I'm looking for a wedding gift for couple who are in late thirties and don't want any gifts because they have all the usual things one would give a young couple starting out. So four of us thought about treating them to a weekend at a romantic resort with some of the luxury amenities. Any suggestions would be appreciated. They live in Spokane Valley and won't have much time off as they own their own business and can't take much time off for a honeymoon. An indulgent stay for a night or two, someplace not a really long drive from their home (maybe 4 hours or less?) is what we are considering. I don't know the area well at all, so am open to ideas. (For background, they have lived in Coeur d'Alene also, so someplace a bit away from their area would be nice. Someplace in BC Canada perhaps?
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3210 posts
P.S.
I have checked Booking.com, etc., but not knowing the area I feel a bit lost in the search, so I hope some of the many PNW forum members can help.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9677 posts
Hi Judy, Quinn's Hot Springs Resort at St. Regis, Montana is a place my daughter & husband love to go for anniversaries. It’s only 1 1/2 hours from Coeur d’Alene.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9677 posts
Another option would be a quick, direct flight from Spokane. My daughters & I met up in Boise for a girls weekend and stayed downtown. That’s a 1-hour flight. We stayed at the nice Grove Hotel which was very nice, plus there’s a lot to do & hopefully some special events, too, while they are there.
Posted by
OP
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3210 posts
Jean,
Thanks for the ideas. I will check them out.
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
1172 posts
A very fussy friend goes yearly to the Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa outside Vernon on Lake Okanagan in BC. She raves about everything, especially the facilities and the food. Oh and it’s adults only (16+). The Okanagan is a lovely area and lots to do. It is very popular in the summer for family holidays so gets booked up quickly.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13516 posts
If someone offered me a night or 2 here, I would accept
https://www.salishlodge.com/
google indicates it's 265 miles from Spokane Valley, so real close to a 4 hr drive,
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3933 posts
What about Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop or Suncadia in Cle Elum. Both of them are about 3 1/2 hours from Spokane and are in beautiful settings with spas, etc.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9677 posts
Also, for a cute European alpine village feel, there’s Leavenworth. It’s on Highway 2 heading towards Seattle. I haven’t stayed in any of the resorts or hotels - just a nice B&B. Hopefully someone from Seattle can provide details of which place they recommend. It used to be my husband & my short getaway when we lived near Seattle (if we didn’t go to a nice boutique hotel near Bellingham.)
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1832 posts
Jean, I'm curious about the "nice boutique hotel near Bellingham." Can you share the name?
Posted by
10010 posts
Why not just write them a check.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3933 posts
Jean--Are you thinking of the Chrysalis? That was one I was thinking of, but wasn't sure if it was too far of a drive.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3933 posts
Jean--We go to Leavenworth fairly often. The Bavarian Lodge is very nice and right across the road from the heart of downtown. The Enzian Inn is supposed to be very nice too, but I have not stayed there. The BL is one that I have stayed at multiple times and it is a favorite of ours.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
4014 posts
What a generous gift! I'm all for giving experiences instead of things. I have just a couple of cautionary items based on your description. First, you noted that they don't have a flexible working schedule. Just be sure the gifted nights can be used at any time without restriction, and if there is an expiration to use it be sure to call to the couple's attention. Second, if you decide to give funds instead of a specific experience, try to avoid using any kind of Visa or Mastercard branded gift card. When I retired extremely generous colleagues gave me three separate Visa cards to use for travel. Unfortunately, you have to charge the exact amount on the card to use it up fully and sometimes merchants won't accept prepaid cards as partial payment. As I had a RS tour scheduled, I was fortunate that tour office generously waived their standard billing practices and allowed me to make multiple payments using the different cards, but it required several phone calls and a lot of patience from the office staff. Third, it may go without saying, but if you choose an international destination be sure they both have current valid passports for travel.