Glacier National Park - Montana

[pointhound]

We are contemplating a Summer trip to a timeshare in Montana, and then a three day side trip through Glacier National Park traveling from the Southwest entrance at West Glacier through to the Eastern exit. We are trying to determine where a family of five should stay for three days in Glacier. Because we'll be getting in late, we want to stay the first night near the Southwest entrance and are thinking about the Village Inn on Lake McDonald. Lake McDonald Lodge itself is booked. We were considering spending the next two days at the Many Glacier Hotel at the Easten side of the park. The locations look great, but the reviews of the accommodations themselves on Travel Advisor are, at best, mixed. Any real problem with the Village Inn or Many Glacier? Does anyone have any other suggestions? I read here on TUG that the Prince of Wales Hotel is very nice, but is the location/scenery as good as Many Glacier? Will we miss too much by racing through the center of the park to get to Prince of Wales if we stay there the second and third night, or is there plenty to do and see in that area? Any suggestions for staying in the park?

Thanks, Pointhound

 

[Karen G]

Will we miss too much by racing through the center of the park to get to Prince of Wales if we stay there the second and third night, or is there plenty to do and see in that area?

I quite enjoyed our stay in Waterton where the Prince of Wales hotel is. We were in an RV so we didn't actually stay in the hotel, but we ate dinner there and it was great. I think we attended a little theater play or some type of live theater program in town that was enjoyable. We went on a boat cruise and the scenery was beautiful. There were animals roaming through town, some kind of deer, I think, and that was fun to see. It's been about 16 yrs. since we were there so my memory is a little foggy.

 

[pointhound]

Prince of Wales

Prince of Wales sounds nice. Thanks, Pointhound

 

[beejaybeeohio]

Glacier Park accomodations

are functional. The rack rates are relatively high and you might expect luxury but you won't get it. I have stayed at Glacier Park Lodge on 2 separate occasions and have no regrets because #1 the lodge is an historic landmark in & of itself and #2 the proximity to the park was worth every penny. The rooms are rustic but better than staying at a Motel 6. If your family is adventurous, check out the Sperry Chalet which is a hike-in lodge that is on the American plan-all you need to bring is a backpack for your necessities.

Another option is the Meadow Lake resort in Columbia Falls. From there you can make day trips into Glacier NP. You might also find some more upscale lodging options in West Glacier.

Barb

 

[Glynda]

We stayed...

at the Prince of Wales. It was a magical night. The hotel is beautiful (though the rooms rustic in appearance), the view stunning and a bald eagle danced outside our window for us for almost an hour. There were deer all over downtown.