Located on the lake, 40 mi E of Spokane and within 60 mi of ski areas, this property has historically established itself as the pre-eminent hotel between Chicago and Seattle. The award-winning resort offers a superb natural setting, numerous recreational options, state-of-the-art health and business facilities, and a hands-on management team whose relentless maintenance program keeps everything in top form. Guests approach via a long, circular drive, and an eager staff awaits at the porte cochere. Sprawled along its own peninsula on one of the country's most beautiful lakes, this castlelike fortress comprises the 18-story Lake Tower and the seven-story Park Tower.

Visitors pass a wide range of shops on their way to the sophisticated lobby, replete with elegant leather furniture, local art and a copper-topped fireplace. Sit-down registration at wraparound tables adds further panache. To the side is an espresso bar and a cafe serving fine food and drink. The family-style restaurant offers casual lakeview dining and a massive salad bar. It has a bistro feel, and a delicatessen is tucked into one corner. The seventh-floor restaurant is more formal and provides sensational Continental fare, wines from an extensive cellar, and wonderful water views. Additional on-site dining is at a trendy pizzeria and at the Japanese bistro surrounded by a waterfall and meandering stream.

The varied nightly music menu includes classical selections and jazz. One of the two lobby-level lounges is a quiet rendezvous, while the other rocks to the beat of contemporary dance bands, with a floating stage and outdoor bar added in summer. Another bar on the seventh floor offers a jazz guitarist, and lake views pop up everywhere.

The recreation center has extensive fitness facilities including bowling, computerized golf and a racquetball court flanking two whirlpools. The indoor pool area is bright with white tiled columns and a slanting roof with beams and a skylight. The spa provides the latest body and facial treatments, and the meditation room is a superb spot for gathering one's thoughts. The 18-hole golf course includes a floating green reached via skippered ferry—its dramatic setting consistently draws accolades and awards. Four Plexipave tennis courts, a second pool with a lakeview cafe, and the world's longest floating boardwalk, which surrounds the marina, round out the comprehensive offerings. Arranged activities include biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, sailing and sightseeing flights, along with a popular children's program. A skybridge links the hotel to a shopping center with a food court, and a water taxi whisks guests to their tee times or to the resort's private beach.

The conference facility offers 23,000 sq ft of function space, with the largest room holding up to 2,000 people, and the full-service business center operates every day. Surprisingly, parking carries a hefty daily fee.

Fast elevators lead to guest rooms, which evoke a maritime feeling with light colors and pale woods. Traditonal rooms with one queen or two double beds provide comfortable lodging for budget-conscious travelers, while superior and deluxe Park Tower rooms shine with extensive use of mirrors and glass. They also add CD players, and larger units on the west side provide sofa beds and window-walls overlooking the lake. Eastside rooms have views of the marina and park from their bay windows. Premiere units in the Lake Tower have higher-quality appointments, including sunken sitting areas and king beds with duvets, and their tiled balconies offer lake, city or mountain views. Those above the seventh floor also have gas fireplaces. Suites feature such extras as fireplaces, stereos and whirlpools, and one- and two-bedroom condominiums are also available. All rooms have TVs, and all but traditional ones have minibars, dual-line phones and marble baths that boast dual sinks, robes, hair dryers and second phones. Premium rooms have access to a private lounge, where complimentary breakfast and cocktails are doled out. Some rooms are also wheelchair-accessible. Room service operates 18 hours a day.

The well-groomed, highly polished staff is exceptionally sharp, helping to make stays in even the economy rooms at this resort both casual and luxurious—truly a winning combination. Children under 18 stay free with their parents.