Why Guests Should Book Direct vs Book via Airbnb?

When Garrett and I first started opening up our cabins for short term rental stays, we never planned on turning our small side-hustle into a full time (seasonal) business. We were able to keep our expenses low in the beginning with the help of OTA’s (Online Travel Agencies) like Airbnb, Hipcamp, Glamping Hub, VRBO and others. But over the years, we’ve heard and read horror stories from fellow hosts about how their listings got taken down, they were blocked from hosting or all their bookings were cancelled. Reasons behind such actions are not always obvious, but what it motivated us to do — build our own website and eventually our brand.

Yes, we’re still new to marketing our small Glamping Cabins Resort and still rely on the eye balls and the bookings from OTA’s. Over the years, being on Airbnb has helped us get featured by dozens of online news sources, blogs and articles about Cozy A-frame Stays in Montana or Tiny Pet-friendly Cabins on Airbnb.

Airbnb has even featured us on their Twitter (now X) account with a short ASMR-style video!

Another time Airbnb photographer came out to photograph our A-frame Cabin (giving us the professional photos free of charge), but we also don’t know exactly where/how they featured those 🤷

Exposure of our tiny, self-built cabins in the woods has been wonderful and we will continue to keep our listings on various OTA platforms, but we’re in the business of hospitality and OUR GUESTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO US!

Here are a few reasons, why we choose to use a Direct Booking site:

GUESTS Save on fees

Airbnb particularly has a tendency to increase their fees for both guests and hosts. And if you ever traveled abroad where tipping is not customary, you realize how much money you saved by unlocking that option. By booking directly, you avoid the extra fees and charges.

Hosts control their listing and their business

By having a direct booking website, hosts can authentically showcase their business and their personality, instead of looking like and competing with the other 5 million hosts and their 7.5 million active listings (Airbnb).

Hosts can easily offer offers, updates and discounts

While some OTA’s have different functions, not all are created equal when it comes to offering discounts or offers for guests. Direct Booking sites and direct communication with the guest bipasses the middleman who won’t let you share links or phone numbers or other private information.

Hosts get to build their brand

My favorite part about building The Hohnstead website and brand is the creativity I get to awaken inside of me. As hosts, we can be in charge of the colors, fonts, images, graphics, language and other details that dictate how our guests view our space. We are in charge of the online experience they have with my Glamping Cabins Resort before they choose to book and arrive here. For some hosts, this part seems intimidating, but for a passionate, photography-loving, let’s learn web design to save money person, re-doing and perfecting The Hohnstead Brand over the years has been frustrating (at times) but SO MUCH FUN!

Hosts get to control their cancellation policy

Cancellation policies on Airbnb are very rigid and may not always represent the situations that hosts have. For example, some hosts are full time hosts, they may choose to have a different cancellation policy vs someone who hosts part time or on seasonal bases.

Hosts get to screen their guests better

When Booking Directly, hosts are not limited with communication restrictions that OTA’s have. Primarily, we’d like to have other forms of communications other than the middleman platform like Airbnb. Some hosts prefer Whats Up, others - email. A missed message or unseen text can be quite frustrating when the host hasn’t checked their Airbnb messages or doesn’t have their notifications enabled. Screening who stays on our property is important for everyone’s safety - ours, our guests and other guests who are staying in a nearby cabin.

Guest-centric approach

When dealing with problems on Airbnb, it feels very biased that hosts don’t always get the benefit of the doubt. We’ve personally experienced that when a guest who accidentally booked one of our cabins, left early, then proceeded to leave us a 3 star review. We were unable to convince the Airbnb to take the review down based on a simple fact that this guest DID NOT STAY THE NIGHT and didn’t get to experience our place properly in order to leave any review. Unfortunately, they didn’t side with us.

Bad guest review policy

Guests can lie in their reviews and Airbnb will sadly not moderate that. Instead they give a hosts an opportunity to respond (which is a more recent update to their platform).

