Flying by the seat of your pants while on a road trip, can sometimes be a harrowing experience when it comes time to finding a room. But that's what makes it exciting. When you're on the road, with no particular itinerary, what fun is it to plan ahead? Uncertainty opens doors to adventure. So, one beautiful afternoon in mid June, I found myself in Saint Mary, which is one of the gateways to Glacier National Park. It was about time to seek lodging for the night, I drove up the side of a hill to find the Red Eagle Motel. And so I found it. It's nestled in with Johnson's RV Park. That name intrigued me as I was passing by, thinking with a name such as that, it had to be a decent place. Well, it depends on what you consider decent. Upon first glance, it looked a bit run down, but with a certain charm, in a Bates Motel sort of way. I thought hmmm, maybe I'll check out the resort I passed a few hundred yards back, the Saint Mary Lodge.
As I climbed the stairs to the resort, a doorman welcomed me with a good afternoon, as he ushered me inside. The man had a smile on his face that reminded me of a character from the movie The Shining. I almost expected him to say "Good afternoon Mr. J, welcome back, though we both know, you never left".
I thought, Um, this isn't going to be good. The pleasant gentleman behind the desk, proceeded to inform me that a room would be $290 for the night. All of a sudden, the Red Eagle looked to be flying into my future. As I left, the doorman opened the door, and with the same eerie smile said "we'll be seeing you again?" I just said "take care" thinking of course he'll take care, he's always taken care. LoL, it's funny how the mind spins.
Back to the Red Eagle I trek. I found the rates to be quite reasonable, especially when compared to the Overlook, I mean Saint Mary. This is an old school Motel. They even use the pen to paper method of checking in. Nothing fancy about the room. Clean, low ceiling. If you're tall, ask to see a cabin. No need bumping your head before Norman has a chance to get to it. OK, I jest. No need to worry about this place. A little rough on the edges, but the inside will do. Thin walls and all.
Quick Tip: You can't beat the location, rural as it is. The scenery is spectacular. You can stay here, albeit with muted expectations. read more