Thunderbird Motel

Location: 1009 East Broadway, Missoula, Montana, 59802, Missoula, US

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Motels

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Instructions: If you are planning to arrive after 11:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free WiFi
• 24-hour front desk
• Terrace
• Luggage storage
• Wheelchair accessible
• Picnic area
• ATM/banking
• Bicycle rentals nearby
• Hiking/biking trails nearby
• Smoke-free property
• Grocery/convenience store
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Parking (limited spaces)
• Pool sun loungers
• Hunting nearby

Rooms Available

• Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

  2 Queen Beds

  355-sq-foot room with hill views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Premium channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator and microwave

  Sleep - Pillowtop bed, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and a hair dryer

  Practical - Iron/ironing board, double sofa bed, and desk

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Sofa bed
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free WiFi
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Window screens
  • Guidebooks or recommendations

• Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

  1 King Bed

  355-sq-foot room with mountain and hill views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Premium channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator and microwave

  Sleep - Pillowtop bed, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and a hair dryer

  Practical - Iron/ironing board, desk, and phone

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free WiFi
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Window screens
  • Guidebooks or recommendations

• Signature Suite, 1 Bedroom, Jetted Tub, City View

  1 King Bed

  3896-sq-foot room with city views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Premium channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator and microwave

  Sleep - Pillowtop bed, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, jetted bathtub

  Practical - Iron/ironing board, desk, and phone

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free WiFi
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Window screens
  • Guidebooks or recommendations

