Kalispell is the gateway to Glacier National Park and is in the Northwest part of Montana. In this vibrant mountain town, you can find restored buildings built in the 1800s, some of which are now museums you can explore.
Apart from shopping in boutique stores and eating at delicious restaurants, you can relax on the beach at Flathead Lake, hike and ski in the mountains, or golf on a championship course.
We’ve broken down the city into four sections if you’re wondering where to stay in Kalispell: north, east, south, and west. Use this handy guide to help you decide if you want to stay where the activity is or prefer more rural locations with fantastic scenery.
Best Places to Stay in Kalispell, Montana – Tips and Advice
- You can find shopping, dining, and accommodations no matter which area you choose. Kalispell’s west and east sides are more centrally located to the downtown area, while the north and south are more suburban and rural.
- There is something that will fit everyone’s budget. You can find hotels, motels, and Airbnbs all around Kalispell, ranging from $50 to over $300 a night. The average nightly rate is between $90 and $130.
- The lodging options are near shopping and dining, so you won’t have to venture far from your hotel. Most hotels in the area offer a pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast.
The Top 3 Hotels in Kalispell
Very Attractive and New. Main Bed was very Comfortable...
- A recent guestVery Friendly and Helpful Receptionist. Good Facilities...
- A recent guestKalispell, Montana Neighborhood Guide
Use this helpful guide to find where to stay in Kalispell, Montana!
Northside
At the northern end of Kalispell, you will find a sprawling suburban community with plenty of shopping and dining. Many families own homes in this area, where you can find nearby schools and family activities.
The north end offers big-box stores for all your needs and chain restaurants for family meals. Check out Big Mountain Ciderworks, a craft cider orchard, and taproom, to try locally sourced Montana food and drink delicious cider and beer.
If you’re in Kalispell during the spring and summer, stop by the Kalispell Farmers Market and peruse stands filled with local food and handmade crafts.
Northern Kalispell has an abundance of golf courses; spend the afternoon strolling the greens and taking in the beautiful scenery. Check out the Northern Pines Golf Club or the Village Greens.
Visit Lawrence Park with the family, walk on the nature trails, eat lunch under a gazebo, and let the kids run around on the playground.
If you’re in the mood for pizza, check out Bullman’s Wood Fired Pizza. Try the homemade cheese sticks and large specialty pizzas with overflowing toppings!
North Kalispell has several hotel options to choose from with various price ranges. Unfortunately, there are no Airbnbs on this side of town.
Best Places to Stay in Northside Kalispell
- ($$$) Springhill Suites
- ($$) Holiday Inn Express
- ($$) My Place Hotel
- ($) American’s Best Value Inn
Eastside
View this post on Instagram
To the east of Main Street, you will find a dense suburb with parks, museums, and excellent restaurants.
The population on the eastside consists of families and young professionals. Enjoy hanging out at the parks with your kids or finding a local brewery with your friends.
If you enjoy touring historical landmarks and learning about local history, visit the museum cluster on the east side. Check out the Conrad Mansion and see what life was like back in 1895 for the Conrad family (complete with the original furniture and decor).
Then, explore the Northwest Montana History Musem and The Hockaday Museum of Art.
After a long day of museum touring, sit down for a nice cold beer at Bias Brewing, or if you have kids, stop by The Knead Cafe for delicious farm-to-table cuisine!
To connect with nature, spend the afternoon or evening at Woodland Park. It’s a great place to walk and look at the duck pond or let the kids unwind on the playgrounds. Head over to the adjacent water park and splash and play on the lazy river and water slides.
The Eastside has several choices for lodging, including pricy, mid-range, and cheap options.
Best Places to Stay in Eastside Kalispell
- ($$$) Greenwood Village Inn & Suites
- ($$) Guest Camper Airbnb
- ($$) Kalispell Grand Hotel
- ($) Travelodge
Southside
Further down Main Street at the southern end of Kalispell, you will find more spread-out suburbs and parks.
While there isn’t as much to do on the southside, it offers a relaxed family feel. You can spend all day exploring the parks and playing in the river.
Come out to Leisure Island Park along the Flathead River if you’re a nature lover. Bring a picnic lunch and a canoe and hang out on the water for hours during the summer; relax on the beach while the kids swim in the river.
For dinner, try Casa Mexico, a top-rated, authentic Mexican restaurant. If you’d rather have a beer and a burger, swing by Scotty’s Bar. In the evening, head over to The Basement Escape Rooms for hours of fun teamwork.
The southern end of Kalispell has many options for accommodations, from hundreds of dollars a night to less than sixty. Your choices include hotels, motels, and Airbnbs.
Best Places to Stay in Southside Kalispell
- ($$$) Entire Townhouse Airbnb
- ($$) Hilton Garden Inn
- ($) Aero Inn
- ($) Econo Lodge
Westside
You will find dense suburbs to the west of Main Street with some rural areas. Many families live out this way because it’s close to the high school. In this section, you will find shopping, restaurants, and events.
Are you ready for an afternoon of shopping? Spend the day at Kalispell Center Mall, peruse the stores, grab a pretzel, or do a little gambling.
From there, hop across the street and sample craft beers inspired by life in the Flathead Valley at SunRift Beer Company. For a family-friendly establishment, check out Norm’s Soda Fountain, an old-fashioned diner with soda, shakes, and burgers (plus a wall filled with candy!).
If you’re in Kalispell during the summer, visit the Northwest Montana Fair in August. Check the event schedule to know what’s happening! You can find other things to do at the fairgrounds year-round, like expos, shows, and holiday events.
If you’re looking to find accommodations in this area, you will discover low-end to mid-range hotel options.
Best Places to Stay in Westside Kalispell
- ($$) Newly Remodeled Condo Airbnb
- ($$) Hampton Inn
- ($) Quality Inn
Where to Stay in Kalispell – Conclusion
Kalispell is a bustling city in Northwest Montana with many things to do, see, and experience. Whether you prefer to spend the day shopping and eating out or enjoy touring historical museums and old mansions, you can find something fun to do in Kalispell.
This family-friendly town is perfect for children, too! Kids can play all day at the many recreation areas and water parks, swim in the river, or spend the day at the fairgrounds.
The Northside offers plenty of shopping, dining, and golfing, while the southside is a great place to spend a leisurely day at the beach along the Flathead River.
If you prefer to be around the hustle and bustle of downtown, stay in the eastside or westside of Kalispell, where you will find museums, restaurants, parks, shopping, and events.
No matter which area you choose, many accommodations fit any budget. Whether you stay in a budget hotel with basic amenities or a decked-out condo on Airbnb, you will enjoy this charming, beautiful city in the Flathead Valley.
Best Hotels by Type
- Best Luxury Hotel in Kalispell: Springhill Suites
- Best Boutique Hotel in Kalispell: Kalispell Grand Hotel
- Best Cheap Hotels in Kalispell: Aero Inn
- Best Family Hotel in Kalispell: Country Inn & Suites
- Best Romantic Hotel in Kalispell: The Garrison Inn