Sandpoint Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at FairBridge Inn & Suites!
Sandpoint Getaway: FairBridge Inn & Suites - Deals, Dreams, and… Disinfectant? (A Review That's Seen Things)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review. I've just emerged from a stay at the FairBridge Inn & Suites in Sandpoint, Idaho, and if walls could talk, these ones would probably be whispering about slightly-too-thin walls and the lingering scent of… ambition. But hey, let's dive in.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic):
The "Unbeatable Deals" sign? Well, it certainly was a deal, especially for the location, right on the edge of everything. The exterior? Kind of… beige. But, honestly, who are we kidding? I’m more about what's inside. Now, walking through the door? The lobby looked clean. Emphasis on "looked". There were those hand sanitizer stations (thank goodness) and signs aplenty. The 24-hour front desk? A godsend when my brain decided 3 AM was a great time for a snack attack. But more on that later.
Accessibility: Feeling a Little Clumsy:
Okay, accessibility. Important, right? FairBridge attempts to be accessible, which is a start. The elevator (whew!) was a lifesaver. I'm not in a wheelchair, but those hallways can be a marathon. Wheelchair accessible rooms and facilities are listed, and I didn't personally test those, but I saw the ramps.
Cleanliness & Safety: Swerving Sanitizer and…What Was That Smell?
This is where things get a little… personal. The effort was clearly there. Like, a lot of effort. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it! (Though Sarah at the front desk looked like she was running a marathon, bless her). There were signs reminding you to stay 6 feet away. The rooms were reportedly sanitized between stays. But, and here’s the big but, there was a distinctive… hospital-ish scent. I think it was the cleaning products battling it out with the older-building smell. Let's just say my first few breaths after entering my room were… a journey. Did I mention I opted not to have the room cleaned again? Yeah.
The Room Itself: Battle of the Blackout Curtains!
Alright, the room. Standard issue FairBridge. The bed? Pretty comfy. The blackout curtains? They mostly worked. My internal clock loves natural light, so this wasn’t ideal. The room was… functional. A desk (good for pretending to work). A mini-fridge (crucial for beer and leftovers). A coffee maker (weak coffee, but hey, it’s there!). The in-room Wi-Fi was, blessedly, free. And strong! I could actually stream Netflix. (Thank you, FairBridge, for understanding our basic needs!)
Bathroom Confidential:
The usual suspects were present: a decent shower (water pressure was good!), basic toiletries, and a hair dryer that almost didn’t make me want to cry. Extra points for a lot of towels.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Culinary Adventures (and Misadventures!)
Now, let’s talk food. The free breakfast? A buffet. Buffets! (Pre-pandemic, I'd be jumping for joy. Now? I'm cautiously eyeing everything). Fairbridge has adapted well! Individually wrapped muffins, hard-boiled eggs, a waffle maker – and the whole scene felt clean. The coffee? Drinkable. The grab-and-go was a nice touch, too.
Let me tell you about the coffee shop - it's not just a coffee shop. Its the heart and soul of a weary traveler. The smell of fresh coffee mingled with the early morning sun, it was an absolute treat. And, it's not closed at 6 AM like the dining. Score!
There's a small bar and drinks are available, I think. I never went.
Things to Do (or at Least Attempt to Do):
Sandpoint is a beautiful town. The FairBridge location is great cause its not far from everything, so the proximity to Lake Pend Oreille is amazing.
Relaxation Station: The Pool and the… Sauna?
The outdoor pool! It looked inviting. I, unfortunately, was too chicken to take a dip – the weather was behaving. The sauna? Closed. A shame, I was really hoping to sweat out all that sanitizer.
Services and Conveniences: Helpful, Mostly
The front desk staff were pretty good. They tried! And the fact that they offer dry cleaning and laundry service is convenient. Luggage storage! Elevator! Air conditioning in the public area (a necessity, especially in the summer).
For the Kids: The Family Factor
The hotel is family-friendly. There are baby-sitting services and the pool is obviously family friendly. There's not much more to add here, but this aspect exists.
Getting Around: The Freedom of Wheels (and the Lack Thereof)
Free parking! Huge win. You can park right there, its easy.
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
Look, FairBridge Inn & Suites isn't the Ritz-Carlton. But it's a solid, affordable option in a fantastic location. The staff are trying their best. The deals ARE good. The cleanliness is mostly passable.
My personal tip: Bring your own pillow, pack some air freshener, and maybe a hazmat suit (kidding… mostly). And if you need a place to sleep after a long day out in Sandpoint exploring… well, it gets the job done.
Luxury Redefined: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Lucknow - Hotel Casa Aishbagh
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a FairBridge Inn & Suites Sandpoint Ponderay adventure. Don't expect a polished travel brochure – this is more like, my travel journal, with all the messy, glorious bits included. Prepare yourself.
