When Marriott International acquired Canadian hotelier Delta Hotels and Resorts in 2015, it promised not only to introduce the Delta brand to the United States, but to expand it across the country. Three years later, the company continues to make good on its promise, the latest example of which is Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial, which debuted this week in Helena, Mont.
Located in Montana's capital city, Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial dates back to 1971, when Montana's then-governor Tim Babcock built and opened the original Colonial Hotel. The property — which in its heyday was a popular gathering place for state lawmakers — became a Radisson hotel in 2016, when it also underwent a significant renovation.
Today, the full-service property offers 150 guest rooms, an onsite restaurant, a fitness center, an indoor heated swimming pool and 18,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 4,600-square-foot ballroom and nearly a dozen meeting rooms.
"This hotel has been a bedrock of the Helena community for decades. We are honored to partner with Delta Hotels by Marriott … to continue to offer guests the impeccable service and quality that has become synonymous with this hotel," said David Veeder, the hotel's owner.
Since acquiring Delta, Marriott has grown the brand's portfolio to more than 40 locations across the United States and Canada. By the end of 2018, that portfolio will increase to 66 locations thanks to a swath of new openings in North America and abroad.
"The amenities and features of The Delta brand will fit seamlessly with the wants and needs of the Helena traveler. The team and I look forward to introducing the community to this innovative brand," said General Manager Adrian Ambro.
Four More Montana Hotels for Meetings:
Although the Colonial is one of Montana's largest meetings hotels, it's not the only option for groups. Here are four other Montana hotels that are either new or improved within the past few years:
• The LARK: Although it's a few years old — it opened in 2015 — The LARK in Bozeman, Mont., remains one of Montana's most exciting additions. Thanks to its contemporary design and modern amenities, the downtown hotel feels as if it belongs in a much larger city. Along with 67 guest rooms that are adorned with works by local artists and craftsmen, the boutique property boasts an open-air fire pit, free rental bikes and a "Map Room" designed to help guests find their way around town before embarking on daily excursions. Although the property lacks meeting space, it has a partnership with the Rialto, an entertainment and event venue that's located just a block away and has meeting spaces for groups of up to 400.
• Sage Lodge:Sage Lodge in Pray, Mont. — just 35 minutes from Yellowstone National Park — is one of Montana's newest destinations. Opened in July 2018, it's situated in an area known as Paradise Valley, where the movies "A River Runs Through It" and "The Horse Whisperer" were filmed. Overlooking the Yellowstone River, acres of wild grassland and Emigrant Peak, it has 50 guest rooms and cabins, an onsite restaurant where food is prepared over an open fire, a full-service spa and "The Barn," a meetings and events venue with over 7,000 square feet of space.
• Mercantile Residence Inn: The Missoula Mercantile is one of the most recognizable buildings in Missoula, Mont. The landmark building dates back to 1865, when a small log cabin was built on the site. A larger building was constructed there in 1877 and became the site of the Mercantile, which grew to become the largest department store between Minneapolis and Seattle. A project to transform the historic building is currently underway and will include 21,000 square feet of new retail space — including several restaurants — as well as a Residence Inn by Marriott hotel. Scheduled to open in December 2018, the hotel will have 154 guest rooms and 3,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The Resort at Paws Up: The Resort at Paws Up is one of Montana's most luxurious destinations. Located in Greenough, Mont. — some 30 miles east of Missoula -- the resort is set on a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch and is designed for "glamping." Its offerings therefore include 36 safari-style tents in addition to 28 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, which collectively can accommodate up to 275 guests. Along with numerous meeting and event spaces -- in barns, bunkhouses and other idyllic settings — the resort offers more than 40 activities, including excursions to its newest addition: Island Lodge at Salmon Lake. Opened in spring 2018, the lodge can be booked for a full day, or for three-hour morning, afternoon and evening windows. Staffed with a dedicated adventure guide, island butler and chef, the lodge — which is basically a private-island playground — is equipped with jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards and water skis, as well as fishing boats, sailboats and a water trampoline.