You know that feeling when you've been living out of a suitcase for three days and suddenly the sight of a cramped hotel room makes you want to scream? I get it. Most hotels in Montana are designed for the "pass-through" traveler—the person hitting Glacier National Park or Yellowstone who just needs a pillow for six hours. But if you’re actually stuck in town for a week or a month, things change. That’s exactly where Staybridge Suites Great Falls Great Falls MT enters the conversation. It’s located at 201 3rd St NW, right on the Missouri River, and honestly, the location is probably the first thing you’ll notice.
It’s not just another beige building.
Most people booking a stay here are doing it for work at Malmstrom Air Force Base or maybe they're in town for a contract at Benefis Health System. You’ve got the river right there. The River's Edge Trail is literally steps away, which is a lifesaver if you're the type of person who needs a morning run to stay sane. It's about being able to breathe.
What People Get Wrong About Extended Stay Hotels
People hear "extended stay" and they think of dingy carpets and a microwave that smells like burnt popcorn. Staybridge Suites Great Falls Great Falls MT isn't that. It’s an IHG property, so there’s a certain level of "corporate polish," but it feels surprisingly local. The rooms are suites. Actual suites. You get a full kitchen, which sounds like a luxury until you realize that eating Applebee’s for fourteen nights straight is a form of slow torture.
Here's the thing.
You have a full-sized refrigerator. You have a stovetop. You have a dishwasher. If you want to buy a steak from one of the local butchers in Great Falls and cook it yourself because you're tired of restaurant salt, you can. That's a huge deal for your blood pressure and your wallet.
The layout matters too. Most hotel rooms are just a bed and a TV. Here, the studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options actually give you a place to sit that isn't the edge of the mattress. It’s about psychological separation. You work at the desk, you eat at the table, you sleep in the bed. Simple, but most places fail at this.
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The Missouri River Factor
The location isn't just a mailing address. Being on the 3rd St NW corridor means you’re essentially across the bridge from the "action" of downtown Great Falls without being stuck in the middle of it. If you walk out the front door, you’re on the River's Edge Trail. This trail system spans over 50 miles. It’s incredible. You can walk to Gibson Park in about ten minutes, which is arguably the nicest park in the state, complete with a duck pond and flower gardens that are actually maintained.
The "Social" Aspect (It's Not Cringe, Promise)
Staybridge does this thing called "The Social." It happens three nights a week—usually Monday through Wednesday. They serve food and drinks for free. Now, usually, "free hotel food" is a warning sign. But here, it’s actually a decent way to save $30 on dinner. They do things like taco bars or sliders. If you’re traveling solo for business, it’s one of the few times you might actually talk to another human being who isn't a cashier. It takes the edge off the loneliness of the road.
Logistics and the Reality of Great Falls
Great Falls is a windy city. Let's be real. If you’re visiting in January, you’re going to be dealing with the "Big Sky" wind that cuts through your coat like a knife. The Staybridge has an indoor pool and a hot tub. It sounds like a standard amenity, but when it’s -10°F outside, that indoor pool becomes a sanctuary.
Also, the parking.
Parking in some downtown areas can be a nightmare of meters and tight garages. Here, it’s a massive open lot. If you’re driving a massive F-150—which, let's face it, half the people in Montana are—you won’t be struggling to squeeze into a spot. It’s easy.
Let's Talk About the Breakfast
Everyone talks about hotel breakfast. Usually, it's a soggy waffle and a banana that's seen better days. Staybridge Suites Great Falls Great Falls MT actually puts some effort into the hot spread. They have rotating proteins, decent eggs, and the coffee isn't just brown water. Is it a five-star brunch? No. Is it better than the drive-thru at McDonald’s down the street? Absolutely.
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Proximity to Why You're Actually Here
If you're in Great Falls, you're likely here for one of four reasons:
- Malmstrom AFB: It’s a short drive east. Many military families stay here while waiting for housing to open up.
