The Stage Stop Inn in Choteau, Montana is a fine starting point of a trip to the Rocky Mountain Front between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. At each park, natural wonder dazzles in every direction. At the Stage Stop Inn, guests are treated to easy-going comfort and warm hospitality with a western flair. This is an independently-owned hotel that’s worth a shout out.
Step into the lobby and it’s a step into cowboy and explorer country. Cases and displays with memorabilia trace area history with a nod to Lewis and Clark. Antique glass bottles, shaving kits, taxidermy trophies, wildlife prints and Native American print fabrics and rough hewed wood details are a visually interesting mix. Sink into seating in the lobby is paired with books, magazines and a reading lamp. The vibe says, “Stay awhile.”
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This part of Montana is also on the Dinosaur Trail. A large framed map and a brochure stand filled with dinosaur related destination ideas and region attractions make the Stage Stop Inn a go-to place for information. If you don’t find a take along brochure, ask the people at the reception desk for recommendations. Choteau folks, whether born here or transplants, are eager to promote what makes this part of the U.S. special. Friendliness is part of the charm.
Within walking distance of the Old Trail Museum, and several buildings on Choteau’s walking tour, The Stage Stop Inn is also an excellent location for staying local and site-seeing by foot. Whether you stay close by or day trip to East Glacier like we did, when you return from a day of exploring, head to the indoor swimming pool. The western motif is carried through with the pool’s tiled accents.
At night, hotel’s The Livery Saloon serves up basic pizza, wings, beer–including a craft beer selection, cocktails, music and a place to catch a ball game on TV. Because Choteau is a small town, The Livery Saloon is one place where locals do go. My timing was off so I missed out on this.
The guest rooms are as welcoming as the rest of the hotel. Lamps create soft lighting and the color-scheme of reds, greens, browns and golden hues are warm and inviting. Rooms range from a one queen bed room to two room suites with a King bed and a queen sleeper sofa. Executive rooms have a granite kitchenette style counter top. Every room comes equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, flat screen TV, iron, ironing-board and hair dryer—basically everything one needs for a comfortable stay. A basic hot buffet breakfast is included and WiFi is free.
View from guest room window
If you happen to be a quilter or want to take up quilting, the Stage Stop Inn hosts quilting retreats through two area quilting shops. People come from outside of Montana to attend. In May, the Stage Shop Inn also hosts the Rocky Mountain Legacy Quilt and Fine Needlework Show. This year will be the 5th of this annual event.
Room rates range from $96.90 to $127.50 from the hotel’s website. On Hotels.com a two-queen bed room is $89.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein
