Choosing where to stay in Glacier National Park will have a huge impact on your trip. Glacier is enormous. Where you stay can make the difference between a 20-minute drive to your first hike or lookout versus a three-hour drive across the park. Choosing the right location is just as important as choosing the right hotel.
Ironically, most of the hotels, cabins, and lodging options are on the west side of Glacier National Park (and certainly all of the upscale ones). Yet, in my opinion, the most spectacular scenery is on the east side of the park. That creates an interesting planning challenge. And a strong need to plan in advance if you want options.
There isn’t one “best” place to stay in Glacier National Park. It really depends on what’s most important to you.
Do you want to spend as much time as possible inside the park? Are amazing views your priority? Or would you rather have more restaurants, shopping, and amenities after a day of exploring? Do you primarily want to hike or do other activities? It may help to lay out your itinerary first, and this 3, 5 and 7 day Glacier National Park Guide can certainly help.
The Most Important Decision: East Side or West Side?
Before comparing hotels, decide which side of Glacier National Park fits your travel style. And understand that options on the east side book up much faster because they are limited.
Staying on the East Side
If your priority is spending as much time as possible surrounded by Glacier’s most dramatic scenery, I absolutely recommend staying on the east side.
Many of the park’s most iconic areas, including Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine, are either on the east side or easier to reach from there. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience these areas early in the morning and later in the evening, when the crowds are much smaller.
The tradeoff? Most accommodations are simple, historic, or locally owned rather than full-service hotels. You won’t find any resorts here. And if you can get a reservation, you will absolutely be paying for location, not the amenities.
Staying on the West Side
The west side offers significantly more lodging choices, from cabins and vacation rentals to boutique hotels and a few high-end hotels and resorts in Whitefish.
You’ll also find more restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, and amenities in towns like West Glacier, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish.
The downside is that you’ll spend considerably more time driving if Logan Pass, Many Glacier, or Two Medicine are high on your list. Whitefish, for example, is often advertised as being about 45 minutes from Glacier National Park. While that’s technically true, it’s about 45 minutes to the west entrance, not to the park’s most famous attractions. Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine are all much farther away, with Many Glacier being a one-way three-hour drive without traffic.
Best Location Overall: St. Mary
If someone asked me where to stay without telling me anything else about their trip, I’d probably recommend St. Mary, if you can get a reservation.
Despite not being in the park, the location is hard to beat. St. Mary sits just outside the east entrance to Glacier National Park at the start of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, between Logan Pass and Many Glacier. You’re closer to Logan Pass than some of the historic lodges inside the park.
That means less driving, easier access to some of Glacier’s most popular areas, and a much better chance of getting an early start before the crowds arrive. And you will avoid the traffic that often builds at the west entrance during the busy summer months.
This place is tiny. There is one primary hotel, a campground, and a handful of cabins and vacation rentals. If you’re expecting luxury accommodations, this probably isn’t the place. You’re paying a premium for the location.
My Pick for Convenience – St. Mary Village ⭐
If maximizing your time inside Glacier National Park is your priority, St. Mary Village is the place. I’d describe it as more functional than luxurious, but the location is outstanding. The rooms are clean and comfortable. They do have basic motel options as well as nicer lodge rooms.
Best Views: Many Glacier Hotel
If scenery is your top priority, it’s hard to beat Many Glacier Hotel inside the park. Sitting on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake with towering mountains rising behind it, the hotel has one of the most spectacular settings anywhere in the National Park System. And that’s exactly why it books up in moments when inventory is released, which is 13 months in advance.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is experiencing Many Glacier before and after the day visitors arrive. Early mornings are quieter, wildlife is often more active, and watching the light change across the mountains is an amazing experience that you can really appreciate when spending more time here.
Keep in mind, Many Glacier Hotel is a historic lodge, not a luxury hotel. The building is beautiful, but the rooms are older, the walls are thin, and amenities are limited. There are no televisions or air conditioning. You’re staying here for the location and history rather than modern comforts.
My Pick for Iconic Scenery – Many Glacier Hotel ⭐
If I were just considering the setting, I’d choose Many Glacier every time. IF you can get a reservation, and that’s a huge if. Enjoying a sunrise over Swiftcurrent makes staying inside the park worthwhile. Just know that it’s a dated, historic building.