Hosts at a mercy of the algorithm changes

Oh the algorithm! You may have heard this word on Instagram or other Social Media platforms and how often its changes put everyone in a frenzy!

Airbnb’s algorithm is also an enigma. Should you change your Cover picture (the 1st) daily? Should you change your title regularly? How about emojis in titles, does it help? How many photos is too much?

Direct Booking sites, luckily, don’t have to worry about the Marketplace of Listings that OTA’s like Airbnb create. Instead, we blog and post with specific keywords to hopefully help SEO gods direct the right people towards our websites. Maybe its a similar dilemma, but at least if feels like putting multiple fishing rods out there - via Blog’s image re-pinned on Pinterest, or IG Reel re-shared on Tik Tok, Youtube Long Form videos turned into Blog Posts all the while talking about my small Glamping Cabins Resort in the woods.

One day a little fishy will bite!

Ditch the city, stay with us, in the woods (and book direct!)

The HohnStead Glamping Cabins in Bonner, Montana

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ACTION ITEM

〰️ ACTION ITEM

“Research if your dream accommodation on Airbnb has a direct booking site and SAVE!”

Stargazing and Star Bathing near Missoula, Montana

Spending time in nature, whether in a park, in a forest, on a trail, or at the beach has always helped evoke a sense of calm, peace of mind and relaxation of the senses. Research has also supported this idea with proven results showing boosted immune system and stress-relieving capabilities when spending time outdoors in green spaces. Whether you choose to hike, swim, or camp, studies have found these activities supporting not only our mental health but also our creativity, broadening our perspectives and even experience awe. Luckily, those benefits don’t stop when the sun sets, in fact you can continue to experience the benefits of being in nature once the stars are out with something called star bathing.

What is star bathing?

Star bathing simply means spending time under the stars in order to appreciate and celebrate their beauty. Best part, star bathing is free of charge, not requiring any specialty camping gear or gadgets to capture what you see. Just lie down in a star lit space, look up and enjoy star bathing.

but

Unfortunately, with the increasing light pollution around the world, less and less places are able to witness the stars and the Milky Way to the naked eye. In fact, 90% of the world’s population can no longer see Milky Way when they look up. That’s right, if you’re able to see one out of your window right now, consider yourself the lucky few.

What are the effects of light pollution?

Why can’t we see the stars at night?

According to Dark Sky International:

• light pollution disrupts wildlife (half of the world’s creatures are nocturnal)

• light pollution impacts human health (increasing risks of depression, diabetes, breast cancer, obesity and more)

• light pollution wastes money and energy (annually parking lots and street lights use about 120 terawatt-hours of energy, which is enough to power New York City for 2 years!)

• light pollution contributes to climate change ( Dark Sky estimates that 30% of all outdoor lighting in the U.S. is wasted, contributing to release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year)

• light pollution blocks our view of the universe (blocking our sense of awe, sense of wander, inspiration and introspection about our place in the universe)

Without being able to observe the night sky we could not have learned about our expanding universe, navigated the globe, or walked on the Moon.

Night Sky at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana

If you’re traveling to Montana, you’re in luck about being able to see the night sky in the Big Sky State. Did you know that for such a giant state there are only over 1.1 million residents? and our biggest city of Billings only has a little over 117,000 inhabitants. This means that in comparison to other larger states and cities, Montana’s skyglow is usually very low.

What is skyglow?

Skyglow is the illumination of the night sky with man-made and natural sources, resembling an orange “smog.” “It consists of light that is either emitted directly upward or reflected from the ground that is then scattered by dust and gas molecules in the atmosphere. These artificial skyglows cause the sky to be 5–10 times brighter in urban areas than a naturally dark sky that is unaffected by artificial light.” Wikipedia

how to star bathe

You can check the brightness of the night sky in a particular destination using the Bortle Scale. It’s a nine-level numerical scale helps to determine how much you’ll be able to see in the night sky.

You can use Clear Outside website in order to track down the quality of the night sky at any desired location.

PRO TIP! Plan your trip during the new moon and astronomical twilight to enhance the viewing experience!

Star bathing doesn’t have to be too complicated. Simply try to find a roof or a higher elevation, so as to avoid some of the city skyglow. Try to avoid being under or in the close vicinity of city lights or outdoor lights. Turn off indoor lights since they also get reflected in the pavement and cause unwanted light pollution.

Get comfy! Grab a blanket or a towel and settle in. Rest your neck and head on something like a cushion or a lounge chair.

Be patient! Your eyes may need around 10-15 minutes to adjust to the darkness, so plan accordingly.

Bring a warm beverage to help set the mood for a romantic time together or enjoy this solo mission of self-care and stargazing!

star bathing meditation

Breathe slowly. Focus on the stars that you see. Banish any thoughts that arise and keep focusing on the stars before you. If you see a small amount of stars, appreciate seeing them in front of you. Don’t dwell on how many you see or don’t get to see, just appreciate the moment of being able to take the time to gaze up at the stars. Don’t worry about how much time has passed or how little time you have for this, simply compliment yourself for doing this, right now, right here. You’re a star bathing pro, keep going!

Breathe

Enjoy the experience of being here under the stars, some of them may be faint, while others appear brighter. You can focus on a single point in the sky, or let your eyes wonder, contemplating about the different planets and constellations before you.

Breathe

If you don’t know the names of stars or planets, don’t get distracted by pulling out your phone in order to find out. Just enjoy knowing the fact that what you see in front of you is the same as every human has ever seen, other explorers, astronomers, photographers, kids and everyone in between.

Congratulations, you’ve officially spent time focused (not on the screen we often have in front of us) but on this majestic show of inspiration and awe we get to enjoy EVERY NIGHT!

Milky Way at The Blind Cabin at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana

Did you know that 96% of US consumers surveyed intend to behave in ways that protect the planet, its people, and its resources (Sustainable Brands), isn’t it great?

Small businesses like ours sure hope that more guests and customers opt to support efforts to reduce light pollution, improve sustainability practices like recycling, and even unplug by staying in off-the-grid cabins for a change.

The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort has an estimated sky quality of 21.88, which places us at Class 3 Bortle due to our remote location (about 18 miles or 30 minutes outside of Missoula, Montana). A Bortle value represents the potential of a location, not what it will be when you are there, making Clear Outside website a great source for when traveling to Montana.

Stay in The Blind Cabin (featured above) or the A-frame cabin, whose see-through roof panels help you lay in bed and star bathe without having to lift your head off the pillow. All 5 of our self-built cabins are off-the-grid, which we believe help to keep our resort dimply lit at night and perfect for stargazing lovers.

Some of our nature loving guests opt to take in the big sky from the comforts of our hot tub, placed among the trees but in a private, forested setting.

Or, split some firewood and start a campfire at a centrally placed fire pit - a perfect location for sunsets over the mountain or when searching for the Big Dipper (doppelganger for one of our favorite local ice cream chains). Check out guest favorite Scavenger Hunt Challenge and Hike we created where you get to split wood, shoot bows and arrows, pan for gold, use a slingshot, guess riddles and other active stations throughout our 100 acre forested Montana property.

We can’t wait to host you at The Hohnstead, a great place to star bathe near Missoula!

Stargazing at The Blind Cabin at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort near Missoula, Montana

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stargazing and star bathing at The Hohnstead Glaming Cabins Resort near Missoula Montana

A perfect place for star bathing at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner Montana

Milky Way at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort

Top 10 Airbnb Amenities

Ever wondered what makes guests jump for joy, earning the host a round of applause (or better yet a 5-star review!) for going above and beyond?

When looking for the right vacation rental, guests normally use the filter option to help narrow down from the six million active Airbnb listings to eventually THE ONE. It does sound like a tall order, but if you narrow down your top 3 filters (hot tub, pet-friendly, and self-check-in) then it should make your search much faster and more convenient. Also, make sure you’re on the same page with your partner or travel party, so you don’t end up looking for a swimming pool just to realize that your travel companion is allergic to chlorine.

According to a recent survey commissioned by Airbnb, a whopping 97% of surveyed US travelers emphasized that the amenities offered in an Airbnb significantly influence their overall experience. It turns out that amenities aren't just a nice bonus—they're a game-changer when it comes to crafting an unforgettable trip.

top 10 airbnb amenities

1. Wi-Fi: Most guests expect a reliable internet connection.

2. Kitchen Facilities: Providing a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette can be a big plus.

3. Free Parking: If applicable, offering free parking can be a significant perk.

4. Pet-Friendly Options: Solo travelers, couples and family travelers enjoy sharing their adventures with pets, willing to spend extra vs spending on pet lodging instead.

Shared Hot Tub at The Hohnstead

Photography by Logan Lefler

5. A Hot Tub: A relaxing way to end the day, especially if there is stargazing.

6. Washer/Dryer: Access to laundry facilities is often appreciated by guests.

7. Essentials (1 towel per guest, 1 pillow per guest, bedding, hangers, coffee, toiletries such as hand and body soap, and shampoo).

8. Air Conditioning/Heating: Ensuring a comfortable temperature for guests is important.

The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana

Photography by Logan Lefler

9. Outdoor Spaces: A commodity that is getting harder to own - land and open spaces with gorgeous views.

Wanna guess which filter on Airbnb is THE MOST POPULAR in this list? It’s the next one.

10. Flexible Check-In/Outs. Guests have rated this preference as their most favorite, likely due to the inability to pinpoint the exact time of arrival or whether or not their flight gets delayed. This way guests can check themselves in without your host having to wait, usually frustrated when a guest comes in hours later than expected.

Garrett and I have definitely found ourselves on the receiving end of the “I’ll be there at….” but showing up much-much later. Vacations are exactly that - unpredictable and sometimes test your patience, so we’ve decided to pivot a bit in 2024, offering self-check-in options for those who are interested.

Many of you have really enjoyed our personalized property tour upon your check-in, which we can still gladly do. So if you choose to self-check in, remember you still have the option of a property tour, just ask.

If you choose to have us check you in instead (showing you to your cabin and around when you first arrive), we will gladly do that as well. A small favor to ask - please be on time :)

We're excited to let you know that The Hohnstead happily ticks a lot of the boxes above and we're always working to offer more because your comfort and experiences are important to us.

Note - We may not control ALL your UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE experiences while staying with us, those experiences sometimes include a flat tire (you'll drive on 2 miles of dirt road to get here), a mouse may get into your food stash (if you don't keep it in airtight container), and you may be bombarded by "thousands of bugs" (an actual review) if you leave your lights on and windows open inside your cabin.

Traveling and exploring is all about EXPOSURE to new and unique environments you wouldn't normally seek out. Staying in the woods, you’re entering a world of bugs, spiders, animals, and so many creatures we can’t even see. We choose to live/vacation/spend time among the creatures and the trees because we’ve created societies where nature is no longer among us. So we grow a little soft in our comforts and expectations of what relaxation or vacation should be.

We promise you that once you spend some time in the woods, whether it’s here at The Hohnstead or a similar accommodation, you will feel changed. Chopping wood will change the way you think of heating and using your body to complete such a demanding physical task. Hiking through the woods and NOT getting lost will help you realize that you can rely on your senses and your gut feeling. Going off-the-grid will hopefully remind you of your childhood, when you played hide and seek with your neighbors, running around all day until mom yelled out from the window that it was time for lunch/dinner. Starting a fire as the sun sets behind the mountains and stars glisten will make you realize how little you need in life to be in the moment and to feel truly happy.

We will see you in the woods!

Alla and Garrett Hohn

The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort

A Complete Guide to Make Kombucha Tea Drinks at Home

Are you tired of spending a fortune on store-bought kombucha?

Well, join the club!

