Best Hotels in Bozeman, MT + Nearby Ranches
A friend recently asked me where to stay in Bozeman since she wanted to avoid any sketchy areas. I quickly consulted my sister and her boyfriend since they live in Bozeman. They glanced at each other and shrugged.
“I don’t think there are any bad parts of Bozeman,” her boyfriend (who has lived there for over a decade) said.
He went on to say there were a handful of hotel chains on N 7th Avenue. It might look a little rough around the edges because of all the dispensaries and CBD oil shops, but anyone staying there should be totally fine. He often goes to the brewery up there.
This is good since several of the chain hotels in Bozeman are clustered along that avenue, which is located right off the freeway. I’ve even stayed in one on my way to Billings from Seattle!
I’m going to list those hotels right now for those who want somewhere easy to stay for quick access to and from the highway. Then I’ll get into some of the other cool places to stay in Bozeman.
Hotels in Bozeman Right Off the Freeway
Staying right off I-90 can be convenient for those who are doing a quick stop in Bozeman on a longer Montana road trip.
It’s also convenient for those who are planning to explore the area with day trips to Livingston and Butte or Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky (and beyond) and don’t want to have to drive through the busy and traffic-prone parts of Bozeman just to get to the highway.
Located just a couple of minutes off I-90 the Quality Inn and Suites offers convenient lodging plus an indoor pool at a good price point for budget travelers.
The Hampton Inn Bozeman offers a complimentary airport shuttle to and from BOZ. It also has an onsite pool, room service, and a continental breakfast.
Hotels in West Bozeman
A bit farther west on I-90, you’ll find another cluster of hotels in West Bozeman, close to Costco, Target, and a handful of restaurant chains. If you don’t mind being a bit further out of town, these hotels offer decent rates and are also right off the freeway.
C’Mon Inn Bozeman provides your typical hotel rooms inside, but with some fabulous upgrades in the common areas. You will also find an inner courtyard with a waterfall feature, hot tubs, and a large pool with a lodge atmosphere.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bozeman West
With Costco and Starbucks within walking distance, you can stock up on your essentials while you’re there and grab a hot coffee the next morning before you start exploring all that Bozeman and Montana have to offer.
Now, if you’re thinking, “I want to stay right in the center of Bozeman and experience all the city has to offer! “, then don’t despair because this next section is for you. We’ll cover where to stay in downtown Bozeman and Midtown Bozeman.
Where to Stay in Downtown Bozeman
Downtown Bozeman is a fun, vibrant, hip stretch of road that is lined by historic buildings. These architecturally cool buildings now house breweries, wine bars, farm-to-table restaurants, chic boutiques, brand name faves, and more.
The downtown area is a great place to stay in Bozeman if you want to be right in the center of the action and in walking distance of the hustle and bustle of Bozeman’s main street.
Top Picks for Accommodations in Downtown Bozeman
This is my top hotel pick for a Montana girl’s getaway in Bozeman, but it would work for couples and business travelers, too. It has trendy rooms and a helpful reception desk. All within walking distance of all the Main Street sites.
This upscale hotel embraces the hipster side of downtown Bozeman with a rooftop hotel, a whiskey lounge, and a concert hall that plays host to big-name musical acts. The Kimpton also has an onsite restaurant. The rooms are modern with clean lines and luxury touches.
Midtown Bozeman at Its Finest
Go south a short distance along N 7th Avenue from I-90 and you’ll come to the Midtown neighborhood of Bozeman, just north of Main Street and Downtown Bozeman.
Midtown is an up-and-coming neighborhood of Bozeman. Here you’ll find both boutique and history-inspired hotels in the midst of an artsy, eclectic vibe.
In addition to being a quick drive or 15- to 20-minute walk from downtown, Midtown is home to popular eateries (such as the Farmer’s Daughter Cafe, Bourbon, and Jalisco Blue Taco Bus), a Sweet Peaks Ice Cream shop (a Montanan favorite) and new businesses such as the Elm Music Venue.
Midtown is also just south of the Cannery District, making Midtown an ideal area to stay for those who want the ritz and convenience of downtown plus those wanting to experience more of Bozeman’s artistic and design side.
Top Picks for Where to Stay in Midtown Bozeman
This fun motel in Bozeman has a 60-foot indoor pool in a relaxing setting with an adjacent hot tub. There is also a steam room. The rooms are simple but tasteful.
This colorful boutique hotel is great for those on a budget who are still wanting a few luxurious touches in their Bozeman accommodation. It has a restaurant on site (the aforementioned The Farmer’s Daughter) and trendy decor.
Sapphire Motel
Sapphire Motel is a budget-friendly (by Bozeman standards anyway) place to stay in Bozeman that is centrally located just a few blocks north of Main Street. This Midtown motel is known for its retro vibe; some of the rooms even have fun pink bathrooms!
Sapphire Motel is a true motel in that you can drive right up to the door of your room. This motel is one-story so no stairs are required to stay here. It’s quick to pack and unpack your suitcases. The motel is angled around a central grassy area with a gazebo. There are also central patio rooms that open up onto the grassy area.
Amenities include wi-fi, microwaves, and mini fridges. Some rooms can sleep up to six with three double beds or one king and two queens, making this ideal for families. There are also select rooms with kitchenettes.
Ranches Near Bozeman
If you want to stay in the countryside near Bozeman, there are a couple of ranches to choose from that aren’t full-on dude ranches (which are often more expensive since they’re often all-inclusive and have minimum night requirements). Here are two great ranches near Bozeman:
This lovely lodge is separated into different parts. Depending on which building you’re staying in, you’ll face the river or the trout pond.
The rooms are large and gorgeously appointed with modern touches and rustic-chic decor. Spend time in the main lodge to get a drink or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.
You’ll also want to check out the large hot tub with an infinity edge that’s next to a large outdoor fireplace. Rainbow Ranch Lodge is located about an hour south of Bozeman.
Located in Gallatin Gateway, 320 Ranch has the feel of a dude ranch complete with horseback riding. However, you can book just a night or two, making this ideal for travelers short on time who still want a ranch stay experience near Bozeman.
320 Guest Ranch is located a little over an hour from Bozeman to the south.
—> Read More: Best Dude Ranches in Montana
One More Thing to Know About Staying in Bozeman
That same friend who asked me about where to stay in Bozeman during her cross-country road trip also expressed shock over how expensive the hotels were.
I explained to her that she was staying in Bozeman at the end of July, which is prime Yellowstone National Park time. And lots of people stay in Bozeman and make day trips down to the park. So pricing will skyrocket for Bozeman accommodations in the summer months.
So, if you don’t want the summer prices, try to plan your trip outside of summer. I also suggested to my friend to look at hotels in Butte, Montana for her cross-country road trip, which is 90 minutes west of Bozeman. This might be a good option for you, too; especially if you don’t need to be close to the sights of Bozeman, Big Sky, or Yellowstone, and just want a place to stop while driving through Central Montana.
Of course, here at Travel Montana Now, we love Bozeman and think it’s well worth the price to spend a night, or two, or three, or more!
Enjoy Your Stay in Bozeman!
