For a decent budget motel within walking distance to downtown, try the Creston Motel (335 N. Atlantic St., 406/683-2341, $45 and up). Pets are permitted.

The nice-for-the-price Sundowner Motel (500 N. Montana St., 406/683-2375 or 800/524-9746, $45 and up), across the street from the local fertilizer plant and four blocks from downtown, has a playground, permits pets in smoking rooms, and serves free morning coffee and donuts.

A homey and comfortable place to stay on the edge of downtown are the rooms rented out by the Backcountry Angler (426 S. Atlantic St., 406/683-3462, www.backcountryangler.com, $75 and up). Although the outfitter’s fishing clients get first dibs on these suites with kitchens, there are occasional openings for the general public.

The Best Western Paradise Inn (650 N. Montana St., 406/683-4214 or 800/528-1234, $77 and up) is relatively plush, with an indoor pool, exercise room, hot tub, and restaurant-casino on the premises. The other very comfortable conventional hotel is out by I-15: The GuestHouse Inn (580 Sinclair St., 406/683-3636 or 800/214-8378, www.guesthouseintl.com, $109 and up) has an indoor pool and a breakfast bar.