Glacier National park

Question

Reviews on staying of

Glacier International Lodge

Answer

Here’s a detailed, balanced summary of what to expect if you stay at — what guests tend to like, what to watch out for, and whether it might suit you depending on your plans for visiting Glacier National Park.

Overall impression & general strengths

Glacier International Lodge is widely considered a solid “outside-the-park” base for exploring Glacier and the surrounding Flathead Valley. Many recent reviews are very positive: guests often praise the cleanliness of rooms, the friendliness and helpfulness of staff, and the convenience of the location — especially the easy access to the airport (helpful if you’re flying into Kalispell) and proximity to highways leading to Glacier.

The amenities are often highlighted as a strong point:

A free airport shuttle (useful if you arrive late or depart early).
An indoor pool, hot tub, and — for families — a water slide/pool area that some reviewers say is appreciated after a long day of driving or hiking.
A hearty complimentary breakfast buffet, which many travelers mention as a good start before heading out on the road.
Comfortable rooms and a “lodge-style” ambiance that many say feels more welcoming than a typical chain hotel — a plus if you want a kind of Montana-lodge feel while staying outside the park.

For many visitors, especially those arriving by plane or who plan to drive to various trailheads and park entrances, this lodge offers a convenient, comfortable, “home-base” atmosphere without requiring you to stay deep in the park (where lodging is often expensive, booked up, and less flexible). Several recent reviews — even as recent as 2025 — give it top marks for overall stay, amenities, and service.

Common complaints or limitations — what some guests warn about

No lodging is perfect, and there are recurring themes among more critical reviews of Glacier International Lodge. Key drawbacks you should be aware of:

Location is somewhat remote / near the airport / highway: While convenient for access, the lodge isn’t right in downtown Kalispell — so if you want to walk to shops, restaurants, or nightlife, you might find yourself driving or needing a shuttle.
Limited or no on-site dining / nightlife: Several reviewers note there is no full restaurant or bar at the lodge. For dinner or evening meals you’ll likely need to drive into Kalispell or another nearby town.
Mixed housekeeping / service reports (especially for longer stays): A few guests say that if you stay multiple nights, housekeeping might be minimal or require explicit requests. Some found breakfast inconsistent on busy mornings.
Price vs. “remote-hotel tradeoffs”: Given the amenities and lodge-style accommodations, some travelers feel the rate is high compared to a typical motel — especially factoring in extra driving to food or town.

Who Glacier International Lodge is a good fit for — and who might want to think twice

This lodge tends to be an excellent fit if:

You arrive via plane at the nearby airport or value an easy shuttle after a long drive.
You want a comfortable, lodge-style “base camp” for multiple nights while exploring Glacier, nearby lakes, or even ski/resort areas without staying in-park.
You don’t need walkable downtown nightlife, dining, or shopping; you’re okay with driving into town (Kalispell or Whitefish) for meals or evening activities.
You care most about comfort, convenience, and amenities (pool, hot tub, good breakfast) after a day outdoors or on the road.

It might be less ideal if:

You prefer staying in or near a walkable town with restaurants, cafés, and nightlife within easy reach.
You’re counting on in-house dining or want easy “walk-out-your-door” access to food and nightlife.
Your trip involves a long stay and you expect frequent housekeeping and consistent lodge-level service.

Bottom line — Would I recommend Glacier International Lodge?

Yes — it’s a very solid, well-reviewed, and convenient choice for many Glacier region visitors. If you value comfort, a no-fuss lodge atmosphere, easy airport access, and good amenities, Glacier International Lodge is a sensible and often highly rated base. Just be prepared for some trade-offs: you’ll likely need to drive into town for dinner or nightlife, and if you’re staying many nights, service quality can be hit-or-miss. For a short stay or as a home base for exploring the park and surrounding areas, it’s often described as “exactly what you want.”

Glacier National park

More Kalispell Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions