Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel

I’m sorry to stem the tide of positive reviews for Best Western Premier Helena, but this is a clear case of overrating. First, there is nothing “downtown” about its location. That’s false advertising. If you’re set on a Best Western, you might as well save 40-50% by staying at the newer hotel in town – either way, a car is required to drive to the prime walking area of Helena with the cute restaurants and shops. Even though we are a BW diamond member, the special upgraded room assigned to us had a fogged out window obstructing a view of the parking lot, an un-programable clock that insisted on showing the wrong time, and no balcony. Thankfully the bed was very comfortable. Cherry Wonderdog was especially disappointed by the staff. Those at the front desk were agonizingly slow, ineffective, and learning on the job. Clearly, there was a lot done by the hotel to reach the prestigious pinnacle of being a Premier hotel, but most of it was a facade, like extra idle staff wandering the halls or hanging out in the lobby, a limited supply of cookies at the front desk in the evening, and an unattractive though generously-sized indoor pool (no jacuzzi) rather than something sun-flashed and enclosed by glass like our BW in Dillon. The icing on the cake was breakfast. One would have expected it to be quite good. Instead, the coffee was weak, the prepared food items extremely salty, and fruit and bread items limited. There were a few supposedly local muffins triple-wrapped in plastic wrap, but nothing open aired and fresh. Croissants – not a chance! At least there was oatmeal. Which leads to the final experience on our last morning when we tried to get breakfast a few minutes early. We needed to be on the road at 7 AM, and Saturday's breakfast didn’t officially begin until that time. We called the night before to see if there could be any accommodations, but the front desk gal said we just had to wait. In the morning, Cherry Wonderdog entered the dining area at 6:50 AM and discretely served a bowl of oatmeal, only to be accosted by the restaurant manager. “You need to get out of here right now,” he said. Surprisingly, even after I explained the circumstances and that we didn’t mind that a few other food items hadn’t been prepared since we only wanted the oatmeal, there was still no lenience. The apparent issue was that if he made an exception for one, all hell would break loose. The front desk understood my “concern” and said it would talk to the restaurant manager later, but there was no apology or attempt to make things right. For over $300 a night, I expected more, a LOT more, and I certainly didn’t appreciate being treated like a criminal by someone with a postal complex wishing to exert his authority over out-of-town guests. Good hospitality means treating folks with respect, making exceptions AND accommodations, and going the extra mile to ensure satisfaction. This is especially true for an establishment charging top dollar. Cherry Wonderdog gives

Great property, friendly staff, clean & comfortable room. Property is located in the middle of town. Easy to get to / from. Staff does a great job of keeping everything clean and moving in the right direction.

Excellent accommodations, friendly staff, good breakfast and convenient to town. There’s no reason for this review to be any longer. I said all I need to say. There’s no reason for this review to be any longer. I said all I need to say. There’s no reason for this review to be any longer. I said all I need to say.

Nice setting in the Great Northwest Center. Rooms were comfortable. Staff was very helpful. I would stay there again if I return to Helena Montana. Chocolate chip cookies at reception desk were great. Coffee in the lobby is always a welcome treat.

The staff was so helpful. Every time I called they answered my questions. We were there for graduation and it was the perfect location. Walking distance to the Stadium and the downtown activities. A lot of restaurants, bars and breweries all very walkable.

The Best Western premier is my favorite in Helena, Montana. The staff there is amazing and helpful with a great location and very clean and modern facility. Had a room with French doors right out to the pool. We also use the meeting rooms while there and the staff was very due diligent to make sure that we had everything necessary. I highly recommend the Best Western premiere