- Medical: Benefis is the big player here. The hotel is often a home base for traveling nurses or families of patients.
- Agriculture/Energy: Great Falls is a hub for the surrounding golden triangle of wheat production.
- Glacier National Park Pitstop: You’re about 2.5 to 3 hours from the East Glacier entrance.
The hotel sits right near the intersection of Highway 87 and Highway 89. You can get anywhere in the city in 15 minutes. That’s the beauty of Great Falls—it’s a "small" big city.
Hidden Perks and Small Details
Pet friendly. This is huge. If you're moving across the country and you have a dog, finding a place that doesn't treat you like a criminal for having a Golden Retriever is tough. They have a specific pet policy (there is a fee, obviously), but they are genuinely welcoming. There’s plenty of grass nearby for walks.
Laundry is free. Read that again. Most hotels charge you $3.00 for a tiny box of Tide and another $4.00 to run a dryer that doesn't actually dry your clothes. At Staybridge, the guest laundry machines are free to use. When you’re on a long-term assignment, being able to wash your socks without hunting for quarters is a massive quality-of-life improvement.
The Storage Situation
If you have a lot of gear—maybe you're a fly fisherman or you have work equipment—the suites have more closet space than your average Hilton or Marriott. You can actually tuck your suitcases away so you don't have to look at them. It makes the room feel like an apartment.
A Nuanced Look: The Trade-offs
Is it perfect? Nothing is.
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If you want a high-rise, ultra-modern, glass-and-steel vibe, you won't find it here. This is Great Falls. It’s functional, comfortable, and reliable. Sometimes the elevator can be a bit slow when the hotel is at 100% capacity during the State Fair or a big tournament. And because it's popular with families and teams, the breakfast area can get loud around 8:00 AM. If you want silence, eat at 6:30 AM.
Also, it’s worth noting that because it's right by the river and the park, you might see some "local flavor" in the surrounding public areas. It’s generally safe, but it’s an urban park environment. Just use common sense like you would anywhere else.
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you end up booking at Staybridge Suites Great Falls Great Falls MT, do yourself a favor and request a river-side room. The view of the Missouri at sunset is genuinely one of the best things about staying in this part of town.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you hate loyalty programs, the points add up fast on long stays. You can basically earn a free weekend in Vegas just by staying here for a couple of weeks for work.
- Hit the Trail: Don’t just sit in the room. Walk across the Central Avenue Bridge. Head into downtown.
- Check the Calendar: If the "Voyagers" (the local baseball team) are playing, Centene Stadium is close by. It’s a classic minor league experience.
- Grocery Strategy: There’s an Albertsons nearby. Don't rely on the hotel "Pantry" for everything; it’s marked up. Go buy a bag of groceries and use that kitchen you're paying for.
Great Falls isn't a city of pretension. It's a city of utility and rugged beauty. This hotel mirrors that perfectly. It provides exactly what you need—space, a kitchen, a decent bed, and a solid location—without the fluff that usually just inflates the nightly rate.
If you’re planning to be in North Central Montana for more than two nights, skipping the standard motels on 10th Ave South and heading to the river is the smartest move you can make. It’s the difference between feeling like a tourist and feeling like you actually live here, even if it’s just for a little while.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your dates early: Great Falls hosts large events like the Western Art Week in March and the Montana State Fair in late July; the Staybridge often sells out months in advance for these windows.
- Request a high floor: For the best views of the Missouri River and to minimize noise from the breakfast area/lobby, ask for a room on the top floor facing North or West.
- Check the military/government rates: If you are traveling for Malmstrom AFB business, ensure you select the specific "Government/Military" rate on the IHG website, as this hotel is a primary provider for per diem-compliant lodging in the region.
- Pack for the trail: Bring walking shoes or a bicycle; the immediate access to the River's Edge Trail is the hotel's best "unadvertised" amenity.