In late September, I left the comfort of my home and drove to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where I spent two nights at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The 18-story resort towers rest on the northern shore of Coeur d’Alene Lake, and the rooms boast spectacular views of either the lake or the majestic mountains nearby. The area offers a plethora of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. For water lovers, the 49.8-square-mile lake is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. For winter fun, three ski resorts are within a one-hour drive from the city center: Silver Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, and Schweitzer Ski Resort. The Coeur d’Alene Resort accommodations, meeting rooms, and restaurants all afford stunning views of the lake, and there are plenty of activities year-round for all ages.
Rooms with a View
All rooms at The Coeur d’Alene Resort are well-appointed. My corner suite on the 15th floor overlooked the marina and the lake. A wall-to-wall window faced west, and each day I relished the stunning views from my living room couch while simultaneously enjoying the warmth that permeated from the gas-lit fireplace in the corner.
Each morning I donned the cushy robe found in my closet and perched myself on the balcony to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee. The view on the first morning was gloriously sunny, but on the second morning, I awoke to an entirely new scene outside my windows. Two clouds hovered over the water. Soon a mystical fog engulfed the skies and descended upon the lake consuming everything in my view. The larger cloud broke free from the fog and moved slowly across the water like a grand Viking ship. As time went by and the sun rose higher in the sky, the fog burned off. I watched as people ventured out to their boats and meandered in and out of the marina. Newbie paddleboarders dubiously risked getting wet and paddled out onto the lake.
Dining at the Resort
Titos Italian Grill & Wine Shop
The Coeur d’Alene Resort boasts numerous tasty restaurants. Titos Italian Grill & Wine Shop, located in The Coeur d’Alene Resort shopping center, offers an extensive wine collection for sale and is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. During my visit, I ordered the soup and half-sandwich. The homemade tomato basil soup was delicious, and the grilled turkey and cheese sandwich on toasted garlic bread was warm and comforting, just the right size for a late afternoon lunch. After the light meal, my travel companion, Connie, agreed that we should purchase a bottle of Rombauer Chardonnay to drink on our balcony later in the day.
Dockside restaurant
On our first evening, we dined downstairs at Dockside restaurant. Since we had a late lunch, we ordered a few appetizers and cocktails for dinner. The artichoke dip, made with Cougar cheese produced at the Washington State Creamery, was served with homemade potato chips, toasted bread, and delicious pickled onions. The deviled eggs arrived topped in three ways—with smoked salmon, bacon, and Boursin cheese. Idaho is famous for several food products: potatoes, trout, beef, and huckleberries.
I chose to sample some of the area’s bounty. I ordered the Huckleberry Sizzle cocktail. It was made with huckleberry vodka, Saint Germain, lemon juice, and huckleberry puree. Connie enjoyed a jalapeño margarita. We spent the remainder of the evening outside by the fire pit and listened to a talented singer accompanied by a guitarist perform at a wedding on the terrace below us.
Beverly’s
On our second night, we dined at Beverly’s. We began the evening with a couple of delicious drinks in the bar. Sticking with the Idaho bounty theme, I indulged in the huckleberry lemon drop mixed with a perfect sweet-and-sour balance. Connie ordered a smoky old fashion. This was one potent drink. The bartender made the cocktail with Makers Mark Bourbon containing 58% alcohol, Grand Marnier, a drop of water, a large piece of orange rind, and maraschino cherry liqueur. He emptied the drink into a wine decanter, added smoke, covered the top, and let it steep in the smoke for a few moments. He then poured the drink over a large ice cube in a whiskey glass. One of these was enough to keep Connie happy for the rest of the evening.
After drinks, the hostess entered the bar and led us through the restaurant to a beautiful alcove with a magnificent lake view. This was the owner’s table. Executive Chef Rodney Jessick stood waiting to chat with us. Chef Jessick has worked at the resort for over 40 years and currently oversees all dining venues at the resort and outlying properties.
Chef Jessick recommends the ahi tuna as an entrée. The thinly sliced, perfectly cooked sesame-coated ahi tuna was served with pickled ginger and bright red candied ginger. The plate was garnished with a generous decorative display of soy and wasabi glazes, and a side of garlic bok choy finished the plate. The dish was gorgeous and delicious. Dining at Beverly’s is a must when visiting Coeur d’Alene, but treatment at the resort’s spa is also a fabulous treat.
The Resort Spa
Water features at the spa’s entrance create an atmosphere of serenity. Due to the current Covid-19 regulations, the spa menu has been reduced. Treatments are limited to one hour each, but the service and quality remain stellar. I enjoyed a deep tissue massage. Nicole, my masseuse, began the treatment by putting a warm wet cloth behind my head and a heating pad on my back and feet. I spent a luxurious hour being pampered and left feeling renewed, relaxed, and refreshed.
Area Activities
There is plenty to do outside near the resort. Weekend ferries take guests for tours around the lake, paddleboards, jet skis, kayaks are available for rent, and numerous hikes begin nearby. The resort golf course is not only beautiful but also boasts one-of-a-kind floating green for the 14th hole. The entire area is picturesque, and the historical Cataldo Mission located at Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park is within an hour’s drive.
There is plenty to do both inside and outside at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. If you are ready to escape the confines of your own home and are looking to enjoy some incredible views and loads of fun, book a trip to the resort.