Exclusive: inside America’s hottest Residence Inn, the Wilson Hotel in Big Sky

by James Wilkinson

In the town of Big Sky, a short drive from the legendary ski slopes, is The Wilson Hotel, one of Montana’s newest, stylish and most affordable properties. James Wilkinson checks in.

The Wilson Hotel, a member of Residence Inn by Marriott, made its debut in the town of Big Sky, Montana, in 2019 and since then it has continued to receive acclaim across America as the nation’s most exciting and best property in that collection.

At The Wilson Hotel you can expect a fantastic location in the heart of the town – the home of fantastic art galleries, restaurants, bars, cafes and shops – alongside spacious rooms and suites with kitchenettes, a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and excellent dining experiences.

“We are located in the heart of Big Sky’s Town Center and in short walking distance to surrounding shops, nightlife, dining and events,” The Wilson Hotel General Manager, Mandy Hotovy, exclusively told Wayfarer.

“We offer a wide variety of amenities for our guests and locals alike. Anyone can come and experience live music, kid craft nights, mixology lessons, the pool and much more. There is always something new to experience each season.”

When you walk into the hotel, the first thing you’ll notice are the views across to the mountains of Big Sky and it’s a big x-factor for this brilliant Residence Inn property.

“Right as you walk into the lobby, the first thing you see is Lone Peak Mountain welcoming you home,” Hotovy says.

“No matter where you are, you experience the natural beauty that Big Sky has to offer. All accommodations have mountain views and even our meeting spaces.

“Then there is the unforgettable pool area. You can relax and unwind with a local beverage by the firepits or cook up your favourite meal at the outside grill. It’s all about maximizing your stay.”

The rooms and suites on offer at the Wilson Hotel are spacious, stylish and ideal for a week in the mountains.

“Each of our accommodations are spacious and provide kitchenettes, dining table, pull-out sofas and all the comforts your desired while traveling,” Hotovy says.

“If you decide to dine in for the night, our local grocery store is only a two-minute walk away and we provide all of your kitchen essentials.

“Depending on the size of your party we have studios, one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom suites.

“Then if looking for the extra touch in the room, 12 of our one-bedroom suites have a balcony overlooking the town,” she says.

The fantastic food and beverage in the hotel is headlined by Block 3 Kitchen and Bar, which offers seafood, burgers, steaks and delicious charcuterie and cheese blocks alongside the best whiskey and cocktail lists in Big Sky.

“Breakfast is provided daily for our guests along with a Montana-style chophouse, Block 3 Kitchen and Bar, just off the lobby,” Hotovy says.

“For dinner, we provide a large selection of handcrafted cocktails, Montana game meats, local beers and whiskeys.

“Brunch is also available on Sunday’s and live music daily over peak seasons.

“The entertainment doesn’t stop there, as Tips Up is located just across the street and always provide a good time. Guests can enjoy country line dancing, cornhole, shuffleboard, casino games and more.”

During the ski season, another standout offering from the hotel is a shuttle to and from Big Sky Resorts.

“This makes it very convenient for our guests to explore the area and feel comfortable getting to and from Big Sky Resort,” Hotovy says. “The Wilson shuttle app is easy for guests to access and goes within a 15-mile radius of the hotel.

“The shuttle is offered daily in our winter season from 8am to 10pm at night and upon demand over the summer season and guests can sit back and relax, while we do the driving.”

Hotovy says while the property has some fantastic offerings, the real x-factor here is the hospitality on offer.

“It really is our amazing staff… we are a family and we strive to make sure our guests feel welcome and taken care of,” she says.

“I’m extremely proud of what our team has accomplished and what they keep bringing to the table.

“The goal is always to make sure our guests enjoy and experience all the same pleasures we have living in Big Sky, Montana,” she says.

ESSENTIALS: GETTING TO BOZEMAN, MONTANA

The best way of getting to Bozeman in comfort and style.

United’s brilliant Polaris Business Class cabin

WAYFARER recommends flying to Bozeman, Montana on United Airlines, which offers daily flights to the city from across America (including Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco) and around the world.

Big Sky Resort is a 1.5-hour drive from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and private transfers and shuttles are available. For a seamless experience, book ahead with companies like Big Sky Country Transport for a seamless ride from the airport to Big Sky.

Book a ticket on the long-haul sector in United’s Polaris Business Class cabin, which features flatbed seats, pyjamas (on flights over 12 hours), all-new Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and onboard amenities from Therabody – including a kit that features an eye serum, face spray, hand cream and cleansing towelette exclusive to United customers – alongside fantastic inflight food and drinks (including an a new, brilliant wine menu), premium noise-reducing headphones and fantastic inflight hospitality.

It’s an exciting time for United, with the carrier dramatically increasing Asia-Pacific and European services and debuting new United Clubs across the network.

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