How to Find Luxury Hotels in Helena, Montana

Tucked in a valley in the rugged Rocky Mountains of western Montana, Helena is the state's capital and a former mining town from the days of the Montana Gold Rush. Prospectors had all but given up on the area until one of them stumbled upon an outcropping of gold and Helena grew up around a small valley known as the Last Chance Gulch. In addition to business and governmental concerns, Helena draws visitors interested in the many historical sites as well as tourists drawn to such outdoors activities as fishing, hunting, camping skiing and prospecting.

Instructions

Find Luxury Accommodations in Helena, Montana

1. Call the Helena Convention and Visitors Bureau at [phone] to make your reservations or visit their Web site to book online (see Resources below).

2. Stay at the Sanders-Helena's bed and breakfast. Book by visiting their Web site (see Resources below) or by calling [phone].

3. Explore the possibility of staying at one of the guest or dude ranches near Helena. Helena is ranching country and features several such ranches that offer luxury accommodations to the visitor seeking the flavor of the old west.

4. Book accommodations in the restored ghost town of Elkhorn for a fun and spooky stay near Helena.

5. Check with a local real estate agent about timeshares or short-term subletting one of the luxury condos or ranch houses located in the hills and valleys that surround Helena. The region has seen an influx of new money in recent years and such accommodations dot the area.

6. Stay a week in Helena, Montana. Many of the area's vacation rentals offer weekly rates.

7. Look to booking luxury accommodations in one of the chain hotels that line Interstate 15 as it passes through Helena. These hotels are centrally located and within a short drive of most of Helena's attractions.

8. Consider one of the several dozen bed-and-breakfast inns in and around Helena. Look to the old downtown section, known as the Last Chance Gulch, for bed-and-breakfasts situated in historic mansions. Explore the bed and breakfasts just outside of Helena for proximity to outdoor recreational activities, principally fishing.

Arrive in Helena, Montana

1. Fly to Helena via one of the half dozen regional carriers that service Helena's small commercial airport. Most flights route through either Billings to the south or Kalispell to the north.

2. Drive to Helena via Interstate 15, which passes through the city.

Tips & Warnings

• Book lodging well in advance if you expect to visit Helena during the summer when the city fills with visitors.

• Because of its altitude and latitude, travelers to Helena may experience delays during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures.