Unbelievable Idaho Escape: Dodge Peak Lodge Awaits!
Unbelievable Idaho Escape? Dodge Peak Lodge: Prepare for… Something. (A Review!)
Okay, so buckle up, buttercups. I just got back from, what was supposed to be, a relaxing escape to Dodge Peak Lodge, "Unbelievable Idaho Escape" they called it. Well, they're not wrong. It was… an experience. Let’s unpack this tangled ball of yarn, shall we? This is gonna be less "polished travelogue" and more "drunken diary entry," so bear with me.
Accessibility: The First Hurdle (and a Bit of a Limp)
Right off the bat, let's talk about accessibility. They say it's there, and sure, there's an elevator. But navigating the Dodge Peak Lodge with any mobility issues is… a workout. Think slightly wonky ramps, doorways that could be a smidge wider, and a general vibe of "we tried.” I'll give them points for trying, but if you rely on a wheelchair, double-check EVERYTHING and bring your map skills. Seriously. This isn’t the most smooth, smooth ride.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Again, there are places to eat, at least one. But the "accessible" aspect… well, the tables are kinda close together. Cue the awkward shuffle. Though, on the plus side:
Wheelchair Accessible …Yes, in a "mostly" kind of way.
Internet & Tech: The Modern Struggle
Okay, so you'd think in this day and age, decent internet is a given, right? Wrong! Internet Access: Check. Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: Mostly true. Internet [LAN]: Don't count on it. Internet Services: They exist. Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Err, patchy. The Verdict: Bring a book. And maybe download your Netflix beforehand. Pray for better service.
Things to Do & Ways to… Attempt to Relax (The Spa Saga)
Right, the "escape" part. The Dodge Peak Lodge thinks it's a spa resort. Let's see…
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Check, check and check.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: It looked… functional. I think I saw a treadmill.
- Massage: YES! But here's the real tea, the best part, as its the only memory that sticks out: The massage was… a godsend. Seriously. After a particularly harrowing incident involving a rogue bison statue (more on that later, I swear!). It was a truly amazing, I could not put into words everything I was experiencing, there was nothing else I could have wished for, and I still think about that massage when I'm working. It's a 10/10. I'd go back just for that, every time.
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Looked inviting, but I'm a germaphobe now, I didn't go into it.
- Cleanliness and safety: The whole place seemed to try!
- Additional comments: Look, the spa isn't the most luxurious I've been to, you know? But like I said, the massage? Worth it.
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID Dance
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Alright, let's give 'em credit. They're trying. Felt like they're taking it seriously. I think.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The Food Fight
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant.
Food: A mixed bag. The buffet? Standard hotel fare. The a la carte, and the bar? Hit or miss. I will say this, one night's dinner was shockingly good! Some amazing steak. And the happy hour? Well, you can certainly get happy. I even had an Asian breakfast one morning! It was okay.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Okay, the services are… there. Concierge? Friendly, if a bit overwhelmed. Laundry service? Expensive, but efficient. The gift shop? Full of… souvenirs. (I bought a Dodge Peak Lodge branded coffee mug, of course.) I'd be remiss if I didn't mention:
The Great Bison Statue Incident: There was a rather large, fiberglass bison statue in the lobby. I may or may not have stumbled on it late one night after a few too many drinks. Let's just say, the statue wasn't thrilled, and neither was my dignity. Luckily, I was able to use the "Contactless check-in/out" to escape the shame.
For the Kids: Family Fun?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Eh. It's fine for kids, I guess. I didn’t see anything to blow my mind.
Access: Getting There & Getting In
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms
Check-in/out was easy. Security seemed alright. Non-smoking is enforced, which is always a plus.
Getting Around: The Highway to… Somewhere
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
Parking is free and available.
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials (and Some Extras!)
Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The rooms are… okay. Nothing fancy, but clean enough. The bed was comfy. The view from the window?… meh. (I faced the parking lot, thanks to said Bison incident).
The Verdict?
Unbelievable Idaho Escape: Dodge Peak Lodge? Well, it was certainly an escape. A mixed bag of good and not-so-good. Go in with realistic expectations, embrace the quirks, and maybe bring your own entertainment. And for the love of all that is holy, stay away from the bison statue after happy hour. I give it a solid:
6/10, with a strong recommendation for the massage.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, it's my attempt at seeing Dodge Peak Lodge in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Expect a bumpy ride. And by bumpy, I mean I might completely lose track of the time and end up eating all the complimentary granola bars.
Day 1: Arrival and the Promise of Pine Needles (and Panic)
- Morning (Like, REALLY Early - 5:00 AM): The alarm screamed. I swear it sounded judgmental. Flight from… well, a city far, far away. This whole trip was a "get away from it all" venture, which mostly translates to "get away from the crushing existential dread of city living." Packing involved a minor meltdown over whether to bring the waterproof boots I've never actually worn. Spoiler alert: I brought them.
