Escape to Paradise: Hotel Ruby Sandpoint's Unbeatable Ponderay Getaway!
Escape to Paradise… or Maybe Just Sandpoint? Hotel Ruby's Ponderay Adventure: A Review (with a Sprinkle of Human-ness)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a whirlwind tour of the Hotel Ruby in Sandpoint's Ponderay… or at least, what felt like a whirlwind. This review? Think less sterile hotel brochure, and more "drunkenly scribbled diary entry after a few too many poolside margaritas." (Spoiler alert: the margaritas were indeed involved).
First Impressions & Getting In (The Slightly Clunky Dance):
Accessibility? They say they've got it. And they do have ramps and elevators, which is a win in my book (I'm not in a wheelchair, but trust me, a good ramp is a beautiful thing for anyone lugging luggage). But getting to the actual room? Let's just say it wasn't quite the seamless ballet I'd hoped for. Maybe it was the winding corridors, maybe the slightly confusing signage, maybe the fact that I was already halfway to "vacation brain." But I definitely felt like I was on a minor treasure hunt. (Accessibility Score: 7/10 - good effort, but could be smoother!).
Check-in/out? (Contactless, mind you!). Seemed pretty efficient. I mean, I think the check-in was supposed to be contactless, but an actual human being was still there to assist, and it made the whole process much better.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (With a Few Tiny Glitches):
My room? Okay, listen. It was nice. REALLY nice. (Non-smoking, obviously. Who even smokes indoors anymore? Gross.) It had everything! (Well, almost.) Think slightly upscale motel meets "I'm treating myself!" vibe. I needed a safe, and they have one. Good. A desk for working, if I feel so inclined (ha!). Good. A coffee maker (essential!), complimentary tea, and a mini-bar (a dangerous temptation). Good, good, and VERY dangerous. I'm not going to lie, the allure of the mini-bar nearly broke me on more than one occasion. But I stood strong! The bathroom was clean, equipped with a hairdryer, slippers and all the basic toiletries… but, and there's always a "but," the shower pressure was a tad underwhelming. A tiny, almost insignificant detail, but as a person who enjoys a good, hard shower to fully wake up, it was a small letdown.
Here's a quick rundown of the room's features:
- Air conditioning: Thankfully, yes!
- Internet: FREE Wi-Fi in all the rooms! Thank the digital gods! And yes, they offer the LAN alternative.
- Bed: Comfy. Not the most comfortable I've ever encountered, but definitely good enough to collapse into after a day of pondering the ponderosa pines. Extra long bed
- Blackout curtains: Bless them for these! I hate being jolted awake by the sun!
- Coffee/tea maker: Seriously, a lifeline for me.
- In-room safe box: Always a plus. Keeps my valuables safe.
- Mini-bar: A temptation I almost succumbed to…
- Refrigator: Perfect for those late-night midnight snacks.
- Satellite/cable channels: The TV worked, which is more than I can say for my TV at home!
- Seating area Really gave the room a cozy vibe.
- Shower: Great amenities, but the water pressure was a let down.
- Wake-up service: I didn't need to use it (because, you know, coffee and tea) but it's there.
The Food & Drink Scene: A Mixed Bag of Deliciousness & Mild Dissatisfaction:
Okay, let's talk food. The Asian breakfast was a bit of a curveball, it wasn't exactly my thing, but it was definitely interesting. The Western breakfast on the other hand, was on point. I loved the Breakfast Buffet. A Bar with a Poolside Bar? Yes, yes, a thousand times YES! The margaritas? Absolutely essential. The Coffee/tea in restaurant I could get behind. The Coffee shop was a cozy place to sit and work on my laptop. The Restaurants were varied, and the Alternative meal arrangement option was nice.
Other food stuff:
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant Options are always good!
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soups in restaurant They had it all!
- Breakfast service, Breakfast take away service Convenient for the go.
- Bottle of water Hydration is key!
- Room service [24-hour]. Never used it.
- Snack bar Convenient, but I didn't indulge (trying to be good!).
- Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant Options for everyone.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant - I didn't try but heard it was amazing.
Ways to Relax (The Good Stuff!):
Okay, this is where Hotel Ruby really shines. They have a seriously impressive spa setup.
- Sauna & Steamroom: Perfect for sweating out the stresses of modern life.
- Pool with view: Absolutely divine. Sipping a margarita by that pool? Pure bliss. (Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] and Spa/sauna). Highly recommend!
- Massage: I splurged. Didn't regret a single penny! (Body scrub and Body wrap are options as well!)
- Fitness center & Gym/fitness: Didn't go because margaritas. But the options are there!
- Foot bath: An interesting option that I didn't have time to explore.
Cleanliness & Safety (Let's Be Real Here):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They seemed to really (Hygiene certification) on the safety front. It was comforting to see the efforts.
- Hand sanitizer Everywhere!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter I was able to keep this.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I don't know how the staff were trained, but the place was clean and the staff were friendly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't use this.
The "Things To Do" (Beyond the Poolside):
Okay, so Sandpoint. Beautiful area. The hotel is in the right place for exploring stuff:
- Things to do: Hiking, boating, even a stroll in the woods.
- Car park [free of charge]: Essential.
- Car park [on-site] - Always convenient.
- Bicycle parking - So you can experience the outdoors in your own time.
- Taxi service: Convenient!
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning in public area - Thank goodness!
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange - Helpful stuff.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always perfectly pristine.
- Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests: Again, accessibility wins points.
- Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage: All the little extras.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Corporate types, take note.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A great place to pick up something for those loved ones back home.
