I had previously heard many things about how gorgeous and incredible Coeur d’Alene is but didn’t visit until just recently and WOW. Truly, this area of Idaho is an absolute gem. You feel like you’re driving through the flat land of Eastern Washington for hours and then you’re descending upon Spokane and then it feels as though Coeur d’Alene pops up on you with its vast beauty. The Coeur d’Alene area is surrounded by dozens of lakes left behind by the glaciers from the ice age making them clear and serene. There are more than 55 lakes within easy driving distance of Coeur d’Alene, but none are more scenic and full of activities than Lake Coeur d’Alene itself, which we stayed right next to.

Disclaimer: This article is in partnership with One Lakeside Resort, but as always, all opinions and thoughts are my own. This post also features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your love and support!

Where to stay in Coeur d’Alene

One Lakeside Resort is nestled in the northern Idaho panhandle in the beautiful city of Coeur d’Alene. At this resort, you’re neighbors with majestic scenery inherent to this region of Idaho such as vast lakes, rivers, mountains, and trails for you to explore. Right across from the hotel is where your adventure starts at the iconic Lake Coeur d’Alene. From laying on the beach to boating and even fishing, there’s something for everyone to do by this pristine lake. In addition to this gorgeous body of water, Coeur d’Alene’s downtown is vibing with culture and art.

Only steps away from cute boutiques, eateries, shopping, and nightlife, One Lakeside is the best option while visiting Coeur d’Alene. The city is where small-town meets resort-town, in the most authentic, friendly manner you could imagine. One Lakeside Resort, designed beautifully with superior amenities, will be your lodge, your lake house, your retreat, and your home base, right in the heart of Coeur d’Alene.

What are the rooms like at One Lakeside?

The property features 29 amenity-filled hotel suites in various configurations and is dog-friendly so you don’t have to leave your furry friends at home. We stayed in the one-bedroom suite and oh my gosh, we were ready to move in! Luxurious and comfortable, the suites are beautifully crafted with quality finishes and provide all the amenities you need for the perfect getaway. Literally, all the amenities you could possibly need because it feels as though you moved into a luxury apartment from the moment you swipe your key card on the door. When I say my jaw dropped, I mean it because these beautiful suites are luxury meets lake vibes and the designer of the property deserves a raise. I kept walking around every corner going “It gets better!”

These suites are truly perfect for friends and family because they’re super spacious and make it feel like a home or vacation rental vs. a hotel but you get the hotel hospitality and service where that’s lacking in the Airbnb-type rentals. Complete with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious balconies with gorgeous views, chef-ready kitchens that are sure to please, full-size washers and dryers, living rooms with a queen size pullout sofa, and individual bedrooms with premium mattresses and high-quality feather bedding, these suites provide everything you need, right at your fingertips.

There are numerous configurations of rooms and we were able to peek into one of the 3-bedroom suites and oh my gosh, if you’re looking for a place to take your family or go on a friend’s trip and want beautiful accommodations look no further. I think this property was just so vastly different from others I’ve seen in the past because these give off such luxury apartment vibes where you can feel as though you’ve moved in and cook your own food, watch movies in the living room, escape to a private bedroom, and even do your own laundry in the suite.

When it comes to a bathroom on vacation, I’m very picky because I want what I want, ya know? Big mirror, spacious vanity for getting ready, room to stretch out and dry off after a shower, a nice shower head, and great bath and hair products. This bathroom at One Lakeside was absolutely up to my standards! In addition, the styling added a plus to my overall rating. I was really digging the photographs on the walls — which was super simple but just did it for me.

When it came to spaces within this suite to hang out and relax, the balcony took the cake. It was HUGE first off and had such a stunning view of Coeur d’Alene Lake. Andrew and I sat outside and enjoyed some Washington wine while taking everything in. At home, I’m always on my balcony just breathing in the fresh air so this was very special to have this much space outdoors for us to socialize and relax.

What amenities are available for guests at One Lakeside?

One Lakeside offers a $25 per day Rooftop Experience Fee at check-in that includes access to the Rooftop Terrace with a hot tub (ages 18+), the Club Room which is great for remote working or game night, and the Fitness Center. The Fitness Center has incredible views of the lake while you’re getting your sweat on! If you purchase this additional option you’ll be given a bracelet to wear while you’re in these specific areas. I will say that guests share this area with individuals who live on different floors than the hotel floors so you are bound to run into locals in the elevator or on the rooftop amenity locations. Read more on this here.

What amenities are included?

If you opt out of the rooftop access, don’t fret because there’s a courtyard on the 4th floor for hotel guests to enjoy free of charge. This is where we decided to grill hotdogs on their grill and sit outside for a bit and relax. We ended up having the entire courtyard to ourselves the whole time we were out there. Each suite at One Lakeside had grill tools and utensils in the kitchen to use on the grill. I love going out to eat and experience the food scene in new cities I visit but sometimes you just want the option to make your own food in a full kitchen or grill outside.

Spend time on the rooftop

Highlights of our favorite things were the rooftop where we enjoyed the hot tub and views of the sunset over Coeur d’Alene Lake. I mean the photos can’t even do it justice because it was absolutely breathtaking the views right from the hotel. Again, rooftop access does cost extra but it is worth it for the hot tub, views, and space to hangout outside and have a drink or two.

Where is a great place to grab lunch or dinner nearby?

When I first saw The Cedars Floating Restaurant pop up in a simple Google search I knew we had to go! Then when the reviews reflected that everyone who visits has a wonderful time, I made reservations immediately. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended for this restaurant/experience because of how unique it is and how great the food is as well. The Cedars was founded in 1965 and floats at the confluence of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River. Buoyed by 600,000 pounds of concrete encased styrofoam, The Cedars is the perfect setting to take in breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and Northwest delicacies such as Cedar Plank Salmon and a Biergarten Filet. We requested a table outside on the patio right on the water and I swear they gave us the best table in the corner right alongside the railing. It ended up being perfect for sunset photos over the water. We opted for drinks, an appetizer, and desserts and when I tell you it was all fantastic, I mean it. We ordered the Pomegranate Margarita which was Lunazul tequila, Pama liquor, Bacardi Silver, sweet & sour, and pomegranate juice, and the Lakeside Breeze which was Tito's vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice, and a splash of guava. I’m a born and raised Texas girlie so margaritas kinda have to be perfect and I have yet to find one this far north and y’all… Oh my gosh, this margarita was perfect! It wasn’t too sweet, not too strong but strong enough, and still had a taste of tequila. Andrew’s drink was delicious too but how could it not be with those flavors, ya know?

For an appetizer, we ordered the Crispy Fried Calamari which included a Sweet Thai Chili Sauce and a Roasted Red Pepper Remoulade that were delicious. One thing we didn’t love about the calamari was that it came with the little circle pieces and then the tentacle pieces and I just wish it was all the circle ones. Finally, we couldn’t choose just one dessert so we ordered the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and the House Made Key Lime Pie. The cheesecake was good but I probably wouldn’t order it again because the key lime pie was GREAT! It reminded me of the key lime pie I grew up with that’s tart and just wonderful. When it came to service, it was great! Our server was beyond helpful and kind and truly just 10/10 and then they had a server who was there to fill our water and they were on top of it and even offered to take a picture of us. Overall, this experience was amazing and we’ll absolutely be back in the future.