestic Rocky Mountains. En suite baths include European-style tubs with wraparound curtains and a quaint washbasin. A stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel harks back to a bygone era, when architectural detail and gracious touches were the paragons of a peaceful retreat.

Bayshore Inn

Location
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada

This third-generation family-owned and operated hotel is the only Waterton lodging situated directly on the lakeshore, with a grassy waterfront expanse and walking path just off the outdoor terrace. In the heart of Waterton Lakes village, it’s just a short walk to the marina, shops, restaurants and outdoor activities. The exterior of this classic motor lodge features Swiss chalet-inspired touches, with dark wood and green-painted balconies adorned with hanging flower baskets. The main lobby is rustic and romantic, with a fireplace, wooden accent furniture and an antler chandelier. The cozy atmosphere carries into the guest rooms, revamped in neutral tones with contemporary finishes. Lakefront rooms have a private balcony where you can sip your morning coffee or wind down after a day of adventure. Rooms have air conditioning, two queen beds with down comforters, TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, coffee maker, safe and mini fridge. Try a craft beer while also drinking in the fresh mountain air on the patio, or enjoy it inside Bayshore’s tavern, the Thirsty Bear Kitchen & Bar. Time permitting, guests can visit the Serenity Spa for a variety of treatments including massage, body wraps and facials.

Glacier Park Lodge

Location
East Glacier, Montana

The first hotel built by the Great Northern Railway, Glacier Park Lodge is one of the country's most magnificent national park hotels. It was constructed in 1913 to attract visitors to the park's wonders, part of the railway's wider mission to open up the mountain grandeur of the American West to travelers. Located just outside the southeast corner of Glacier National Park at East Glacier Station, the hotel is a masterpiece of early 20th-century rustic-style architecture incorporating log post-and-beam construction, shingled dormers and mullioned windows. Its soaring lobby features massive bark-covered log pillars 40 feet high and 40 inches in diameter, crafted from Douglas fir trees hundreds of years old. It was known locally by the Blackfeet Indians as Omahkoyis, or "Big Tree Lodge." Located at the foot of Dancing Lady Mountain, the hotel provides an optimal base from which to explore our dramatic environs. Extensive balconies and decks overlook sprawling lawns and elaborate gardens that date back more than a century, while the park's towering peaks provide a dramatic backdrop to the west. While guest rooms are small and simple with basic amenities, they are clean and comfortable, and all have private bathrooms. In keeping with the lodge's historic character, rooms do not have air conditioning, televisions or elevators.

Summit Mountain Lodge

Location
East Glacier, Montana

This 32-acre private resort sits on the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, a few miles from East Glacier village yet totally away from crowds. It’s surrounded by vast, wild country, located just outside Glacier National Park, across the road from Lewis and Clark National Forest, and minutes from the Great Bear and Bob Marshall wilderness areas. Moose, beaver, birds and butterflies frequent the property, delighting in the trout stream, waterfall and wild perennial garden on the premises. Guests receive a warm Montana welcome from lodge owners Ted and Mara Chase, whose purchase of the property in 2013 continues a historic legacy of family hospitality dating back over a century. Ted is a professional wildlife photographer and avid backpacker, and his wife Marabeth designs leather purses inspired by her Guatemalan culture and the Rocky Mountains, which are sold in the gift shop.

Nine classic log cabins are newly remodeled with modern amenities, including air conditioning and Sealy Posturpedic mattresses. All have fabulous views, and guests can spot wildlife and breathe in fresh mountain air from the comfort and privacy of their cabin porch. The cabins evoke the spirit of the Old West with knotty pine walls, log beds, peeled post accents, and wildlife-themed art. En suite bathrooms have a shower and bath as well as toiletries and a hair dryer. A continental breakfast is served in the inn’s restaurant, housed in the classic Great Northern Railway Station built in 1906. Have a drink on the newly expanded deck as you watch for moose and trains going by.