Bozeman hotels

The best luxury hotel in Bozeman is the Kimpton Armory Hotel, Bozeman’s only four-star stay. This downtown spot, a block north of Main Street, has swanky amenities like a rooftop bar with a fire pit and a swimming pool with views of four mountain ranges, but it’s also a product of its environment. Tied to the history of Bozeman, the hotel is in a landmark Armory building where volunteer units once trained and stored weapons. The guestrooms are relaxing retreats with earthy colors and natural materials like woven textiles and hand-stitched leather headboards. They also have workstations and spa-quality Atelier Bloem bath products. The restaurant Fieldings—named after the original Bozeman Armory building architect Fred Fielding Willson—specializes in regional fare like game meats, ranch-raised sirloin, and locally caught trout. Among the best hotels in Bozeman for live music, don’t miss seeing a show in the hotel’s historic concert hall with a built-in bar.

Motor Inns are an essential part of American history, and Bozeman has several gems, including the Sapphire Motel in Midtown. This fun and funky motel is one of the best hotels in Bozeman for travelers who prefer personality over staid hotel décor. Located three blocks from Main Street, a preserved marquee dating back to the 1940s greets visitors, which range from business travelers to families on vacation. The playful lobby has a vintage television and mid-century furniture, while bright colors and retro touches are found in the guestrooms too, which feature teal walls and travel-themed art. Each room has an assigned parking space for fast and easy access, and motel staff take care of guests’ needs with a smile. Pick up pain au chocolat at nearby Wild Crumb bakery or meats to grill and enjoy the hotel’s central courtyard and covered pavilion with a barbeque grill. This hotel is communal and exceedingly friendly.

The Lark is a renovated motor inn in downtown Bozeman with a Montana feel. One of the best hotels in Bozeman for meeting fellow travelers, guests love to mingle around the outdoor wood-burning fireplace and open-air patio overlooking Main Street. In the lobby, Treeline Coffee Roasters pours sustainable coffee and serves a variety of pastries, snacks, beer and wine. But there are also dozens of great dining choices on Main Street to choose from. My favorite Blackbird Kitchen serves woodfired Italian cuisine. Industrial modern guestrooms, some with private patios and sofa sleepers, have hardwood floors and custom artwork by local artists. If you’re looking for something larger and more luxurious, the Rialto Suite has a kitchenette, lounge space and Bridger Mountain views. Thoughtful touches like in-room Treeline pour-over coffee setups and a basket filled with board games and playing cards make this one of the best rooms in Bozeman.

Element Bozeman is located just one block away from Main Street and its multiple restaurants, art galleries and shopping. Known as one of the best hotels in Bozeman for wellness, Element prioritizes guests’ health with a state-of-the-art motion fitness center, heated saltwater pool, and healthy dining. The open-plan public spaces are ideal for working, socializing and unwinding. Meanwhile, guestrooms with mountain and downtown views have fully equipped kitchens, signature Heavenly Beds and stylish couches. The complimentary breakfast bar – where you can pick up eggs and sausages, fluffy muffins, yogurt, granola and snacks – will provide you with all the fuel you’ll need for a full day of adventuring in this beautiful corner of Montana. If you’re visiting Bozeman in the summer, make sure to float the Madison River. Many companies offer tube trips including shuttles and tube rentals.

I’ve been visiting Southwest Montana for outdoor adventure for years and stayed at many hotels as a result. The Gallatin River Lodge stands out for its luxurious accommodations and easy access to legendary fishing. The Gallatin River is just five minutes from the lodge and it's less than an hour to the sparkling fish-filled Yellowstone and Madison Rivers. But you don’t have to be an expert. Try casting into the property’s trout pond and take seasonal casting and fly-fishing classes. The lodge is just 20 minutes from downtown but fully immersed in natural beauty, with open pasture, herb and flower gardens and plenty of wildlife. Cozy and comfortable accommodations include suites with plunge bathtubs and gas fireplaces. Locals love the lodge restaurant, which serves dishes such as red wine-braised beef cheek bourguignon and miso-glazed black cod with charred leeks. Room reservations also include complimentary continental breakfast for two.