There is nothing like a holiday season in the Northwest and nobody does a Coeur d’Alene fall staycation better than the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Staying at the resort is always a treat but, during the holidays. It’s truly magical from the second you step out of your car and through the revolving glass doors.
A Coeur d’Alene Resort staycation has so many options for the traveler, especially during the fall and winter seasons. You can enjoy so many activities from a world-class dinner at Beverly’s, a luxurious pampering day at their newly remodeled spa, or even a trip to the “North Pole” with the whole family to visit Santa and his elves! Take in the fall foliage, cool and crisp weather, and see the Coeur d’Alene Resort come alive in a festive way like no other during the fall and winter months. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
Disclosure: Visit Coeur d’Alene and The Coeur d’Alene Resort hosted this October trip for my family. They provided complimentary lodging and meals. They did not pay for this article, require a positive review, or have editorial control over our coverage. Our observations and recommendations reflect our own experience.
The Resort
Down the elevator and into the warm and wonderfully elegant entrance of the resort lobby. The excitement and eagerness of our entire crew set in for an early October visit when the tourists have left and the locals get to enjoy the destination all to ourselves. With three young boys in tow, and two moms/best-friends, the resort staff made our check-in process seamless.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?” a kind woman asked before she handed us our room keys to Lake Towers room 1107. “No, we are ready to let the staycation begin!” I replied.
Taking the elevator up to our 11th floor, our young and lively sons were thrilled to open up our oasis that was our resort room. With two queen beds, a fireplace, a balcony, and a beautiful view of Lake Coeur d’Alene- all of us were all smiles. After dropping off our bags, it was time for a little adventure.
Activities for Families
The Coeur d’Alene Resort has epic adventures during the fall and winter months. A little planning ahead can go a long way, and we are already planning our next visit for the magical lake cruises! It’s the perfect getaway for families because there is so much to do all in one place. It’s family-friendly that it takes away the anxiety of being “too much” with our three-year-olds and toddler. There are endless activities to add to the calendar during the holiday season in Downtown Coeur d’Alene and beyond. Winter season at the resort starts November 27th with one of Coeur d’Alene’s favorite festivities. Including the local favorite Holiday Light Show, but they host many other fun and unique experiences as well.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises: Every year this is a beloved tradition for our family. In every season, but especially in the winter, there are cruises for every occasion, and the crown jewel of the cruise experiences for families are the Journey to the North Pole cruises! Be sure to book well in advance for the most important dates in your calendar, because they fill up fast. Adults and children alike enjoy the voyage. There are drinks and cocoa available for purchase on the way, and Santa with his super-powered sleigh and spectacular lights and fireworks when you arrive at the North Pole.
Get your tickets for these experiences here.
Bald Eagle Watching: Last year I bought my bird watching husband tickets for the Eagle Watching at the Coeur d’Alene Resort and we had a blast! It was a beautiful morning on the water, bundled up with hot coco, we enjoyed a relaxing morning with like minded bird lovers. The Bald Eagles make Lake CDA their home from November to February. Last November, official counters recorded nearly 300 eagles on the lake in a single weekly count.
Book your Bald Eagle Watching, here.
Ski Trip: With three ski mountains in driving range to the Resort, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and Schweitzer all make for an unforgettable winter wonderful escape.
12 Days of Christmas: December 19- December 30th, guests of the Resort can indulge in a rotating calendar of complimentary holiday festivities. From Christmas crafts to holiday movie nights, the Resort welcomes Christmas lovers to make the Resort their holiday headquarters. Read about seasonal itinerary, here.
Hot Winter Nights: I attended Hot Winter Nights for the first time in 2021, and it’s gotten better every year. I still look forward to making the experience a date night under the stars! The Resort’s Hot Winter Nights turns their infinity pool into a lovely and large lakeside hot tub. They offer private igloos and seasonal room packages for this seasonal stay experience! Book a Hot Winter Night experience, here.
Visit Downtown Coeur d’Alene: The Coeur d’Alene Resort is a short walk to “The Shops” in downtown Coeur d’Alene. With restaurants, local shopping, outdoor adventures and more- a stroll through downtown Coeur d’Alene always feels like a holiday out of Hallmark movie.
Shopping at the Coeur d’Alene Resort
“The Shops” at the resort are a wonderful indoor space to roam. The local boutiques and shops inside hold something for everyone, including your furry friends. Take your time as your window shop or stop into Coeur d’Alene’s own local businesses.
“To the candy store!” we told the boys as everyone ran off energy to Honeypeeps Sweetshop for a treat before settling into our staycation setting.
Editor’s Note – Downtown Coeur d’Alene is a Post Card Perfect Experience
Locals know how lucky we are to live and explore Downtown Coeur d’Alene. It’s like any of the charming small towns you’d find on the Hallmark Channel – old brick buildings, adorable shops and restaurants, and a tree-lined street complete with twinkling lights throughout the late fall and winter.
