Your Guide to Bozeman Vacation Rentals
If you’re looking for the perfect way to experience Bozeman, you’ve come to the right spot. There’s no better way to take in all the things to see and do here than from the comfort and convenience of your Bozeman vacation rental.
Location, Location, Location
From the established neighborhoods of South Bozeman to fast-growing West Bozeman and every area in between, you’ll find the ideal setting for your Montana Adventure. Here’s a quick look at a few Bozeman neighborhoods that will make you feel right at home.
Downtown
Historic downtown Bozeman is both charming and energetic, with an eclectic mix of urban vibe and hometown friendliness. Landmark buildings flanked by new boutique shops offer plenty of inspiration for shopping, while restaurants from Burger Bob’s to Ted Turner’s Montana Grille and Plonk Wine Bistro provide ample drinking and dining options. Staying in downtown, or among the historic homes that surround it, puts you within walking distance to all the fun, including three beautiful city parks, Peets Hill and other trails nearby. It’s an easy 20-minute drive to hit the slopes at Bridger Bowl or a convenient hop onto interstate 90 to head east or west for all kinds of adventures.
South Bozeman
Staying on the south side of Bozeman puts you right between downtown and the mountains. This prime spot offers easy access to some amazing in-town trails, the campus of MSU, and the fascinating Museum of the Rockies. Within 10 minutes, you can either be at a Main Street restaurant for dinner or headed out to Hyalite Canyon for a hike.
Northeast Bozeman
The northeast area used to be the industrial part of Bozeman with modest homes and quiet neighborhoods. Now, much of the area has been remodeled into larger, modern homes and a number of industrial-style condominiums, creating an eclectic mix of dwellings and residents. Some thriving businesses like Treeline Coffee, Mountains Walking Brewery, and Wild Crumb fill out the well-rounded community. For a funky vibe that draws young professionals and families alike, this is your spot.
What to Look for or Avoid in a Vacation Rental
One of the most important things to look for in a vacation rental is the manager. Is the person or management company responsive, clear, friendly, and forthcoming with information? Or are they slow to respond, short on information, and a little murky about the details? It’s important to feel confident that you’ll be getting the experience that you pay for on your vacation.
Is the description of the property balanced, giving you an idea of both the pros and cons of the property? Is it full of exclamation points and talking mostly about all the fun things nearby, rather than the property itself? That may be a red flag worth looking at.
Read the reviews. Remember, though, that most people who write reviews either had a really good or really bad experience, so while reviews can be a good indicator, they aren’t the final word on whether a property would be a good fit. If anything in the reviews strikes an uncertain chord, contact the owner or manager, and get more information.
Pay attention to the amenities. Be sure you know what’s included in the price and what’s not. Make your own list of what you think you’ll need for your stay and check the amenities against that.
Look at the neighborhood. Are you looking for nightlife and a party atmosphere, or are you hoping to enjoy some peace and quiet and maybe a little solitude? Do you need secure parking or are you OK leaving your rented Land Rover parked on the curb? Much about the quality of your stay will be dependent on the neighborhood you choose. In addition to local blogs and travel posts, you may try using Google Earth to get a bird’s eye view of the area.
Finally, your rental should be located convenient to whatever local restaurants and grocery stores you may prefer. After all, a vacation rental doesn’t come with room service!
Choosing your vacation rental can feel a little overwhelming but taking the time to match your needs to the amenities, location, and service level of the property will ensure you book the perfect place for you.
