Spacious sitting areas, an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and an on-site coffee shop make a strong case for staying in at the LARK, but the hotel’s real aim is to educate travelers on where to explore. Discover the possibilities in the Map Room, or book a Bozeman 101 package for a DIY tour of historic downtown. Afterward, settle back in for the night in guest rooms adorned with locally sourced leather, metal and wood furniture, as well as punchy, modern wall graphics designed by local artists.

The Kimpton Armory Hotel opened in August 2020, and in doing so, it revived a historic art deco structure built in 1941 to house the Bozeman National Guard. In-room treats include yoga mats for stretching out tight quads and an honor bar, laced with a rotating array of locally selected surprises. Draw from the spirit of Bozeman’s bustling music scene by borrowing a Gibson acoustic guitar and picking out a few melodies.

Just a block off Main Street, Element Bozeman lets weary skiers reset with a swim in a saltwater pool before heading downtown. Rooms include a full kitchen for those who want to skip the crowds or crave a quiet evening amid the crisp, clean decor. Grab a muffin from the complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, or pop over to the Cateye Cafe for indulgences such as the Felix, an egg sandwich topped with crispy prosciutto, roasted red pepper aioli, spinach and gouda.

For trips that require a few hours at the laptop before hopping off the chairlift, the SpringHill Suites splits a workspace off from the sleeping area, with a desk so inviting that it’ll cushion the crimp of a working vacation. In-room Keurig coffee machines get the day going, while the on-site bar, Gallatin’s, pours local microbrews for capping off the evening.

Victorian stained-glass lamps, oak bed frames and a drop-front writing desk topped with a quill pen fill this history-rich B&B. When the local newspaper wrote about the Lehrkind Mansion, established in 1897, on its 100th anniversary, it noted BB pellets were still in the walls, embedded where the home’s builder had shot them trying to convince invading mice to move elsewhere. Two former Yellowstone Park rangers host and cook for guests in this retreat, just a seven-block walk from Main Street.

Convenience is key at the Hilton Garden Inn, which is a short drive from the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and within walking distance of a few restaurants. Additionally, it’s just about 18mi (29km) from Bridger Bowl Ski Area’s 2,000 skiable acres (809ha) and its notoriously challenging ridge skiing. Satisfy midnight cravings at the hotel’s 24-hour mini-mart.