For the Kids… (Because, Life):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly: The hotel seemed to be welcoming to families with Kids facilities and Kids meal.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Never had to use it but it's there.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Easy peasy!
Wrapping It Up (My Honest Thoughts):
The Hotel Ruby in Ponderay? Is it "Escape to Paradise"? Well, maybe a slightly more grounded version of paradise. This place is a solid choice. Great location for exploring Sandpoint, the spa amenities are top-notch, the staff are friendly, and the margaritas are strong. The minor glitches (shower pressure, occasional navigational confusion) are easily overlooked. Would I stay again? Absolutely. Just maybe, next time, I'll pace myself with the margaritas…or not. (Overall Score: 8/10 - highly recommended!)
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secrets of Las Hadas, Manzanillo
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip to Hotel Ruby in Ponderay, Idaho felt a little like wrangling a caffeinated squirrel. Here's my attempt at a "real-life" itinerary, complete with the mess, the opinions, and the existential dread of choosing the wrong breakfast cereal:
Hotel Ruby Ponderay: An Existential Weekend (Maybe?)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Doughnuts
- 1:00 PM: Arrive in Spokane (ouch, that flight!) and rent a car. Holy cow, that car rental counter felt like a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie. The agent looked like she hadn't slept in days (relatable). Grab a ridiculously overpriced coffee and try to remember how to drive on the "right" side of the road.
- 2:30 PM: Aiming for a scenic drive. I swear, Google Maps is plotting to put me in lava fields. The route suggests a beautiful drive, but the traffic on WA-2 is a nightmare.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at Hotel Ruby! Finally. The lobby is…well, it's Ruby. Exposed brick, a vaguely hipster vibe, and a definite feeling of "I hope this is the right place." Check-in. Breathe. Is my room key on a tiny, unnecessary carabiner? Yep. Gotta love that.
- 4:30 PM: Room recon. Okay, not bad. Clean (important!), and the bed looks inviting. Wait…is that a vinyl record player? My inner 2000s teenager is doing a happy dance.
- 5:00 PM: Unpack. This is usually where the wheels fall off. I always pack way too much. I find a rogue sock. Is it clean? I don't know.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The hotel provided a list of local restaurants. I chose Eichardt's Pub. I order a burger… and then proceed to become overly critical of the burger's texture. The fries are fine. The beer is good.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Music time! Crack open the vinyl. This is the moment I realize that I left my favorite record at home. Sigh.
- 9:00 PM: Existential doughnut contemplation. The hotel is partnered with the local "Spudnuts" shop. There are doughnuts. One is chocolate. I contemplate my life choices while eating the doughnut. The doughnut is good. Life is still questionable.
- 10:00 PM: Attempt sleep. The bed is comfy, but my brain is still buzzing from the caffeine and general travel anxiety.
Day 2: Lake Life, Lamentation, and Lumberjack Dreams
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Hotel-provided continental fare. I want something hearty. It's instant oatmeal and a lukewarm coffee. My soul weeps.
- 9:00 AM: Lake Pend Orielle! I'm told this is the highlight! Drive out there. It's beautiful. The water is a stunning blue. I spot some locals enjoying their morning swim. I almost wish I'd brought a swimsuit.
- 9:30 AM: The bridge! The Long Bridge is an awe-inspiring sight. I walk across, feeling the cool air on my face. It's quiet. I breathe.
- 11:00 AM: Explore Sandpoint. Wandering the main street, I find an interesting book store: "A Novel Idea". I purchase a book about… I can't remember. Something vaguely philosophical.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I stumble upon a little sandwich shop. The sandwiches are delicious. The atmosphere is comforting. I feel a sense of contentment.
- 1:00 PM: Hike in a nearby trail. My legs are tired. The trail is strenuous. I get passed by a group of energetic teenagers. I question my fitness level.
- 3:00 PM: Return to the hotel. Rest. Think.
- 6:00 PM: Another attempt at dinner. This time, I order some take-out. Then, I proceed to spend the rest of the night watching television.
Day 3: Departure & Deep Thoughts (and Maybe Breakfast, if I'm Lucky)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Decide if I need breakfast. The thought of the oatmeal is making me feel ill. Maybe nothing.
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Ugh. The bane of my existence. I find a dirty sock. Again. Is it the same one? Is this my personal sock-related existential dilemma?
- 10:00 AM: Final check-out. Everything seems okay.
- 10:30 AM: Before leaving, I grab one final Spudnut. The simple pleasure.
- 11:00 AM: Drive back to Spokane. I make it!
- 1:00 PM: Flight home. I'm exhausted, but oddly refreshed. Did I have the "perfect" vacation? Nope. Did I have an experience? Absolutely. And the memory is real.
- Post-Trip Thoughts: I wouldn't go back to Ponderay or Hotel Ruby, but it was a nice visit. Would I go back? Maybe someday. I'm still searching for that ideal doughnut shop. And maybe a good book, too.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Ruby Sandpoint's Unbeatable Ponderay Getaway - Seriously, FAQ!
Okay, so... Is this Hotel Ruby place *really* all it's cracked up to be? Because I've seen ads, you know?
What's the deal with this "Ponderay Getaway" thing? Is it, like, a trap?
So, the rooms... what's the tea? Are they actually *nice*? Because hotel pictures are *liars*.
What about food? Is the Hotel Ruby just serving sad continental breakfast or what?
I'm a water baby. Is there anything to *do*?
Okay, so... spill the tea. Anything... bad? There's gotta be *something*.
Would you *actually* recommend it? Be honest!
Any tips for *really* enjoying a stay?
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