I felt the same way until I discovered the joy of making my own kombucha at home. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also opens up a world of creative possibilities. Let's dive into the exciting world of kombucha brewing, from Scoby to flavored concoctions, cocktails, dog treats and jerky!

What is Scoby?

First things first, what on earth is a Scoby? Scoby stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast – a fascinating living organism that kickstarts the fermentation process in kombucha. It's like the magic behind the scenes.

When getting or borrowing a Scoby, remember it should be at least 5 inches wide, obtained from a reputable supplier, and come with a full cup of starter liquid.

Scobies inside my Scoby Hotel

Scoby Dos and Don'ts

Dos: Get a healthy, wide Scoby from a trusted source with proper instructions and starter liquid.

Don'ts: Avoid dehydrated Scobies, tiny test tube-sized ones, or those grown from a commercial bottle.

Benefits of Kombucha Drinks

Sure, drinking kombucha is fantastic for introducing good bacteria to your gut through fermentation. But did you know there are other innovative uses for Scoby and kombucha?

From Scoby jerky and sashimi to facial toners and kitchen cleaners, the possibilities are endless.

Check out "The Big Book of Kombucha" for a treasure trove of ideas and recipes.

Scoby Hotel

Ever heard of a Scoby hotel? It's not a vacation spot, but a term for keeping extra Scobies in your fridge. These extras come in handy for gifting, experimenting with doggy treats, or crafting skincare products. And, if your batch goes south, having a fresh Scoby from your Scoby hotel is a lifesaver.

Importance of Sanitization

A note from the beer brewing world – sanitize everything! Use a necessary sanitizer like Starsan (normally available in any homebrew store near you), and don't be afraid to touch and handle your Scobies. They're soft, squishy, and almost jellyfish-like. Proper sanitization of ALL the bowls, pots, utensils, and even hands ensures a healthy fermentation process.

first fermentation - let the brewing begin

As you will see in the video below, making a new batch of Kombucha requires the making of a sweet tea. When making a 1-gallon batch, make sure to use 1 gallon of chlorine-free water (the quality of your water is less important if you’re just starting). The quality does play a role if your Kombucha batches start to develop mold, scroll below on how to fix that.

When your pot of water comes to a boil, add 1 cup of white or brown sugar, stir to help the sugar melt and evenly distribute. Add 6 packets (or 1-2 tbs of looseleaf tea). I use UncleLee’s Organic packets of tea, which is my secret ingredient when making Kombucha since the majority of brewers prefer black tea instead. The flavor of Green Tea Kombucha to me is more subtle, lovely, and fresh.

Turn off your pot, remove the tea packets/tea, and let it cool.

Do not add scoby to the hot sweet tea you’ve just brewed, because you can kill it, and its awesome probiotic bacteria that live in it.

Your first fermentation officially begins when you combine the scoby and starter liquid with your cooled sweet tea.

Add the 1 cup of starter liquid (top liquid from the previous batch, or the liquid your scoby came with, or the liquid from inside your Scoby Hotel) on top of the Scoby that you’ve placed on top of your sweet tea. This way, starter liquid will help to seal your batch and hopefully prevent harmful bacteria from contaminating your newly created Kombucha batch.
Now, cover your pot with a breathable cloth (like cotton or cheesecloth) and place it in a safe, warm location, free of excessive smells or other pollutants that could potentially harm your Kombucha baby.

I swear by using a seed-starter heating mat and placing my pots on top of it, which helps to remedy the temperature swings we experience here in Montana.

Make a note to check (take a pick at your scoby to make sure it looks clear/white/healthy), smell, and taste your batch once a week. When it reaches the flavor you enjoy (not too sweet, not too sour), then you’ll be ready to drink it OR start my favorite process - the creative process of brewing Kombucha - Fermentation 2 step.

Dealing with Kombucha Mold

Image from YEABUCHA

Nobody likes mold, especially in kombucha. Keep your brew safe by placing it in a warm spot away from strong smells and potential irritants. If mold appears, it's time to start fresh with a healthy Scoby.

