Motel Lake Mcdonald West Glacier, West Glacier ~ Discover room options, reviews & pricing

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About the Hotel

288 Lake Mcdonald Lodge Loop Road, West Glacier, Montana, United States of America

Built in 1913, Motel Lake McDonald is a 2-star historic Swiss chalet-style lodge on Lake McDonald's eastern shore, featuring 82 rooms across a three-story main lodge, cabins, Snyder Hall, and Cobb House. The property offers a library, two restaurants, Lucke's Lounge, and a Creekside Reading Room.

Diverse Room Options

Lake McDonald Lodge accommodates guests in rustic rooms with private bathrooms, featuring standard and deluxe options with one or two queen beds. The Cobb House offers three suites with sitting areas and flat-screen TVs, while Snyder Hall provides eight hostel-style rooms with shared bathrooms.

Multiple Dining Venues

Russell's Fireside Dining Room serves breakfast buffets and local fare, decorated with hunting trophies and western red cedar beams. Jammer Joe's Grill and Pizzeria provides casual dining, while Lucke's Lounge offers Montana micro-brews and cocktails.

Outdoor Activities Available

The property provides boat tours, horseback riding, and evening ranger programs. Guests can explore mountain biking trails, fishing spots, and hiking paths around the lake.

Park Gateway Location

Motel Lake McDonald sits 10 miles inside Glacier National Park's west entrance on Going-to-the-Sun Road. The property is 37 miles from Glacier Park International Airport.

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

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City Center

West Glacier 9.8 mi

Airports

Glacier Park International (FCA) 35.0 mi

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Comfortable Cabin Retreat

I stayed in a Deluxe Suite cabin that was quiet and offered good privacy, as it was smaller than I expected but very cozy. The cabin was clean and had a shared porch that overlooked the lake, making it an ideal spot to relax after a day of hiking.

Henry123. USA, 2024-07-14Read full review on

Delicious Dining Experience

The dining experience at the main lodge was a highlight of my stay. The food was excellent, especially the half chicken I ordered. The staff was attentive and made our dinner experience truly enjoyable. I can't recommend the dining room enough!

Albert456. Canada, 2024-05-22Read full review on

Charming Rustic Bathroom

The bathroom in my room was quaint and had a charming rustic feel. Although it was a bit small, it was functional and really added to the historic ambiance of the lodge.

Michael789. UK, 2024-06-30Read full review on

Cozy Bedding Setup

My king bed cabin was comfy and well-furnished, ensuring a good night's sleep after a day of exploring. The rustic decor made it feel warm and welcoming. I especially liked that it was close to the lodge, which provided easy access to the amenities.

Richard321. Australia, 2024-08-15Read full review on

What’s included

General

Parking
Wheelchair access

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Location

288 Lake Mcdonald Lodge Loop Road, West Glacier, Montana, United States of America

Map view

288 Lake Mcdonald Lodge Loop Road, West Glacier, Montana, United States of America

City landmarks

Glacier National Park

Lake Josephine

3800 ft

Bullhead Lake

3800 ft

Glacier National Park

Grinnell Lake

3800 ft

Highway 2

Silver Staircase Falls

3800 ft

Glacier National Park

Mt. Clements

3800 ft

Glacier National Park

Belly River

3800 ft

Glacier National Park

Camas Creek

3800 ft

Deadwood Falls

3800 ft

No Name Lake

3800 ft

West Glacier

John's Lake Trail

1.5 mi

Going-to-the-Sun Rd

Johns Lake Loop Trailhead

1.5 mi

Waterfall

McDonald Falls

1.5 mi

Johns Lake

1.5 mi

McDonald Lake Trail

2.4 mi

Mount Brown Fire Lookout

2.0 mi

Sacred Dancing Cascade

1.9 mi

Mt Brown Lookout

2.1 mi

Glacier National Park

McDonald Creek

3.0 mi

West Glacier

Lake McDonald Backcountry Campground

2.9 mi

Mount Brown

3.0 mi

McDonald Creek Overlook

3.0 mi

Nearby

Glacier National Park

Lake Josephine

1500 ft

Bullhead Lake

1500 ft

Glacier National Park

Grinnell Lake

1500 ft

Glacier National Park

Mt. Clements

1500 ft

Highway 2

Silver Staircase Falls

1500 ft

Glacier National Park

Belly River

1500 ft

Glacier National Park

Camas Creek

1500 ft

No Name Lake

1500 ft

Deadwood Falls

1500 ft

Restaurants

Russell's Fireside Dining Room at Lake McDonald Lodge

400 ft

Going-To-The-Sun Road Lake McDonald Lodge

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

Reggie

United States of America, March 2025

7.0/10

I had a wonderful experience staying in a cabin at the lodge. It was a short and easy walk to the main Lodge, which is simply beautiful. While the cabin was a bit small, it was perfectly fine for our needs, and having parking right in front was super convenient. We even spotted some deer on the grounds! However, the dining service had a long wait and wasn't quite what I expected.

