Priest Lake, Idaho, located in northern Idaho's Panhandle region, is a lake and mountain resort destination that boasts a slew of year-round outdoor activities including snowmobiling, hiking, rock climbing and fishing. While you won't find many properties that call themselves "boutique hotels" in this rugged, woodsy resort area, you will find plenty that offer key characteristics like rustic but thoughtful decor; small, intimate atmosphere; and plenty of pampering and activities to last your whole vacation.
The Old Northern Inn will wrap you in both historical and luxurious ambiance. The inn dates back to 1890 and has meticulously preserved the slow, laid-back atmosphere of its origins. You'll find a lobby decorated with late-1800s antiques, individually named rooms with country decor, and a breezy deck to enjoy the view of the mountains and lake.
Breakfast is served each morning, and in the afternoon, guests are treated to wine, cheese and fruit. While the property lacks televisions, you'll find a great room with a fireplace and picture windows, an eclectic book collection and an old grand piano. The property also has a small marina on the lake.
While the term "resort" may conjure images of a large, sprawling property overflowing with loud, partying guests, Grandview is anything but. It is an intimate family-run property with 28 rooms nestled between the lakeshore and the mountains.
Grandview has a dining room that lets you feast on specialties like Australian lobster tail and huckleberry barbecue-brushed baby back ribs, while enjoying panoramic views of the beauty outside the window panes. The property offers suites and cottages, both with full kitchens.
Tucked into the secluded west end of Cavanaugh Bay, Blue Diamond Marina boasts that it is Priest Lake's deepest water marina. In terms of lodging, Blue Diamond advertises itself as a unique Priest Lake accommodation with a smaller and less-crowded atmosphere, combined with personalized service. Room options include lakeside suites, lakeside twins, deluxe suites and houseboats.
The Waterfront Restaurant serves steaks and seafood with a lake and mountain view. Dinner boat cruises are also offered.
Sandpoint is one of the larger towns near Priest Lake. In Sandpoint, you can find The Lodge at Sandpoint, which bills itself as a boutique waterfront hotel. It's located on a 600-foot strip of beach on Lake Pend Oreille and offers 24 one-bedroom suites and luxury studios as well as three cabins.
Amenities include a fitness room, reading room with fireplace and in-room massage. The Inn at Sand Creek is another boutique hotel in Sandpoint that has just three suites, creating a very intimate atmosphere.
