Boutique-style hotel in downtown Whitefish welcomes first guests
After months of construction, only small details remained Friday morning, Aug. 5, as workers rushed around the new Firebrand Hotel in downtown Whitefish. The first guests were expected to arrive later that afternoon and soap dispensers needed to be filled, the sidewalk washed and a few last dabs of paint still needed to go up.
The $10 million, 86-room hotel at the corner of Spokane Avenue and Second Street in downtown Whitefish is owned by Averill Hospitality, which also operates The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Whitefish’s downtown master plan has long called for a boutique-style hotel downtown. The Averill’s project was approved by City Council in February 2015 and work began the next month.
The Firebrand takes its name from a well-known mountain pass on the east side of Glacier National Park.
The hotel’s exterior facade is dominated by granite and stone, while inside the lobby exudes a traditional Montana feel with some contemporary accents. A large patina-washed steel fireplace is the centerpiece of the lobby with large windows reaching to the second floor. Soft leather couches and other sitting areas surround the fireplace.
Joe Hill of Rocky Mountain Builders served as contractor on the construction project, and Jennifer Michelle of Sage Design styled the interior.
A bar in the lounge serves tapas and small plates cooked up by executive chef Erin Hamilton. Food is served from 4-10 p.m., and the bar is open until 11 p.m., serving wine and 12 beers on tap. A breakfast buffet is served each morning. There is also a coffee kiosk with tea, smoothies and grab-and-go options.
Edna White, Averill Hospitality sales and marketing director, says the concept is to have hotel guests grab a bite to eat or a glass of wine at the lounge bar before heading to the downtown restaurants.
She said the Firebrand is geared more toward the leisure or corporate traveler, and complements the accommodations and amenities at The Lodge located on the east shore of Whitefish Lake.
“Some people want to be in the heart of downtown where the action is,” White said.
Accommodations include 81 “deluxe” guest rooms and five “premium” suites on the third floor. Each room includes custom beds, windows that open, 50-inch flat-screen TVs, a mini fridge and USB ports. Smartphone enabled locks allow guests to access their room using a virtual key on their mobile phone.
Deluxe rooms are priced at $119 to $249 a night, with suites priced at $164 to $365.
A spa offering massage, manicures and pedicures, and fitness center are located at the basement level. A board room and 750-square-foot meeting room are also on the lower level.
A rooftop patio offers guests views across town in all directions.
Initial plans included space for a pool and a hot tub in the basement, but developers opted to scrap the pool and put the hot tub on the rooftop patio. However, a permit to allow the hot tub was denied. White said that while the developers continue to seek the permit, the rooftop will serve as a nice place for guests to enjoy the view or for an intimate social gathering.
A 72-car parking lot is accessed off Third Street and will not include valet parking like The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. A shuttle will take guests to the airport and The Lodge.
The hotel will employ about 35 people during the peak summer season, White said.
Firebrand general manager is Angela Flickinger. For employment opportunities, email guestservices@firebrandhotel.com.
Reservations can be made at www.firebrandhotel.com or by calling 863-1900.