Second Fermentation - Flavor Explosion

After patiently waiting for your kombucha to brew, it's time for the exciting second fermentation. Feel the anticipation as you taste the slightly vinegary goodness. Ready for flavor experimentation? Blueberry and rosemary, anyone? Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the bottle for your creative additions.

During this step, you can leave your flavored bottles on your heated mat or in your original fermentation 1 location.

I usually put my flavored bottles directly in the fridge. Sure, the colder temperature inside the fridge will slow down the fermentation process, but I find that seeing them in the fridge, I’m reminded to burp them more frequently. And the flavors they take on in a couple of days are subtle and not overpowering. I keep tasting them every day or so to know when to remove the flavorings like pieces of fruit. If not removed, the sugars in the fruits will continue to ferment and feed the yeasts and increase the carbonation inside your bottles. Once again, burping your bottles (opening the bottles) is pivotal to avoid an explosion.

Here are some flavorful recipe ideas I’ve created in the past:

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What are some of your favorite ways to flavor your Kombucha? Leave a comment below!

Burping Bottles and Beyond

Once your flavored creations are in the fridge, remember to burp them every few days to release built-up carbonation. This prevents kombucha bottle explosions and ensures a fizzy, delightful beverage.

Making kombucha at home is not just a money-saver; it's a journey of self-discovery and creativity. So, why not embark on your kombucha adventure today? Cheers to brewing fun at home!

If you have 10 minutes, here is a helpful video Garrett and I put together on his homebrewing YouTube channel, let us know if you have any questions in the comments. Cheers!

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Scoby in Kombucha Making

How to Make Kombucha at Home

Making Kombucha Tea Drinks at Home

How to Deconstruct a Tiny Cabin in Just 7 Days

When Garrett and I travel, we go into our “flow state.”

We usually walk the streets of a new city, with or without aim and we always find ourselves talking about The Hohnstead, our Glamping Cabins Resort.

We discuss what’s working and what doesn’t. What needs to be fixed or built, or as in this year’s upgrade - a cabin demolition in order to build a new cabin, which would better serve our seasonal guests.

This demolition project was the first for us and it took about a week to complete.

My most favorite (and scariest) moment during this cabin demolition came when Garrett instructed me to get onto the roof in order to take off the screws of a ridge cap.

Uh-oh!

A chance to ride the metal stallion?

A chance to fall off and never have to do another construction project again?

A chance to do “a job” that may put my husband in jeopardy due to his poor hips flexibility?

What you don’t see here is that it took me 10 minutes to talk myself into making the leap from the tractor onto the OSB board and onto the roof. With no supports, safety harnesses, or stunt doubles…

Either way, it needed to be done and we got it done! Getting off that thing was my favorite <3

Shanty Deconstruction at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort

Cabin Deconstruction at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana

What is life like in the forest?

Living in the forest during winter is a unique and enchanting experience. As the owner of a glamping resort nestled in the heart of Montana, surrounded by nature's beauty, the winter season paints a picturesque scene that captivates both the senses and the soul.

🌲 Waking Up with Nature's Clock

In the forest, the day begins with a natural rhythm. Waking up at 7 am becomes a ritual, waiting for the sun to make its gradual appearance, casting a warm glow on the frost-kissed landscape. It's a gentle start to the day, in harmony with the serene surroundings.

🌲 Chasing Sunsets and Cozy Evenings

Conversely, bidding farewell to the sun around 5 pm marks the transition into a tranquil evening. The challenge lies in resisting the temptation to retire early, urging the body to stay awake until the comforting hours of 8-9 pm. Embracing the extended evenings creates a unique connection with the stillness of the winter night.

🌲 Woodstove Mornings and Year-Round Preparation

One of the daily rituals involves kindling the woodstove every morning. The wood, diligently collected throughout the year from the property, becomes a source of warmth and comfort during the winter chill. The symbiotic relationship with the land is evident as preparations made in the warmer months pay off during the colder ones.

