Where to Stay in Billings: Honest Reviews of Montana's Best Mountain View Hotels

Stepping into The Northern Hotel feels like entering a narrative where Montana's rich history converges with contemporary comfort—a juxtaposition I find utterly captivating. This downtown landmark has been meticulously restored to honor its 1904 origins while incorporating thoughtful sustainability practices that speak to my professional sensibilities.

The family suites are spacious sanctuaries after days exploring nearby Yellowstone or the Rimrocks, with windows that frame the distant mountains like living paintings. What impressed me most was their commitment to reducing water consumption—a practice reminiscent of the ingenious water conservation techniques I documented among Berber communities.

During my stay last summer, I observed how the staff engaged children with Montana's natural heritage, offering a delightful scavenger hunt highlighting native species. The hotel's farm-to-table restaurant, Bernie's, sources ingredients from local ranchers and farmers, creating a culinary experience that connects families to the regional terroir.

For families seeking to minimize environmental impact while traveling, I recommend packing a reusable cutlery set for picnics in nearby parks—a small gesture that resonates with The Northern's sustainability ethos.

Perched near the historic Boothill Cemetery (hence the name), this welcoming hotel offers what I consider the most exceptional value for families visiting Billings. During my second visit to Montana, I stayed here for five nights while documenting traditional ecological knowledge from Northern Cheyenne elders.

What distinguishes Boothill is its thoughtful attention to family needs—spacious rooms with refrigerators for storing snacks (essential for little ones!), a complimentary hot breakfast that satisfies both picky eaters and parents seeking nutritious options, and—c'est magnifique—an indoor pool that saved many an evening when summer thunderstorms rolled through.

The panoramic views of the Rimrocks from north-facing rooms create a distinctly Montana experience. These sandstone formations tell geological stories spanning millions of years—not unlike the ancient desert formations I've studied in Morocco's Drâa Valley.

For families planning day trips to Yellowstone or the Little Bighorn Battlefield, I recommend bringing a car organizer to keep snacks, activities, and water bottles organized during scenic drives. The front desk staff can help plan routes that include family-friendly stops.

For families planning extended explorations of Montana's treasures, the Billings Residence Inn offers apartment-style accommodations that quickly become a home loin de la maison—a home away from home. During my most recent visit, I shared a two-bedroom suite with friends and their children, creating a perfect base for our week-long adventure.

What makes this property ideal for families is the full kitchen—allowing you to prepare meals using Montana's bounty of local produce and reducing both environmental impact and dining expenses. The separate bedrooms provide much-needed privacy, while the living area creates space for evening games and storytelling.

The hotel's location offers easy access to both downtown attractions and the interstate for day trips. After long days exploring, the outdoor patio with its mountain views became our gathering place, where adults sipped local Montana wines while children recounted their daily adventures.

For families who enjoy cooking while traveling, I recommend bringing a collapsible measuring cups to make meal preparation simpler. The front desk can direct you to nearby farmers' markets—a wonderful opportunity to teach children about local food systems.

While not the most characterful accommodation in Billings, the Residence Inn offers practical comforts that make family travel more sustainable and economical—values I've found universally important from the Australian Outback to America's Mountain West.

For families seeking deeper connection with Montana's landscape, this riverside lodge located 20 minutes from downtown Billings offers an experience that resonates with my belief in the importance of nature immersion. Situated along the banks of the Yellowstone River—North America's longest undammed river—the lodge offers cabins and suites with breathtaking views of both water and mountains.

During my documentation work with local conservation groups last summer, I spent three nights in one of their riverside cabins. The experience of falling asleep to the gentle sound of flowing water beneath star-filled skies created memories that echo my transformative nights in Morocco's desert camps.

Children particularly delight in the property's open spaces, where wildlife sightings are common. Families can enjoy guided fishing experiences, riverside picnics, and evening campfires—activities that foster connection to place and to each other. The lodge's commitment to river conservation aligns beautifully with sustainable tourism principles.

For families planning river activities, I recommend bringing a waterproof phone case to protect electronics while still capturing precious moments. The property offers limited dining options, so consider bringing breakfast essentials or planning trips to nearby restaurants.

While technically not in Billings proper, this accommodation option provides a nature-based alternative that many families find transformative. As one young girl told me during my stay, "I can hear the river telling stories at night." C'est exactement ça—it's exactly that connection to place that makes travel meaningful.

After multiple visits to Billings across different seasons, I've gathered insights that may help families maximize their Montana experience. Summer bookings require advance planning—particularly during the July-August high season when families converge on this gateway to Yellowstone and the Beartooth Highway.

Consider your primary activities when selecting accommodation location. Downtown properties like The Northern place you within walking distance of the Western Heritage Center and excellent restaurants, while properties on the west end provide easier access to outdoor recreation areas like Zimmerman Park, where families can hike along the Rimrocks.

For families traveling with infants or toddlers, I recommend bringing a portable white noise machine to ensure restful sleep despite hotel noise. Additionally, a travel blackout curtain can be invaluable during Montana's long summer days when sunset stretches past 9pm.

Many Billings hotels offer unexpected amenities for families—from complimentary bike rentals to telescopes for stargazing. Don't hesitate to request these when booking. As the French saying goes, "Qui ne demande rien n'a rien"—those who ask for nothing get nothing.