Guest Reviews

• Crystal (10/5): - Always love staying their such friendly workers always recommend
• Jonathan (10/5): - Very friendly staff and in a great location!
• Larry (2/5): - If you are traveling and running late don’t book this hotel. If you are after midnight they won’t check you in and they will take your money. The common area was dirty and dated too.
• NICHOLAS (10/5): - basic services for reasonable price great activity within walking distance
• Gretchen (2/5): - The lobby needs an update. It looks as if it’s stuck in the 70’s. The parking was terrible and limited. There were questionable people hanging around outside. The whole property could really use an update. We didn’t even stay and went to a different hotel.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Staff makes the stay the best. Jimmy is an amazing front desk person.
• Timothy (10/5): - Quirky place that really doed make you feel at home.
• barbara (6/5): - Location is great. Facility on last legs.
• Joshua (10/5): - It is good
• Cyril (10/5): - Property was great
• Gloria (8/5): - They wherw very good and nice
• Sophia (10/5): - No complaints. Great rates. Long-term stay available. Amazing staff. Pet friendly. All around amazing.
• Brett (8/5): - Friendly staff but need to vacuum!
• Diana (6/5): - Toilet drained slow, shower dirty. Carpets dirty
• Jeffrey (10/5): - Very nice stay. Room as described
• Lyndsey (10/5): - I've spoken to Jim several times over the phone and finally met him for the first time face to face today. Jim is a really nice guy and funny. Definitely would recommend anyone to come here!!
• Anna (8/5): - This is a budget-friendly option, which turned out to be surprisingly good. The room (we had king bed room) was unusually big! Usually you barely can fit between beds, but in this room you could dance. The bed was enormous. There was a table for eating which again was surprisingly convenient and easy to seat at. The room was clean, the staff friendly and there is Albertson next door and a river trail within a walking distance. It is not flashy, but for the price you get a very good stay.
• Dr. Ryan (8/5): Decent for the price - Friendly environment. My room had a leak on the floor under the sink. Close to where I needed to be but a little dated in the overall decor. Good enough for me but would probably not bring my wife and kids.
• Jackie (10/5): - It was a great place to stay very courteous nice staff I will stay here again
• nicolemW370NE (2/5): BUT THAT LADY THOUGH........ - Well where do I start besides the beginning.... Ill try to make it short while giving the most detail possible.... Ive never been treated with so much disrespect in my entire life 💯!!! I reserved a room online, showed up about 5:30 or so to check in. There was a gentleman watching TV in main office area. He informed me that the owner stepped out to get food and wouldn't be returning for 15-20 mins. I had left my 9 year old son and my dogs in car while running in to hopefully have quick check in as we had spent too many hours (days) in my car as is, roasting in the blazing sun (120° in car), after recently losing our home in a fire. I was able to come up with the means to pay for a room finally and a small dinner for the two of us and was eager to dwell the accommodations of a hotel stay.... A lady that I guess was a caregiver for a relative of the owner came and called him and let him no I was there to check in. I told here I had reserved online and he walked her through the process of getting my info and making keys to the room. After she hung up I asked about the payment for the room and she said that him and I would work that out upon his return. I then thanked her for her help and we rushed into the plesent and well needed air conditioned room, so grateful to finally have somewhere cool to stay for the night! About 9:30 I get a knock on the door and it is a lady, I assumed was owners wife, and she was immediately hasty and rude asking me questions about the payment but not allowing me the opportunity to answer her. That was when she assumed I was lying about the sutuation at check in and without hesitation told me I had 10 mins to get out of the room. I asked her why, I told her I had the money to lay for the room, I again tried explaining that I had reserved online but again she wanted nothing of the sort to do with my explanation and told me the police were on there way and we needed to leave immediately. After packing all of our belongings and the dinner I had just finished warming for my son and I, and hot everything loaded into my car, I pulled up the reservation on my phone snd walked into the office and rang the bell for service and showed the owner the proof. He didn't seemed bothered by how I was treated, only took time to explaine there was a lady with 2 kids that had been in there car in the heat for 2 days that the church called and said they'd pay for so many nights for.... when I attempted to mention that we had been in the same boat for a couple weeks, he seemed to have failed to even hear me. He then said that he had no vacancy and offered me a 40% discount at another time. As much as I would really wish to never visit that motel again, our situation may demand it. All in all, Pretty disappointed in how they handled themselves and especially how I was treated by that lady!!!! As far as the room went, although it was exactly what we needed at this moment in our situation, the carpet was tore up a bit, the microwave kept popping the breaker on extention, and the bottom of the tub was quite stained up, but at the same time, It was nice snd cool inside, and there was a jacuzzi in the room, and my son and dog were excited to play video games and watch some cartoons!! I would normally be quite disappointed in the room and conditions but anything was better then being stuck in a tiny car with heat exhaustion.
• 21arcticg (10/5): Terrific!!!! - I am very pleased with service provided. The location, pool, hottub and most importantly the staff are truly amazing. What a wonderful relaxing experience. I look forward to staying again here soon when I come back to Missoula!
• Kevin (2/5): Disgusting - This place is stinky and filthy.
