Steal The Itinerary · Guide No. 004
Where to Stay Around Glacier National Park
Can’t get an in-park lodge, or want real restaurants, A/C, and better value? Here are the best gateway towns and hotels on both sides of Glacier. Updated for 2026.
If the in-park lodges are booked or over budget, deciding where to stay near Glacier National Park comes down to which entrance you’ll use most. These gateway towns — on both the west and east sides — give you more hotels, real restaurants, and better value, usually within 5 to 40 minutes of the park.
Prefer a different base? In-park lodges have unbeatable access; cabins get you a kitchen and space.
In-Park Lodges → Cabins →Which side should you base on?
- West side (Whitefish / West Glacier / Columbia Falls): the most hotels, restaurants, and services, closest to the airport. Best all-around base, especially for a first visit.
- East side (St. Mary / East Glacier): fewer, more rustic options, but you’re right at the dramatic east entrances and closer to Many Glacier.
- Doing the 5-day loop? Split it — a few nights west, then a night or two east — to avoid re-driving the Sun Road.
The Best Places to Stay Near Glacier National Park
Whitefish · The Resort-Town Base (West)About 35 minutes from the West Entrance — the region’s best food, breweries, and range of hotels.
Whitefish · Boutique · Splurge
The Firebrand Hotel
A stylish boutique hotel in downtown Whitefish, walkable to the town’s best restaurants and breweries. ~35 min to the West Entrance.
~$250–$500/night
Whitefish · Resort · Splurge
Lodge at Whitefish Lake
A full lakeside resort on Whitefish Lake with a spa, marina, and lodge rooms — the upscale west-side splurge if you want resort amenities after long park days.
~$300–$650/night
Whitefish · Mid
Grouse Mountain Lodge
A relaxed mountain-lodge hotel on the edge of Whitefish with a pool and easy access to town — a dependable mid-range family pick.
~$200–$400/night
Right at (or minutes from) the West Entrance — less nightlife than Whitefish, but you’re first to the trailheads.
West Glacier · Historic · Mid–Splurge
Belton Chalet
The beautifully restored 1910 railway chalet right at the West Entrance — historic character seconds from the park gate.
~$200–$400/night
West Glacier · Cabins · Mid
West Glacier Village
Cabins, dining, and shops clustered at the West Entrance (Pursuit) — the closest full-service base to the west gate.
~$200–$380/night
Columbia Falls · Mid
Cedar Creek Lodge
A comfortable modern hotel in Columbia Falls with a pool and free breakfast, midway between Whitefish and the park — a strong value-plus-comfort pick.
~$180–$350/night
Columbia Falls · Condos · Value
Meadow Lake Resort
Condos, homes, and hotel rooms around a golf course in Columbia Falls — roomy options that suit families and longer stays.
~$150–$320/night
Gateway to the Sun Road’s east end, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine — fewer options, so book early.
St. Mary · East Entrance · Mid
St. Mary Village
Lodge rooms and cabins at the east entrance (Pursuit), with restaurants and a gas station — scarce, valuable services on this side of the park.
~$200–$380/night
East Glacier · Historic
Glacier Park Lodge
The majestic timber lodge at East Glacier with towering Douglas-fir columns and a golf course — the gateway to the Two Medicine area.
~$220–$400/night
East · Railway Town · Value
East Glacier
A small railway town near Two Medicine, with budget motels, cafes, and the grand Glacier Park Lodge — the most affordable east-side base, and a short drive from the Babb junction for Many Glacier.
~$120–$300/night