Sun Valley Resort’s Sun Valley Lodge will still keep its historic Western charm even after the lodge’s massive renovation and expansion debuts on June 15 in Idaho. The interior will be upgraded to feature more social spaces and larger guest rooms, while its exterior will still maintain its original circa-1936 look with the same mixture of stone and wood.
“The important thing about this renovation was to still give it a traditional mountain-town look,” says Brent Gillette, director of sales for Sun Valley Resort. “What’s unique about this valley is it has a lot of independently owned restaurants, buildings and art galleries. Here, it’s more Western traditional, which keeps [the destination] friendly.”
Meeting planners will appreciate the new social spaces created for that next-generation traveler, says Jack Sibbach, director of marketing and public relations at the resort. The lobby, for instance, was expanded by 16 feet and will feature an open bar as well as several couches and nooks for attendees to network. The pool area is also being expanded and will include a new deck, fire pit, Jacuzzi and full-size cafe.
“The resort is famous for its old swimming pools, so this new addition is going to be cool,” says Gillette. “The pools are open year round, and in the winter, they’re set to 103 degrees for people to soak in after a long day of skiing.”
Another part of the renovation includes the 94 guest rooms, which were created from the existing 148 rooms to provide more space for guests. These suite-like rooms—65 of which will include fireplaces— feature walnut floors and carefully detailed golden granite floor, walls and countertops. Some of the larger “Celebrity Suites” will be named after celebrities that frequented the resort over the years.
In addition to the typical mountain activities—hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting in the summer and skiing in the winter—the resort’s newest activity will be the upgraded 6-lane bowling alley. The vintage-style alley will feature more than triple the game area it had before, which will give attendees the option to connect over video games or a game of pool if they prefer.
Gillette says the resort also works with destination management companies to plan 12-mile bike rides that end in Hailey—a perfect spot for attendees to grab a beer before bussing back to the resort. There are also 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses as well as an 18-hole putting course for groups that want to compete in less traditional golfing contests. The resort’s two ice rinks—one indoor and one outdoor—are also available for groups to play broomball or hockey. After a day of activities, attendees will be able to relax in the new 20,000-sf spa, which will feature 15 treatment room, a selection of wellness treatments as well as a yoga studio.
