Great Falls Montana Hotels & Motels

When to Visit Great Falls, MT

If you can't handle the cold, the best time to visit Great Falls is during the summer. At this time of the year, temperatures rise to an average of about 80 degrees during the day and 50 degrees in the evening. With this stellar weather, it's a perfect time to explore the city. You can walk through the historic downtown area for some great shopping or dining, or head over to one of Great Falls' 57 parks and the 40 miles of the River's Edge Trail, which follows the Missouri River. Finding a hotel room in the summer is often difficult, especially during tourist season in July and August. If you're looking to book a hotel at this time, make sure that you check with hotels in advance.

For winter sports enthusiasts, the time between November and February is the ideal time to see Great Falls. If you wish to attend a sporting event, the Great Falls Americans junior hockey team offers affordable and exciting fun. However, the most frequented event is the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals, where cowboys compete for top honors in barrel riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, bronco riding, and tie-down roping. 65 miles south of Great Falls, you'll find Showdown Montana Ski Area, which provides some of the best skiing and snowboarding slopes in the state. When the rodeo is in town and winter sports are in full swing, hotels are hard to come by, making early bookings a necessity.

In the fall, Great Falls has cool temperatures, although the weather is still comfortable if you wear ample clothing. During this time of the year, the nearby Great Spring State Park is the perfect place to take in the scenic views. Other activities at the park include bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, and trout fishing. You can also read some of the placards around the park that explain how the springs formed and how they function today. Some of the water is so pure that it's even bottled for human consumption. Hotels aren't in heavy demand during the fall, meaning you can get a steal on a room whether you book in advance or at the last-minute.

The spring may still feel a tad cold, especially if you live in a warm climate. Therefore, your best bet is to visit some of Great Falls' iconic indoor attractions. The most prevalent indoor attractions are concerts, including those by the Great Falls Symphony Orchestra, the Cascade String Quartet, and the Chinnook Winds Quartet. You can also visit other points of interest such as the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, and the Mansfield Center for Performing Arts. Depending on the exhibits or concerts, hotel demand varies. Make sure to check ahead so you get the hotel and room you want.

Best Discounts in Great Falls, Montana

Getting a discount on a hotel room saves you more money for other activities on your trip, and finding these discounts in Great Falls isn't a problem. At the La Quinta Inn & Suites, AARP members won't be charged any booking fees, unlike regular customers. Plus, it's right next to the Stagecoach Gallery, the University of Great Falls, and the Montana Art Gallery. All 92 rooms at this location come with complimentary Wi-Fi, a 32-inch flat screen television with cable channels, and complimentary toiletries. Other on-site recreational opportunities include an indoor pool and fitness center.

Value Hotel Options in Great Falls, MT

Mid-range hotel options offer bonus features at an affordable price, and they aren't difficult to find when you head to Great Falls. At the Comfort Inn, you'll get access to a nearby fitness center, an indoor pool, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Each room also provides a safe, work desk, self-controlled air conditioning, free wireless internet access, and cable television. You'll also be close to attractions such as the University of Great Falls, St. Ann's Cathedral, and Holiday Village Mall.

Things to Do in Great Falls, Montana

A visit to Great Falls isn't complete without a visit to the iconic Sip 'n Dip Lounge located downtown in the O'Haire Motor Inn. This tiki bar and lounge was once voted as one of the 10 best lounges in the country by GQ Magazine. The design for the bar was modeled after the Playboy Club and Chicago, featuring retro styling highlighted by a swimming pool. However, this pool is no ordinary pool. It's separated from the bar by glass and features "mermaids" swimming eloquently through the water. Entertainment is entirely provided by Piano Pat, an elderly woman who plays interesting and bizarre covers of old-time favorites such as those by Frank Sinatra. Throw in some of the bar's famous 64-ounce fish bowl cocktails, and the Sip 'n Dip Lounge is the place to visit in Great Falls.

Great Falls has some can't-miss events, including the Montana State Fair, which features carnival rides, food, and entertainment. The Ice Breaker Road Race is also fun; it allows runners to run through the freezing cold along three different tracks.

Regardless of whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a mid-range option, or affordable accommodation, you can confidently find the hotel in Great Falls that takes your vacation or business trip to the next level.