Gallatin River Lodge

Our last night in Montana was spent at the Gallatin River Lodge outside of Bozeman. We thought it would be nice to have one last day to relax before the long trip home. (the older I get the less tolerance I have for airports and plane rides).  Adam found this place on line and it is ranked as the best lodging in the Bozeman area by multiple sites. It is a luxury boutique hotel that specializes in fly fishing excursions during the summer. During the off season, the rates are one third what they are in the summer, which makes the place even more appealing.


In general, GRL reminded me a lot of the Bass Cottage Inn in Bar Harbor. Lots of attention to detail, personalized service, excellent gourmet food- the kind of place where you can have a great day by never leaving the hotel. Since GRL is just steps away from the Gallatin River, we did leave the lodge to take a quick hike around the 300 acre property. And of course we had to head downtown to the MacKenzie River Pizza Company for lunch. We were here waiting for a table a couple years ago when we learned that Garrett and Jill got engaged!

More about GRL for those who might be interested in staying there. All of the rooms in the lodge (only 12 in total) are beautifully appointed with a tasteful combination of "lodgey" items like moose towel racks and more modern decor. The huge windows give mountain views no matter which direction you look. Each room has a hot tub and a fireplace. There are multiple common areas, all very nice. Made to order breakfast is included in the room fee. The hotel restaurant is said to be the best restaurant in Bozeman and it was indeed lovely.

As I mentioned above, GRL is a fly fishing lodge during the summer. Keith- the breakfast maker, inn-keeper, concierge, all around amazing one man show- told us it is fun to watch these rough and tumble fishermen walk into this elegant lodge and adapt to the idea of using handmade soaps, shampoos, having an in-room massage and eating food they can't pronounce. He said they adapt very quickly:)

I highly recommend this place anytime you are in Bozeman but particulary during the off season- we were the only guests the first night so had full run of the place..which we took advantage of by going to sleep!