Rooms

7.0

The cabin was small but comfortable with two full beds. However, it lacked some amenities like a microwave or refrigerator.

Service

6.0

Dining service was a bit slow, with a long wait time to get seated, but the staff was willing.

Location

9.0

The location was fantastic, set within the national park and easy to access both the cabin and Lodge areas.

Dining

6.0

Dinner was quite good, but there was a significant wait time, which was disappointing.

Facilities

7.0

The lodge offers beautiful historical charm, but the lack of modern amenities in the cabin was a slight letdown.

James

United States of America, January 2025

7.4/10

Lake McDonald Lodge offers a rustic and charming experience right by the lake, which is truly breathtaking. The rooms, though clean and functional, are quite small, making it a little tricky for families. The cozy lobby is a great spot to relax, but be prepared for spotty Wi-Fi and noise from other guests. Overall, it's perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Glacier National Park without the frills of a luxury hotel.

Rooms

6.0

The room was compact and clean but lacked adequate space for a family, making it a bit cramped. It had a comfortable bed but no real sitting area.

Service

8.0

The staff I encountered were dedicated and hard-working, which contributed positively to my stay.

Location

9.0

The lodge is perfectly situated with stunning views of Lake McDonald, making it easy to explore Glacier National Park.

Dining

7.0

The dining options were decent, with two restaurants available, but I didn't feel there was anything particularly special to write home about.

Facilities

7.0

The lodge has a lovely lobby with a fireplace and cozy seating, but the amenities are quite basic and rustic.

William

United States of America, November 2024

9.2/10

Staying at this lodge was an absolute delight! Nestled next to Lake McDonald, it offers breathtaking views and makes it easy to explore the park without needing a vehicle reservation. The cabin we booked was clean and comfy, making it a peaceful retreat after a day of hiking. However, the shared bathroom setup might not be for everyone, and I really would have appreciated an extra mirror in the cabin.

Rooms

9.0

We stayed in a deluxe king cabin that was well-appointed and sparkling clean. The furnishings were nice and very comfortable, although there was only one mirror in the room.

Service

10.0

The service was incredibly attentive and helpful, with staff always ready to assist and answer questions.

Location

10.0

The location next to Lake McDonald is simply stunning, making it convenient to access popular trails early in the morning.

Dining

9.0

Dining at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room was such a treat, with delicious food that exceeded my expectations.

Facilities

8.0

The lodge had great amenities including nearby trails and access to the beach, but keep in mind the shared bathroom situation.

Casey

United States of America, September 2024

9.6/10

I didn't stay overnight, but I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this hotel. The lobby was filled with charming history, especially the impressive fireplace built in 1904. The location offers stunning waterfront views and plenty of cozy spots to relax. However, I didn't get to experience the rooms firsthand, which might be a consideration for future visitors.

Rooms

Service

Location

10.0

The hotel has incredible views and a beautiful waterfront area perfect for relaxation.

Dining

Facilities

9.0

The Reading Room was a delightful surprise, filled with historical content and comfortable seating for a perfect reading spot.

Charles

United States of America, September 2024

7.6/10

The lodge offers a stunning location right by the lake, with a cozy cabin vibe that is enjoyable for a short stay. The cabins are clean and quite comfy, but be prepared for some rustic features and noise from neighbors. The staff is generally helpful, though there were some shortcomings in service. Overall, it’s a great place to unwind after a day exploring the park, but don’t expect luxury amenities or extensive modern comforts.

Rooms

7.0

The cabin we stayed in was clean and comfortable, though definitely on the smaller side with a rustic feel. It had basic amenities, but I appreciated the coziness.

Service

7.0

The staff was generally helpful and responsive, but I did experience a hiccup with a request for keeping medicine cold. Their solutions could be improved.

Location

9.0

The lodge's location is fantastic, being adjacent to the lake and close to Glacier National Park, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Dining

8.0

Dining at the lodge was pleasant, with a restaurant offering good food and attentive wait staff, which enhanced our overall experience.

Facilities

7.0

The lodge itself has charming facilities, including a cozy fireplace area and ranger-led programs, but some aspects felt outdated.