Flathead Lake Hostel: Best Budget Stay Near Glacier National Park 

Finding a budget hotel or hostel near Glacier National Park is next to impossible, especially during the summer season. But worry not! I’ve found just the right place for you.

We managed to score an amazing deal at Flathead Lake Hostel, located just 50 minutes south of the park, making it a perfect place to stay on a budget near Glacier. 

In this blog post, I’ll share everything about our stay, including the things we loved, liked, and think could be better, to help you decide whether this is the right place for you. 

Why I picked Flathead Lake Hostel

I loved the location of this hostel with views of the pristine Flathead Lake from the patio and just a 50-minute drive from the Apgar Visitor Center in Glacier National Park. We stayed for two nights and had a comfortable experience. The building sits right off US Highway 93 and is surrounded by trees. There was ample parking space, and the biggest highlight? Getting a steal deal at just $75 a night! 

The Bruce room at Flathead Lake Hostel

The hostel offers a mix of dorms and private rooms. We chose a private room called “The Bruce,” located right opposite the kitchen. While the room was tiny, it was well-equipped with a twin bed, fridge, heater, sink, mirror, and table. There wasn’t much room to move around, but hey, we weren’t planning to stay cooped up inside anyway. 

There was plenty of space in the common area, which we loved so it was a win for us. The room also had a secure lock system that opened with a personalized code, which felt safe. Even the common areas were only accessible to guests via code access. 

Facilities & Amenities at Flathead Lake Hostel

In this section, I’ll break down the facilities and share the things I loved, liked, and think could be better during our stay. 

Bathroom & Showers 

There were two bathrooms on each side of the hostel and a separate shower area with three shower stalls. However, the number of bathrooms felt insufficient compared to the number of rooms, especially noticeable in the mornings when everyone had somewhere to be. The shower stalls, on the other hand, were private and easy to use.

Common Area

There was a large indoor and outdoor seating area with plenty of room to move around. The hostel also offered art supplies and books you could borrow. Such a nice touch! Plus, the entire property had Wi-Fi access. 

Kitchen & Dining 

The kitchen was well stocked with essentials, from an electric stovetop to a microwave. The pantry had ready-to-cook supplies, which was helpful if you forgot to bring something. There was also coffee and tea, which came in handy since we left early for the park and no shops were open. 

Personally, I loved the cute mug collection and how easy it was to cook without having to bring too much from home. 

What I Loved & What Could Be Better 

Things I Loved 

• Easy online check-in with no wait – This was our first time staying somewhere with no manager present, but everything was smooth and hassle-free. We received an email beforehand with all the instructions and access code. 

• Peaceful surroundings and stunning views – The view from the hostel was breathtaking, with Flathead Lake and the mountains in the backdrop. We enjoyed dinner and tea while watching the sunset from the patio. 

• Clean and well-equipped space – Major shoutout for how clean and thoughtfully equipped everything was! 

Things That Could Be Better 

• Not-so-comfy bed – The bed was squeaky, and we woke up a few times whenever we moved or turned. 

• Poor soundproofing – Our sleep was interrupted by sounds from the common area like footsteps, conversations, and doors opening and closing. 

• Limited bathroom access – I strongly feel this hostel needs more bathrooms to accommodate guests, especially during peak season. Morning queues were a bit of a challenge. 

Conclusion 

Overall, Flathead Lake Hostel is great value for money. They also host community events like mindfulness camps and yoga sessions. So if you happen to visit one, you’re in for a bonus. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, cozy, and scenic place to stay near Glacier National Park, I highly recommend giving this hostel a try. 

You can read more about our day in Glacier National Park here [Coming Soon], and find everything to do in Flathead here [Coming Soon]. Have questions about our trip or the hostel? Drop a comment or send me a DM on Instagram!

Total cost for 2 nights for two people: $208