The Coeur d'Alene Resort

This sprawling resort is massive and is well suited to families, couples, and groups of friends looking for an active vacation on a beautiful lake with mountains views -- in fact one of the best assets here is the lake (and the hotel uses it in smart ways). Rooms are spread throughout three towers and the style throughout is modern, if not exactly cutting edge. True to its size, the hotel has a shopping area as well as multiple restaurants and its own golf course. The property can be overwhelming at first because it has so much to offer. Views of the lake and mountains are spectacular, and there are many places throughout that are oriented to maximize those views. Many large groups also book at the hotel to take advantage of its outstanding events spaces. 

This hotel sits right in the downtown area of Coeur d'Alene and is only a few minutes' walk from a multitude of shops and cafes along the main street through town. The real star of the show here is the lake, and the hotel is the only hotel in downtown that sits right on its shores. The Silverwood Theme Park is about a half-hour drive north. The hotel has its own cars, vans, and buses for guest transportation. The ROW Adventure Center is a block away and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, hiking, and fishing. The closest airport is in Spokane, WA, about 45 minutes west of the hotel.

Rooms are located in three towers: Lake Tower, Park Tower, and the North Wing. All rooms are decorated with neutral beige color schemes accented by a rich soft blue or blue-gray shades in accents like sharp throw pillows or upholstery. They also include contemporary clean-lined furnishings in light hues or dark wood and softly patterned carpeting. That being said, accents like mirror walls (and mirror ceilings!) feel lifted from an earlier decade. All rooms come with pillow-top mattresses, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, robes, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and a free daily newspaper. Lake Tower rooms have balconies and views of the lake, which are especially nice on upper floors. Some rooms have fireplaces as well. Park Tower rooms have views of the lake, city, and mountains through large windows. North Wing rooms are the least expensive and have limited views. Suites are luxurious and offer separate bedrooms and spacious balconies, one (the Hagadone Suite) even has a private pool. Bathrooms are spacious and come with granite countertops, tiled showers or tubs, makeup mirrors, and upscale toiletries. 

Among the hotel's five restaurants is Beverly's, an upscale venue serving Northwestern fare with beautiful views of the lake. The adjacent lounge serves wine, and live jazz plays on the weekends. Diners at Cedars restaurant float on the lake while enjoying local classics. Breakfast is available, but is not included with room rates in most packages. The large indoor pool has windows along one wall allowing for plenty of natural light, and huge columns in the water span the length of the pool. Lounge chairs allow for relaxing poolside, and there's a hot tub as well. An outdoor infinity pool by the lake is open during the summer. The hotel's 6,803-yard, par-71 golf course has a famous floating green and lake views from all 18 holes. Treatments at the attractive spa focus on Northwestern natural elements such as stones, lavender, spruce, and cedar. Among the treatments are massages, facials, body therapies, and salon services. A lovely relaxation area with a fireplace overlooks the lake. The hotel's roomy fitness center has all of the necessary up-to-date equipment overlooking the indoor pool. Lake cruises are available in summer, and the Journey to the North Pole cruise is offered during the Christmas season. It takes in the resort's Holiday Light Show, which gets rave reviews. Other activities include biking, water sports, fishing, and hiking excursions -- all are available as packages in season. The highly regarded events space offers 32,000 square feet indoors and out for meetings, wedding, and social events. The hotel has its own shopping area and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.