Belton Chalets - West Glacier, Montana
Posted by: BruceS
N 48° 29.803 W 113° 58.642
12U E 280054 N 5375792
Historic chalet styled hotel located adjacent to Glacier National Park in West Glacier, Montana. The Belton Chalet is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Waymark Code: WM252T
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 09/05/2007
Views: 162
Belton Chalet
Great Northern Railway chairman of the board Louis Hill dubbed the rugged
mountains of Glacier National Park "America's Alps." Between 1909 and 1913, the
great Northern Railway constructed Belton Chalet complex under Hill's
direction. It as the first of the Great Northern Railway's sprawling hotels to
serve glacier National Park, created in 1919, and marks the beginning of tourism
in the park. Hill drew upon the Chalet and American Rustic styles for his
hotels to create harmony with Glacier's natural landscape and help define
visitor's perceptions of the "controlled wilderness." He costumed employees
accordingly throughout Glacier Park. Waitresses in alpine dress, cowboy guides,
and local Blackfeet Indians created a true theme park preceding Walt Disney.
Belton Chalet is the most traditional, purely Swiss of Glacier's hotels.
Stylistic elements include front-facing gable ends, wide eaves with heavy
braces, balconies, and ornamental fretwork. Inside, taxidermy, American Indian
motifs, and a large oil landscape of Glacier Park by artist John Fery complement
the rustic wood timbers. Guest rooms at the Belton Chalet featured rustic
rockers, porcelain washbasins, Arts and Craft style dressers, Hudson's Bay style
blankets, metal bedsteads, and Swiss style curtains. After being closed for
many years and then completely restored under private ownership, Belton Chalet
is one of six original park hotels. The buildings as a group, designated a
National Historic Landmark Landmark, remain unaltered as a unique example of a
Swiss theme park in America's Alps. ~ text of marker on site
Daily, weekly, or monthly rates: Summer Rates (July-Aug)
* $135.00 Main Lodge Standard Room
* $150.00 Standard Room with Balcony
* $160.00 Deluxe with Balcony
* $160.00 Honeymoon Suite
* $285.00 Private Cottages (Lewis & Clark)
Off Season
* $115.00 Main Lodge Standard Room
* $125.00 Standard Room with Balcony
* $130.00 Deluxe with Balcony
* $130.00 Honeymoon Suite
* $205.00 Private Cottages (Lewis & Clark)
Refrigerator?: Lewis & Clark Cabins have refrigerators and microwaves
Fireplaces in the rooms?: Lewis & Clark Cabins have gas fireplaces
Handicap accessible rooms?: Select rooms only
Restaurant on premises and type of restaurant?: Restaurant on premises
Office phone number: 1-888-235-8665
Website of facility: [Web Link]
Types of recreation, activities, and attractions nearby: Glacier National Park next door.
Many activities available nearby including sightseeing, white water rafting, fishing and much more.
Discounts available?: Not listed
Kitchens or kitchenettes in the rooms?: Not listed
Childcare provisions?: Not listed
Swimming pool?: Not listed
Meeting or convention room(s) available?: Not listed
Office hours and any seasonal operating times or closed periods?: Not listed
Describe ease of accessibility to the location using a vehicle, hiking, etc.: Not listed
Office address: Not listed
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Notify the waymark owner of any changes in the status of the facility to ensure the waymark description is kept current. This may include changes in rates, area attractions, renovations, additions to facilities, increased lodging restrictions, etc.
If you visit and find the facility is closed permanently, notify both the group officers and waymark owner of the change. We will then update the waymark description and name to include the words "Closed permanently", and may consider the waymark to be archived.
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