Great Big Sky Montana Hotel

Like most people these days, we found and booked out Montana vacation online. Never having been to Montana before, and we were a little nervous until we actually got there. When arriving at Rainbow Ranch our tensions were put rest after entering the lodge. We arrived in the evening, and it could not have been a more warm or cozy welcome. Meghan greeted us with a friendly smile and checked us in to our room. However, before we could unpack our bags we had to plunge ourselves into the plush leather couches, in front of the blazing fire in the river rock fireplace in the lounge, and enjoy a glass of wine from their excellent selection of wines by the glass.

Our entire stay was very much like this. The rustic, yet elegant lodge and restaurant are complimented by the courteous staff and beautiful surroundings. The nearly frozen (it was pretty cold out while we were there) Gallatin River trickled by outside our back door and we could see mountains in every direction. We loved the Rainbow Ranch Lodge and would certainly recommend it to others looking for a charming Montana vacation.

We stayed in one of the Rainbow Ranch Lodge’s "luxury rooms" which had one queen bed, a small sitting area with a sofa sleeper, and a river rock fireplace with an ample supply of firewood nearby. The bathroom had Jacuzzi jets in the tub, and wonderful amenities (shampoo, conditioner, and lotion) from Molton Brown. Our back deck overlooked the partially frozen Gallatin River and Gallatin National Forest.

Housekeeping was excellent. Everyday our room was as clean and tidy as if we had just arrived, and we loved how we were always greeted with soft classical music upon entering the room (coming from the satellite TV).

To put it simply, the dining at the Rainbow Ranch Lodge’s restaurant was exquisite. Don’t let the remote location fool you, the menu is packed with fresh and flavorful dishes as such are the passion of Chef Tom Donohoe and Proprietor Patrick Hurd. During our stay we enjoyed fresh seafood, wild game, and natural Montana beef accompanied by an impressive wine list with over 600 selections from which to choose. In addition, the service was impeccable.