Idaho offers a vacation paradise, especially for those who want to enjoy magnificent scenery and outdoor adventure, with over 60 percent of its total land being public. Everything from world-class whitewater to stunning mountain hikes and horseback riding can be enjoyed here, with 130 hot springs throughout the state for relaxing soaks afterward. Of course, you’ll need a base to enjoy it all from, with these resorts and hotels your top options.
The Coeur D'Alene Resort - Coeur D'Alene
Located right on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, this resort hosts its own highly regarded golf course and offers many other activities too, including water sports and biking. It has an indoor pool, a hot tub and a luxurious spa, while spacious rooms offer breathtaking lake and mountain views. Some include fireplaces too. There are multiple restaurants on-site, providing plenty of options for tasty dining without having to venture off the property.
Sun Valley Lodge - Sun Valley
Sun Valley Lodge is a part of Sun Valley Resort, located right next to the Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink while it’s also the place to stay for skiing and other outdoor adventures on the mountain year-round. It offers the classic lodge ambiance with extra-spacious rooms, a massive 20,000-square-foot destination spa, and a world-class fitness center. There’s a glass-enclosed outdoor pool so you can swim comfortably in every season, along with multiple dining options from a pool cafe to upscale restaurants. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and minifridges; some include terraces and/or fireplaces too.
Hotel Ketchum - Ketchum
One of the best hotels in Ketchum, Hotel Ketchum has made a name for itself with outdoor enthusiasts in search of a relaxing getaway. In addition to a beautiful mountain backdrop, this boutique hotel is the perfect home base for travelers looking to hike nearby trails or hit the slopes of Idaho’s premier ski resorts. Book a mountain-facing room and fireplace and marvel at the nature views through massive picture windows, then take advantage of the outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and fitness center. The on-site restaurant Barrio75 has Taco Tuesday specials and outdoor patio dining with spectacular views of Mt. Baldy. As a bonus, breakfast is included with every overnight stay.
Les Saison Resort - Ketchum
Located in the heart of downtown Ketchum, Les Saison Resort offers a luxurious resort getaway in two or three-bedroom condos that come with private patios, fireplaces, and handcrafted furniture. The property includes a lavish spa, rooftop pool, soaking tubs, and well-equipped fitness center in addition to offering services like pre-arranged grocery shopping, and an on-site concierge so you can just relax and enjoy it all.
Teton Springs Lodge & Spa - Victor
Just 20 minutes from Jackson Hole in Victor, Teton Springs offers a prime location for skiing and exploring both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. In the summer, enjoy world-class golf, a 25-meter pool, and stocked ponds for fishing. When snow covers the landscape, guests have access to miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and two ski resorts nearby. There’s a 5,000 square foot spa and eucalyptus steam room, while accommodation includes everything from lodge rooms and suites to custom log cabins with as many as five bedrooms, plus decks, fireplaces, and hot tubs. Headwaters Grille is on-site for fireside dinners and cocktails.
The Anniversary Inn - Boise
One of the best hotels in Boise, The Anniversary Inn is the place to book. It offers unique themed rooms, with everything from an enchanted forest to a country garden and a jungle safari. All have TVs with DVD players and whirlpool tubs; some include fireplaces to cozy up to with a glass of bubbly or hot cocoa. It’s one of the most romantic spots for couples to land in the state, with packages available that include champagne, chocolates, candles, robes, or massage oils.
Hotel 43 - Boise
Hotel 43 is a boutique hotel located in the downtown Boise area less than a half-mile from the Idaho Capitol Building, providing convenient access to a wide range of shopping, dining, cultural attractions, entertainment and nightlife, with outdoor adventure just minutes away. Offering an urban chic feel and lots of special extras, guests can enjoy complimentary loaner bikes, a free airport shuttle, and a 24-hour fitness center. Look forward to unforgettable dining at popular Chandlers Steakhouse, and staying in comfortable rooms that include flat-screen TVs and Keurig coffeemakers – book a suite for a whirlpool tub, wet bar and more living space.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort - Sandpoint
Providing incredible mountain scenery and access to year-round outdoor adventures, Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers accommodation right on the slopes or in its village, providing a long list of things to do without having to leave the property. There are ski-in-ski-out condos along with comfortable rooms at slopeside Selkirk Lodge and White Pine Lodge in the village. In addition to skiing, guests can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, zipline rides, disc golf and more. No matter what the season, afterward there’s a heated outdoor pool and multiple hot tubs for a relaxing swim or soak. The resort includes shops, restaurants, and even an on-site theater too.
