Where to Stay in Billings
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The historic core of Billings features renovated brick buildings, local restaurants, craft breweries, and cultural venues. This walkable area has seen revitalization in recent years with new businesses and improved streetscapes. It's the most urban neighborhood in Billings, though still retaining a small-city feel with minimal traffic congestion.
- Walking distance to restaurants, bars, and Alberta Bair Theater
- Historic character with renovated buildings
- Access to Yellowstone Art Museum and downtown events
- More local flavor than chain-dominated areas
- Limited hotel options compared to other areas
- Some streets quiet after business hours
This residential and commercial area on Billings' west side sits near ZooMontana and Shiloh Crossing. It's a quieter neighborhood with local shopping centers, restaurants, and easy access to hiking trails on the Rims. The area appeals to families and those seeking a more suburban setting while visiting.
- Close to ZooMontana and outdoor recreation
- Residential feel with less traffic
- Good restaurant selection nearby
- Proximity to Rimrock hiking trails
- Requires driving to downtown attractions
- Fewer hotel choices than main corridors
The stretch along Interstate 90 near Billings Logan International Airport concentrates the city's highest density of hotels, primarily national chains. This area offers maximum convenience for travelers with early flights or those passing through, with numerous restaurants and gas stations within easy reach. It's functional rather than charming, prioritizing accessibility over atmosphere.
- Widest selection of budget and mid-range hotels
- Minutes from the airport
- Easy interstate access for road trips
- Abundant chain restaurants and services
- Competitive pricing due to high hotel density
- Generic commercial strip environment
- Requires driving to most attractions
This central corridor runs through Billings connecting downtown to the Heights area, lined with medical facilities, restaurants, and shopping centers. The area serves as a main artery through the city with good access to most neighborhoods. Hotels here cater largely to medical visitors and business travelers.
- Central location for accessing all parts of Billings
- Near medical facilities and clinics
- Good restaurant density along the corridor
- Reasonable prices
- Heavy traffic during rush hours
- Less distinctive character than downtown
The Billings Heights area sits on the north side of the Yellowstone River, offering a more residential atmosphere with local shopping and dining options. This working-class neighborhood provides budget-friendly accommodation options and authentic local character. It's less touristy but still convenient to major attractions via the bridges crossing the river.
- Lower accommodation prices generally
- Local restaurants and neighborhood feel
- Less crowded than main tourist corridors
- Quick access across river to downtown
- Fewer upscale amenities
- Requires crossing river to reach most attractions
This area along King Avenue West features newer commercial development with big-box stores, chain restaurants, and modern hotel properties. It's one of Billings' primary retail corridors with convenient shopping and dining all within a compact area. The neighborhood is car-oriented but offers good value and modern amenities.
- Newer hotel properties with modern amenities
- Excellent shopping and dining density
- Good value for quality received
- Well-lit and maintained area
- Typical suburban commercial strip aesthetic
- Can feel impersonal and chain-heavy
The southern reaches of Billings offer a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial pockets with views of the Rimrocks. This area provides quieter lodging options away from the main tourist corridors while still maintaining reasonable access to attractions. It's particularly appealing for visitors planning outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
- Quieter environment with less traffic
- Good launching point for day trips to regional attractions
- Views of the Rims in many locations
- Competitive pricing
- More limited dining options within walking distance
- Longer drives to downtown attractions
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Billings' accommodation scene is dominated by familiar national chains including Hilton, Marriott, Best Western, and Choice Hotels properties. These offer reliable quality, loyalty program benefits, and consistent amenities like free breakfast and pools.
Best for: Business travelers, families, and those prioritizing predictability and rewards points
Limited but growing, with The Northern Hotel downtown being the standout historic boutique property. These offer more character and local flavor than chains, with unique design elements and personalized service.
Best for: Couples, special occasions, and travelers seeking distinctive Montana character
Several extended stay properties cater to longer visits, offering kitchenettes and more space. Popular with medical visitors, temporary workers, and families relocating to the area.
Best for: Stays of a week or longer, families needing kitchen facilities, budget-conscious travelers
Growing inventory of entire homes and apartments through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, particularly in residential neighborhoods. Options range from budget rooms to entire houses with mountain views.
Best for: Groups, families wanting more space, extended stays, and those preferring residential neighborhoods
Traditional roadside motels offering basic, no-frills accommodation primarily along the interstate corridor and in the Heights. These provide simple, clean rooms at the lowest price points in the city.
Best for: Road trippers, extremely budget-conscious travelers, and short overnight stays
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Billings serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, causing hotel rates to spike and availability to tighten from June through August. Book at least 2-3 months ahead for summer travel to secure reasonable rates. Last-minute summer bookings may face limited choices and inflated prices, particularly during Montana Fair in mid-August.
Major events at MetraPark, Montana Fair, and sporting events at Montana State University Billings can cause unexpected rate increases and sellouts. Check the city's event calendar before booking, and avoid these dates if possible unless attending the event. Convention activity also impacts availability during weekdays.
The concentration of hotels near I-90 and the airport creates competitive pricing, often offering the best value in Billings. While less charming than downtown, these properties provide modern amenities, easy parking, and good access to restaurants. The area works particularly well for road trippers and budget-focused travelers.
If you prefer walking to dinner and attractions, prioritize downtown accommodations despite slightly higher rates. The Northern Hotel is the premier option, but limited alternatives mean booking well ahead. Downtown lodging eliminates parking hassles and lets you enjoy Billings' brewery scene without driving.
With Billings dominated by chain hotels, loyalty program members can rack up points and enjoy perks like room upgrades and free breakfast. If you're not already enrolled, sign up before booking—it's free and can provide immediate benefits even for first-time stays.
November through March sees significantly lower rates as tourism drops off. If you're visiting for business, medical appointments, or as a base for winter activities, you'll find excellent deals with rates often 30-50% below summer prices. Hotel availability is rarely an issue during winter months.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For June-August visits, book 2-3 months in advance to secure good rates and preferred locations. Prices rise steadily as availability decreases, and popular properties may sell out entirely during peak weekends and Montana Fair week.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer more flexibility with 3-6 weeks advance booking typically sufficient. Rates are moderate and availability good, though early fall can still see Yellowstone overflow traffic.
Winter months (November-March) rarely require advance booking unless coinciding with specific events. Last-minute bookings often yield the best deals as hotels offer discounted rates to fill rooms during the slow season.
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best balance of selection and pricing for most of the year. Monitor rates after booking as many chains allow free cancellation and rebooking if prices drop.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.