FairBridge Inn & Suites Sandpoint Ponderay: Operation "Chill Out (and Maybe Actually Do Some Things)"
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Room Hunt (Or, Where’s the Damn Pool?)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Spokane International Airport (GEG): Okay, fine. The flight was… fine. The "complimentary" peanuts? Let's just say they were giving "vintage" a run for its money. I'm already craving fresh air and a margarita. The rental car process? A soul-crushing ballet of paperwork. But hey! We made it! And now, the glorious drive north to Sandpoint! Idaho, here I come.
- 15:30 - The Drive: Scenery is pretty stunning actually. Rolling hills, the sun hitting the trees just right. I'm actually starting to feel…good. That first glimpse of Lake Pend Oreille! Stunning. This trip is already worth it for that view alone.
- 17:00 - Check-In at FairBridge Inn & Suites: Okay, here's where the "real" adventure begins. The front desk lady? Super sweet. Bless her heart, she's seen it all. She hands over the key, and I immediately start my internal negotiation with myself about the pool situation. I've got a low-key obsession with hotel pools, you see. "Is it indoors? Heated? Clean? Did this hotel even *have* a pool?" These pressing questions are circling in my brain as I navigate the hallway, which smells faintly of…pine? And maybe chlorine? My heart rate increases.
- 17:15 - The Room Hunt: Room number 217. Okay, that's manageable. Elevator… slightly concerning rattling noise… but we are going up! (Take notes, future self: always check for elevator maintenance before booking!) I find the room, insert the key… and SUCCESS! It’s… adequate. Clean enough. Not the Ritz, but hey, I'm not paying Ritz prices. I immediately check for the pool. No pool view from my window. Cue the minor disappointment. This is so not a deal-breaker, though. I am not letting this ruin my vibe. Not. Going. To. Happen. Okay, where's that margarita recipe? I can almost taste it.
- 18:00 - Dinner & Drinks at a Local Spot (Pre-Planned): Okay, I'm terrible at planning, I'm going to be honest. But I managed to book a local place called "The Fat Pig" (I like the name!). I'm hoping it's not too crowded. I mean, ideally, I'd love to have my margarita in this spot. It's located a bit away from the hotel, but that's fine. I need to stretch my legs.
- 20:00 - Early-Night/Pool Reconnaissance: After a couple of beers, I'm heading straight back to my hotel. I'm going to make a mental note: Next time, I have to check the hotel. I will also check the Pool situation.
Day 2: Lake Days and That Unexpected Hike
- 08:00 - Breakfast at the FairBridge: Ugh. Complimentary hotel breakfasts. A gamble. The usual suspects: questionable scrambled eggs, a sad-looking yogurt situation, and instant coffee that tastes like sadness. I try not to be negative. I have to keep reminding myself. I am here to chill out! I add a waffle to my plate. Okay. This is better.
- 09:00 - Lake Pend Oreille Exploration: Lake time! Finally. I went to the local shop and rented a boat. Okay, I'm out on the lake. The water is clear, pristine, and breathtaking. Boats zipping everywhere. Families are laughing. There's a peacefulness to it all. This is it. This is what I came for.
- 12:00 - Lunch - "Pack Your Own Adventure:" I got some sandwiches at a nearby store. I am excited.
- 13:00 - The Unexpected Hike: I told myself I am here to relax. But while on the lake, I have been looking at those mountains… and then, I just knew I had to do it. And off I went… "Mineral Point Trail" it is! Ugh. This is not what I had planned at all! But it's gorgeous up there. The view from the top is absolutely worth it. So, so worth it. This is why I keep doing this.
- 17:00 - Pool? (The Moment of Truth): Back to the hotel! It's finally time to check out the pool. And… it's indoors! Yay! It’s small, but clean. And… there's no one here! Score! I'm basically a mermaid for the next hour, completely zoning out in the perfectly heated water. This is the best part of this trip.
- 19:00 - Dinner & a Sunset Stroll: Time for dinner and a walk. I find a place. Another local recommendation. (I’m surprising myself!). The sunset is unreal. I wander along the waterfront, breathing in the crisp air, and feeling…content.
- 20:30 - Early Night: Back at the hotel room, I'm officially exhausted but happy. I can't wait to do it all again tomorrow.
Day 3: Farewell & Last-Minute Shenanigans
- 08:00 - Breakfast & the Great Waffle Debate: Back to breakfast. Another waffle, because, hey, it's a waffle. But… is it a GOOD waffle? I start analyzing: crispy edges, fluffy inside. The verdict? Mediocre. But it fills a hole.
- 09:00 - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt: I can't leave without a souvenir! Gift stores are calling to me.
- 10:00 - Check-Out & Goodbye: So long, FairBridge! You weren't perfect, but you were home. And the pool? That was the highlight.
- 11:00 - Drive to the Airport & Departure: The drive back is bittersweet. I'm sad to leave, but also… ready to get back to my life.
- 13:00 - The Long Flight Home: The flight back is uneventful. And yes, I can't wait to come back to Idaho.
Final Thoughts:
So that's it. A chaotic, beautiful, imperfect little trip. I learned that planning is overrated. That hotel pools are a non-negotiable. That sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you didn't expect. And that even the most mundane moments can become memories if you let them. Now, where's that margarita recipe again…?
