The greater Kalispell / Flathead lake area has no shortage of hotels, even when you consider the peak season. There are hotels and motels a’plenty, as well as bed and breakfast and other boutiques that abound. With that in mind, why you would ever spend the night at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell is beyond me.

The hotel is pretty good, and passed most of our site visit tests, but the one that it didn’t meet, and failed in pretty glaring fashion, was the value test. For the dollars spent, the value received at the Kalispell Hilton Gardens just doesn’t come close to what you can get from other corporate chains and privately held hotels in the area.

The pool is cool and unimpressive, there was no one even in it when we came through, even though it was what they called their peak season, and the fitness room was likewise empty (though with as small, ill-equipped and out-of-date as it was, one shouldn’t act too surprised.)

You can find a better hotel for less in the Kalispell area via a number of methods:

1 – Orbitz.com or Kayak.com can get you a better rate for a comparable, if not better, hotel.

2 – You can tap into the vast resources of the people you already know, and perhaps get a house or apartment for a fraction of the price, with far more comfort.

3 – You can literally drive around and throw darts out your window… if it hits a hotel other than this one, it would surely be a better value.

If you’re looking for accommodations in the Kalispell area, we recommend the Hampton Inn, any referral given to you by the area chambers of commerce, or just driving around and asking to see the rooms available.

I mean no discredit to the folks that work at this property, they are merely employees of a system that is likely expired and defunct. There are so many truly fantastic properties in the area, I’m confident the staff will do well, and I’m confident that you’ll do great as well.

You can find the Kalispell Hilton Garden Inn at 1840 Highway 93 South, Kalispell, MT, 59901, or call them on (406) 756-4500.

NOTE: I tried on numerous occasions to reach Hilton North America for comment, but Robert Allegrini, the rep for this area, declined to return calls.