Question 1

Why should I choose you guys?

Accepted Answer

We're glad you asked!  And we're proud that since opening in mid 2020 after a long renovation, our guests have made our family-owned the highest rated hotel in the greater Sandpoint area, on all major ratings engines including Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia/Hotels.com.

We attribute this success to our wonderful (and if we're being honest, quirky) staff, and our uniquely styled, hand-made, mountain-modern rooms.  We tried to think of just about everything, and we're still making adjustments as we get feedback from guests.

A special shout goes out to our head housekeeper and assistant manager, Samantha, whose OCD truly shines in this context, and Kait, our other housekeeper extraordinaire -- we are also rated the cleanest hotel in the area.  Meanwhile, our onsite night manager, Eric, is always smiling and ready to help. So too, is his dog, Dog, who has become our de facto mascot.

Our little motel is not for everyone -- we're on a highway, after all, and due to our size (just 12 rooms), we lack the amenities of chain hotels --  but if you have an adventurous spirit and appreciate mom-and-pop-(boutique)-motels, give us a shot!

Question 2

Is breakfast included?

Accepted Answer

Yes! A light, continental breakfast is included with all room rates.

Looking for a full, hot breakfast? Try the Hoot Owl, just 2 doors down from us (and Bonner County's favorite breakfast spot, year after year.)

Question 3

Do you allow dogs?

Accepted Answer

YES! Enthusiastically. We do ask, however, that you don't leave pets unattended in rooms.

Question 4

Do you allow other types of pets?

Accepted Answer

Sorry -- only dogs are allowed. We initially welcomed cats and other non-human friends, but sadly, after several poor experiences, we made the difficult decision to allow only dogs.

Question 5

I'm allergic to dogs. Do you have any pet-free rooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our  rooms with jetted tubs are totally pet-free.  And just to note: all our rooms have hard-surface floors and we have the best darn housekeeping staff in town (truly.) So if you require a larger room, just let us know and we'll be sure to make it super-duper dog free.

Question 6

Do you do monthly rentals?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, we do not do monthly rentals. We give discounts, based on the daily rate for that time period, for extended stays up to 14 days. Anything longer than that requires manager approval.

For monthly rentals, try the Days Inn in Ponderay; the Fairbridge Inn in Ponderay; orAmerica's Best Value in Sandpoint.

Question 7

Do you have contactless check-in?

Accepted Answer

Yes! During the pandemic, we moved to contactless check-in, and given the response -- guests love being able to arrive whenever and skip the tedious, front-office checkin -- it stuck!

Now, that said, we always prefer to welcome our guests personally, so don't be surprised if we ambush you when you arrive to say hello :-).

How it works: On the day of your arrival, close to 3pm, you will receive a text with your self-checkin information.  It will include your room number, door code, and other good-to-know info.  You can arrive whenever you like, bypass the office, and go directly to your room.

Please be sure to provide your MOBILE phone number -- not your home phone -- when booking your reservation.  If you will not have a mobile phone with you when traveling, please call us before your arrival date to make arrangements.

And don't worry: Eric, our trusty onsite, live-in manager will be there and ready to help with any of your middle-of-the-night needs!

Question 8

Do you have an electric car charging station?

Accepted Answer

We do not. However, you are welcome to plug into our standard, outdoor outlets for a $25/charging session fee.

Question 9

Is there an on-site manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Eric and his friendly dog, Dog, live on-site. And our staff member is available 24/7 to help with whatever you may need.

If you need anything at all, just call our guest hotline -- available to in-house guests only -- and Eric or another member will help you out.  (The guest hotline number is in your room, and you will receive a text message from that number on the day of your arrival.)

Question 10

Is there a front desk?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There is an office with front desk, and our staff is available 24/7 to assist you.

Question 11

You're a roadside motel. Is there road noise?

Accepted Answer

Yup. And there's train noise, too: there are traintracks on the other side of the 2-lane highway.
 
We soundproofed as best we could during our remodel, and most guests aren't bothered by the road noise (and many find the rumble of the train soothing, when they notice it at all). But if you are sensivitive to ambient noise and require silence to sleep, we are probably not the place for you. Sigh.

Question 12

I'm arriving by train. How far are you from the Amtrak station?

Accepted Answer

We are about 2 miles from the station -- not walkable. We recommend you call one of our two local taxi services to make a reservation for transport:

Skyline Taxi: (208) 660-5483
Pend Oreille Transportation: (208) 597-3463

Frequently Asked Questions