Best hotels in Helena
Residence Inn by Marriott
2500 E Custer Ave, MT, 59602
Close to both the airport and I-15, Marriott’s Residence Inn is geared towards longer stays, although those on short visits who want that ‘home from home’ feeling will feel welcome here, too. Rooms with living areas and full kitchen give you plenty of space, , and the hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and child’s splash pool.
DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown
22 N Last Chance Gulch, MT, 59601
This is a hotel offers a prime location in the heart of Downtown. Theaters, museums, restaurants, stores and cafes line the streets surrounding it, while the hotel itself boasts modern rooms, an indoor pool and Ristorante Bella Roma, serving authentic Italian fare. .
Home2Suites by Hilton Helena
3325 N Sanders St, MT, 59602
Just by I-15, the large suites at this Hilton are perfect for business visitors and small families who want to self-cater. There are living areas, kitchens and ergonomic working walls for those who want to catch up while they’re on the road. Rooms are pet-friendly, parking is free and the indoor pool is a great place for a few laps.
Best restaurants in Helena
Ristorante Bella Roma
22 N Last Chance Gulch, MT, 59601
Inside the DoubleTree hotel, this might just be the best Italian restaurant in the city. Authenticity is the secret, with homemade elements from the bread to the pasta, sausage and even the cannoli shells. There are superb renditions of all the much-loved classics , while a wagyu filet mignon with peppercorn brandy sauce is the choice if you want to push the boat out.
Benny’s Bistro
108 E 6th Ave, MT, 59601
There’s a buzz about Benny’s that emanates from the open kitchen. With ingredients drawn largely from local producers, the wide-ranging menu ranges from paninis to Thai curries, succulent burgers and perfectly-cooked steak with all the trimmings.
Brewhouse
939 Getchell St, MT, 59601
For superior pub food and an always-on atmosphere, Brewhouse is the place to be. Pull up a seat for shareable snacks such as wings and nachos or tackle the generous pizzas and burgers. Treat yourself to the blackened prime rib sandwich or sizzling steaks.
What to do in Helena
Montana State Capitol
1301 E 6th Ave, MT, 59601
Helena is home to the state’s handsome capitol building, built from granite and sandstone in a neoclassical style. The building’s main section was finished in 1902 and the wings ten years later. The decorative highlight is undoubtedly the copper dome, although the superb range of historical paintings, framed in gold, is impressive too.
Last Chance Gulch
MT, 59601
Today’s gulch is far cry from the creek that existed here in 1864. The site of the gold discovery that gave birth to Helena, it’s now a pedestrian mall lined with stores, restaurants, hotels and historic buildings. What’s noticeable is the lack of chains—this is a place that prides itself on its independent businesses.
Reeder’s Alley
212 S Park Ave, MT, 59601
To get a feel of what Helena was like during the gold rush, make your way to Reeder’s Alley and discover the remains of the old city. The log cabins and atmospheric buildings are your gateway to learning about how the miners—and their families—who sought their fortunes in Montana lived.