Other East Side Options
Beyond St. Mary and Many Glacier, there are a few options, but not many.
Babb offers campgrounds, RV rentals, cabins, vacation rentals, and a few smaller lodging options. It’s a practical choice if you can’t find availability in St. Mary or Many Glacier and still want to stay close to the east side of the park.
East Glacier Park Village has additional cabins and vacation rentals. While it’s farther from Logan Pass and Many Glacier than St. Mary, it’s the closest gateway community to the Two Medicine area, one of Glacier’s most underrated sections. And overall, still less driving time than most west side options.
Check out other East Glacier rental homes and cabins
Best Place to Stay Near the West Entrance: West Glacier
West Glacier is the closest gateway town to Glacier’s west entrance. Staying here gives you quick access to Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, and the western portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
You’ll find a mix of cabins, small lodges, and vacation rentals, making it a good option for travelers who want a little more space and still be close to the park.
There are not a lot of traditional hotels here, but the historic Belton Chalet is a great option. Another more unique and outdoor immersive experience is Under Canvas glamping, just a few miles from West Glacier. The experience of being in the woods and s’mores by the campfire, but still a comfy West Elm bed and an en-suite bathroom.
Even though you’re close to the west entrance, Logan Pass is still about an hour away under ideal conditions, and Many Glacier can easily be two hours or more depending on traffic and entrance lines into the park.
My Pick by the West Entrance – Belton Chalet ⭐
One of the area’s most historic properties, Belton Chalet combines character, a solid location, and a more memorable experience than a standard hotel.
Check out more West Glacier rental homes and cabins
Columbia Falls: More Choices Without Being Too Far Away
If you’re looking for more lodging options without driving all the way to Whitefish, Columbia Falls is an excellent compromise. You’ll typically find more hotels at a wider range of price points than in West Glacier, along with additional restaurants, grocery stores, and services.
It’s only about 20 minutes from the west entrance, making it a convenient base while often costing less than staying immediately outside the park.
My Pick in Columbia Falls – Cedar Creek Lodge ⭐
If I wanted a comfortable, modern hotel with a pool, hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and relatively easy access to Glacier without paying Whitefish prices, Cedar Creek Lodge would be one of the first places I’d look.
Whitefish: The Best Choice for Amenities
If your vacation is about more than hiking and Glacier National Park, Whitefish is worth considering. It’s not the most convenient base for exploring the park, but Whitefish is a destination in and of itself. If you are looking for more activities, like rafting, paddling, zip-lining, horseback riding, gondola rides, and more in a gorgeous mountain setting, Whitefish is a great place.
Compared to the gateway towns closer to the park, Whitefish offers a much larger selection of restaurants, breweries, shopping, spas, and upscale hotels. The tradeoff is driving.
Whitefish is about 45 minutes from Glacier’s west entrance, but that doesn’t mean you’re 45 minutes from Logan Pass or Many Glacier. Those drives are considerably longer, especially during the busy summer season.
If you plan to spend every day exploring Glacier National Park from sunrise to sunset, Whitefish probably isn’t the most efficient base.
But if you’re looking for a destination that combines outdoor adventure with great dining and more resort-style accommodations, Whitefish is an excellent choice. A few days in Whitefish and a few days on the east side of the park is also a great solution.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is the most expensive option, but there are several other great high-end properties that come in at a lower price point, including the Firebrand Hotel and Good Medicine Lodge.
My Pick for Luxury – Lodge at Whitefish Lake ⭐
If luxury amenities are a priority, the Lodge at Whitefish Lake has a lakefront setting, spa, dining, and resort atmosphere. It’s one of the nicest places to stay in northwest Montana. Just be prepared for longer drives into Glacier National Park.
My Recommendation
One of the questions I get asked a lot is, “Where should I stay in Glacier National Park?” And I’ve given very different answers to different clients, as it all depends on what kind of trip you want to have. And if you are just getting started with planning, start with this 3, 5, and 7 day Glacier National Park itinerary and my Going-to-the-Sun Road guide.
