A historic 1941 Art Deco armory transformed into Bozeman's premier boutique hotel, featuring 122 rooms, a subterranean whiskey bar, and a rooftop pool.
The Kimpton Armory Hotel stands as a striking monument of Art Deco design in downtown Bozeman, occupying the meticulously restored 1941 National Guard Armory. Designed by the prolific local architect Fred Fielding Willson, the building was constructed to house the 163rd Infantry Regiment of the Montana National Guard during World War II. Its original structure featured eighteen-inch-thick reinforced concrete walls, a soundproof music room, a rifle range, and floors robust enough to support military trucks and tanks. For over sixty years, this landmark served as a community hub and military base before falling into disrepair and sitting boarded up for nearly a decade. In a major preservation effort led by local travel entrepreneur Cory Lawrence and Kimpton Hotels, the historic two-story building was saved, and a modern nine-story tower was integrated into the original footprint, creating the tallest building in downtown Bozeman.
Inside, the design honors its military heritage and Willson's architectural vision by blending rugged materials with contemporary refinement. The lobby features wooden-paneled ceilings, slate-gray reception counters, and leather-upholstered couches arranged around a crackling fireplace, alongside live-edge wood tables. The property boasts one of the largest local art collections in the Gallatin Valley, showcasing works by regional artists like LeeAnn Ramey and Hannah Uhde that depict historical scenes, the 163rd Regiment, and Willson himself. The hotel's 122 guest rooms, including 12 suites, feature a modern take on alpine style with natural wood, hand-stitched leather, and woven textiles. For a touch of musical heritage, the property offers a Gibson Guitar Program, allowing guests to borrow acoustic guitars to play in their rooms, and provides in-room yoga mats and loaner bikes for exploring the town.
Dining at the hotel spans three distinct venues, each paying homage to the building's past. Fielding's, named after the original architect, serves seasonally driven American fare and mountain cuisine in a bright, art-filled dining room. In the basement, where the National Guard's military band once practiced, Tune Up operates as a moody, subterranean whiskey bar featuring live music, craft cocktails, and hearty bar bites like bison poutine. High above the city, Sky Shed is a glass-enclosed rooftop bar and lounge featuring views of the Bridger Mountains, a heated rooftop pool, and a shared-plates menu. Next door to the dining venues, the Armory Music Hall serves as a state-of-the-art concert space, ensuring that the building's long history of community gatherings continues to thrive.
Borrow an acoustic guitar through the hotel's Gibson Guitar Program for an in-room jam session, then head down to the basement whiskey bar, Tune Up, which occupies the armory's original military band room.
Where to Stay — Curated accommodations hand-picked by Basecamp West. Glamping, boutique hotels, historic lodges, and unique stays across the American West.