Awesome in Idaho

COEUR d'ALENE - The owners of The Coeur d'Alene Resort could be excused for believing that someone signed up for the endorsement of the month club.

Already this year The Resort's spa and golf course have been noted as among the tops in their categories by Conde Nast Traveler, MSNBC and golf publications, and this week another feather was added to what has become a virtual war bonnet of credentials when Bing Travel named The Resort as one of the "50 Awesome Vacations," one from each state.

It was the only resort named among such notable national treasures as Wrigley Field, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Cape Cod, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Gettysburg National Military Park.

"The Coeur d'Alene Resort is one of a kind," the brief online assessment says. "The towering building overlooks the cobalt blue waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene."

The challenge Bing gave itself was to pick just one thing in each state to visit. Along with the "perfect waterfront view" the commentary noted the Hagadone Suite, with "its own glass-bottom swimming pool, wet bar, fireplace, two large balconies and an indoor and outdoor hot tub."

Even though not that many can afford the $5,000 per night price of that luxury penthouse, the ongoing kudos are paying off, said J.J. Jaeger, director of sales and marketing for The Resort.

"We have had a lot of calls to the reservation department," he said.

And that luxurious suite gets plenty of use, by meeting planners, VIPs and wedding parties, he said.

With tourism off dramatically in the past few years, all the recognition is good not only for The Resort but for others in the hospitality industry, Jaeger said.

"We're getting a lot of large groups, so big they stay at other hotels," he said.

The increase in room reservations is up significantly from last year, with lots of pent-up demand helping drive sales.

"It is starting to look pretty strong," Jaeger said.

Convention business is also showing significant growth, with more groups bringing more individuals and staying more nights.

"Last year was really challenging," he said. "This year we are moving in the right direction."

The reputation of not only The Resort but the region is spreading as more visitors report on their visits, and the cumulative effect is noticeable, Jaeger said.

"Some of the best publicity we can get is when other people talk about us," he said. But the easy access, the lake and other activities and a good value for the dollar are also helping.

Among the visitors this week are about 100 representatives of the automobile industry, meeting at The Resort. The Automotive Trade Association Executives and Auto Shows of North America are here for three days discussing plans for shows in the coming year.

"What a beautiful lake," said Steven Bruyn, chief executive officer of Foresight Research, which provides marketing data to the industry.

For more on his comments on the past, present and future of transportation, see story below.

Jaeger said there are more upscale visitors this year, spending more on food, beverages and other items.

"We had to work harder, and hopefully smarter, to bring visitors to Coeur d'Alene" he said.

The Bing Travel report can be seen online at http://www.bing.com/travel. Click on the "50 States, 50 Awesome Vacations" link under "Travel Topics."