GoHotelly
2-star hotel

Thunderbird Motel

Stay at Thunderbird Motel in Missoula, MT. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, indoor pool, pet-friendly rooms, and close access to Caras Park and Missoula Art Museum.

1009 E Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States View on map
6.2/10
Average Based on 257 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Indoor pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay with friendly, attentive staff

Guests appreciate the warm hospitality, spacious jacuzzi suites, and convenient downtown location near cultural attractions and dining options. Noise from nearby trains is a noted drawback, affecting light sleepers.

Guests often praise

  • Exceptional kindness and helpfulness of the owners and staff, especially Jim and Wendy.
  • Spacious rooms, particularly the jacuzzi suites, with clean and well-maintained facilities.
  • Enjoyable indoor pool and hot tub amenities consistently set at comfortable temperatures.
  • Convenient location close to downtown Missoula, local restaurants, and attractions like the Farmers Market.
  • Free parking, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly, making it practical for various travelers.

Worth knowing

  • Train noise nearby is frequently mentioned and may disturb light sleepers.
  • No breakfast or airport shuttle service is available on-site.
  • While family and pet-friendly, there is no fitness center available.
  • Some guests have noted booking and app miscommunications, though management is quick to resolve issues.
  • The motel offers a smoke-free environment with a mix of practical amenities for comfortable stays.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a budget-friendly stay with personable, attentive service.
  • Visitors looking to explore Missoula’s lively downtown and nearby cultural spots like Caras Park and the Art Museum.
  • Couples and small families wanting spacious rooms with jacuzzi features and access to a pool and hot tub.
  • Guests traveling with pets or vehicles due to pet-friendly policy and free parking.
  • Those who prioritize kindness and a community feel over luxury amenities or silence.
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Thunderbird Motel

Thunderbird Motel is a budget-friendly motel situated at 1009 E Broadway St in Missoula, Montana, offering practical accommodations with a variety of guest-friendly amenities. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, an indoor pool, hot tub, and air-conditioned rooms. The property is accessible and pet-friendly, making it suitable for travelers with diverse needs. Though there is no breakfast or airport shuttle service, a restaurant is available on-site for convenience.

Guests frequently mention the motel’s welcoming and attentive staff, highlighting personalized service that adds warmth to the overall stay. The presence of jacuzzi rooms is appreciated for providing a relaxing option, and the hotel's clean, well-maintained interiors are often noted. Train noise nearby has been mentioned in multiple reviews, which may affect light sleepers, so this is worth considering when choosing accommodations.

Set close to the lively downtown area, the motel provides easy access to popular local attractions such as Caras Park, known for hosting music and cultural events, the Missoula Art Museum, featuring contemporary and international exhibits, and the nearby Bitterroot River, popular for fly-fishing enthusiasts. Its location is convenient for exploring the city’s vibrant arts and dining scene, with many amenities within walking distance.

Thunderbird Motel is a practical choice for visitors looking for affordable accommodation with a personal touch in a central location. It appeals especially to those comfortable with a modest motel environment and who value close proximity to downtown Missoula's outdoor and cultural activities. Alternative lodging options nearby offer a range of styles and ratings for comparison.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Indoor pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Hot tub
Golf course
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JD
James Dickinson Mar 25, 2026
10

Man, if it wasn't for the amazing hearts and kindness of all of the staff members and management, I don't even know how bad things could have gotten. I first met Jim years ago. There's some really fun jacuzzi rooms here so it was definately the spot to take your girl after a week of hard work. Mirrors on the walls, just alot of fun for real!! This time I needed help real bad and had been through the ringer finding somewhere my rescue pups could be with me. Jim's given me the opertunity to get back on the horse after loosing my appartment. Long ago I remembered seeing Jim taking care of his sweet Mom in the room off the office! Who knew I would wind up needing care myself!! Thank you to Jim and Wendy, and all of the people that Made my life more liveable in a time when it was cold as heck and cards were stacked against me in to many directions.!! Thank you again from me n my tiny resue family!!

BC
BeastMaster1975 CaseyPriscalla Mar 14, 2026
10

Top Clezner In The Motel Business Industry, And The Best Place 2 Stay Because Of The Family Owners Love For The People In Missoula Montana That It Provides Top Knot Services With All Their Amazing Efforts 2 Keep The Customers Happy And Wanting To Come Back Just To Chat With Them Become Of The Beauitful Customer Services They Provide!. XOXOXOXO..

