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 2025, 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.
They even had décor ideas posted in the cabin, sparking inspiration for ranch-style gifts and Custom Neon Signs that guests could take home.
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 uniquely and memorably!
One guest I met at breakfast mentioned it was her third visit, and she returns each summer just for the trail rides and bonfire nights. Another couple said it felt like staying at a friend’s home rather than a resort, and I couldn’t agree more.
- Address: 2875 Highway 93 West, Whitefish, MT 59937
- Visit the 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 hhere, 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.”
One guest at the Social Haus bar told me he booked the trip just for the food and ended up staying two extra nights. Another couple described it as “a design magazine brought to life in the middle of Montana.”
- PRICE RANGE: $2,448 – $2,992 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
- Visitthe 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 paddleboards 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.
During my stay, I met a yoga instructor who brings her group here every fall and swears by the “quiet energy” of the property. Another visitor told me it’s one of the few places where she felt completely disconnected from her phone, in the best way possible.
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,w hich 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.
At the lakeside bar, I chatted with a couple from Texas who said this was their fourth visit — they even plan their anniversary around it. Another traveler said the spa here “beats anything you’ll find in Aspen,” which honestly felt true after my massage.
- Address: 1380 Wisconsin Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937-3338
- Visit hotel website
2. Many Glacier Hotel
@coffeewithmegan During my visit to Glacier National Park, I was fortunate enough to snag a night at the Many Glacier Hotel — Glacier National Park’s most iconic lodge, built in 1915 with dreamy Swiss chalet vibes. Nestled on Swiftcurrent Lake with jaw-dropping views of Grinnell Point, it’s steps from the park’s best and most famous hikes (Iceberg, Cracker, Grinnell) and full of historic charm. No TV, no distractions…just cozy mountain air, wildlife sightings, and adventure right outside your door. This isn’t just a stay…it’s a time machine into Glacier’s golden era. 🌲🛶 ➡️ From July – September 2025, you cannot access any of the Many Glacier area on a whim by personal vehicle due to construction. Timed entry does not apply to this portion of the park during these dates. Reservations must be made in advance to gain admittance to the road that takes you to the Many Glacier area. ➡️ The only available reservations to gain access to this area are: a hotel booking (limited availability), boat tour reservation (sold out for weeks in advance), or a hiker shuttle ticket (must be obtained the night prior at 7 pm MST, and are currently selling out within seconds.) ➡️ You will have to show proof of one of these three reservations at the Many Glacier entrance ranger station to gain access with your personal vehicle at ANY time of the day. There is a locked gate after hours that is only accessible by a unique code that hotel guests are sent a few hours prior to check in that is valid for the duration of their stay. ➡️ The road to access Many Glacier is an all dirt road up to the last mile or two, filled with heavy dust and potholes and with absolutely zero cell service. Be prepared! #glaciernationalpark #manyglacierhotel #nationalparks #solotravel #americalodges #hikinglife #montanamagic #travel #traveltok #manyglacier ♬ Take me to where your heart is – Shaya Zamora
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.
I met a couple celebrating their 30th anniversary who said they’d stayed here decades ago when the décor was simpler, but the viewwas “just as breathtaking.” Another hiker at breakfast told me sunrise over Swiftcurrent Lake alone was worth the trip.
- 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.
While sipping coffee one morning, I talked with another couple who had come back for their second stay, saying they loved how “it feels like waking up in a tree without losing any comfort.” Another traveler compared it to “living in a cozy cabin from a dream sequence.”
- Address: 100 Saint Andrews Dr, Columbia Falls, MT 59912-8874
- Check their website
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Price Range: $104 – $129
FAQ
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.
