Sometimes travel presents a place you don’t expect. Black Swan Inn in Pocatello, Idaho is one of those places.
Back in 1933, the inn was a two-story apartment building. Starting in the late 1990s, the transformation into a Tudor-style 15-suite hotel began. When searching out a Pocatello overnight stay, I couldn’t pass this one up. There’s something about themed rooms that intrigues me.
At The Broadway Hotel in Philipsburg, Montana, we stayed in a guest room with a British ambiance. The rooms at the Black Swan Inn take the theme approach to a different level. I opted for the Pirate’s Suite. First, it was one of the last rooms left. Although, one of the two Romeo and Juliet suites with a balcony was tempting, there’s something about pirates.
The reception room with its Tudor-like theme.
After pulling into the ample parking lot, my first stop was the reception room to pick up our room key. The Black Swan Inn’s aim to create a couple’s getaway where guests have alone time starts here. The friendly receptionist gave me the rundown of how breakfast is served. Guests fill out a check list menu and the time breakfast should appear. I opted for breakfast burritos at 9 am.
Unless anyone needs something else, this is the last time you’ll come across another person. Each suite has its own entrance to the outside. I think we saw one guy loading a suitcase into a car when we were there.
Our pirate room was what I imagined and more. As we opened the door, sounds of the ocean greeted our entrance. Two dolphins swam across the TV screen – then a giant sea turtle, then a shark. The wall mounted flat screen plasma TV serves as an aquarium of the sea of sorts. This is among several of the pirate meets nautical details. Decked out like a pirate captain’s cabin of wood paneled walls and plush red carpet, our room’s furnishings include a bar with a built-in aquarium with live fish. Two stained glass paintings of parrots frame each side of the gas fireplace usable in cold weather months.
A small cannon faucet and a barrel with two shower heads are pirate details of this room’s two-person Jacuzi and shower combination. The stack of bath towels and toiletries at the edge of the tub provided a welcoming touch.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
- Search for Great Tours HERE
The California king’s bed’s headboard is half of a ship’s giant wheel. Several oversized, plush pillows and a brocade bedspread temper the room’s masculine vibe. Like the Jacuzi tub, painted murals are part of each of the inn’s suites. The Pirate’s Suite’s is an ocean floor scene. A treasure chest and embossed artwork of a pirate are the bathroom’s pirate nod.
Along with the 55″ Smart 4K TV with built in Roku, the room has a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, and iron and ironing board.
In the morning, a little after 9, my husband opened the front door. A basket with the breakfast burritos wrapped in foil and the rest of what I ordered were there. We didn’t hear the delivery.
I’ve told several people about the Black Swan Inn since it was one of our overnight highlights of our trip from Montana to New Mexico. Pirate themed or not, our bed was super comfortable. If we ever go back, although I liked the warm feel of the Pirate Room, I think I’ll book the Sea Cave Suite. Slumbering in a king size bed that looks like a clam shell is intriguing.
Room rates range from $119 to $219. I booked directly from Black Inn’s website. Currently, there’s a special. Book Saturday and Sunday night for half off the room rate on Sunday. You can also check with an online hotel booking site such at Booking.com or Expedia to compare rates and book there.
At the reception desk, you can purchase bath bombs, Godiva chocolate and a movie treat basket. You can order these and more items when you book a room as well.
