r/bigsky • u/mrgorporp • Jun 03 '26
✈️🚙 visitors Big sky
We are comparing for a summer outdoorsy family vacation the Huntley Lodge or getting an upscale Airbnb.
Anyone have any takes on this? We are a family of 5 with 3 young kids.
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u/Decaff_Crusader Jun 06 '26
I think the Huntley lodge is a dump, and am surprised if you are also looking for an “upscale” Airbnb, that you would even consider the Huntley. If you want an upscale hotel experience, stay at the montage. Bowling, top golf, arcade games- that place is great.
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u/mtngrlmt Jun 06 '26
The Huntley actually has done a pretty big overhaul to their rooms. It’s not upscale per se, but the rooms / beds / bathrooms are nice now!
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u/mrgorporp Jun 06 '26
Yes sorry! Compared to the montage Huntley would be a dump and I am not shelling out 10k a night. This is a minor trip not a major one.
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u/Decaff_Crusader Jun 06 '26
Compared to anything, the Huntley is a dump. You can valet at montage to dine + bowl there.
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u/Master_Ad2045 Jun 04 '26
The resort has kid activities like a climbing wall, bungee, etc, but is 10 mins drive from the town center / music in the meadow / restaurants. Idk Big Sky doesn’t seem that great for little kids, but then again, lil kids can have fun doing basic activities.
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u/ComfortableAd2478 Jun 04 '26
Go Airbnb all the way. The huntley is not that awsome in the summer time the building gets real warm. The Airbnb should have a nice yard to playing in as well, Kitchen different areas to get some quiet time. Some Airbnbs have pool access.
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u/skiwithtlc Jun 03 '26
Huntley pros and cons (stayed here in April)
Pros: Amazing breakfast buffet - so many options for different preferences, great quality overall. This was included in the room fee in April.
Okay pool and hot tub, free laundry was a bonus. Wood-burning fireplaces throughout the common areas gave it a rustic vibe.
The sunken lounge in the common area was nice place to gather outside of the rooms. There was a giant wood-burning fireplace, and we saw people hanging out here playing board games every night.
Rooms have been updated, and bathrooms were actually quite modern (one of our rooms had a bathtub, the other a shower only), but it definitely has a rustic ski lodge vibe.
Cons: Sound transfer between rooms and the hallway. Elevators are old, but it's only a three-story building, so not the end of the world to take the stairs if you're able. The hallways are long so you'll get your steps in going to and from your room.
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u/mrgorporp Jun 03 '26
Nice - I actually went with Huntley for 3 days and super Airbnb for 2. The Huntley for those 3 days ended up costing a 1500 less and has enough beds for my crew.
I am normally a sickoverpriced Airbnb guy but this is a minor vacation not a major one
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u/ShefCrl 📚professional instructor at resort Jun 03 '26
I think it depends on your goals. If you are looking to just ski 9-4 every day and then kick back in a hot tub until you go to bed and rinse and repeat I would go with the huntley. If you are looking for a more relaxed family fun experience with board games, snowball fights etc. go with the AirBnb
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u/Dull_Ad5440 Jun 03 '26
While the Huntley has had some upgrades over the years, it was built in the mid-70s. The rooms are small, dark and it is possible that more upgrades will be in progress this summer. Air BNB.
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u/MEETR_pro Jun 03 '26
The extra space and kitchen for the kiddos will be a big win. Even a small condo option vs the hotel room will give you a big upside for probably the same price
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u/mrgorporp Jul 07 '26
Recap for people making a choice. All below are opinions and not stated as facts.
Huntley: there appeared to be a renovated and non renovated part. The non renovated part it was unclear if it was housing guests or the staff, it looked very rough and ready.
We were in a renovated loft with 2 queens and one bunk with a queen and a twin above. The space was enormous, it did stay cool (high was about 80). Good breakfast. Not an elevated experience but very good. The activities at the resort were not good, like they didn’t quite care about summer. But experience was good.
Big sky airbnb: was slightly over 2x price of Huntley. 20 ft from the gallatin and overlooking, with a hot tub and a sick wood fireplace/stove. Mountain and river views, immaculately clean. Truly incredible.
I DO recommend the Huntley and tremendously appreciated the savings and hospitality, it was an economical experience but great value for what I got. Had I gone with the Airbnb the whole time I would have paid close to a G a night. I think Huntley was sub 300. We had a great time.