Located in the heart of the Flathead Valley in Kalispell, Montana, is the Aero Motel. It is convenient to Big Mountain, Glacier National Park, Bob Marshall Wilderness, and Flathead Lake. We counted at least ten other small motels along this stretch of Highway 93.
Before we go any farther, I need to explain WHY we chose this particular hotel. Harry is an aviation enthusiast, which means the closer he is to an airport, the happier he is. It doesn’t matter how many stars or diamonds a place has been rated, as long it is in the right location (near or at an airport). When we saw the name Aero, we knew we were home.
The Aero Inn is adjacent to the Kalispell City Airport (not to be confused with the Glacier International Airport) and even has a back gate leading into the airport. The airport was filled with small general aviation aircraft. Inside near the front desk are pictures of airplanes, autographed Blue Angles pictures, and lots and lots of pilot memorabilia.
The gal behind the desk was delightful and very friendly--perhaps she was just happy to see guests. She welcomed us like we were long, lost friends and gave us her full attention.
There were 60 guest rooms to choose from, as this was low season and there were few other guests. Another pleasant surprise is a beautiful and sparkling indoor pool, and we had it all to ourselves. There is also a large hot tub and a sauna. For the kids, there is a game room with several video games.
Our room was large but looked like something from the 1960s. Concrete block walls were really not too bad-looking, and I am sure they helped considerably with noise (if there was any noise). More importantly, it was spotlessly clean, one of my only requirements for budget accommodations.
Free continental breakfast was minimal: coffee, milk, orange juice, two kinds of cold cereal, bread for toasting, and bagels.