Dave,
You'll probably find Whitefish to be a bit more expensive than Kalispell. If money's not an issue, Grouse Mountain Lodge or Whitefish Lake Lodge are nice (in-laws have lived in Whitefish since '85 so I get to stay at their house for free); Duck Inn is also supposed to be a nice place. Some options (mostly expensive) up on Big Mountain. Of the chains, Best Western's pretty good; Super 8, no data, you're on your own; I'd avoid the Allen. Check out Columbia Falls, too; they've cleaned up their act in the past few years and it's not too bad.
Regards,
Scott