Our Story
Since the 1940s, the Sapphire Motel has stood as a beloved landmark in Bozeman. It began its journey as a simple "tourist court" with 4 cabins, evolving into a 31-unit motor court hotel constructed in the popular mid-century modern style. Advertised as a "modern stopping place for travelers," these motor court motels became icons of American road-tripping culture throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
Originally established as a small family operation to cater to motorists traveling through Montana, our motel has maintained its classic design while expanding over the years to now offer 47 guest rooms. Today, we serve a diverse clientele, fulfilling the roles of a travel motel and providing an affordable and convenient option for a wide range of travelers eager to explore all that Bozeman has to offer.
1940
Our journey began in 1940 when the Nunnelly family first opened the doors of the Glen Motel. Operating as a "tourist court," featuring four quaint cabins that provided a cozy retreat for travelers.
1942
Just two years later, responding to growing demand, the Glen Motel expanded with an additional thirty-one units in a contemporary motor court style. This expansion transformed the motel into a more substantial and modern lodging option, catering to the increasing number of travelers seeking comfort and convenience on the road.
1955
The Jackson family acquired the establishment, ushering in a new chapter as they rebranded it as the Travelier Motel. This marked a transformative era amidst the rising popularity of motor courts across America, aligning the property with stylish and convenient accommodations that appealed to travelers nationwide. The Travelier Motel quickly became known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to providing a comfortable stay for every guest.
1972
Our family, the Bentz-Klatt family, purchased the motel, heralding a new era of hospitality and service. Under our stewardship, the property transformed and was rebranded as the Stardust Motel. This marked a significant milestone, where our dedication to creating memorable guest experiences became the cornerstone of our operation.
1983
The motel underwent a transition and was rebranded as the Royal 7 Motel and this period marked a pivotal moment as we expanded our offerings by constructing 16 new units.
2021
Our family’s legacy continued when Brothers Shiloh and Jacob Klatt acquired the motel, embarking on a journey to revive the Motel’s historic past. Under their stewardship, the motel was rebranded as the Sapphire Motel, honoring its legacy while focusing on restoration efforts. This period marks a commitment to preserving our Motel’s historical charm and ensuring a memorable experience for every guest.
2023
The Sapphire Motel was honored with a Historic Preservation Award by the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board for the restoration of our iconic Marquee Sign. Building on this legacy, we are thrilled to have been recognized as the “Best Retro Hotel in Montana” by Distinctly Montana.
2024
The Sapphire Motel was honored once again as the “Best Retro Hotel in Montana” by Distinctly Montana. Additionally, we were thrilled to receive the accolade of “Best Urban Hotel” from the same publication. These recognitions reflect our ongoing commitment to preserving the motel’s historic charm while providing top-notch hospitality and modern conveniences.