I grew up in Post Falls, Idaho and worked in Downtown Coeur d’Alene for years, and I adore this little corner of the Northwest, especially during fall and winter. My top recommendations for must-do activities would be:
Get a cup of coffee or a hot cocoa Vault Coffee– it’s always decorated beautifully and they even have the cutest seasonal flights!
Shop for holiday gifts in The Plaza Shops and all of the darling stores in the walkable downtown corridor. There is truly something for everyone, and you get to support locally owned businesses at the same time.
Make a stop at Lantern Donuts to grab our signature donut that we created with the chef – The Cremé Brulee! It’s got the ultimate crunchy top and a ridiculously rich cream filling.
Walk the length of downtown in the evening when all the lights are sparkling in the trees – it is a magical experience like no other. Pop by Visit Coeur d’Alene to learn all about the incredible destinations we have around the region tailored to your interests, from skiing to fishing to scenic flights and everything in-between.
Dining at the Coeur d’Alene Resort
Room Service – A Great Option for Families
Ready for dinner, we walked our short distance back to the resort lobby and opted for room service. The dine-in menu was nothing short of great choices. This also felt very family-friendly, like everyone had choices to be happy.
From fettuccine Alfredo with broccolini, to flatbread pizza or the classics for kids, our crew was satisfied after ordering dinner in bed. Of course, we had to order a Gooey as well. Whip cream and Reese’s? Yes please. It was delivered to our room with great flourish, and the kids (and moms) thought it was pure magic. We needed a break, and it was the perfect way to nourish ourselves before we all drifted off to sleep thanks to the kiddos being thoroughly exhausted by our adventures. With a large screen tv, we rounded out our night watching cartoons and family cuddles.
The next morning, as the sun peeked through the clouds on the lake, the kiddos were so excited to start the day they woke us up. “Coffee,” I said out loud as my kiddos were jumping up and down with excitement. I started my day with a fresh cup in the room overlooking the spectacular Coeur d’Alene lake. I got the kids up and they started to bounce around with excitement as we all wandered over to the wall that was one big window, and took it in. The beauty is not lost on kids, that’s for sure. We could see a boat or two out on an early morning excursion and we could hear nothing but the birds as we took in our view of the lake. After a great night of sleep, everyone was ready to get out of the room and continue exploring and having fun.
The Convenient Lobby Café
We strolled in our swimsuits and the plush robes down to the Lobby Cafe on the first floor. Offering Starbucks and locally curated drinks and goodies, we were happy to have access to coffee at our fingertips.
“A grande praline crunch latte please,” I asked for and within two minutes- a delicious iced coffee was waiting for me. “Of course!” the barista said after we asked if we could take the coffee to the pool.
Upon the pool entrance, we decided to let our inner child out and have a blast in the pool and hot tub with our boys. Several sweet families enjoyed themselves in soaking up their Saturday morning. Surrounded by laughter and splashing, it was easy to see why the resort is ideal for family life too. The towel attendants helped us with towels as we slowly soaked up our last bit of pool time.
After packing our room up, we held onto every last minute before checkout with breakfast at Dockside. We left our bags at the front desk to have ready for us after our breakfast.
The Breakfast Buffet Experience at Dockside
With no wait time, the Dockside hostess escorted our party of five to a front window booth overlooking the lake. Adorning the morning breakfast menu, and eyeing the huckleberry pancakes, our lovely waitress shared that the breakfast buffet was $24.99 per adult and kids under four eat free. “Sold,” we said as we ordered two ‘all you can eat’ breakfast buffets.
The ‘kids under four’ was the easiest form of girl math two moms had ever done. All three of the kids enjoyed their bacon, eggs, Dockside potatoes, fruit and pastries while I refrained from the second french toast. The buffet felt like it was out of the 90s movie,Pretty Woman. Silver and stunning food warmed perfectly (especially for little mouths) lined the walkway-showing off quite the selection of hot breakfast.
On the notoriously “borrowed time” of nap time, we fed five mouths for $50 before tip, which felt like a major win on all (lake) fronts. “We will be back for that,” we agreed as we walked to the valet to grab our luggage. Driving away, my oldest son said, “so fun mom,” and I knew that we had accomplished the great feat of capturing a three-year-olds heart.
Closing Thoughts
The Coeur d’Alene Resort is an easy escape from regular life and stepping into a way of having life’s weight taken off your shoulders during your stay. Knowing that it is a getaway for adults is fabulous, but the fact I can bring my family and have just as wonderful of a time? We will be back and I hope that you will spend time at the chicest staycation in Coeur d’Alene.
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