Montana may be renowned for its wilderness retreats, but you can also find places to escape in the state’s bustling cities. Case in point: Billings, where The Northern Hotel recently reemerged as a historically hip haven for both locals and visitors.
The property, which originally opened in 1904 and has hosted presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Richard Nixon, holds a special place in the city’s past.
It was purchased by Billings natives Mike and Chris Nelson in 2009 and loving restored and reimagined via a multimillion-dollar renovation. The 10-story property, with 160 guest rooms and 12,000 square feet of meeting space, reopened in 2013 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has become a social hub for the community, a hot spot for visitors and a favorite for groups meeting in town.
The Northern, which labels itself as “unpretentiously luxurious,” boasts a chic and contemporary design with a nod to the building’s treasured past and Montana’s signature Western style. Sleek furnishings, giant photos of galloping horses and landscapes, an inviting lobby fireplace, an elegant marble floor and two award-winning restaurants are among the highlights.
Bernie’s Diner specializes in traditional comfort food with an inventive twist, while TEN is the hotel’s fine dining establishment that has become one of the state’s top restaurants. Helmed by chef Tim Freeman, TEN serves classic American cuisine with an innovative international flair, including steak, pork, fish, game and fowl. Creative craft cocktails, signature beer floats and regional microbrews are on tap at TEN’s bar.
For more info, visit www.thenorthernhotel.com.
