Clarion Inn, Ketchum, Idaho...

How does this hotel compare with the 2 Best Western Hotels???

Aug. 3 nights?

Clarion Inn, Ketchum, Idaho...

The bestwestern Kentwood Lodge is better but more expensive.

Clarion Inn, Ketchum, Idaho...

Thank you Hikeasy.

Do you (or anyone else) have any first hand knowledge of the differences between these 3 hotels in Ketchum???

The Best Western Tyrolean Lodge, The Best Western Kentwood Lodge,

and the Clarion?

I%26#39;ve read that the Tyrolean lodge has been recently renovated, has an outside pool and hot tub and provides free continental breakfast ??? Wouldn%26#39;t that make it better than the Kentwood? I%26#39;ve read that the Kentwood%26#39;s pool and hot tub are indoors and we%26#39;ll be visiting in August. What did you like about it and what makes it nicer than the Clarion??? Again ... thanks for any information you can provide.

We had to book the Clarion because everything else was full for the night we are there. Apparently there is a huge business convention at Sun Valley in July which takes up most of the rooms in town. Is the Clarion OK ?

I%26#39;ve never been to Ketchum/Sun Valley. We%26#39;ll be there for 4 days in Aug. for a wedding. Write back and let me know where you end up staying and what you think.

Thanks,

lmcook

We are going up to Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch for a week. On our night of arrival we are staying at the Inn at Ellsworth Estate. The manager/owner was super nice and we would have stayed there on our return, but he is full for a wedding being held on site. We have previously stayed at the Sun Valley Resort and loved it, but as noted in my earlier post it is full. I would have gone for Knob Hill but other members of my group were of the opinion it was too expensive so our choice was sleep in the car or go with the Clarion. I will post a report when I return.

We have been to Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch many times - you will love it. The setting, tucked back off the road with a spectacular view of the Sawtooths, is unmatched in the area. The hot springs pool feels great after a hike. If you don%26#39;t care to dine with a group, let them know in advance and they%26#39;ll save you one of the two-tops. And don%26#39;t miss a visit to Stanley. The Stanley Baking Company is the best place to eat there, but the Kasino Klub has good ribs. Would love to hear about your trip when you get back.

We are a group of eight hikers going to IRMR. We can hardly wait to get there. Do you have any favorite hikes you can recommend?

Favorite hikes... For a stunning long hike, take the Toxaway Loop. Trailhead is at Pettit Lake. Part of this hike can be shortened by going round trip as far as Alice Lake (12 miles). Depending upon when you are traveling, there are a handful of stream crossings which can be a bit scary when there is a lot of water. August is great, though. From Redfish Lake, you can take the boat across the lake to a trailhead heading to the Bench Lakes and beyond. All of this area is wonderfully scenic and scarce on people once you get past the first couple of miles. A great short hike is to Fourth of July lake. The long part of this hike is driving the 12 miles on a bumpy road to the trailhead. Have a GREAT time.

Thanks a million. We will be there the second week of July. We are all looking forward to the visit.

Please remember that for Idaho hiking you need to be careful about two things: altitude and hydration. Wear lots of sunscreen and take plenty of water, and do yourself a favor by taking a day to adjust to the elevation by strolling around Redfish, Pettit, Alturas or Stanley Lake and just enjoying the beauty of the area. I%26#39;m jealous (and originally from Idaho :)