MKF
Mary Kathleen Fortin Mar 11, 2026
10

This place is amazing. Jim is really kind. The pool and the hot tub are always set to the perfect temperature and the rooms are good. We loved the huge tv in my room

AA
Andrea Alfson Feb 18, 2026
10

I love this place! We got the Jacuzzi room, which is huge, and the weekend was so beyond relaxing. Jimmy is just the sweetest, friendliest guy who recommended the Farmer's Market to us on Saturday. It's located right near downtown too which made our exploring that much easier. 10/5 will most definitely be coming back.

LS
Lacey Shelley Feb 15, 2026
8.0

The very sweet owners upgraded our room to the king size jacuzzi suite. There was a miscommunication with the hotel app and their website they upgraded us for free and it was on the last night of our honeymoon. Conveniently located next to food grocery gas and more! Very nice stay room was clean and well kept

MCK
Melissa crawford kump Feb 15, 2026
10

The owner was the sweetest guy. He helped us along our way. He was great the accommodations for the price were amazing. I would recommend the Thunderbird Motel near Missoula Montana with the highest rating.

RA
Renee Audette Feb 02, 2026
10

Gentleman at front desk was so kind. Almost like a cartoon character. Reminded me of my childhood. The hottub was very hot. I was impressed by the loud train noise. Overall excellent experience!

EV
Ethan Vose Dec 29, 2025
10

The people who run the motel were basically the nicest people I've encountered at a motel. Rooms were really nice. The only thing people will complain about is the noise of the trains. I personally don't mind but if you're a light sleeper you might want to try somewhere else.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Thunderbird Motel

Missoula, Montana, USA

Lively downtown area with the riverside Caras Park, Missoula Art Museum & a vibrant bar scene.

  • E Broadway St & Jackson St 4 min Walk
  • E Broadway & Van Buren (IB) 2 min Walk
  • E Broadway St at Eastgate 2 min Walk
  • Missoula Montana Airport 17 min Car · 51 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Montana. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Bitterroot River 20 reviews

Bitterroot River

Orchard Homes, MT 59804, USA

4.5 · River
Missoula Art Museum 291 reviews

Missoula Art Museum

335 N Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

4.6 · Art Museum
Caras Park 1 reviews

Caras Park

123 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

4.7 · Park
People also viewed

Similar Motels in Montana

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

301 E Danker St, Knox, IN 46534, United States

Super Value Inn

Affordable 2.6rated motel with 26 reviews at 301 E Danker St, Knox. Close to Tippecanoe River State Park and Hoosier Valley Railr...

2.6 (26) View
2598 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606, United States

Taylor Motel

Stay at Taylor Motel, a 3.1star motel in Mobile, AL offering free WiFi and parking. Near USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park an...

3.1 (134) View
160 I-45, Huntsville, TX 77340, United States

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Huntsville

4star Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Huntsville offers free WiFi, breakfast, pool, and parking. Close to Sam Houston State Univers...

4 (601) View
4411 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517, United States

Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

Stay at Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport with free WiFi, breakfast, and shuttle. Close to Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport and popul...

2.8 (210) View
4005 WY-24, Aladdin, WY 82710, United States

Aladdin Motel

Stay at Aladdin Motel, a 4.3rated pet and kidfriendly motel in Aladdin, WY. Close to Aladdin Coal Tipple and Vore Buffalo Jump ...

4.3 (26) View
505 E State St, Botkins, OH 45306, United States

Budget Host

Budget Host Motel in Botkins, OH offers airconditioned, kidfriendly rooms with breakfast. Close to Armstrong Air & Space Museum ...

3.6 (105) View
125 Music Mountain Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

Compass by Margaritaville Hotel Pigeon Forge

Stay at Compass by Margaritaville Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN. Enjoy free WiFi, pools, petfriendly rooms, and close access to Doll...

4.6 (395) View
515 W 1st Ave, Plentywood, MT 59254, United States

Sherwood Inn

Sherwood Inn offers straightforward rooms with free WiFi and breakfast in Plentywood, MT. Conveniently located near Highway 5 and...

4.2 (138) View
3430 Fort Campbell Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37042, United States

Winner's Circle Motel

Winner's Circle Motel offers free WiFi and parking in Clarksville, TN. Close to Dunbar Cave State Park and Nashville Internationa...

2.9 (231) View
810 US-90, Bay St Louis, MS 39520, United States

Driftwood Motel

Stay at Driftwood Motel in Bay St Louis, MS. Enjoy free WiFi, parking, outdoor pool, and nearby attractions like Hollywood Casino...

4.8 (64) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Thunderbird Motel? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.