It's always with great interest that I read other reviews. Interesting when they are so all over the board as they are here. I just spent two nights at the Northern Hotel and could not have been happier.
Just a month new when I visited, there's still room to grow and I have no doubt they will be a five-star experience soon. The staff could not have been friendlier. My room was lovely and beautifully appointed. When people complain about rooms being "small" in historic hotels they have to realize that's how rooms were built 100 years ago. If you want 500 square feet, go to a chain. The owners are to be commended for taking on this Herculean task. Saving and preserving a historic landmark has brought new life to this corner of Billings.
The lobby is chic and offers lots of sitting areas. Not to mention the beautifully executed gas fireplace. Two restaurants named for the owner's parents -- Bernie's Diner and TEN -- provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus a small bar and lounge. Big plates of comfort food and locally sourced products including Billings' own Rock Creek Coffee and Billings' brews. Bernie's decor is retro diner and so much fun. TEN is elegant and romantic but also just nice for friends to gather.
My first night, I returned to my room to find the bed turned down and two perfectly delicious chocolate truffles bedside.When I needed recommendations of places to visit, the front desk staff made several suggestions and provided Google maps to guide me. The other nice thing about the Northern Hotel is it's close proximity to everything else downtown. Walking distance to art galleries, local breweries, other wonderful dining experiences, museums. You can just park your car and explore. But if you feel the need to drive, all of those great open spaces are just a few miles away.
Free valet parking is available. Plus WiFi. A variety of meeting spaces large and small. And state of the art AV technology for meetings. Rooms include cozy bathrobes and flat-screen TV.