Travel Bliss: Road Tripping from Idaho to Montana

You guys. This month, this week. . . my motto this summer is "that which does not kill me, makes me stronger."

(Anyone else having that kind of summer? No? Just me? Okay, moving along . . .)

There's so much still to share from the epic road trip that my family and I took at the end of June. So much. And it's all too good not to share!

Road Trip through Idaho to Missoula, Montana

After splashing and sunning in Lava Hot Springs and leaving our comfy digs in Idaho Falls, Idaho, we headed straight up the I-15 and then I-90 into Missoula, Montana, our home for two nights and three action packed days.

The drive from Idaho Falls to Missoula is gorgeous. It's like driving through Oregon outside of Portland, but with a lot more open land. A lot. And you're driving for a long time without seeing towns, much less city. It's glorious. Glorious!

You get the majestic mountains, the sun-drenched valleys, towering clouded cliffs, sweet farmland, and beautiful windy rivers. If you need serenity now, then this drive is it.

Where to Stay in Missoula, Montana: Courtyard by Marriott

Missoula, Montana is a vibrant college town, full of an interesting mix of young families, college students, and longtime Missoula families who have lived in the area for generations.

We loved our time in Missoula, and I cannot wait to share with you our many awesome adventures! As for where to stay while visiting Missoula, I heartily recommend a stay at the Courtyard by Marriott. Located on one of the main streets with lots of shops, restaurants, and other hotels, the Courtyard by Marriott is a wonderfully comfortable hotel with incredibly kind, helpful staff, and many amenities to make you feel home, while away from home.

Doesn't this sitting area adjacent to the lobby look cozy? It's a great place to wait for family members, have a quick coffee with business associates, or just hang out with a book for a bit.

Whenever I'm traveling on a press trip, where the accommodations are taken care of for me (and in this case, for my whole family), I will often either arrive at the hotel and hang out, unidentified for a bit, to observe the staff, and/or I will call in advance with questions -- again, unidentified.

The staff at the Courtyard by Marriott were absolutely fantastic in every situation even before we arrived. I had called a few weeks ahead and they answered my questions about traveling to the area so patiently, kindly, and most of all, enthusiastically. Throughout our entire stay, I observed several different staff members interacting with other guests with grace, big smiles, and much patience. More than anything, it's the people and the service who make hotels worth the money for me and my family, and the staff of the Courtyard by Marriott are top notch.

That said, the digs aren't too shabby either. In fact, they are fabulous and comfortable. We stayed in a family guestroom with two queen beds and small private terrace (rates vary depending on season, but generally this room runs for around $150 per night).

There was ample workspace as well as a mini refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. The WiFi, I have to add, was also fairly reliable compared to other hotels on this trip.

As for on-site food options, my family loved The Bistro downstairs on the main floor next to the lobby. We enjoyed a delicious, hearty breakfast each day.

The above photo shows the kids menu, which had fantastic options like French Toast, that my kids loved. It also shows an adult breakfast of bacon, toast, home fries, and scrambled eggs. Tasty! The only questionably, slightly surly service that we received was one morning at the Bistro, but otherwise - awesome service & staff at this hotel.

The Courtyard by Marriott also has a nice swimming pool and fitness center on the first floor. There was also a small 24-hour market in the lobby that offered snacks and drinks for purchase. Another plus for family travelers: the Courtyard by Marriott Missoula has on-site laundry facilities on the first floor. This is an excellent amenity for families who are road tripping and visiting close-by Glacier National Park or Yellowstone!

Courtyard by Marriott

4559 North Reserve Street
Missoula, Montana 59808
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msocy-courtyard-missoula/

Coming Up: More Missoula, Montana!

We really enjoyed the serene drive from Idaho through Montana to Missoula. After such an inspiring drive, it was so nice to set roots at the Courtyard by Marriott for a couple of nights, while we explored the heck out of Missoula. I'll be sharing What to Eat & Drink in Missoula, Montana as well as Family-Friendly Activities in Missoula, Montana, in the next two travel posts!

In the meantime, please feel free to check out the prior posts from this road trip:

Travel Bliss: Road Trip from Portland, Oregon to Boise, Idaho

Travel Bliss: Where to Eat & Drink in Boise, Idaho

Travel Bliss: Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Many thanks to Glacier County Tourism for their coordination of our hotel stays in Western Montana. All opinions and photos are, as always, my own.