- Late Morning (ish? Who even knows anymore): Landed in Spokane, Washington. It's beautiful. The drive to Bonners Ferry was…well, it started beautiful. Road trip soundtrack was 90s grunge and my increasingly frantic internal monologue. "Did I pack the charger? Did I remember the bear spray? (Because, you know, Idaho.) Did I accidentally leave the oven on?!!!"
- Afternoon (Somewhere between hangry and hopeful): Arrived at Dodge Peak Lodge. Okay, I'll admit it, the pictures online don't lie. The view is freaking breathtaking. Towering pines, the smell of… well, I can't quite identify it, but it's definitely "woodsy and fancy." The lodge itself is charming - a fireplace you could actually use (unlike my apartment's decorative brick monstrosity!), a weirdly comforting cabin smell, and… wait a second…is that a moose head staring down at me? Cool!
- Afternoon (Continuation of the hangry): Unpacked. Failed to operate the coffee machine, resulting in a minor caffeine withdrawal-induced panic. Wandered around, feeling all Into the Wild vibes. Found a random trail map and, despite my strong urge to lie in bed and binge-watch bad reality TV, decided to… hike!
- Late Afternoon (The Hike of Regret): The trail was advertised as "easy." Liars. It went UP. My city-slicker lungs cried. I'm pretty sure a squirrel judged my hiking boots. The view, when I finally got to the top, was spectacular. Worth it, maybe. But I definitely need a beer.
- Evening (The Beer and the Bear Spray Anxiety): Back at the lodge. Showered. Drank a delicious Idaho beer (well deserved). Ate the complimentary cheese and crackers like a starving person (again) and spent a good hour staring out the window, wondering if I'd survive a bear encounter and if I'd even remember to use the bear spray. Seriously, that thing is heavy, and with my track record, I'd probably spray myself in the face.
Day 2: Avalanche of Adventures (and Possibly Actual Avalanches of Snow, I Guess?)
- Morning (Awake at stupid-o'clock): Slept like a log. A very comfortable, pine-scented log. Decided to embrace the whole "rustic" thing and skipped the shower. Why wash away the forest's essence, right? Breakfast served, bacon and eggs.
- Morning (The Skiing Debacle): Planned for ski! Found a local ski resort. Rented equipment. Felt like a total amateur, which, of course, I am. The bunny slope was, surprisingly, terrifying. Took about twenty minutes to learn to stand. Then I fell. Repeatedly. Like, a lot. The instructor seemed to be enjoying himself. He actually laughed out loud a few times.
- Afternoon (The Hot Tub Rehabilitation): My pride was bruised, but my butt was even more so. Returned to the lodge in defeat and hobbled to the hot tub (thank god for hot tubs and their miraculous ability to melt away both physical and existential angst). Spent an hour soaking, listening to the wind in the trees, and wondering if I could just live in a hot tub forever.
- Late Afternoon (The Lodge-y Introspection): Walked around the lodge. Discovered a bookshelf filled with actual, honest-to-god books! Real books! Found an old copy of Thoreau and had a little moment staring into the trees, feeling like I was experiencing some type of profound connection to nature. (Probably just the post-hot tub relaxation talking.) Grabbed a local brew.
- Evening (The Dinner that Almost Didn't Happen): Dinner at the lodge's restaurant. Fantastic meal, fresh produce and local cuisine, the chef really knew what they were doing.
Day 3: Farewell (and a Tiny Bit of Regret)
- Morning (The Farewell Breakfast): The last breakfast at the lodge. Savoring the moment, knowing that I'd soon be returning to the cold, hard reality of my life. Ordered a massive stack of pancakes and inhaled them.
- Morning (The Last Hike, for Real This Time): Since I'm leaving, felt the urge to go for a last hike, but still, no motivation. Did a shorter loop, something easier. Beautiful, quiet. The air was crisp, and the sun was gleaming. The solitude was nice, but I also wondered if I had any friends I could bring next time.
- Afternoon (A Quick Drive and a Little Melancholy): Headed back to Spokane. The drive was bittersweet. Sad to leave, but also kind of relieved to go back to civilization and actual cell service. (Although, maybe the lack of cell service was a good thing?) The best part was watching the trees zip by the windows.
- Evening (Flight Home): Plane ride home. Already missing the scent of pine and the feeling of small-town life.
Final Verdict: Bonners Ferry, and Dodge Peak Lodge, you've stolen a piece of my city-slicker heart. Maybe I'll even return next year. But next time, I'm getting a professional to ski. And packing two chargers. And maybe actually learn how to cook bacon.
Escape to Paradise: Unbeatable Luxury at Buenaventura Grand Hotel, Puerto Vallarta
Okay, Okay, I'm Intrigued. Dodge Peak Lodge? Sounds… remote. Where EVEN *is* this place?
