New Whitefish boutique hotel integrates into community, plans expansions

Whitefish’s newest boutique hotel has been a luxurious addition to the railway district.

“It’s different from the other hospitality offerings in town. We’re not a [typical] resort style,” said Ryan Fuller, director of marketing and partnerships for Larch House. 

Larch House opened its doors in December 2025 and has been busy since.  

“We’ve already had several sold-out weekends,” Fuller said. “Things have been really busy.”  

Fuller said the idea for the hotel evolved over a long period of time.  

“In responding to the needs of the local community and visitors, this idea for the luxury boutique hotel was born," she said.  

The hotel comprises 10 distinct buildings surrounding a common patio space.  

“We did that, in part, to honor the residential scale of the railway district and not feel like we were dropping a single building here,” Fuller said. 

It is intimate, offering 39 rooms. There are four main room types including cabin suites, Larch House suites, deluxe king rooms and cozy queen rooms.  

Fuller said that the staff and guests appreciate the size of the hotel because it makes it feel more personal.  

“I think because the scale of the property is so much smaller than your typical resort style hotel, we really get to know our guests. We know everyone by face and by name," she said.  

Larch House has partnered with a variety of local vendors. Whitefish Outfitters acts as the hotel's activity concierge. Fuller said that they are responsible for booking guests on excursions including rafting, horseback riding, trips to the park and snowshoeing.  

Haskill Creek Wellness Boutique offers hotel guests discounted smoothies and snacks and sends pre-ordered products to be delivered to guests’ rooms. Larch House guests are also offered a free drink in the saloon of Kemo Sabe, the high-end western wear brand. Vibe Wellness Lab also offers guests special spa services.  

“Our guests really love interacting with local businesses,” Fuller said. “It’s fun for us to be able to promote and support them. We hope to layer in more community partners." 

On top of these partnerships, Larch House guests are offered a variety of unique amenities including the rooftop pool, which is open year-round, and daily grab-and-go breakfasts. The interior courtyard has running fireplaces and seating available all day. 

ENGA, the restaurant and bar located in the lobby of Larch House, opened in January. The restaurant serves a variety of high-end, alpine-inspired meals.  

Some additional services are in the process of being completed at the hotel. The Terrace is a seasonal rooftop bar that is set to be open within the next few weeks, and the Antler Room speakeasy is set to be open by the end of fall.  

Larch House has made it a priority to prioritize the local community in the introduction of this hotel.   

“We hope to continue supporting the local community through any sort of philanthropic events,” Fuller said.  

She feels that they have been embraced very positively by the local community and emphasizes that all food and beverage outlets are open to the public.  

“We hope that this is kind of a place that people want to gather and stay," she said.  

Larch House is planning to expand into phase two sometime soon. This phase will include an expansion into the empty lot east of the current structures.  

The independently owned hotel was developed by SHOP Development, a Dallas-based real estate firm headed by Daniel Fuller. It is located at 304 E. First St. in downtown Whitefish. 

This article is a part of a series “A look at Whitefish lodging in a changing time” by Whitefish Pilot intern Maggie Mercer. The series finishes next week with a feature on Grouse Mountain Lodge.   

    Larch House is located at 304 East First Street in Whitefish. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    ENGA restaurant bar in the lobby of Larch House. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    A deluxe king room at Larch House. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    A view from a suite at Larch House. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Ryan Fuller is the director of marketing and partnerships at Larch House. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)