The Baxter is Reopening as a Boutique Hotel in 2027

Did you know that it is a common occurrence for people visiting Bozeman to walk into the Baxter Hotel to ask where they can check in? Which makes sense, given the name, though the building hasn’t functioned as a hotel in decades.

That may be changing soon. One of Bozeman’s most iconic landmarks is officially planning a return to its original purpose, with owners announcing this week that the Baxter will reopen as a boutique hotel, with an estimated completion in 2027.

For the past 40 years, the building’s apartments and rooms have been used as residential and commercial condos. But now, it's time for a new chapter.

Quick History of The Baxter Hotel

The Baxter first opened in 1929, at a time when Bozeman was establishing itself as a regional center of commerce. What we love most about its story is that the hotel it wasn’t built by a single developer. Instead, roughly 250 local community members pooled resources to make the hotel possible.

The building operated as a hotel until the 1980s, when the rooms were converted into apartments and condominiums. Even so, the Baxter never stopped feeling like a hotel to many locals. It has remained a familiar backdrop for weddings, events, and downtown businesses, and, of course, for the blinking blue light that signals when it’s snowing at Bridger Bowl.

For years, it also held the title of Bozeman’s tallest building, until the Armory Hotel opened in 2021.

What’s Planned for The Baxter

The restoration will focus on converting the upper floors into approximately 32 luxury hotel rooms, returning the building to use as a boutique hotel while maintaining its historic character.

Some of the existing units have operated as rentals, while others have been privately purchased, and it’s not yet clear how those privately owned units will be handled as part of the transition.

Several well-known parts of the property will remain unchanged. Bacchus Pub, Ted’s Montana Grill, and Café Aurore are expected to stay open, and weddings and events will continue to be hosted at the Baxter during and after construction. From the sidewalk, much of downtown life around the building should feel largely the same.

Construction is expected to begin this spring.
 

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