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.
Raz says
Beautiful shots!!! I wish I have long vacation this summer so we can do road trips
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thank you, Raz! I hope you get the chance to do a road trip soon, too!
Dijana says
Beautiful Photos! I drove to Montana from Portland during winter months and it was breathtaking, but this is something different. Love it
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I bet it was beautiful to see more snow on those gorgeous mountains during the winter. Thanks, Dijana!
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
I love the photograph of the barn between the rolling hills! The Courtyard doesn't look too shabby either! Have a great trip!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
So many great barn sightings right off the highways... wait until you see the road pics from Kalispell down through Idaho & Washington... gorgeous too! :) We loved the Courtyard. Thanks, Erin!
Donna Hull says
Beautiful Montana photos. So which route did you take from Idaho to Missoula? Were you on the Interstate or did you explore the secondary roads and scenic byways? Can't wait to read more of your Missoula adventures.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thank you, Donna! We took I-15 north and then I-90 into Missoula. We were on a tight timeline, so we stayed mostly on main interstate highways, which were beautiful & scenic! :)
Jen says
Can't wait to hear about Missoula - I've never been but always wanted to go. BTW if you like long stretches of countryside, you should try a road trip through southwestern Canada sometime (if you haven't already)... We did this in 2013 and it was stunning!
Ali says
I grew up on the east coast and we haven't yet explored Montana or Idaho. I'd really like to take my kids on a road trip when they get a bit older, and this is great inspiration!
Jenifer says
Montana looks gorgeous, can't wait to add that to my bucket list too!
Aubrie LeGault says
I love driving through the country and rural roads and seeing all the barns and open fields!
Melinda says
We've been through Missoula quite often, but we haven't ever stayed there...we go on to Livingston where my husband's family has a reunion every few years. However, the lodging options in Livingston are far from stellar, so I might make a pitch for Missoula instead!
Shannon says
This drive looks so pretty! I have never been to Missoula, although one of my high school friends went to college there and absolutely loved it. I hope I'll get to stop by there someday!
Geoff (Steep Stories) says
I've never heard anyone writing about Missoula other than "we stopped here". I think it's one of the underappreciated towns in Montana.
Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman says
We usually travel to Missoula about once a year, and you're so right - the drive is beautiful! We haven't stayed at the Courtyard yet, but it looks like pretty nice digs.