Ever drive across the Washington-Idaho border and see that sprawling, lodge-style building right on the water? That’s it. Red Lion Templin's on the River Post Falls. It’s one of those places that everyone in the Inland Northwest knows, but honestly, people’s opinions on it are all over the map. Some folks swear by the riverside views, while others haven't stepped foot in the lobby since the late 90s.
But things changed recently.
Last year, a local group called StanCraft (yes, the boat people from Hayden) took over the property. If you've lived in North Idaho for five minutes, you know StanCraft doesn't do "average." They’re in the middle of a massive multi-year overhaul to drag this iconic spot into the modern era. It’s no longer just a "Red Lion" in the corporate sense; it’s becoming a destination again.
The Waterfront Reality Check
Let’s be real for a second. Most hotels in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene corridor are basically just boxes next to a freeway. You wake up, you hear the hum of I-90, and you eat a stale bagel. Red Lion Templin's on the River Post Falls is different because of the geography. You are quite literally on the Spokane River.
There is a private beach. There is a marina. There are boat slips.
If you book a room on the river side, you’re looking at the water, not a parking lot. It’s a huge deal. You’ve got the North Idaho Centennial Trail—a 23-mile paved path—running right through the area. You can literally walk out the front door, turn left, and bike all the way to Coeur d'Alene or west into Washington. Most people miss this. They stay in the room and never realize they’re sitting on a goldmine of outdoor access.
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What’s Actually New (The StanCraft Effect)
Under the new ownership, the "same old" vibe is disappearing. They’ve rebranded the dining as The Dam Bar & Restaurant. It’s a cheeky name, sure, given the proximity to the Post Falls Dam, but the food is actually legitimate now. We’re talking fire-roasted birria street tacos and seared ahi tuna instead of the standard "hotel club sandwich."
They’re also pouring serious money into the marina, now called Marina 33. They even brought in 92 Octane fuel for the boaters.
- The Lobby: It’s been refreshed to feel more like a mountain lodge and less like a 1980s office building.
- The Rooms: Renovations are ongoing. Some rooms have that "new hotel" smell with updated tech, while others are still waiting for their glow-up. If you're booking in 2026, ask for a renovated unit.
- The Pool: It’s indoors, which is a lifesaver when North Idaho decides to stay 34 degrees until June.
Why This Spot is the "Middle Child" of Idaho Tourism
Post Falls usually gets ignored. People rush to Coeur d’Alene to pay $400 a night for a room, or they stay in Spokane for the city vibes. Post Falls is the middle child. But staying at the Red Lion Templin's on the River Post Falls is sort of a "hack."
You’re 15 minutes from downtown CDA. You’re 20 minutes from Spokane. But you aren't paying the "resort fee" insanity of the lakefront hotels. You get the river for a fraction of the price. Plus, you’re much closer to Silverwood Theme Park (about a 30-minute straight shot north) than if you stayed in South Hill Spokane.
Common Misconceptions and Growing Pains
Is it perfect? No.
Transitioning a legacy property like this takes time. You might still run into a dated hallway or a Wi-Fi dead zone in certain corners of the building. Some long-term guests have complained about the "old" hot tub being finicky, though the new management is tackling the maintenance backlog. It’s a work in progress. If you go expecting a 5-star Ritz-Carlton experience, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a basecamp for a boat, a bike, or a beer by the river, it’s hard to beat.
The Seasonal Secret
Everyone comes here in July. The river is warm, the boats are out, and the beach is packed. Honestly? Try it in the "shoulder" seasons.
Late September in Post Falls is incredible. The crowds at the dam vanish. The Osprey are still nesting in the trees along the river. The air is crisp, but the water still holds some heat. Or try it in February for a "cabin fever" getaway. There’s something weirdly cozy about watching the river flow by from a heated indoor pool while it’s snowing outside.
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Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're planning to head over, do these things to actually enjoy the experience:
1. Check the Event Calendar
They do a Huckleberry BBQ buffet with live music on Thursdays from June through Labor Day. It's a local staple. If you don't like crowds, avoid Thursday nights. If you want the full Idaho experience, that's your window.
2. Room Selection is Everything
Specifically request a Riverview Room with a Balcony. The "Standard" rooms are fine for sleeping, but the balcony rooms are why this place exists. Being able to drink your coffee while watching the morning mist on the Spokane River is the whole point.
3. Bring Your Gear
Don't just look at the water. Bring a kayak or a paddleboard. If you don't have one, the hotel usually has rental options or connections nearby. The stretch of river above the falls is relatively calm and perfect for beginners.
4. Explore Q’emiln Park
It's just down the road. It has world-class rock climbing and some of the best hiking trails in the city. Most hotel guests never leave the property, which is a mistake.
Red Lion Templin's on the River Post Falls is currently in its "redemption arc." It's shaking off the cobwebs of the old corporate hotel model and leaning back into its roots as a waterfront lodge. It's not a sterile, perfectly polished box—it's got character, a bit of grit, and the best backyard in the city.
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Stay for the view, eat at The Dam, and make sure you actually get out on the water. That's how you do Post Falls right.