If your goal is maximizing your time inside the park, I’d choose St. Mary. Many Glacier Hotel is an unforgettable experience if you are planning 13 months out, want to wake up to amazing scenery, and don’t mind sacrificing modern amenities,
If you are planning on more short notice, West Glacier is a convenient choice. If you’re looking for more hotel options and often better value, Columbia Falls is a good consideration. And if luxury accommodations, restaurants, and resort amenities are part of your vacation, Whitefish is the clear winner.
You can also split your stay with a few days in East Glacier to see that side of the park and then a few days relaxing in a more upscale setting at Whitefish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Glacier National Park
What is the best area to stay when visiting Glacier National Park?
The best place to stay depends on what you want from your trip. If your priority is spending as much time as possible inside the park near the most dramatic scenery, I recommend staying on the east side and specifically at St. Mary if there’s availability. It also provides very easy access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and there’s generally less traffic coming from the east side. If you’d rather have more restaurants, shopping, and hotel amenities, Whitefish or Columbia Falls are excellent options.
Is it better to stay on the east or west side of Glacier National Park?
In my opinion, the east side offers the most spectacular scenery and easier access to iconic areas like Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine. The west side has significantly more hotels, restaurants, and vacation rentals, making it a better choice if amenities are more important than minimizing drive times.
Is St. Mary a good place to stay?
Yes. If your goal is maximizing your time inside Glacier National Park, St. Mary is one of the best locations. Lodging options are limited, but you’ll spend far less time driving than if you stay on the west side of the park.
Is Many Glacier Hotel worth staying at?
For many travelers, yes. Many Glacier Hotel has one of the most spectacular settings in Glacier National Park and allows you to experience the area before and after the daytime crowds arrive. Just keep in mind that it’s a historic lodge with older rooms and limited amenities, so it’s best for travelers who value location and scenery over luxury. And it books up 12-13 months in advance so you really need to plan ahead.
Is Whitefish too far from Glacier National Park?
Not necessarily, but it’s important to understand the driving distances. Whitefish is about 45 minutes from Glacier’s west entrance, but many of the park’s most popular destinations, including Logan Pass and Many Glacier, are much farther away. If you plan to spend every day exploring the park, staying closer may save several hours of driving over the course of your trip. You could also split your stay and explore the west side of Glacier and enjoy the Whitefish area and then spend a few days on the east side (or vice versa).
Is Columbia Falls a good alternative to Whitefish?
Absolutely. Columbia Falls offers a wider range of hotel options than West Glacier while generally being more affordable than Whitefish. It’s also closer to Glacier’s west entrance, making it a nice balance between convenience, value, and amenities.
Should I stay inside Glacier National Park or outside the park?
Both have advantages. Staying inside Glacier National Park can put you closer to the scenery and allows you to enjoy popular areas before the crowds arrive. That said, St. Mary Village outside the park is actually a more central location than Many Glacier or Lake McDonald Lodge. West Glacier is pretty close to Lake McDonald, so sometimes staying in the park is more about the experience of being on the lake. Staying outside the park typically provides more hotel choices, better amenities, and often lower prices.
How many nights should I stay in Glacier National Park?
I recommend at least three to four nights to experience Glacier National Park without feeling rushed. If you want to explore both the east and west sides of the park, five or more nights allows for a much more relaxed itinerary. Check out this guide for more ideas on a 3, 5, or 7-day trip.
What is the closest town to Glacier National Park?
The closest gateway towns are West Glacier on the west side and St. Mary on the east side. Both are located just outside the park entrances at the start (or end) of the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, but they offer very different experiences. West Glacier has more lodging choices, while St. Mary provides better access to many of the park’s most dramatic and scenic areas.
Do I need to book Glacier National Park hotels in advance?
Yes. If you’re visiting during the peak summer season, it’s best to book as early as possible, especially if you want to stay inside the park or on the east side. Historic lodges like Many Glacier Hotel often sell a year in advance.
Let’s Plan Your Trip
No matter where you stay, remember that Glacier National Park is much larger than most visitors expect. Choosing the place (or places) to stay can save hours of driving and change how you experience the park.
Planning a trip to Glacier can feel overwhelming, especially as you start mapping out distances. I can help you put all the pieces together so you spend less time planning and driving and more time enjoying one of the most spectacular national parks in North America.
Ready to find the perfect place to stay in Glacier?
I can help pick the best place (or places) that’s right for your travel style. Set up a free consultation or tell us about your trip to get a quote.
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