Alright, so picture this: Idaho. Big, beautiful, potato-filled Idaho. Now, zoom in. Keep zooming. You’re getting closer… and closer… to the actual wilderness. Dodge Peak Lodge isn’t exactly "on the way" to anything. It’s tucked away. Properly tucked. Think of it as Idaho’s well-kept secret, nestled somewhere in the Payette National Forest. Look, I’m no cartographer (thank god), but it requires some serious commitment to get there. You're trading cell service for, well, *stuff*. More on that later. Just know, it's a drive. A *real* drive. And the last stretch? Buckle up. It's more "off road" than "on the road." My car (bless its heart) felt like it was doing the limbo the entire way.
Is it actually… nice? Like, luxurious "remote" or… "rustic" remote? Because my idea of camping is a hotel room with a balcony.
Okay, let's be honest. "Luxurious" might be a stretch. But it’s *damn* nice. Think… Mountain-chic meets cozy-comfy. The main lodge is this massive, gorgeous log cabin. Massive! Like, you feel tiny when you walk in. The rooms themselves? Rustic, yes, but CLEAN. And that's key, people. Clean is KING in these situations. Comfy beds, fireplaces in some rooms (YES!), and the *views*… oh, the views. Seriously. I woke up one morning and just stared out the window at the mountains for a solid half hour. No regrets. Okay, maybe a slight regret that I didn’t have a cup of coffee *immediately* to enjoy with it. But still, amazing. So, not the Ritz, but very, VERY far from a flimsy tent and a smelly outhouse.
What’s there to *do*? Besides… you know… *not* having cell service?
Oh, friend, that's the whole damn point! The *doing* is the anti-doing. Okay, so you can hike. There’s hiking. Lots of hiking. All levels. You can fish (if you know how… I, uh, do not). You can bike. They might even have horses. But the real magic? It's the *being*. It's the silence. It's the *not* constantly checking your phone. It's the evenings spent chatting with other guests (because you're trapped, in the best possible way, together!), playing board games, and drinking wine by the fire. I spent one afternoon just… reading a book. A *real* book. No distractions. And it was… glorious. Seriously glorious. I realized during that experience I'd forgotten how to just *be*. It sounds corny, I know, but it’s true. It was a huge moment. Or, you know, a slightly less dramatic moment, maybe a slight nap.
Food. Alright. Is the food… edible? Or am I packing granola bars and praying?
Okay, deep breath. The food. The food is… AMAZING. Seriously. They have a chef, a *real* chef, who whips up gourmet meals. Three courses. Every. Single. Night. I am not exaggerating. One night, I had the most incredible pan-seared salmon. Another night, a braised short rib that practically melted in my mouth. And the breakfasts? Oh GOD, the breakfasts. Pancakes, omelets, fresh fruit… the works. Honestly, I gained five pounds. And I *regret nothing*. Not. A. Single. Thing. Just prepare to loosen your belt. You will need it. My only "complaint" is that I wish the portions were bigger. And maybe that they offered a midnight snack. But that's just me being greedy.
Okay, you mentioned the drive. What’s the road *really* like? I have a Prius…
Uh… ditch the Prius. Seriously. Unless you enjoy the sound of your car screaming in agony. The last stretch? That's dirt road, full of potholes, rocks, and the faint scent of "I'm-pretty-sure-a-bear-lives-here." I would suggest a vehicle with decent ground clearance and maybe four-wheel drive. My poor little car barely survived. It sounded like a washing machine full of gravel. And there was this *one* particularly gnarly pothole… I swear, I thought I was going to sheer the bottom of the car right off. I may have yelped. Loudly. Don’t do what I did. Don’t take the Prius. Trust me on this. Take a truck, an SUV, SOMETHING that won't cry when it sees a pebble.
What’s the best time to go?
That depends on what you're after. If you're into hiking and sunshine, summer is your jam. But be prepared for crowds, relatively speaking. Fall is beautiful, that crisp air, the changing leaves. Winter? Skiing, snowshoeing, pure magic. Dodge Peak Lodge is perfect, but be ready for snow. And then spring? This is when I went and it was perfect. It still could be a little muddy, but the weather was stunning. Basically, there's no bad time to go, unless you hate stunning scenery and delicious food. Then, by all means, stay home. More for us.
Are there any… downsides? Anything I should be aware of?
Okay, honesty time. The lack of cell service can be *challenging* at first. I panicked a little. Okay, a LOT. I'm a millennial; my phone is basically a limb. But then… I got used to it. Really, really used to it. Another thing: the drive. It's long. And bumpy. Pack snacks. Pack good music. And pack something to read in case your stomach can't handle the curves. Also, and this is a minor thing, but the walls aren't soundproof. You *will* hear your neighbors. Let's just say, I learned *a lot* about the couple in the room next to me, and I did *not* need to know. But hey, adds to the authenticity, right? Oh, and one more thing. It's not cheap. It's an investment in yourself and the experience. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Every. Single. Penny.
Would you go again? (And be honest!)
In a heartbeat. A thousand times yes. I'm alreadyHotel Haven Now
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