• brittanyfY5046ET (10/5): Thank you!! God is real , thunderbird to the rescue - Wow what a life saver this place was , everything in town was booked up and we snagged the last room at 2am during an emergency car situation .(we hit a deer 20 km out of town) The owner and staff made it easy feeling and personal , we can't say enough about understanding and helpful staff after a traumatic deer encounter . Life savors! Location is great next to a rays food store and cute coffee shop ,also good walking distance from the river. We loved the place looks it feels like an American classic hotel still keeping It real 🙏
• marilyn (10/5): - Friendly and helpful staff
• Teal (6/5): Filthy dirty - Words cannot express how filthy dirty this hotel is! Absolutely horrid!
• richard (2/5): - There was mold in the shower a old moldy coffee filter left in the coffee pot and the floor was filthy. I asked for a towel and he had a disgusting little dog in his hands when he gave me the towel. Never again. I would rather sleep in my car.
• Bonni (6/5): - they say they serve breakfast, none available. The room looked like someone may have been in there before us. The bath room had mold in the tub. The toilet didn't flush very well
• Zurubabul (2/5): If you love train horns, this is the place for you - Polite helpful staff. Hot showers. Heaters work. Key card, key reader problems. Your door key can not go near anything, it must have it's own pocket or space away from everything or anything that isn't wood/paper based. Internet is not fast enough to check email. So noisy. Much Loud.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Inexpensive good spot - Close to areas I visited, University. Accessible and comfortable.
• Y1276UYkims (4/5): Interesting experience - Out of sheer desperation to find a room for the night, my daughter and I came upon the Thunderbird Motel. The only room available was a "suite". The price was very reasonable so we went for it. The room was ok. Old & outdated but we're not picky. There was a coffee maker but no coffee or cups. Desk clerk was very nice & provided these things. Coffee was very good. Refrigerator & microwave in room. Staff was very nice. Most of the guests looked like they were on meth. It was a little scary. A homeless guy went into the pool area for a bit. They don't lock it. Parking area leaves much to be desired. Very narrow. Angle parking. You have to back all the way out. Probably the worst part was the train horns ALL NIGHT LONG! Unless you're a heavy sleeper or wear ear plugs, you're not going to sleep well. There was cable TV on old box type TV. Haven't seen one of those for a while! On the plus side, it's right next door to a grocery store, a bar & restaurant as well as a convenience store. Probably would not stay here again though.
• Marissa (2/5): - It was a horrible experience
• Sandra (10/5): - Room was big and clean. Very comfortable and hot tub was very relaxing.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Hotel was clean, check in easy. However Expedia showed hottub in king room and when got there no , but already paid :-)
• PAnderson (10/5): - Excellent place to stay!! Staff super cool and rooms wonderful!!
• Danielle (10/5): Pleasant and Fun visit - Well the woman at the front desk was so nice and accommodating. We loved our stay!
• EXd (2/5): - Very run down and not clean at all the floors were terrible in fact my dog got very sick about 3 hours after we were at motel she had to be hospitalized.. I feel she ate something bad off the very unclean floors..
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great place, easy to get to downtown . Great view of river.
• SCaballero (10/5): - Impeccably clean and comfortable beds. Not the Four Seasons but well worth the reasonable price.
• Ryan (6/5): - Love the neon and rhe look of the place but it smelled like cats and cigarettes. The jets on the tub were super loud and the tv sucked.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Nice clean place. Continental breakfast could have some healthier options like fruit and yogurt.
• charliedawn (6/5): Hope you enjoy train horns - We pulled into town on a Friday night with a college football game coming up, so they only had one room left. Lots of steps to get up to the room. It was large and had a jaccuzzi. We used the jaccuzzi but I felt a bit uneasy getting in and out without any grab bar (young people wouldn't have that problem). We had a hard time getting the plug open afterwards, had to use something to get under the stopper to open it. Very hot water. And the trains! The track is just across the street, but they need to blow the horn as they go by. And they went by about every half hour. The TV was an older model, which looks odd now that we are used to the flat screens. One of the barstools had burn holes in the seat, probably from some hair appliance being set down on it while hot.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Our bed was super comfy. I dug the 80’s decor. I recommend not using the microwave in the lobby. It’s old and creepy. Seems like it’s still running when you open the door on it, and it won’t shut off. They told me it was just the fan running in it. I don’t believe it is. They should replace it. The one in our room was much newer. I should have used it. There are coffee shops and food right next door. Was an easy mile walk to The Top Hat to ride a bus to our concert. I do recommend it as a good place to stay.
• Gary (4/5): Missoula Trip - Outside deck was cluttered and dirty. Receptionist was not friendly and it felt like we were bothering her. Would not stay here again.
• Dj (4/5): - I liked the housekeeper,she was nice. Nice pool. No contennetal breakfast. Bagels, old cereal,and donuts. I'm a diabetic can't eat that. Old place. Sorry, I won't be staying there again..
• Doris (6/5): OK but not quite satisfactory - We were on the end of a 3 week trip with new motels most nights. This was the least appealing of all the nights. It wasn't uncomfortable but just didn't give us a feel of a clean room. Maintenance and cleanliness were our factors. Was nice and quiet and comfortable mattresses but my hubby wasn't happy and he doesn't complain much. Sorry but this was our feeling.
