"Lake sanctuary,” “rustic chic” and “Northwest playground” are some of the two-word definers that distinguish Idaho’s standout retreat properties, but the most important word duo—meetings-friendly—covers them all.
The following half-dozen scenic and luxurious properties exemplify the Gem State’s impressive lineup of options for groups seeking an escape to natural settings, inviting accommodations, unique amenities, delicious cuisine and quality meeting spaces.
Shore Lodge, McCall
Shore Lodge resides along Payette Lake, just two hours north of Boise in the scenic mountain lake town of McCall.
Liane Eastman, director of sales and marketing at the property, cites downhill skiing and high-altitude, lift-served mountain biking at nearby Brundage Mountain, and river rafting through Hells Canyon, among the many group-friendly activities surrounding the lodge.
On-site, attendees will find ultra-comfortable accommodations, fine dining and meeting spaces totaling just over 19,000 square feet, including the outdoor Marina East Docks, the 45-seat Ford Theater and the 300-person Upper Pavilion, which is well-suited for banquets.
“We pride ourselves in customizing each group experience, including catered cruises on the lake, daily spa treatments and breakout sessions on the resort’s championship-style golf course, just to name a few,” Eastman says, adding the resort also boasts a fun menu of team-bonding activities, including catered Pontoon boat rides, guided snowshoe excursions and morel mushroom treasure hunts.
The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene
At the lakeside Coeur d’Alene Resort, according to John Rovie, director of sales and marketing at the property, groups will find “a surreal blend of luxury, wildlife, amenities, activities and idyllic natural surroundings.”
In short, he says, a memorable experience that mingles business and pleasure is guaranteed at the resort, which offers more than 32,000 square feet of conference, meeting and exhibit space, plus oodles of activities—including everything from spa treatments to golf tournaments—to entertain groups during off-session hours.
“A successful event is more than meetings, guest speakers and information,” Rovie says. “We know that building and strengthening relationships is just as important.”
To that end, he recommends teambuilding activities such as the Lake Coeur d’Alene Poker Run, during which attendees compete to win hands of poker, and the IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene-inspired mini-triathlon, a challenging and enjoyable option for fit and active attendees.
In addition to direct lake access, which makes picturesque cruises standard fare for groups, the resort is also within walking distance to downtown shopping, where bargain hunters can explore some 100 boutique shops.
Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Worley
In a word, “isolation” sets the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel apart from other Idaho resorts, according to Bob Bostwick, spokesperson for the property.
“Isolation provides respite from the noise, the crowds and the clutter of city life, but creates grand opportunities here for special ways to pass the time, including golf at the world-class Circling Raven Golf Club,” he says, adding the resort’s setting next to Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Bitterroot range of the Rocky Mountains is quite impressive.
Among the resort’s amenities are the 15,000-square-foot Spa Ssakwa’q’n, seven dining venues, 1,600 gaming machines, a 50,000-square-foot events center, a 26,000-square-foot conference center, beaches, boat rentals and bike and hiking trails.
Bostwick notes that wildlife sightings, including resident bald eagles George and Gracie, who nest and raise their young along Circling Raven’s 17th fairway, are also commonplace around the resort.
Teton Valley Lodge, Driggs
Many of the corporate groups that retreat to Teton Valley Lodge, a fourth-generation family-owned and -operated business, have been booking the property for over 30 years, according to owner Matt Berry.
The lodge’s specialty is guided fly-fishing outings on three different Idaho rivers: the South Fork of the Snake, Teton and Henry’s Fork.
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“These are some of the finest rivers in the world,” Berry says. “A day on the river fly-fishing gives everyone in the group a chance to unwind and be social while having a great time. Lots of deals have been done after spending time together on the rivers.”
The lodge, located about 75 miles east of Idaho Falls on the banks of the Teton River, is far from outside distractions and nearby two great national parks—Grand Teton is 40 minutes away and Yellowstone is 90 minutes away—for groups interested in a memorable day trip.
“We also offer ruffed grouse, duck and goose hunting in the fall,” Berry adds.
Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley
America’s first four-season destination resort, which features mountain vistas, crystal clear trout streams and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails right out its front door, has been successfully hosting corporate events for 79 years, according to Director of Sales Brent Gillette.
“In Sun Valley, groups will never strive to find activities for their attendees,” he says, citing 45 holes of championship golf, a gun club with trap and sporting clays, horseback riding and an outdoor music pavilion that stages a free symphony concert series as among the opportunities.
The resort, already a meetings standby that accommodates up to 600 people seated and 1,000 for standing receptions, just announced a major piece of news when its signature Sun Valley Lodge reopened in June after the largest renovation and spa addition in the resort’s history.
The lodge’s overall square footage was increased by 40 percent, including the addition of a new 20,000-square-foot destination spa and three new meeting rooms.
Knob Hill Inn, Ketchum
Nearby Sun Valley Resort in the town of Ketchum is Knob Hill Inn, a 29-room property in a picturesque setting that accommodates executive retreats and other smaller groups.
According to General Manager Andrew Wall, one of the best compliments received from groups is that they “felt like a welcome guest in a friend’s home” as opposed to just another hotel guest.
“Groups who block the entire hotel have the advantage of our full team at their disposal to help facilitate their event,” he says.
Recreational pursuits available to groups when convening here include hiking and biking, fishing, canoeing and photographing nature, as well as visiting downtown Ketchum, which is within walking distance and has museums, art galleries and shops for groups to explore, as well as two pottery shops that Wall recommends to groups for teambuilding.
“If you’re seeking something more adventurous, head 30 minutes south to Ryan’s Mountain Rentals for the ultimate RZR UTV off-roading experience,” Wall adds.
Longtime Meetings Focus contributor CAROLYN BLACKBURN's brother got married in Idaho and it remains a special place for her family.
