Red Lodge retreat: glorious Montana haven with history - Pollard Hotel charms guests

HISTORIC HOTEL LURES VACATIONERS FOR A DAY, A WEEK, A CELEBRATION, REST AND A FINE MEAL

The venerable Pollard, with the year's first snow, welcomes visitors from around the world.

Editor's Note: This story was revisited, researched and updated in June of 2026

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

RED LODGE – Since the Pollard Hotel began a serious spiffing up more than a decade ago, its inviting atmosphere continues to lure vacationers, locals and regulars for fine food and a pleasant stay. Its charms make it an enduring presence in this lively western town.

The delightful restaurant has continued to improve and innovate, often acting as the drawing card for an overnight  stay.

The Red Lodge retreat has been a glorious haven for decades. It was the first brick building  constructed in the picturesque mining town and opened its doors opened with fanfare in 1893.  Through the years, the menu has evolved from soups, sandwiches and burgers to an upscale medley of bistro offerings. The hotel's major restoration retained same old fashioned hospitality that charmed guests more than a century ago.

Antiques, historic photos and western furniture reflect the Pollard's atmosphere, here in the historic drawing room where diners enjoy breakfast coffee or sip cocktails before lunch or dinner.

Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge charms with artful lodging, meals

VINTAGE ONE Bistro in the historic venue presents a thoughtfully selected menu of appetizers, soups, salads and entrees -- artfully arranged on the plate.   We've enjoyed tasty tasty bison tenderloin, mouth-watering prime rib stroganoff and a satisfying meatloaf made of elk. The nod to wild game is a thoughtful addition. 

 A pleasing  maple salmon entrée features roasted veggies and bacon and corn fritters. Both gluten free and all-vegetarian entrees -- maybe pesto with pine nuts -- are offered. Desserts are delectable, and change daily. BREAKFAST  is a treat --  savory salmon and brie eggs benedict, a filling breakfast burrito with chorizo and homemade salsa. The steak and eggs were perfectly cooked.

The much loved gathering place has a guest roster to behold: politicians, actors and other personalities including William Jennings Bryan, famed silver-tongued orator; General Miles, the Indian fighter; copper kings William and Marcus Daly, scout Liver Eatin' Johnston and the raucous Calamity Jane.

Management has changed several times, but the promise to deliver “continuous improvement” remains constant.

Like the Bistro, with its big-city appeal, the Pollard aims for its rooms to attract diners with the same flair and excellence. The boutique hotel ambiance includes comfy beds, beautiful lighting, a book trade shelf and other nice touches. 

Colorful plated steak at the Pollard is topped with edible flowers and chives, berries and vegetables.

Tacos are artfully served and a favorite of diners at Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge.

Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge is relaxing and decorated with attractive paintings, plants and comfortable chairs to encourage lingering at either end of the day. There’s plenty to catch the eye. The hotel also proudly shows off Charles Ringer mobiles and sculpture, paintings drawn from the nearby natural world and historic photos. Fine woodwork and first-class appointments encourage conversation with a cup of coffee or cocktail in the “History Room” study or around the fireplace in the rear gallery.  Some of the rooms look out from balconies on the rear gallery and these rooms are our favorites.

Hiking near Red Lodge, fall is in the air, and the first reds, golds and purples await. Next up, the song that says autumn, and other seasonal nods.

IF AFTER a long day of exploring Red Lodge and the nearby forest, you don't want a fancy dinner, you needn't leave the hotel.  The Pollard’s Pub offers top regional jazz acts and a fun bar-fare menu with satisfying gems such as hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage and deep fried!  It goes well with regional beers or a glass of wine.

The Pollard remains true to its vision of excellence and service, dating back  more than a century ago when it hosted faithful locals along with Indian scouts and copper kings, touring actors and politicians.  The bistro is a delightful get-away setting for a special dinner or breakfast.  And the Pub is the ticket for a spontaneous night on the town.

More information or to book a stay or make a dinner reservation:

406 446-0001

pollardhotel.com

Friend Brad Smith was up at dawn to watch this black bear climb into our open garage and snack on dog food.

COMING UP: The bear facts.  

Guess who's coming to dinner at High Chaparral? We'll share recent bear and deer photos with our ode to the wild. Then autumn leaves, so poignantly described in "September Song," prompt Cookie's ode to the beauty of the changing colors and the "temporary melancholia," as her grandmother called it. Fall -- that beautiful season.  We aim for a fresh look at nature, travel and adventure, posting weekly at www. whereiscookie. com