Lariat Motel — Hotel in Hardin

We we traveling from South Dakota on route 212 omg what a long road with no gas station or places to stop. We did pass small towns I think I did see a gas station but I did not feel comfortable to stop. We finally got to the intersection of 212 and 90 and got gas. They would not let us use the bathrooms , they said closed. Then we were looking for somewhere to stay. The first place just sold out. I ask where to stay. They said not the motel 8 or suoer 8 hotel it’s rough and fights. They suggested the Lariat Motel. I usually do not stay in motels. This one is family run place. The lady at front is super sweet. We were in room 1 King size bed . She said newly renovated and if was . I was so glad she had a room we were exhausted. They put hard work into this room. It’s up to date with some extra special touches with wood work. Love the Little bar area and lower bar area with rodeo bunking bronco horse burned into wood. The family put special touches on this place to feel like home. They have outside patio seating area. There are wreaths on every door and flower planters setting around. They have flower boxes on windows. The King size bed in room #1 was comfortable. The shower was hot and the A/C was cool. They have a microwave, mini refrigerator and Keurig coffee machine. My only suggestion is a table lamp. I like all the lights , but I like a small table side lamp by bed instead of turning on a bright light. Maybe a night light in bathroom would be good. This was a really nice place. It was a little more than I wanted to spend just to sleep, but was grateful...

I spent years traveling across the United States and I've never been as blown away by a business as I am by this quaint, unassumaing little motel. The owners' attention to detail is impeccable. Crisp, fresh linens on the bed. Every single surface inside the room was spotless and shiny like brand new. Beautiful solid wood furniture. Higher-end toiletries just in case you didn't bring your own. A keurig in the room with complementary coffees and creamers, as well as a nice sized mini-fridge and microwave. The beds are extremely comfortable and the pillows feel brand new. Our bed had three huge fluffy pillows as well as a gorgeous, giant throw pillow with a genuine suede pillowcase (seriously). The shower gets good and hot and I never ran out of hot water. The bathrooms appear to have been completely renovated. The design choices for tile and flooring and fixtures are high-end and eclectic, yet still super classy. You feel like you're staying in one of those big city downtown loft hotels for $300 a night. Never in a million years would I expect to find something this nice in some random tiny town in the middle of Montana. They spare no expense for their guests and the spirit of excellence with which they run this place is inspiring....

I first stayed at the Lariat for two weeks in June 1961 when we moved from Alabama to Montana, where my dad was going to be the business manager for building Yellowtail Dam, 50 miles south of Hardin. I thought the place was excellent then, and I’ve been back many times since I graduated from high school in Hardin and stayed at the Lariat. I’ve seen some ups and downs with it, but when I stayed there in 2016 for a class reunion, It was a five-star motel. Very friendly new owners. From pictures I see it has been improved even further from what it was in 2016. Too bad I didn’t get over to another reunion this summer, because I was planning on staying again at the Lariat. It is SO much better, more personal, than the standard chain motels you find out along the interstates. The place is even complete with some of the original, hand-carved, leather -backed chairs in the rooms. You cannot go wrong in staying here. Not many people can speak from the experience that I have...