Updated November 6, 2023
Skip the soulless chains and support a local business instead, at one of these unique places to stay in Missoula, MT!
There’s no shortage of places to stay in Missoula, Montana – that’s for sure. And since we visit multiple times a year (Missoula is honestly one of our favorite towns in the state, or anywhere), we’re intimately familiar with the many options. If you’re loyal to a particular hotel chain, the town seems to have them all, from the budget-friendly Super 8 to the upscale Residence Inn by Mariott Missoula Downtown.
But our guide to the best hotels in Missoula features locally-owned accommodations – places that are one-of-a-kind and full of local charm, and where the money you spend will support a small business. And the good news is that there are local Missoula accommodations available at all price points.
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Table of Contents
Missoula Accommodations at a Glance
| NAME | LOCATION | TYPE | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Center Motel | Downtown | Motel | $ |
| Shady Spruce Hostel | Downtown | Hostel | $ |
| StoneCreek Lodge | Airport | Hotel | $$ |
| C’Mon Inn | Airport | Hotel | $$ |
| Goldsmith’s Riverfront Inn | Downtown | Apts. | $$$ |
| Blue Mountain | South of town | B&B | $$$ |
| Stevensville Hotel | Stevensville | Boutique | $$ |
| Lolo Hot Springs | Lolo | Resort | $$ |
| Rock Creek Motel | Clinton | Motel | $ |
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Missoula, MT
Like everywhere it seems, things are getting more expensive all across Montana. Fortunately, there are still some affordable places to stay in Missoula, and these are the best ones to check out.
City Center Motel Missoula
Where to stay in Missoula if you’re on a budget
A classic 1950s motel that’s been recently renovated, this place may not look like a whole lot from the outside. But once you see the rooms, you’ll understand why City Center is one of the best-rated cheap hotels in Missoula.
The rooms are modern, and cozy, with hardwood floors and colorful walls decorated with photographs of the area. The upstairs interior rooms are larger (accessible by stairs only), but the ground-level rooms have parking right outside each door. And it’s even pet-friendly!
The motel’s location is ideal – it really is in the city center, within easy walking distance of many of the best restaurants in Missoula. One thing to note: many of the rooms only have a shower, so double check your room selection if you’re set on having a bathtub.
Shady Spruce Hostel
Where to stay in Missoula if you want to meet people
There are only a handful of hostels in Montana, and one of them is in the heart of downtown Missoula. Hotels with a location this great are usually pricey, but Shady Spruce Hostel is affordable and convenient – and, if the hundreds of glowing reviews are any indication, it’s beloved. Housed in a Victorian-style home dating to 1887, Shady Spruce is like a cross between a hostel, an Airbnb, and a boutique hotel.
Choose from shared rooms with bunk beds, private rooms that sleep one to three people, or a full-service suite, complete with its own private bathroom, kitchenette, and sun porch. Guests in all rooms have access to the shared kitchen, outdoor BBQ, and common space, and they even have free bikes to borrow. Plus, you can feel good about staying at a place that’s so dedicated to sustainability and responsible tourism.
Keep in mind: except for the suite, all rooms have shared bathrooms (it’s a hostel, after all!).
Mid-Range Hotels in Missoula, MT
If you’ve got a slightly higher budget, try one of these Missoula hotels for a comfortable stay with lots of amenities.
StoneCreek Lodge
Where to stay in Missoula if you have an early-morning or late-night flight
Of the handful of hotels by the Missoula airport, StoneCreek Lodge feels like the obvious choice – after all, it’s the only one that’s locally-owned.
It also has pretty much all the amenities you could ask for. There’s an indoor pool and hot tub, a small gym, laundry facilities, and a business center. All the rooms are spacious, with a desk, sofa bed, and kitchenette. The executive suites have a full kitchen with counter seating and a separate living room, complete with a fireplace.
StoneCreek also has a free airport shuttle. And if you’re coming from the surrounding area for an early flight, you can take advantage of their Stay & Fly deal: stay at the hotel the night before or after your trip, and park there for just $10 while you’re gone.
C’Mon Inn Missoula
Where to stay in Missoula if you’re traveling with kids
Unlike all our other recommended hotels in Missoula, the C’Mon Inn isn’t technically a locally-owned one – but it is part of a very small, predominantly Montana/North Dakota chain (you’ll also find them in Billings and Bozeman). Add to that loads of amenities and excellent reviews, and it seems well worth a mention.
Maybe the indoor pool, business center, and small gym feel standard – but the separate baby pool, five (!) hot tubs, and arcade room are certainly above and beyond. And perks like that are what make it one of the best places to stay in Missoula if you’ve got kids.
Every room at the C’Mon Inn has a microwave and fridge, and some have an indoor patio facing the atrium. There are also suites available with Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and separated office or seating areas. No matter which room you’re staying in, the hot breakfast is complimentary every morning.
The hotel’s located right off I-90 near the Missoula airport, so it’s super convenient if you’re just making a stopover on a road trip or catching an early-morning flight. Another bonus? Highlander Beer, one of the best breweries in Missoula, is a quick five-minute drive away.