• Buzz (10/5): - Awesome Neon Sign. Classic Roadtrip locale. Fun & affordable.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - There was a microwave and small refrigerator. Sheldon would have loved this motel. A train would pass by every few hours and toot it’s horn. This did not bother me but could be a problem for others. There were restaurants close by and an Albertsons Grocery next door. Very convenient.
• Carol (4/5): Stuck in the 80’s - Hotel room is in need of a major overhaul. Lights over vanity didn’t work. Carpet was dingy. Won’t stay there again.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Room was clean and the bed was comfortable. Parking was a bit cramped but we manged to get parked and squared away.
• Steven (2/5): Thunderous crap - This was right next a railroad track with trains constantly travelling and honking throughout the night. The headboard fell and hit my head. The lady at the front desk was rude, and a loud squeaking pipe kept us awake most if the night. This place is awful.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - We had a jacuzzi room and it was spacious and wonderful. The AC worked great. We were very happy with our stay. We will be staying again next time we have a mini vacay in Missoula.
• Adele (8/5): Decent digs. - The Staff was friendly. The Hotel is definitely outdated but was clean and the bed was comfortable. Affordable price.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Only complaint - loud trains across the street during the night. Motel was good.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Only negative was the odor and covered recliners walking into lobby. Otherwise great place and staff is second to none.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - I loved that this hotel was privately owned by a sweet lady who was in the lobby helping to get people registered. I find very few privately owned hotels/motels. The hotel was older but was very clean.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Old property next to train tracks, in need of repair
• Verified traveler (10/5): - it was very clean, staff was super nice and they trie their best to accommodate all their guests needs. overall pretty good place to stay for the price of the room.
• brenth748 (2/5): Thunder Run Motel - $99 dollars to catch a disease is what you get at this motel. The only real cool thing was the neon. The pool is filthy , the hot tub ...dear lord and they even made the continental breakfast terrible ....I mean how. Run run away from this motel.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Not fancy, but the location is convenient and it's affordable. Big room, with a small refrigerator and microwave. The soundproofing isn't good, but it's an old building, so maybe not much can be done about that.
• Verified traveler (4/5): - The room I had was a king and a hetted tub. There was no walls or doors for the toilet or shower just glass blocks so if you don't want anyone knowing what you're doing in the bathe room don't book this room. The lady at the front desk didn't seem to know all that mush about anything either.
• DiscardA (2/5): Not good... Don't Stay Here - Room #112 > You will here the train horns all night long > We are Non Smokers, however felt like we had each smoked a pack of 25 cigarettes from being in the room. > The whole establishment us stuck in the 70's - datedbeyond belief > Over priced... we were charged $85 + taxes > The previous customers coffe bag we found wet inside the coffe maker ( yuk ) > The prevoius customers Bath Towel was still hanging on the back of the bathroom door Clearly we wouldnot recommend this place or chose to stay here again
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great Location for me. Old School Style. Not your cookie cutter hotel.
• Dan (6/5): Be sure to check the faulty headboard - It left something to be desired. When the headboard falls off and almost crushes your 5year old, something should’ve been done.
• tom (4/5): - 45 minutes to check in, lost reservation, key card didn’t work, personal calls during check in process, owner dressed down employee in front of 10-15 guests in lobby. Acted like they did me a favor for finding my reservation but first had to call a lady and tell her they had to cancel her room so I could have it.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - We love staying at this hotel. We get one of the rooms with the hot tubs in the room. It is always an amazing and relaxing time.
• Lloyd (8/5): Good sleep. - Everything was good except the breakfast. It's a very minimal continental breakfast, no frills at all. Very boring.
• Verified traveler (4/5): - The mattress had crumbs on it, clearly not clean. Very old/poor condition room. They had just painted the outside but done nothing to make the room better. Staff was nice but between the train next door and the grossness if the room, not worth it.
• geraldh463 (6/5): A little worn around the edges but clean - I used to stay here 50 years ago. We were passing through Missoula on our way to do a float trip on the Smith River. This was a good place to overnight so picked the Thunderbird. Had read a wide range of reviews. We found the place was clean, well located for off on I90 but a little worn. We weren't sorry we stayed at $75/night. We got what we expected.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Loved the pool! Had a great time with my family there!
• Mayday66 (4/5): More or less what I expected - It was a 2 star motel so I went in with expectations based on that and it was pretty much what I expected. It was old, dated, a little dirty. My wife claims a mouse ran across the bed, I can't verify that as I did not see it. If you are attending something at Grizzly Stadium the location is fantastic. Checking in was a hassle because they are still in the 60's when it comes to technology and I was a little nervous about showing up without an email or confirmation. What I did not like is I was there for an event and the City was busy and options were limited. This motel would only sell me a room for 2 nights even though I only needed 1. And they jacked up the rate to $125, so it cost me $250 US to stay there for about 6 hours. This is not a $125 night motel and would expect a Best Western or Holiday Inn or something like that for that price. In this case I didn't have other options, but next time if I do have options I would pick something else.
