Accommodations

Most of Whitefish’s [1] accommodations are either along the long, busy Highway 93 strip south of town (also called Spokane Avenue) or up at Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort [2]. Quality is quite high, as are prices, and be sure to reserve early. Summer high-season rates are listed here; there’s usually a significant reduction in the off-season.

Whitefish Motel (620 8th St., 406/862-3507, $75 and up) is a modest courtyard motel with in-room kitchens. It’s off the main drag and just about the only place in town costing less than $100 during the busy summer season. In the winter, long-term rentals are offered.

Over $100: The Good Medicine Lodge (537 Wisconsin Ave., 406/862-5488 or 800/860-5488, www.goodmedicinelodge.com [3], $100–240) is especially attractive—a cross between a small inn and a B&B. While a big breakfast buffet is provided and there are pleasant common rooms, the atmosphere is low-key, and you don’t feel as if you need to whisper as you pad around. Rooms have vaulted wooden ceilings, upscale-rustic decor, and great views. Some rooms are wheelchair accessible, all rooms have telephones, and there’s a hot tub and a guest laundry. The lodge is located in an older residential neighborhood on the way to Whitefish Mountain.

Also on the road to Whitefish Mountain, Hidden Moose Lodge (1735 E. Lakeshore Dr., 406/862-6516 or 888/733-6667, www.hiddenmooselodge.com [4], $139 and up) is an attractive newer log lodge with B&B accommodations in upscale Western-themed rooms. Each room is equipped with a TV and DVD player, telephone, refrigerator, and deck. The common areas, including the great room and an outdoor deck and hot tub, are all striking and good places to hang out and enjoy the complimentary evening drink.

For comfort in a conveniently located, historic, and beautifully restored home, the Garden Wall Inn (504 Spokane Ave., 406/862-3440 or 888/530-1700, www.gardenwallinn.com [5], $135–185) is a good choice. The home was built in the 1920s, with strong arts-and-crafts influences; fabrics, tiles, wall coverings, and art have been carefully selected to evoke the era. Most of the furniture is native to 1920s Montana, which lends a specifically regional atmosphere to the graciously decorated rooms. Modern considerations haven’t been neglected, however, and all rooms have private baths. A four-person suite is available for $235. Both the owner and the innkeeper have trained as professional chefs, and the breakfasts are renowned. The innkeepers are also avid outdoors people and will help plan excursions.

The Duck Inn (1305 Columbia Ave., 406/862-3825 or 800/344-2377, www.duckinn.com [6], $129–199) is a small inn overlooking the river, with fireplaces, themed rooms, a substantial complimentary breakfast, and an intimate and friendly ambience.

The Downtowner Motel (224 Spokane Ave., 406/862-2535, www.downtownermotel.cc [7], $110) is the only lodging in the heart of downtown Whitefish [1] and has an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, and a pretty good exercise room. The motel isn’t deluxe, but it’s a short walk from good restaurants, shops, and bars.

Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge (6510 Hwy. 93 S., 406/862-2569 or 800/862-2569, www.rockymtnlodge.com [8], $140–190) is one of the newest Whitefish [1] accommodations, with a grand lobby, continental breakfast, pool, hot tub, exercise room, and guest laundry. Available are attractive minisuites with fireplace, whirlpool tub, microwave, refrigerator, and wet bar. Rooms in the adjoining annex are a bit less expensive ($112) and not as plush.

The Grouse Mountain Lodge (1205 Hwy. 93 W., 406/862-3000 or 800/321-8822, www.grousemountainlodge.com [9], $205 and up) is a large recreation, convention, lodging, and restaurant complex located across from the golf course. Guests have access to a pool, a sauna, hot tubs, tennis courts, high-speed Internet, and rooms looking out onto a golf course rather than a highway strip.

To rent a condo on Whitefish Lake, call Bay Point on the Lake (406/862-2331 or 800/327-2108, www.baypoint.org [10], $155 and up). Rates for these comfortable and quiet lodgings vary seasonally, and there are eight different room configurations with three different luxury levels available, so it’s best to call and discuss your needs.