Upscale Hotels in Missoula, MT
Are you able to splurge on your trip to Missoula? Treat yourself with a booking at one of these unique places to stay!
Goldsmith’s Riverfront Inn
Where to stay in Missoula if you want a full apartment
This historic six-room inn recently went through a period of transition, but it still looks like one of the best places to stay in Missoula. After over 30 years as a traditional bed & breakfast, Goldsmith’s has been renovated and converted into individual self-sufficient apartments with self check-in. Each one is unique, and they feature amenities like a kitchen, washer/dryer, and riverfront patio.
But in either iteration, one of the biggest draws is its riverside location, just a 10-minute walk to the heart of downtown Missoula. It sits right on the Clark Fork River, facing the University of Montana campus on the other side. The house dates back to 1911, and previously served as the university president’s home, a fraternity house, a laboratory, and more.
Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast
Where to stay in Missoula if you want a romantic getaway
If you’d rather be more removed from the hustle and bustle, Blue Mountain B&B is a peaceful getaway on the mountainside just south of Missoula. It feels surrounded by nature, but is still only 15 minutes from town.
Guests can choose from three rooms in the main house and two in the neighboring lodge, each equipped with a whirlpool tub. Every room is individually decorated, some with features like a log bed, heated floor, or electric fireplace. And you can even bring your furry friend on your trip, because it’s pet-friendly.
Of course, breakfast is also a highlight of staying here. With items like Swedish pancakes and tomato-herb soufflés on the menu, it’s no wonder the food gets rave reviews. Blue Mountain also has facilities like a pool table and movie theater system for guest use, and they offer a personal storytelling hour to share the oral history of the area.
Browse even more Missoula hotels!
More Hotels Near Missoula, Montana
You don’t even have to stay in Missoula proper while you’re visiting the area, if you’re really looking to get away from it all. Head out of town in almost any direction, and there are plenty of other great places to stay in quieter, more rural settings.
Stevensville Hotel
Where to stay near Missoula if you want some peace and quiet
One of the closer places to stay near Missoula is 45 minutes away in Stevensville, a town of about 2,200 people. In a 110-year-old building that’s previously been a hospital, nursing home, and daycare, the award-winning Stevensville Hotel is now one of the preeminent historic hotels in Montana. It’s been meticulously renovated (complete with keypads for self check-in), but remains full of historic touches.
Each room – and there are only eight – is uniquely appointed. Some are equipped with amenities like a sitting area or whirlpool tub, and the top floor is a three-bedroom suite, complete with a full kitchen and washer/dryer.
The Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs
Where to stay near Missoula if you want to get away from it all
To really rest your body and mind, the Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs is the place to go. Cell service and Wi-Fi are limited, and there’s no cable in the rooms (just a DVD player!) – but that’s okay, because you’ll be busy soaking your muscles in the hot springs anyway.
There are two indoor mineral pools for soaking, and guests can also purchase a day pass to the large outdoor pool next door during the summer. Some of the rooms are a bit dated, but they have a cozy, cabin-like feel, and a continental breakfast is included in the stay. They have pet-friendly rooms, too.
The Lodge is about a 50-minute drive from Missoula (30 minutes past the tiny town of Lolo). Even if you decide not to stay here, going for a soak in the hot springs is still one of the best day trips from Missoula.
Rock Creek Mercantile & Motel
Where to stay near Missoula if you’re on a fishing trip
Another option for a quiet, back-to-nature getaway is to drive 25 minutes southeast of Missoula, to the 750-person town of Clinton. There, you’ll find a funky, low-key place to unplug and relax: the Rock Creek Mercantile & Motel.
It’s just six rooms attached to a fly shop (fly fishing’s one of the main activities out there, after all), but the rooms are spacious with serene views, and some come equipped with a kitchenette. Not only is the Rock Creek Merc pet-friendly, but unlike most hotels, they don’t charge an extra fee for bringing your furry friend along.
Plan to eat at Ekstrom’s Stage Station next door or Poor Henry’s Saloon in town; those are about the only options, but fortunately both are extremely highly-rated!
Other Places to Stay in Missoula, Montana
Missoula Airbnbs
There are also lots (and lots) of Missoula Airbnb rentals: private rooms, studio apartments, luxurious homes, a glamping dome, and everything in between. Really, Airbnb is where you’ll find all the most unique places to stay in Missoula.
Whether you want to book a private room in someone’s home or get an entire place for yourself – and whether you’re just looking for a spot to rest your head or you want to splurge on a truly memorable experience – you’ll be spoiled for choices.
Missoula Campgrounds
Lastly, there are plenty of options for camping in Missoula. The Missoula KOA is right in town, offering tons of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, playground, and mini-golf course. If you want to camp in Missoula proper, the KOA is probably your best bet.
Or about 15 minutes north of town is the highly-rated Jim & Mary’s RV Park, which has all the basics, as well as live music and other social events throughout the summer. For a more rugged (and more budget-friendly!) option, try the Charles Water Campground. Located on Forest Service land 35 minutes south of Missoula, it’s just $15 per night (first-come, first-served).
Map of Missoula Lodging
Click here for an interactive version of the map!
What are your favorite places to stay in Missoula, MT?
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