With its white towers and castle-esque peaks, the Coeur d’Alene Resort is easy to spot along the lake shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. When we lived in neighboring Spokane, Washington, our family would retreat to the Coeur d’Alene Resort for family escapes, summer play, and its annual Holiday Light Show. Now that we live further afield, it’s a destination resort worth the drive.
This Preferred golf and spa property is truly a four-season destination: in summer, the lake and mountains beckon with hiking, biking, jet-skiing, and swimming. One of our favorite children’s parks, Fort Sherman Playground, is located within walking distance of the hotel, and the swimming beach is steps away. In winter, skiing is spectacular at Silver Mountain Resort. We love braving the cold while strolling the boat dock pier in winter, and checking out the snowshoe and nordic ski options on lakeside trails.
Seasonal Activities:
In winter, the resort’s Holiday of Lights Show gives the property a magical glow (which extends beyond Christmas) and the Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole is one of those family events that truly makes the holidays come alive.
Outdoor Recreation:
The Coeur d’Alene’s golf course is one of the best in the region, featuring the only ‘floating green’ we’ve seen, where golfers have to bridge a section of Lake Coeur d’Alene to make par. (Tip: have a meal at the Floating Green Restaurant.) This resort is about more than just golf however: situated within reach of Idaho’s most pristine national forest land, it serves as a home base for river rafting expeditions, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. While in Coeur d’Alene, families have all the conveniences of a large town (including high-end shopping), but also enjoy access to the wilderness. An outdoor pool compliments lake swimming, and Silverwood Theme Park offers a family-friendly, small-town theme park experience.
On-property, families can enjoy an indoor pool and wading pool for toddlers, complete with pool toys, an outdoor playground, bike rentals, crafts, and a game room. Add to that all of Idaho’s outdoor recreation, some hours swimming in the lake, and a run through Sherman Park, and you’ve got some tired, happy kids.
Room rates and amenities:
What makes this hotel Preferred Family certified? The Coeur d’Alene features standard guest rooms ranging from tower fireplace rooms to partial view rooms, and kids 17 and under are always free in their parents’ room. All rooms have the standard amenities: coffee makers, mini-bars, and internet access, and families can request high chairs, pack-n-plays, booster seats, car seats, strollers, and the list goes on. Many rooms have full kitchens, so families can eat in easily. A top-of-the-line fitness center is available to all guests. At the time of our latest visit, room rates ranged from $125-$330 per night.
Dining:
Dining options abound, both in the resort and the surrounding area. My husband claims Tito’s Italian Grill serves the best spaghetti, bar none, and the kids and I especially love the abundance of ice cream and candy shops along the main vistas of Coeur d’Alene in summer. Several chain grocery stores are nearby as well. In the resort, Beverly’s offers fine dining with an excellent wine cellar. Plan on visiting here at least once if you have a babysitter!
Directions:
From Spokane (and Spokane International Airport), take I-90 east straight to the Coeur d’Alene Resort. From Kellogg, take I-90 west. Yes, it’s that simple!
Photo credit: Blake Handley. This post is published in partnership with Preferred Family.