• mtfornow (2/5): A little bit angry. - I booked your Signature Suite months in advance. Upon arrival, I was informed that my 2 teenage children were not allowed in that room! NOWHERE on your website, does it say that children are NOT allowed in the Signature Suites. I was told that they may push a button that will cause $400.00 in damage. Are you kidding me! These kids are 13 years old. If you are worried about button pushing, may I suggest that you make the button CHILDPROOF. Instead of ruining a trip for another family. Your hotel not only made our over night trip to Missoula more complicated then it needs to be, by not putting a disclaimer on your rooms. But I was spoke to like a child by your front desk person. I am past angry at this point. NEVER again will we stay with you. EVER.
• sms6164 (8/5): Great experience! - Thelma at the front desk is a gem! When she wasn’t able to accommodate our request for a handicap accessible room, she upgraded us to a large room in the newer section. This was a huge deal. I don’t think you find that in a chain. The Thunderbird is an older property, but well maintained and convenient to town. I highly recommend it.
• 717darlenec (4/5): Just ok - I arrived at about 10:30 pm. Asked for rates and if give any discounts for military and they did. Got a king size bed (that’s a plus). Carpet is worn some. Chairs have stains on them. Tv is old school. (No flat screen). Train goes by at all times of The night. Pluses are it came with a fridge, microwave, bed was pretty comfortable. One of the pillow cases were so thin could see the pillow stains. (Yuck). The continental breakfast was a joke. No bagels and no yogurt. Cold cereal and day old cake thing. Coffee has good flavor. Shower had hot water but shower head could use a good cleaning. Loved the mirror closet. Room was pretty spacious. Maybe should get a three but will leave it at two.
• Lin67 (4/5): Just Passing Through - Well, The Jackalope out front of this place was the best part of this quick overnight trip on our way out west. We stayed here because of the reviews on TripAdvisor and the price. So what's the bar I set for a place I'm just sleeping at and leaving early the next day? Well I ask myself, would I stay here again. And I'm sorry but the answer for this place? No way! First clue that this place wasn't up to snuff? A simple key'd hotel room lock. So safety is a concern. The mattresses were awful and you could feel plastic covering of the mattress through the thin bedding. When you go to lay down it sounds as if you are sleeping on grocery bags. The air conditioner unit was very loud. I showered before we got on the road again the next day and the shower curtain had mold on it and was ripped on the bottom. My time travel trip back to the 70's was done! For the $125 a night price at least put some new carpet down and upgrade your door locks! Oh, and replace your shower liners too! The picture I got of my daughter on the Jackalope though was priceless!
• 130patsyd (10/5): We LOVE this place THUNDERBIRD - Me & my love LOVE THIS WARM POOL & HOT HOT TUB!!!!! Details matter! Yes, it's maintained with a professional quality. Hate cold pools & murky cold "hot tubs". That's why we ALWAYS STAY AT THE THUNDERBIRD!!! Some like it hot!!!!!!
• 20errickg (10/5): Love This Place - Hi this is Errick. The suites at the Thunderbird are nice and big cozy rooms. And the safe is amazing. If u need to relax this is you place. I have visited here a few times and always have a good experience.
• hilerym2016 (10/5): Negative Nancy - So the owner is amazing just an absolute sweetheart everybody else who works here are absolutely amazing except for the housekeeper Nancy. She told me while I was staying here have paid for a room that if some friends of ours who were visiting that they had to leave or we would be kicked out. And this was at nine o'clock in the morning. So other than that, my visit was amazing.
• H1931TYmatthewh (6/5): A Rare Mid Century Find with decades of History and Locally Owned - My friends and I were coming to town for a concert at the Wilma. Most of us travel for our jobs and really get tired of the Corporate Hotels and feeling like a number when there are 200 guest rooms. Upon arrival I was a little apprehensive, I am just not used to staying in older Hotels, let alone a Motel. The Front Desk check in was easy. Michelle was a pleasant young woman (possibly an owner) who checked us in without problem. Here is where experience depends upon your expectations. There are really two different buildings. The original building was built in 1936. The owners 2nd floor residence was removed and 6 newer, oversized and updated rooms were added. Two of these rooms have nearly new, white Jacuzzi brand hot tubs that seat 3 to 4 people. WOW! There is not comparison. When I want the "Old West" Feeling and a more affordable room I know what building to stay in. If I am celebrating an Anniversary, Bday or friends night out, the Thunderbird has is. Step back in time, clean, nearest hotel to U of M, bars, restaurants and Albertsons. Owner Thelma Baker will see us again!
• Q6547QBjenniferf (10/5): Wonderful hot tub rooms - I love this place, we stay there often. I love how you are left alone. The parking isn't the best but that really doesn't matter. I love the hot tub rooms. The privacy here is priceless. They make you feel special. However don't expect them to answer their phone they are bad that way.
• bobina5 (8/5): Affordable and clean - We had a room with a nice mountain view for under $100. Hotels here seem very expensive. This one was clean, friendly, and maintained pretty well. A couple of cosmetic scratch and dents, but clean and nice. It appears to be a family run operation. The woman running the desk made reference to her son doing a good job maintaining the pool, and indeed he does. Pool area had a nice hot tub, and a patio with a river view. I would defiantly stay again. Great budget option.

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