Built in 1924, Hotel Finlen in Butte, Montana is one of those grand hotels that has retained the ambiance of its heyday when it first opened to impress Butte’s elite and important travelers. Over the years, the hotel has hosted two US presidents–John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, as well as, other famous folk. Thomas Edison and Charles Lindbergh are two of them.
These days, the hotel hosts travelers who come to Butte to enjoy the ambiance of this small city that has one of the largest historic districts in the United States. The Hotel Finlen is still a central force to Butte’s unusual vibe of copper mining history. There is a mine headframe just a couple blocks from the hotel and several others that dot the landscape.
Reminiscent of the Hotel Astor in New York City because of its French empire style architecture, the Hotel Finlen also is a testament to what happens when money runs out. Due to a crunch in funding, the 2nd tower wasn’t completed.
Still, what was completed is impressive. This nine floor building is one of Butte’s tallest making it noticed as one of the city’s main landmarks. And, the sweeping grandness of the Hotel Finlen makes its star quality.
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There’s the gorgeous lobby with its art decco beaded chandilers and marble and copper detailed columns that rise to the 2nd floor. The two-sided marble reception desk looks similar to how it looked when the hotel first opened. The artistry in the intricate features of the interior from the palladian arch window frames to the banisters of the staircases is impressive.
Guest rooms have been updated but also has a throwback feel to an earlier age. Our two-room suite was large and comfortable. The room with the sofa bed had a desk that was perfect for setting up a workspace from home. The 2nd room also had the refrigerator, granite counter, coffee maker, and the microwave. A flat screen TV was in each room.
The king size bed was super comfortable and the bathroom was clean, sleek and modern. Room ameninites include free WiFi, a hair dryer, an iron and and ironing board.
The 2nd room of the suite
Because of the size of the suite, this would be perfect for two couples or a family where kids get their own space. Although there isn’t a second full bath, the living room part of the suite does have a small room with a bathroom sink.
Unfortunately, the coffee shop off the lobby is no longer open, but there is a coffee station in the lobby. The Hotel Finlen does have an exercise room, as well as, a library with books to borrow.
The display cabinets on the first floor tell the history of the hotel through photos, memorabilila and some written details.
In addition to the historic tower where we stayed, the Hotel Finlen includes a classic motor court that was added as an addition 1959. The historic tower section of the hotel and the motor court share parking. There is parking on the street if the lot is full.
Due to our schedule, we didn’t have a chance to check out the Cavalier Lounge, the bar connected to Hotel Finlen. For breakfast, we headed a couple blocks to the M&M Bar and Cafe. Opened in 1890 as a gambling house, eatery and saloon, M&M serves up terrific food and is a stellar location for watching the U.S. Women’s Soccer team win the World Cup.
Rooms include one queen bed, two queens, one king bed and suites. Our king bed suite was $125 for one night at Hotels.com
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
