Destinations Inn
Enchantment is automatic in the Destination Inn’s Parisian dreamland, suitably located in The Gem State
A few Thursdays ago, on my way to Wyoming, I found myself in Paris. I was looking for something out of the ordinary; something more than just a standard room with a few forgettable pieces of art on the walls; something that would give me the feeling of being far, far away without ever having to pull out my passport. And I found just that and so much more at the aptly named, Destinations Inn.
From the moment I walked through the filigree-adorned doorway to the minute I dragged myself, practically pouting, back out at checkout, I was completely smitten. At check-in, a lovely, young lady presented me with two breakfast delivery options. Each included a yogurt parfait and my choice of either a cinnamon roll, a breakfast bagel with ham, eggs, and cheese, or a blueberry or chocolate muffin, along with a variety of breakfast beverages. It was up to me whether it would be delivered in the morning (at the time of my choosing) or in a basket the night before. The night-before option is something they thoughtfully provide in case guests need to eat on the go.
Once I selected my next-day, breakfast-in-bed options, I was off to experience a little piece of Parisian paradise in Idaho Falls. I inserted the key to Paris and slowly opened the door to a soft symphony of the most inviting, classical music. I practically skipped into the room, giggling and gasping, wide-eyed and covering my gaping jaw. I was tickled, delighted, instantly charmed.
I stood before my Parisian dreamscape completely awestruck. Arched, peach walls curved over an ornate terrace overlooking the room's colorful courtyard: the centerpiece of the space. And in the heart of it all, a beautiful, two-tiered fountain flowed freely, emitting the gentle sound of cascading water.
I remembered the inspiring words I'd read on The Destination Inn's website, "When you close the door, you enter into a world of imagination and fun." And with that, I closed the door behind me and immersed myself in a world of French fantasy.
It was like being tucked away in my very own, quaint, little 2nd Arrondissement side street. Four trees rose from the quartered courtyard garden beds, and red flowers poured over the brick rims beneath them. A baby blue sky decorated with puffy white clouds soared above, and low-key, recessed lighting created an ethereal ambiance I would've loved to revel in for days. The lights were set to "Welcome" mode, but they also had a "Romantic" setting and others – perfect for inspiring any mood.
Magnificent murals capture the essence of all things Paris with an impeccably detailed, white gazebo engulfed in the most vibrant sea of blooms, painted to perfection from floor to ceiling. And an authentic replica of a French market welcomes you to admire the view from your own little corner, underneath an alluring, antique-inspired street lamp, at an iron-lattice table and chairs, where a complimentary bottle of sparkling cider on ice awaits you.
Take a stroll along the pebbled path that runs alongside the marketplace and find yourself standing before the Eiffel Tower...with a twist. I could hardly wait to tell you all about this feature! There's actually a rainfall showerhead in the top of the Eiffel Tower. You can shower in the Eiffel Tower! How's that for some serious wow factor?
Adding to the magnificence of this beyond-belief hotel experience, a soothing, Chromatherapy jacuzzi emanates different colors for every mood and an abundance of champagne-like bubbles for an indulgent, spa-like experience. It's luxurious, it's lovely, it's Paris in Idaho. And somehow they've also managed to make it feel like home. The owners have carefully combined the comforts of home with Parisian pizzazz and a touch of luxury. Modern amenities like Netflix on a big, flat-screen tv, an in-room coffee maker, and more, plus that unparalleled je ne sais quoi, made my stay at the Destinations Inn unlike any other. It even changed my perception of what staying in a hotel can be.
I spent my night sipping sparkling cider in my quiet, corner cafe, swimming laps and lounging in that big, bubbly tub 'till my toes pruned. I watched The National Parks documentary narrated by Ken Burns, getting myself all excited for my Grand Teton adventure the next day. Miles from sleep and hours past my bedtime, I made a few more excuses to circle the room and walk up and down the stairs to my fit-for-a-queen king-size bed. I played with the lights for a little while longer, jotted down some of the happy memories I'm sharing with you today, then flipped through the book on the nightstand, featuring my favorite European city. Finally, in hopes of mellowing myself out, I forced myself to settle down and watch one of my favorite shows of all time: I Love Lucy. I never wanted to go to sleep that night. I never wanted it to end. I stayed up super-duper late just to enjoy it all for a few more precious hours.
The next morning breakfast arrived at 9:30 on the dot; the exact time I'd requested. I opened the door to everything I asked for, delivered on a silver platter, set on a silver stand, and kept warm under a silver cloche. Delighted, I grabbed the gleaming tray, scampered back up the steps I'd made any excuse to trot up and down the night before, then enjoyed breakfast and Netflix in bed. I could've lounged there all day, but eventually, it came time for this tumbleweed to roll along.
As I gathered my bags, I realized that something brand new was happening to me. I must've walked towards the door with luggage in tow three or four times before I eventually turned back around to admire the view of my magnificent room once more. At one point, shortly before checkout, I took one last stroll over to the iron-lattice table and chairs and sat, just to adore the space once more. I sat with my hands clasped over my crossed legs, trying to soak it all in one last time. All the way to my rental car, I reminded myself that I'd be back, the way a parent reminds their child that someday they'll return to Disney World.
As soon as I realized how hard it was to leave, I knew that I was going to miss this hotel the way I miss certain towns and cities, people and memories. I've never experienced that before…this kind of longing for a hotel. While waiting for my car to cool down, I thought for a split second, "It's not quite 11 am yet, should I run back quickly to take one last look?" I didn't. But I can promise you that I'd never been more tempted to modify my itinerary to spend an extra night somewhere. And If I were going to do it anywhere, it would've been right there in Idaho Falls at the hotel that stole my heart.
Ok, I have to stop thinking about it now, before I do something rash, like go back before my PTO replenishes. But my stay was like sleeping in a dream. A dream where luxury's been reimagined to emulate everything you never knew you wanted in a hotel. Neither plain, nor simple, but it is plain and simple to see; The Destinations Inn is a treasure.
So whether you're on your way to the national parks or you live nearby and want to get away without flying far, far away, I'm certain that the Destinations Inn will leave you completely enamored, just as it left me.
PS: That's just the Paris room. You can sleep like a god or goddess in an ancient Greek temple in their Athens suite, float in a picturesque, Thai retreat, bask in an Egyptian oasis surrounded by Sphinx statues and hieroglyphic pillars, soak in a gondola bathtub in Venetian paradise, immerse yourself in the majesty of an Arabian night, or enjoy the easy-breezy, beach vibes of Rio de Janeiro. Or choose from a number of other exotically, themed suites. Some rooms even have their own sauna or fireplace!
Learn more at www.destinationsinn.com.