Unbelievable Udon Thani Gem: Poompimaan House Awaits!
So, this "Unbeatable Deals" thing… is it actual *deal* deal, or just… you know… *hotel talk*?
Okay, real talk. I've been burned by "unbeatable deals" before. Remember that time in Vegas? Promised luxury, got a view of the dumpster. Utter disaster. But… and this is a big but… FairBridge? Actually pretty decent. I saw a rate at one point so low, I thought it was a typo. Seriously. Check their website (or, you know, Expedia, whatever floats your boat). They actually *do* have deals. Especially if you’re flexible with dates. Weekdays = gold dust, weekends… might be slightly more expensive. But hey, it's Sandpoint! You're saving enough to splurge on a ridiculously overpriced huckleberry shake. Which you *should* do. The huckleberry shakes are legendary. (More on that later. Oh god, the huckleberry...)
FairBridge Inn & Suites, eh? What’s the inside situation like? Does it feel like you’re staying in a giant, slightly damp shoe?
Alright, alright, I get it. You're picturing the motel from Psycho. Nope! FairBridge is… well, it's not the Ritz. Let's just be honest. But it's clean. And the beds… okay, the beds weren’t *the* most luxurious I've ever encountered, let's just say. But they were comfortable. And, crucially, they *were* clean. And after a day of hiking, all you really need is a place to crash. The decor? Let's call it 'comfortably generic'. Think "functional but friendly." I've definitely stayed in worse. (And, truth be told, I’ve seen *much* worse.) The important things are there: hot water, good Wi-Fi (crucial for Instagramming your gorgeous lake photos), and a general lack of creepy crawlies. (I’m mostly sure about the last one. Mostly.)
Seriously, the location. Spill the beans. Is it a pain to get to/from the good stuff?
Okay, location, location, location! This is where FairBridge *wins*. It’s… close. Like, *really* close. To everything. Downtown Sandpoint? Strollable. Lake Pend Oreille? Practically in your backyard. The shops, the restaurants, even the breweries (and trust me, you NEED to visit the breweries)… all within easy reach. I swear, during my stay, I walked everywhere. Barely used my car. Think about it: you save on gas, you get some exercise (because you’re going to be eating ALL the pastries), and you can drink all the delicious local beer without worrying about driving. Win, win, win! (Except for maybe your waistline. But hey, life's short!)
Breakfast! Is it the usual sad continental situation? Because I need something to fuel my adventure…
Alright, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. It’s not the *worst*. Think… waffles (yay for waffles!), some fruit (sometimes suspiciously shiny…), cereal, and the usual suspects. But it’s not gourmet, okay? If you're a breakfast snob (like me, sometimes), pack some emergency snacks (I always have a bag of granola bars). And coffee… the coffee was drinkable. Not life-changingly amazing, but it woke me up. (And that's all that matters, really, right?) Honestly, I often ended up grabbing a quick bite, then bolting out the door to find a *real* breakfast in town. If you’re hungry, there’s better options. If you’re in a hurry, it’ll do.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Or are they the kind who secretly hate their jobs?
Okay, the staff. The staff were… nice! Friendly. Helpful. Not the overly-effusive, saccharine kind that makes you want to hide in your room. But genuinely friendly. I had a question about local hiking trails, and the front desk guy actually pulled out a map and gave me some great recommendations. (He clearly knew his stuff!) They seemed genuinely happy to be there, which is always a bonus, right? No eye-rolling, no sighs… just efficient, helpful service. They also didn't judge me for my coffee-induced rambling at 7 AM. (We’ve all been there, right?)
Okay, the huckleberry shakes. You mentioned them... like, repeatedly. What's the deal?
OH. MY. GOD. The huckleberry shakes. Okay, deep breath. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. I *dream* about them. I'd travel back to Sandpoint *just* for a huckleberry shake. (And maybe the lake. And the friendly people.) But the shakes... listen, you have to go to MickDuff's Brewing Company. *Absolutely no substitutions.* No other shake will do. It's not just a shake; it's an *experience*. Creamy, tart, sweet, perfectly blended… I'm not kidding when I say I ordered three in a row one afternoon. (Don't judge me! It was a long hike!) They're THAT good. Seriously. Just… go. Right now. Book your trip. Just for the shake. You won't regret it. (And, uh, maybe bring some antacids. Just in case.)
Anything else I should know? Any hidden downsides? Spoilers?
Okay, spoiler alert: Nothing is perfect. Things that could be better at FairBridge, like with any place? Maybe the walls are a *little* thin. Yep, you might hear your neighbors. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. (I forgot mine. Rookie mistake.) The parking can be a bit tight during peak season. But honestly? That's it. Seriously, it's a solid, affordable option. Just go. Don't overthink it. Book the darn trip, get a huckleberry shake, and enjoy the beauty of Sandpoint. You deserve it. And if you see me there, buying another shake? Don't be surprised.
