Dinogo Readers’ Top 5 Resort Choices in Montana for 2024

Montana ranks as one of the most sparsely populated states in the United States, providing travelers in search of expansive views and tranquility with the ideal setting. The southwestern region is dotted with numerous mountain ranges, forming a true playground for hikers, cyclists, skiers, and fly fishers. It's no wonder that this area also boasts some of Montana's finest resorts, featuring a delightful mix of ranches, glamping experiences, and luxurious hotels.

Understanding the Voting Process

Each year, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences globally, offering insights into the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated, casting more than 700,000 votes across more than 8,700 properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically assessed according to the criteria listed below:

Room and facilities
Location
Service quality
Culinary experience
Overall value

Respondents could rate each aspect as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the average of these ratings.

What Our Readers Loved

Readers visit Montana to escape the hustle and bustle — to embrace a lifestyle that is more relaxed, easier, and deeply connected to nature. All winners of the 2024 World’s Best Awards are situated in the scenic mountainous southwest of Montana, with nearly all located on ranches surrounded by open spaces and herds of horses. The classic Western hospitality adds the perfect finishing touch.

A reviewer of The Ranch at Rock Creek (ranked No. 2) commented, “If it were possible to give 10 stars, this resort would deserve it. … I would return every year, every season. They have everything down to a science. Beautiful location with wonderful staff.”

For those seeking more than just ranches and winding rivers, the Montage Big Sky at the base of Big Sky Resort offers a thrilling experience, renowned for skiing and downhill mountain biking.

“Ideal for a family ski holiday… or a cozy fall retreat for couples,” remarked one reader.

The Champion

Triple Creek Ranch: Darby, Montana

The picturesque snowy exterior of Triple Creek Ranch

Image courtesy of Triple Creek Ranch

This enduring ranch has consistently ranked high in the World’s Best Awards — it secured No. 1 in 2023 and No. 2 in 2022. Its legacy is supported by enthusiastic reader reviews, with one guest declaring it “the best place in the world,” while another lamented, “the only regret is that there isn’t a way to rate them higher than excellent.”

Promoting itself as “A Montana Hideaway,” this property is nestled in the rugged landscape between Glacier National Park to the south and Yellowstone National Park to the north. While it’s set in the wilderness, Triple Creek Ranch rivals the luxury of a five-star hotel in New York City. With 25 standalone cabins, guests can enjoy ample space to unwind and establish their own routines. The tranquil nights and expansive, star-filled skies offer a restorative sleep that energizes guests for a day filled with activities such as horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing.

The all-inclusive nature of Triple Creek Ranch allows guests to indulge without a second thought about mealtimes. Dining is a highlight, with one guest exclaiming, “The food and wine were five-star quality and perfectly suited to the location. I was thoroughly impressed and booked a return visit before I left.”