Top 12 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Whitefish 2023

Glittering lakes, jagged mountain peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and an eclectic downtown district make Whitefish one of the most incredible getaways in Montana.

The famous resort town in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana is a year-round destination filled with scenic attractions like Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of Glacier National Park, which features snow-stricken mountains, luxuriant alpine meadows, and the iconic Lake Macdonald. 

Explore gorgeous art displays, handicrafts, and bookstores in the highly trafficked downtown district. Spend an entire afternoon soaking in the sun on the sprawling shores of Whitefish Lake. Luckily, the city is also home to fantastic boutique hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Here are the top cool and unusual hotels in Whitefish, Montana (in no particular order)

Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
1.
WhitefishLake l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Lake Views
Lodge at Whitefish Lake
2.
Firebrand l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Trendy Design
Firebrand Hotel
3.
apres l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Unique Stay
Apres Whitefish
Best For Lake Views

Lodge at Whitefish Lake

This deluxe, lodge-style resort on the shores of Whitefish Lake stands proud as one of the most luxurious hotels in Whitefish. It is less than two miles from the buzzing downtown district, with Whitefish Lake State Park accessible within a 6-minute drive. 

You’ll stay in luxuriously appointed rooms with chic decor and high-end amenities, including coffee makers, flat screens, and gas fireplaces. Book a loft suite with impressive lake views if you want a private living room or a full kitchen. 

A ritzy onsite restaurant with live music, a spa with massage services, a fitness center, an indoor pool, a business center, and a tiki bar make Lodge at Whitefish Lake stand out from the crowd. 

Pros

Instagrammable interior

Breathtaking lake views

Proximity to Whitefish Lake State Park

Onsite Restaurant with Live Music

Cons

Can get booked up at peak times

Potential noise levels

Best For Trendy Design

Firebrand Hotel

The ultimate spot for hipsters, Firebrand Hotel, is one of the trendiest hotels in Whitefish, with easy access to downtown restaurants and shopping. Located about two miles from Whitefish Lake State Park, this lodge-style hotel offers accommodations in refined rooms with chic decor and modern furnishings.

You’ll enjoy some of the most high-end amenities here, from 50-inch flat-screen TVs to bar areas to fireplaces. Some suites have living areas with rustic wood accent walls and balconies with gorgeous mountain views. 

The hotel also boasts a rooftop patio with a hot tub, an après-ski style lounge dishing out light bites, a 24-hour fitness center, and a spa. 

Pros

Convenient Location to downtown

Vibrant atmosphere due to a lively bar

Rooftop Patio with Hot Tub

A 24-hour fitness centre is available

Cons

Vibe might not suit all

Limited scenic views from the Hotel

Best For Unique Stay

Apres Whitefish

Apres Whitefish seamlessly combines rustic charm with urban comfort. This idyllic retreat minutes away from Whitefish Mountain Resort presents a unique side to Montana hospitality. Accommodation options range from Queen Rooms with double beds to King Rooms with extra-large double beds. 

While living at Apres Whitefish, you’ll be steps from the Whitefish River. You’ll also be within walking distance of some fantastic restaurants and cafes. 

Pros

Proximity to Whitefish Mountain Resort

Rustic Charm with Urban Comfort

Year-round activities like skiing; snowboarding and hiking

Emphasis on authentic charm

Cons

Limited onsite amenities

Distance to Major Attractions

Best For Indoor Swimming Pool

Grouse Mountain Lodge

A sophisticated alpine lodge perched opposite Whitefish Lake Golf Club, a mile from Stumptown Historical Museum. Rooms at Grouse Mountain Lodge are brightly decorated and feature traditional furnishings. 

Each room has a flat-screen TV with premium cable channels, a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The mountain lodge also offers a range of onsite amenities, including a fitness center, two hot tubs, a spa, an indoor pool, and tennis courts. 

There’s also a snug restaurant with a stone fireplace, a cocktail lounge, and a classy bar. Freebies include parking and an area shuttle. 

Pros

Scenic Location

Proximity to Stumptown Historical Museum

Availability of an indoor pool

spa services

and hot tubs

Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy the convenience of onsite tennis courts

Cons

Distance from downtown

Some rooms a little small

Best For River Views

The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River

Beautifully perched on Whitefish River, this downhome hotel offers stylishly appointed rooms with cable TVs, microwaves, wet bars, pull-out sofas, whirlpool tubs, and fireplaces. 

The luxurious amenities at The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River will instantly make you love this place. A hot tub, indoor and outdoor pools, and an exercise room are connected. 

The 2-star hotel is within a 15-minute drive from Glacier Park International Airport.

Pros

Stylishly appointed rooms

Views of the river and a serene natural environment

A 15-minute drive from Glacier Park International Airport

The presence of both indoor and outdoor pools

Cons

Distance from downtown

Some rooms a little small

Best For Quirky

Chalet Hotel Whitefish

With a ski lodge vibe and cozy rooms, Chalet Hotel Whitefish is a fantastic pick for those who want a laid-back vacation. The relaxed motel is two miles from the Stumptown Historical Museum, with Whitefish Mountain Resort accessible within a 10-minute drive. 

Guests lodge in warmly decorated rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and cable TVs. You’ll have to upgrade to enjoy scenic views and have separate sitting areas. There’s also a hot tub and a heated outdoor pool. 

