Places to Stay Near St Mary Glacier National Park: Lodging Guide

Discover a variety of accommodations near St. Mary Glacier National Park, from rustic cabins to modern hotels. Options include the Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins, St. Mary Village, and nearby campgrounds. These lodging choices offer convenient access to park attractions like St. Mary Lake and Going-to-the-Sun Road, with amenities ranging from basic to luxurious to suit different preferences and budgets.

What Are the Best Hotel Options Near St. Mary Glacier National Park?

places to stay near st mary glacier national park
Image ‘File:Bellhops, Glacier National Park, 1950s.jpg’ by John Lee, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

When it comes to hotel accommodations near St. Mary Glacier National Park, two standout options are the Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins and St. Mary Village. Let’s explore what each of these properties has to offer:

Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins

Located just 6 miles west of the St. Mary Visitor’s Center along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins provides a rustic yet comfortable lodging experience. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Accommodation Types:
  • Motor Inn Rooms: Motel-style with outside room access
  • Store Motel Rooms: Located in the same building as the general store
  • Cabin Rooms: Duplex-style for a more private experience

  • Room Features:

  • Private bathrooms
  • 1 queen or 2 double beds
  • Coffee maker (except in Store Motel Rooms)
  • Fan (upon request)
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Hair dryer

  • Amenities:

  • Limited Wi-Fi
  • Full-service restaurant (Two Dog Flats Grill)
  • General store
  • Gift shop

  • Booking Information:

  • Open from June 7, 2024, to September 8, 2024
  • Rates based on double occupancy
  • Subject to taxes and utility surcharges

  • Pet Policy: Only designated guide, service, and/or hearing companion animals are allowed

St. Mary Village

Situated at the east entrance of Glacier National Park, St. Mary Village offers a wider range of accommodation options and amenities:

  • Accommodation Types:
  • Great Bear Lodge: Modern rooms with superior options available
  • Glacier Cabins: Renovated 1930s cabins
  • West Motel: 1950s-style single-story building
  • Tiny Home Village: Compact yet comfortable living spaces
  • Sun Cabin: Loft-style accommodation
  • Hiker Cabin: Ideal for groups
  • Homestead House: Historic home for a unique stay

  • Room Features (vary by accommodation type):

  • Air conditioning
  • Satellite television
  • Private balcony or patio
  • Kitchenettes in some units

  • Amenities:

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Restaurants (Snowgoose Grille, Curly Bear Cafe)
  • Bar (The Mountain Lounge)
  • Coffee shop
  • Gift store

  • Booking Information:

  • Starting rates vary by accommodation type
  • Standard rooms from $179
  • Main Lodge Rooms from $339
  • Great Bear Standard Rooms from $419

Both properties offer unique experiences and easy access to the park’s attractions, making them excellent choices for your Glacier National Park adventure.

What Camping Options Are Available Near St. Mary Glacier National Park?

places to stay near st mary glacier national park

For those who prefer a more immersive outdoor experience, camping near St. Mary Glacier National Park is an excellent option. Here are two popular campgrounds in the area:

St. Mary / St. Mary KOA

While specific details about this campground weren’t provided in the source material, KOA campgrounds typically offer:

  • Site Types:
  • Tent sites
  • RV sites with hookups

  • Amenities:

  • Restrooms and showers
  • Fire pits
  • Potable water
  • Laundry facilities
  • Recreational activities

  • Booking:

  • Reservations usually available through the campground’s website or by phone
  • Open seasonally, typically from late spring to early fall

  • Costs:

  • Prices generally range from $20 to $50 per night for basic sites
  • Rates may vary based on site type and amenities

Johnson’s of St. Mary

This campground offers a mix of camping and RV options with some attractive features:

  • Site Specifics:
  • 75 camp sites
  • 82 RV spaces

  • Amenities:

  • Stunning views of St. Mary Lake
  • Full-service restaurant and lounge

  • Booking:

  • Reservations typically made through the campground’s website or by phone
  • Open during the park’s tourist season

  • Additional Information:

  • Proximity to park attractions makes it a convenient base for exploration

Both of these camping options provide a chance to connect with nature while still having access to necessary amenities and the park’s main attractions.