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch - Stanley
For a ranch-style stay, you can’t beat Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, located in one of the state’s most picturesque towns, Stanley, nestled at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains on the banks of the Salmon River. It offers stunning views of the mountain’s jagged peaks that might make you think you’ve landed in Switzerland. The property includes luxury cabin accommodation with access to the great outdoors for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more. After a day of play, you can relax and unwind in the nearby natural hot springs too.
Knob Hill Inn - Ketchum
Knob Hill Inn is a gorgeous Alpine-style resort offering access to Sun Valley’s beautiful landscapes, including the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and skiing opportunities at Dollar and Bald Mountains. Day passes to the nearby Wood River YMCA, which offers a lap pool and a water slide, a rock-climbing wall, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment are given to all guests, and there’s a heated indoor pool and hot tub on-site. The rooms and suites come with luxe amenities like private balconies and marble bathrooms with oversized tubs. The higher-end options even have full kitchens and separate living rooms with fireplaces. Pacific Northwest fare can be enjoyed at the Grill at Knob Hill, while a continental breakfast buffet is served in the Fireplace Room.
The Inn at 500 Capitol - Boise
The Inn at 500 Capitol is located in the city center of Boise near popular Julia Davis Park providing a luxurious boutique stay with a host of complimentary amenities, including loaner bikes and Mercedes-Benz shuttle service. Its signature Richard’s Restaurant, curated by a James Beard Award-nominated chef, offers a tasty menu of Italian cuisine paired with fine imported wines. Guest rooms and suites include private butler pantries, 55″ Smart TVs, Keurig coffee makers, Bluetooth alarm clocks, and gas-burning fireplaces. The penthouse suites come with large spa-style bathrooms.
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch - Sandpoint
One of the country’s top ranch vacation destinations, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch offers spectacular mountain views, daily horseback rides, mountain biking and more. All-inclusive packages are available that include activities, meals, and lodging which is available in rooms or log cabins with wood-burning stoves with kindling and chopped wood supplied. Guests can also enjoy a rec room with a pool table, outdoor hot tub, basketball court, and horseshoes while evenings bring campfires and s’mores under the stars.
Diamond D Ranch - Stanley
Surrounded by the Salmon River Mountains in the Frank Church Wilderness near Stanley, this all-inclusive ranch is ideal for relaxation along with activities like horseback riding with two guided trail rides included most days. One of the best dude ranches in Idaho, guests can also fish for rainbow trout, gold pan, hike, or just hang out around the pool. Accommodation is in lodge suites and rooms, or cabins that are ideal for larger groups of up to 10 guests. Dining is family-style, with occasional barbecues hosted too, while evening campfires under the stars are always a hit.
Red Horse Mountain Ranch - Coeur d’Alene
There are plenty of options for all-inclusive dude ranch stays in Idaho, but Red Horse is truly something special. Sitting on 560 acres surrounded by national forest, it offers everything from lodge rooms to cabins and full vacation homes, all with luxurious touches like log furniture, down comforters, and pillow-top beds. Activities include everything from skiing to mountain biking, kayaking, fishing with a spotlight on horseback riding, including opportunities for everyone from beginners to the experts. The food is top-notch too, all made with fresh ingredients – the adults can enjoy special weekly wine dinners too.
Pend Oreille Shores Resort - Hope
Located on Lake Pend Oreille in the northern Idaho Panhandle, Pend Oreille Shores Resort sits right along the water’s edge offering one, two, and three-bedroom condos that are beautifully appointed. Guests enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and an athletic club with racquetball courts. All sorts of activities can be enjoyed in every season, including boating and canoeing, with paddle boats and canoes available for rent. In the winter, guests can bring their own skis, snowboards or snowmobiles and enjoy the snowy landscapes.
