So you’re planning a trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and wondering where to stay. Maybe you’re visiting to scout the area before a move, or just hoping to enjoy the beauty of Lake Coeur d’Alene for a long weekend. Either way, choosing the right accommodations can make or break your trip.

In this video breakdown of where to stay in Coeur d’Alene, local real estate pros (including a former law enforcement officer with 11 years on the beat) spill the truth about the best hotels, hidden gems, budget-friendly options—and the ones you’ll definitely want to avoid.

Top Hotel Picks in Coeur d’Alene

Let’s start with the good news. Coeur d’Alene has several safe, convenient, and comfortable hotel options, especially near the Riverstone area and downtown:

1. Hampton Inn & Suites – Riverstone

• Great central location
  
  
• Walking distance to Centennial Trail, restaurants, and local shops
  
  
• Clean, safe, and popular with visiting professionals (even tactical training teams!)
  
  
• Nightly rates: ~$160–200 depending on season
  
  

2. Staybridge Suites – Riverstone

• Similar perks as the Hampton with suites and kitchenettes
  
  
• Ideal for extended stays
  
  
• Pet-friendly and family-friendly
  
  

3. Greenbriar Inn – Downtown

• Quirky and charming historic inn near downtown
  
  
• On-site martini bar (315 Martinis & Tapas)
  
  
• Walkable to Tubbs Hill, shops, and restaurants
  
  
• A little funky, but full of character
  
  

When Airbnbs Make Sense

Airbnbs are another solid option—especially for longer stays or group trips. But be warned: they can get pricey with cleaning fees if you’re only in town for a night or two. CDA has over 1,400 Airbnbs, so selection isn’t the issue—it’s choosing the right one in a safe, central location. For help picking the right spot, reach out to our local team before booking.

Budget-Friendly (and Still Decent) Options

Not every traveler needs a lakefront view. If you’re looking for more affordable options that are still safe, check out:

• Holiday Inn Express
  
  
• Wyndham
  
  
• Quality Inn (behind Appleway—not fancy, but not terrible)
  
  
• Baymont (mixed reviews, be cautious)
  
  

Hotels to Avoid in Coeur d’Alene

Not all options are created equal. Some of the “budget” hotels operate more like low-cost apartments with transient guests, late-night noise, or questionable activity. These are the ones you might want to steer clear of:

• Motel 6 (Appleway) – Frequent law enforcement calls, lax guest screening
  
  
• Ramada (4th Street) – High activity area with poor reviews
  
  
• Flamingo Motel + Resort City Inn – Cheap but noisy and not family-friendly
  
  
• FairBridge Inn – Persistent complaints and poor maintenance
  
  
• Baymont (23rd & Sherman) – Mold issues and a sketchy surrounding pocket
  
  

The Iconic CDA Resort Experience

Want to go big? The Coeur d’Alene Resort is the crown jewel of downtown lodging. With lakeside rooms, high-end dining at Beverly’s, a marina, and spa access—it’s a luxury experience worth trying at least once.

Heads-up: rates are steep, but you’re paying for the experience and unmatched location. Bonus: the resort is expanding with a new 15-story tower, rooftop bar, and upscale steakhouse.

Final Tips for Your Trip

• Contact locals first. If you’re visiting to scope out a potential move, don’t just guess—reach out for personalized recs on where to stay, eat, and explore.
  
  
• Be location-smart. Just because a hotel is close to downtown doesn’t mean it’s safe or clean. Stick to vetted areas like Riverstone or the lakeshore.
  
  
• Support local. From boutique hotels to farm-to-table restaurants, CDA thrives on small business. Avoid chain stores when you can and help keep North Idaho local.
  
  

Ready to explore CDA in person?
Contact our team and we’ll point you to the best stays, eats, and neighborhoods based on your budget and travel goals.