The eastern side of the state is often overlooked when visitors plan their trip to Washington state, a shame since it offers the experiences of all four seasons that you don’t get on the west side. From hiking and snow sports to culture and food experiences, Spokane, Washington, makes a great stand alone destination as well as an add-on to a trip to Seattle.
For a luxury stay in Spokane, Northern Quest Resort, a 250-room AAA Four Diamond resort and casino owned by the Kalispel Tribe, delivers aces.
Located about 15 minutes from downtown Spokane, the resort can be a destination itself or, if you’d like to enjoy what else the Spokane area has to offer, complimentary shuttle service can be arranged with the resort making this a car-free getaway. Tip: make transportation arrangements as far in advance as possible, Friday and Saturday night’s prime dinner time can be very busy.
Rooms at Northern Quest are spacious, with custom-made pillow top mattresses and quality linens, and decorated with dark wood furniture and white and muted earth tones. I stayed in a suite (photo up top). There are plush robes in the closet, complimentary water, a Keurig coffee maker with an assorted selection of coffee and tea, and a wine cooler. Electronics are high end, with a flat panel television, mp3 docking stations, and free wifi.
The bathrooms are some of the best I’ve seen, closer to what I’d expect at a spa. The custom toiletries and hair dryer were high end, but the real treat was the shower. The open glass shower has four adjustable spray jets that you use to position your water stream any way you wish. It took awhile to get them positioned just right, then it provided the “aaaah” moment of the stay.
The shower was a mere teaser for the 14,000 square foot La Rive Spa. The name means river, and the spa encompasses the culture of the Kalispel tribe in focusing on elements of nature in their decor and treatments. The dressing area was spacious and spotless, a pleasant change from the all too common cramped quarters. The lounge area was quiet and relaxing, as it should be, yet could still accommodate a couple friends enjoying tea and chatting after their treatments. The spa offers massages, facials, and a variety of body treatments. On the salon side of the spa offers the expected services: hair, nails, and makeup. The salon would be perfect for small groups, perhaps a pedicure party for a bridal shower or girls getaway. La Rive Spa is open seven days a week. While I was accommodated on a walk-in basis for a massage, reservations are strongly advised.
Another guest favorite is the indoor pool area. I didn’t have time to enjoy the pool, but was able to pop in before it opened to get a photo. It’s a beautiful, relaxing area.
There are four dining options on property: Masselow’s Steakhouse is open for breakfast and dinner. It’s elegant without being too fussy. EPIC, a sports bar, is open all day and can get loud and raucous – especially when the Seahawks are playing. River’s Edge Buffet offers over 100 items and is open for lunch and dinner daily, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. With special discounts offered, this can be a real value for the budget conscious. Fatburger is open 24/7 offering fresh made burgers and accompaniments. I love the onions rings, so bad but yet so good.
Spokane is the second largest city in Washington and is known as the birthplace of Father’s Day. Riverfront Park, located on the Spokane River, was the location for the World’s Fair Expo ‘74, and now is a public park. Popular with locals and visitors, the park features a sky ride over the Spokane Falls (always a nice view, but spectacular when the falls are roaring), a small amusement park for young kids, and an ice rink during the winter. Since the Northern Quest shuttle will take you various places around the city, Riverside Park should be on your to-visit list.
Northern Quest Resort is located at 100 North Hayford Road, Airway Heights, Washington. Rates start around $130/night. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from Spokane airport, along with complimentary valet and self-parking. A stay, park and fly program that gives you free parking for up to two weeks with a one night stay is a great option if you have an early morning flight out of Spokane.
Compare rates if you wish at Expedia or Hotels.com.
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