🌲 Equipping for Winter Adventures

Winter in the forest requires practical adjustments. Ice cleats become essential companions to warm winter boots, ensuring a surefooted journey through the snow-covered landscape. Two pairs of socks become the norm, providing insulation against the winter cold throughout the day.

🌲 Work Clothes and the Call of the Wild

The forest demands a unique wardrobe, where "work clothes" bear the scars of a life surrounded by nature. Torn, cut, or burned, these clothes narrate stories of tree-cutting, brush-pulling, and pile-burning adventures. Each mark is a badge of honor in the life of a forest dweller.

🌲 Nature's Bounty and Quiet Moments

Living in the forest means discovering the unexpected. From identifying animal tracks in the snow to realizing the abundance of food and edible treasures that grow spontaneously, the winter forest is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The quietude becomes a cherished luxury, spoiling residents with a tranquility that is elusive beyond the forest's embrace.

🌲 A Symphony of Seasons and Resilient Trees

Appreciation for the resilient nature of trees deepens in winter. As silent witnesses to the changing seasons, trees stand tall, their branches adorned with snow, embodying strength and endurance. The forest becomes a living testament to the cyclical dance of life and the enduring spirit of nature.

🌲 Closer to Nature, More Alive Than Ever

Above all, life in the winter forest fosters a profound connection to nature. Amidst the seasonal changes, residents become part of the natural rhythm, their presence acknowledged or overlooked by the resident wildlife. It's a symbiotic relationship that breathes life into the soul, making every moment in the winter forest a celebration of being truly alive.

If you’re looking for a forest vibe for your next summer vacation, look no further than The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana. Ditch the city and we’ll see ya in the woods!

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Forest Winter Vibes at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana

Winter at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana

Defining Glamping: What is it and Why The Hohnstead is a One of a Kind Glamping Cabins Resort

Hey there, nature lovers! Ready to embark on a journey into the heart of Montana's untamed beauty? Buckle up, because our glamping cabins are about to redefine your idea of a wild escape! But first things first, what exactly is glamping?

Defining Glamping

By definition, Glamping is “a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.”

“If your essentials list contains things such as a real mattress, running water, or an actual toilet, you can still find numerous options that bridge the gap between traditional camping and the comforts of home.”

In our personal travel experiences, we found that glamping can be very basic and rustic but it can also mean canvas tents with claw foot tubs, chandeliers, wood stoves, and other glamorous/luxurious items.

Let us explain what glamping means to us, what we incorporated into our glamping cabin resort, and most importantly what our 500+ guests have loved while staying at The Hohnstead.

The Lowdown on Our Enchanting Cabins

Imagine cozying up in our cabins nestled within 100 acres of pure enchantment. Now, here's the kicker – a shared hot tub tucked into the forest, offering front-row seats to a stellar stargazing show! Yep, that's your cue to let the stars dazzle you. Our cozy cabins are dry, solar-powered, and well-placed to give you the utmost privacy and the feeling of total solitude. But our Commons Area is strategically placed for your cooking, connectivity, wifi, and socializing needs.

go wild, spotting the wildlife

Deer, elk, bears, wolves – this place is buzzing with wildlife waiting to be your new subjects for that “From Montana with Love” moment. Oh, and those majestic mountain views? They're like nature's postcards, begging to be captured.

Glamping in the woods

Off-Grid Vibes with a Connectivity Twist

Solar-powered cabins mean unplugged fun, but wait, we've got you covered. Need Wi-Fi and power? Swing by our Commons Area before venturing into your next wild escapade. Balance is our middle name! The Commons Area is centrally located between all five of our cabins and is a great location for remote working, cooking, dining and general hanging out.

Romance and Adventure: A Match Made in Wilderness Heaven

Calling all lovebirds! Our cabins are your ultimate romantic escape. Picture a secluded hot tub surrounded by whispering trees – the ultimate setting for romance to bloom. Wink-wink. Plus, we've got hiking trails and a fun Scavenger Hunt Challenge and Hike (free for all the staying guests) for those 'let's-get-lost-together-in-the woods' moments. Let us know in advance if you’re celebrating a birthday, or anniversary, or would like us to help you set up a special engagement (wouldn’t be the first time we wore a ghillie suit and hid in the bushes to film a proposal, true story).