Pros

Quirky Design

Romantic and elegant atmosphere

Guests can dine at Cafe Kandahar for a lavish dining experience

Family-Friendly

Cons

Far from local attractions

Possible noise levels

Best For Spa and Wellness

Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort

If you want to experience the alpine splendor of Whitefish, Kandahar Lodge is an excellent place to stay. This elegant lodge offers a romantic retreat in a gorgeous alpine setting about seven miles from Whitefish. 

There are six different accommodation options at Kandahar Lodge, from queen rooms with two double beds to deluxe family rooms with up to six guests. If you feel peckish, head to Cafe Kandahar for a lavish dining experience. 

Pros

Romantic and elegant atmosphere

A heated outdoor pool and a hot tub

Guests can dine at Cafe Kandahar

Ski lodge vibe

Cons

Distance from downtown

Limited dining options

Best For Couples

The Farmhouse Inn & Kitchen, 2 blocks from Downtown Whitefish

A charming B&B set in a leafy residential area off Route 93, about a mile from City Beach. Country-style rooms at The Farmhouse Inn & Kitchen feature all the amenities that you’d expect in a decent boutique hotel. 

All rooms have flat screens and private bathrooms, while some feature soaking tubs. There’s an onsite cafe dishing up made-to-order breakfast in a terrace setting. 

Pros

Proximity to City Beach

Country-Style Rooms

The presence of an onsite cafe

The terrace setting for breakfast adds to the overall charm

Cons

Limited on-site activities

Distance from city centre

Best For Families

Wood’s Lodge

If you are looking for a high-end lodging experience steps from Whitefish Lake, Wood’s Lodge may be an ideal place to stay. The chic lodge has five gorgeously appointed suites with separate entrances, patios, gas fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding. 

All guests enjoy the common-area facilities, including a Tesla charging station, a full-size kitchen, a spacious great room with a wine and coffee bar, a large dining area, and a fenced pet area. There’s also a sun terrace from where you can enjoy stunning mountain views. This polished lodge is less than a mile from Smith Fields Sports Complex. 

Pros

Proximity to Whitefish Lake

Less than a mile from Smith Fields Sports Complex

Presence of Tesla charging station

Pet-Friendly and Family rooms

Cons

Potential noise levels

Higher price point

Best For Budget-friendly

Good Medicine Lodge

This tasteful B&B in a sprawling log home has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Whitefish. Woodsy-chic rooms at Good Medicine Lodge have en suite bathrooms, fireplaces, and complimentary Wi-Fi. 

Guests can also stay in airy suites with whirlpool tubs, private sitting areas, and balconies. Free perks include ski storage and evening snacks.

While staying here as a guest, you’ll also have access to a garden with a fire pit, a terrace with a hot tub, a communal kitchenette, and a library. Every morning, you’ll be served a gourmet breakfast in an artistic dining room. 

Pros

Cosy and inviting atmosphere with reasonable room rates

Woodsy-chic rooms

Presence of a garden with a fire pit

Terrace with a hot tub

Cons

A little distant from local attractions

Limited on-site facilities

Can get booked up

Best For Pet-friendly

The Stalls at Whitefish

Discover the wilderness of Whitefish at this quaint home about four miles from City Beach. Sleeping up to five people, The Stalls at Whitefish is ideal for a weekend getaway with friends. 

Everything about this snug home will amaze you from its wooden interior to its homey ambiance. The living room features a wood fireplace, a flat-screen TV, and a sofa bed. There’s an extra-large double bed in the bedroom and three single beds in the living room. 

Pros

Quaint Wilderness Setting

About four miles from City Beach

Wooden Interiors

homey Ambiance and pet-friendly

Presence of a wood fireplace in the living room

Cons

Distance from city centre

Not suitable for a larger group of guests

Best For Private Vacation

My Son’s Canvas

 If you want homey places in Whitefish, My Son’s Canvas might be the perfect pick. 

This two-bedroom holiday home has a spacious living room with a gas fireplace, ample seating, two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, furnished balconies, an outdoor swimming pool, and a children’s playground.

With large double beds in both rooms and a sofa bed in the living room, the property can comfortably sleep up to six people. 

Located about a mile from Les Mason State Park, the vacation rental is a short drive from City Beach.

Pros

Short Drive to City Beach

Proximity to Les Mason State Park

Children's Playground

Homey Atmosphere

Cons

Distance from city centre

Self-catering

Need to book in advance

Top 12 Cool Hotels in Whitefish Compared

The table below compares the top 12 cool and unusual hotels in Whitefish. The table can be sorted based on factors like fitness facilities, the distance from tourist attractions, and the price per night:

Hotel NameLocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attractions (km)Nearby Restaurants
Lodge at Whitefish Lake1380 Wisconsin Ave$159-$299No2.02
Firebrand Hotel650 E 3rd St$199Yes0.13
Apres Whitefish800 Spokane Avenue$141-$170No0.63
Grouse Mountain Lodge2 Fairway Drive$115-$319Yes0.93
The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Ascend Hotel Collection920 Spokane Avenue$139-$203Yes0.73
Chalet Hotel Whitefish6430 Highway 93 South$206No1.83
Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort3824 Big Mountain Road$164-$214Yes7.62
The Farmhouse Inn & Kitchen, 2 blocks from Downtown Whitefish, Montana28 Lupfer Avenue$195-$249No0.32
Wood's Lodge5725 U.S. 93 South$301-$3942No4.73
Good Medicine Lodge537 Wisconsin Ave$410-$431No0.93
The Stalls at Whitefish920 Spokane Avenue$250-$418Yes0.73
My Son's CanvasWhitefish, 59937$306No5.52