The Inn at Priest Lake

Excellent greeting from Cindy, the Inn manager, and then we entered our room. Although the room was a no smoking location, but the essence of cigarette blasted us when we walked in the room. I have serious asthmatic issues and cannot be in that atmosphere. Since no other rooms were available, Cindy quickly grabbed an ozonator (air cleaner), told us the air would be clear in one half hour, and asked us to leave for awhile. Dinner and three hours later, the air inside the room was still intolerable. We stayed in the lobby and played cards and waited. Finally, a good five hours later we could safely enter the room.

The next day after a lovely time around Priest Lake, we came back to find our room once again reeked of smoke. We had wanted to shower and relax before going to dinner, but instead, we borrowed the ozonator and went dining sweaty and frustrated. Afterwards, the room was still unsafe for entry, so my husband grabbed our swimsuits from the room. Unfortunately, the community restrooms are gated off at 6 pm, so we AGAIN couldn't use our own room, nor could we go swimming, or even use the community room to change. Upon checkout the next morning, it was the weekend, so Cindy was unavailable. I left a note and asked her to call when she returned on Monday. No call. On Thursday when I did speak with Cindy, I received a very cold response and that she would speak to the owner later that day and get back to me. Several days later, still no answer. NO FOLLOWUP, NO CUSTOMER SERVICE. No real action or results after the initial concern.

Followup to Cindy's response: There was no "perceived" issue about it, Cindy. YOU agreed the room smelled like smoke and were very upset that a past guest had disregarded the rules. It took several hours to get the smell out, and we were displaced from our room both nights because the smell returned once the room was closed up again the second day. Your response does not encourage a return visit (nor does it imply that Cindy even spoke to the owner.) This is poor customer service. Very disappointed.

It all starts with Cindy at the front desk; she's fantastic. A friendly smile and a welcome hello let you know you are at the right place. The rooms are good sized, especially if you get one with a kitchenette. The staff is friendly and willing to help; ask. The rooms are clean and well stocked, with the amenities you need when away from home. The location is hard to beat as several good dining establishments are within a minute's walk, and the marina is maybe ½ mile away.

What makes this place unique is the service, from loaning out bug spray to a quick change of sheets in the room. But that is table stakes compared to how they went above and beyond for us. We checked out on Sunday, grabbed a bite to eat just around the corner at Ardy's Cafe, and then hit the road. About 30 minutes into our drive, I received a call from The Inn at Priest Lake. We left iPods in the room, and they wanted to make us aware. Well, it turns out my daughter left her sunglasses at breakfast. I asked if they could mail the iPods and, if it was not too much trouble if they would mind going to Ardy's to see if the sunglasses were there. They said no problem, and we wrapped the call.

Four days later, iPods and sunglasses arrive in the mail. That is what I call service. Thank you, Cindy and team; we will return next year and can't wait to see everyone.