Alla in ghillie suit for a secret engagement surprise at The Hohnstead

Montana's Hidden Gem

The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort is only a hop, skip, and jump (fine, it's 25 minutes) from Missoula, Montana. But when you're here, it's like stepping into a whole new universe – Montana's untamed wilderness at your fingertips!

Missoula, MT is known for its natural beauty (“River Runs Through It” fame), cultural scene, craft beer (check this - 12 breweries in a town of 74,000+ folks), progressive vibe and so many outdoor events in the summertime.

There is this dope outdoor venue (named top 10 in the country, btw) called Kettlehouse Amphitheater. It’s our favorite, being only 10 miles away and when everyone else is going back to Missoula, you’ll be driving in the opposite direction to our resort AND skipping all the traffic, you’re welcome!

There is so much to do in this area of Montana, check out this helpful itinerary we put together.

because we care

We've got a green heart beating at the core of our Hohnstead Glamping Resort. Our cabins? Crafted with recycled materials! And hey, feel good about that shower with our eco-friendly soaps. Mother Nature approves! We also appreciate if you help us recycle your beer bottles or cardboard, just leave them in the Commons Area and we’ll do the rest.

Ready to embark on an adventure that’s a perfect mix of chill and thrill? Our glamping cabins are calling your name, inviting you into a forest hideaway where nature meets romance and hiking adventures. Choose your cabin now and get set to create unforgettable Montana memories in your very own backyard!

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Glamping Cabins at The Hohnstead in Bonner, Montana

Glamping Cabins at The Hohnstead in Bonner, Montana

Pet-Friendly Getaway and Off-Leash Hiking Adventures at The Hohnstead

Ever had that moment when your furry friend gives you the "let's go on an adventure" look? That's the magic we live for at The Hohnstead, a place where your adventurous spirit and your pet's zest for life meet in a harmonious symphony of fun.

Our story? It starts with a little Yorkie named Slonik (check him out here!)—he’s the reason we love hosting and welcoming nature lovers and their pets onto our property. With his spirit in mind, we’ve tailored our space to welcome not just hiking adventurers but their four-legged pals too.

Pawesome Amenities

Picture this: all 5 of our Hohnstead cabins and hangout spots are pet-friendly zones! Bring your well-behaved adventure-seeking pup, and they’re instantly part of the gang. (Quick heads-up: There’s a small cleaning fee for pet guests, and we've got room for up to 2 dogs per cabin.)

Our playground = your playground

Over 100 acres of pure pet paradise! Let your furry sidekick roam on-leash or go crazy with those off-leash frolics. And hey, if you forgot the pet bowl, don't sweat it—we’ve got extras on standby!

Tailored Treats for Unique Pups

Here's the deal: we get that every fur baby has their quirks. That’s why we’re all ears for special requests or needs your pet might have.

say cheese

We’re excited to offer personalized photography sessions capturing the essence of your pet's tail-wagging adventures. Imagine those candid moments frozen in time against the backdrop of your cozy forest cabin.

Creating Paw-rific Harmony

Our mission? Creating a vacation where every pup is welcomed into the pack! If your furry buddy loves making new friends and living their best social life, this is their paradise. Friendly and kind pets are welcome, please be realistic and mindful if your pet is poorly behaved around other dogs/humans. When in doubt, let’s get in touch!

So, gear up your adventure buddy! Here at our forest getaway, every tail does a happy dance, every paw discovers its path, and every woof echoes through the trees in pure joy. Come, let your furry friend lead the way to an adventure of a lifetime at The Hohnstead!

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Pet-friendly cabins at The Hohnstead in Bonner, Montana

Pet-friendly cabins at The Hohnstead in Bonner, Montana