What Are the Vacation Rental Options Near St. Mary Glacier National Park?

For those seeking a home-away-from-home experience, vacation rentals near St. Mary Glacier National Park offer a range of options:

Rental Homes and Cabins

  • Types of Rentals:
  • Private homes
  • Cabins
  • Ranch properties

  • Rental Costs:

  • Prices vary widely
  • Range from approximately $150 to $500 per night
  • Cost depends on property size, amenities, and location

  • Occupancy:

  • Options available for various group sizes
  • Accommodations for 2 to 10 people or more

  • Features and Amenities:

  • Full kitchens in many properties
  • Private decks or patios
  • Stunning views of mountains and lakes
  • Some properties are pet-friendly

  • Proximity to Attractions:

  • Close to St. Mary Lake
  • Easy access to Going-to-the-Sun Road
  • Near various hiking trails and scenic overlooks

Vacation rentals offer a unique and often more spacious alternative to traditional hotel accommodations, providing a personalized base for your Glacier National Park adventure.

How Do the Different Lodging Options Compare in Terms of Amenities and Location?

To help you make an informed decision about where to stay near St. Mary Glacier National Park, let’s compare the key features of the different lodging options:

Lodging Option Location Accommodation Types Key Amenities Proximity to Park Attractions
Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins 6 miles west of St. Mary Visitor’s Center Motor Inn Rooms, Store Motel Rooms, Cabin Rooms Limited Wi-Fi, restaurant, general store Close to St. Mary Lake and Going-to-the-Sun Road
St. Mary Village East entrance of Glacier National Park Various (e.g., lodge rooms, cabins, tiny homes) Wi-Fi, multiple dining options, air conditioning Immediate access to park entrance
St. Mary / St. Mary KOA Near St. Mary Tent and RV sites Basic camping amenities, possible recreational activities Close to park entrance
Johnson’s of St. Mary Near St. Mary Camp sites and RV spaces Views of St. Mary Lake, restaurant and lounge Near park entrance and St. Mary Lake
Vacation Rentals Various locations near St. Mary Homes, cabins, ranch properties Full kitchens, private outdoor spaces, varied amenities Depends on specific property location

This comparison highlights the diverse range of options available, from rustic camping experiences to fully-equipped vacation homes. Your choice will depend on your preferred balance of comfort, proximity to park attractions, and desired amenities.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Place to Stay Near St. Mary Glacier National Park?

When selecting your accommodation near St. Mary Glacier National Park, consider the following factors:

  1. Proximity to Park Attractions:
  2. How close do you want to be to the park entrance?
  3. Are there specific areas of the park you plan to visit frequently?

  4. Budget:

  5. Determine your lodging budget for the trip
  6. Remember to factor in additional costs like park fees and meals

  7. Comfort Level:

  8. Do you prefer rustic accommodations or modern amenities?
  9. Is air conditioning important to you during summer months?

  10. Group Size:

  11. Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with a larger group?
  12. Do you need multiple rooms or a larger space like a vacation rental?

  13. Length of Stay:

  14. For longer stays, you might prefer accommodations with kitchens or more space

  15. Seasonal Considerations:

  16. Some accommodations are only open during peak season
  17. Prices and availability can vary significantly by season

  18. Amenities:

  19. Do you need Wi-Fi access?
  20. Are on-site dining options important?
  21. Do you require laundry facilities for a longer stay?

  22. Booking Policies:

  23. Check cancellation policies and booking requirements
  24. Some accommodations may require advance reservations, especially during peak season

  25. Accessibility Needs:

  26. If you require accessible accommodations, check for ADA-compliant options

  27. Pet Policies:

    • If traveling with pets, confirm which accommodations are pet-friendly

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the lodging option that best suits your needs and enhances your Glacier National Park experience.

References:

  1. Stay at Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins – Glacier National Park Lodges
  2. Rooms and Rates at St. Mary Village – Glacier National Park
  3. St. Mary Village | Glacier National Park

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