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A hotel lobby can make or break a first impression. When I first stepped into The Josie at the base of RED Mountain Resort in Rossland, British Columbia, I was hooked. I could hardly wait to see my room. Flooded with afternoon light, the lobby was colorful and hip, with leather sofas and bright red ski lift chairs upcycled into chic seating.
Located along the Powder Highway, the boutique ski-in/ski-out hotel is the first Canadian property for Noble House Hotels & Resorts. I visited in fall, but the lack of snow didn’t disappoint.
The Josie gets its name from a gold mine that operated in the area from 1890 to 1929. It features 106 rooms and suites. My Premium One Bedroom Suite was located on a corner of the fifth floor. Bigger than most city apartments, a short hallway spilled into an open area with a dining room table, full-size sofa, and two cushy chairs. The exterior walls are dominated by windows that bring the outside in. Along with a Juliette balcony, a second set of glass doors opened to a balcony with mountain views.
The king bed – topped with a feather-down duvet and pillows – came with its own eye-catching views, but the bathroom is an incentive to meet in the mountains.
In addition to a free-standing, soaking tub, there’s a huge stand-along shower. (Toiletries are provided in large, refillable bottles.) Two sinks are set in a generous vanity, with a shelf above that offers even more space to spread out. Good lighting and a monstrous mirror make the bathroom feel even bigger. The toilet is located behind a door, making it easier for two people to use the area at one time.
The overall design of the suite made it easy to feel comfortable and relax. The trickiest part of my stay was mastering the many light switches.
From ski runs to bike trails, chances are good you’ll get in that workout in the great outdoors, but if you’re feeling especially energetic, The Josie has a well-equipped fitness center. Spa treatments, including massages, manicures, and pedicures, can be arranged by request.
During the winter season, there’s a dedicated ski concierge available to offer advice, maps, and updates on mountain conditions. Come summer, mountain biking shifts into gear.
The Velvet Restaurant and Lounge features a seasonal menu worthy of a meal during your stay. Dinner options include nibbles like crispy Brussels sprouts, marinated olives, and baked French onion soup. Main dishes range from steak frites to pan-roasted halibut, and red wine-braised lamb shank. Try to save room for dessert. Breakfast offerings include oatmeal with whipped bitter almond and blueberry compote, eggs any style, granola and yogurt, fresh fruit, and smoothies.
A number of eateries and shops can also be found in downtown Rossland. Less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel, it’s a fun place to stroll, pop into a brewery for a beer, or pick up souvenirs. The Josie is only five miles north of the Canada/United States border. Many travelers fly into Spokane International Airport (GEG), and rent a car to make the 2.5-hour drive to Rossland.
Book your stay directly with the hotel or through Travelocity or other booking sites. Standard room rates start at $509 ($679 CAD). Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Kootenay Rockies Tourism, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
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