Ronda Sneva, owner of The Lodge at Suttle Lake, grew up in Bend, Oregon. She remembers her childhood experiences at the lake fondly. She and her family would escape to the lake in the summertime for fun water activities on the lake and family picnics. They would travel there in the wintertime, too, for sledding and snowball fights. "Our family just had the best times here when I was growing up", says Ronda. "I was inspired to re-build The Lodge again, because I wanted future generations to have a chance to build their own special memories. By the feedback we have received from guests, those memories are being made here again," states Ronda. "It is a very good feeling".
Ronda has been involved with The Boathouse Restaurant, on the shores of Suttle Lake, for many years. In the service industry for more than 20 years, Ronda thrives on taking care of people. Her business is family-owned and operated, and her approach to innkeeping is one that provides personal attention to every detail. She wants her guests to feel at home and comfortable.
It was 2003 when Ronda had a vision to bring a lodge back to the lake. It turned out to be quite a vision. What rose from the ashes this time was a work of art.
The Lodge is built in a Grand Cascadian-Style that combines the tradition and romance of bygone eras with the comfort, elegance and conveniences of today. Upon approaching The Lodge, its majesty is immediately noticed. In honor of the native land that The Lodge sits on, there is a Native American theme throughout.
Local craftsmen, including J. Chester "Skip" Armstrong of Sisters, have outdone themselves. The Lodge is a tribute to their talents. This is quickly evident at the massive double-door entryway, which Mr. Armstrong carved to include both the shapes of an eagle and a Native American.
This craftsmanship is noticeable throughout The Lodge, extends into its Great Room, and the ten suites offered in this building. All suites include a stone fireplace, and each is uniquely decorated to reflect a cozy Cascadian elegance. The four deluxe suites (which have Jacuzzi bathtubs), two lofted suites, and one ADA-compliant suite, all command majestic views of the lake. The four standard suites offer views of the surrounding lush forest. Suites sleep from two to four people, depending on room choice. Complimentary continental breakfast is included for lodge guests, and is served in the Great Room.
While you may feel you have gone back in time as you enter The Lodge's doors, rest assured, you have not. Perfect for corporate getaways, there is a state-of-the-art meeting room. It, too, boasts a fireplace and lovely views of the lake. But, the room also offers electronics and high-tech equipment necessary for today's face-paced world.
There is truly the right accommodation for everyone at Suttle Lake. In addition to The Lodge, there are also five deluxe cabins, which were completed in 2004. Each provides sleeping arrangements for up to four people, a fully equipped kitchen, and a fireplace in the living area. Like The Lodge, each cabin is uniquely decorated with Northwest charm. Three historic cabins are also available. One dating back to the 1920's sits right on the shore of the lake. For those who like to be more at one with nature, there are also six rustic cabins available.
The Boathouse Restaurant offers fine Northwest Cuisine worthy of its spectacular setting overlooking the lake. Dining hours vary from season to season. It is open for lunch and dinner. Forget something? There is also a small general store on site to help you if you did!
The Lodge is pleased about its newly opened full-service spa. It offers facial treatments, massages, and everything you could want to help you feel rested and revitalized. It even offers couples' in-room massages.
In addition to the lovely variety of accommodations, the setting Suttle Lake offers is spectacular. You can walk right out of your room and enjoy a 3 1/2-mile stroll or bicycle ride around the lake. Keep your eyes open...you may catch a glimpse of the lake otters or the bald eagles that nest nearby and fish in the lake.
Activities in the area abound, both in the summertime and the wintertime. The lake is a haven for fisherman and water-sports enthusiasts. It offers fishing (the lake has brown trout and Kokanee salmon), sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, kayaking or a cooling swim on a hot summer day. Nearby Metolius River is well known among fly-fishers for its prized fishing opportunities. Because of the surrounding forest, biking, hiking, horseback riding and bird watching are also favorite activities. Aspen Lakes Golf Course is just down the highway in nearby Sisters. Those who prefer more leisurely pursuits can sit by the lake's cool waters and picnic with a good book.
Winter activities also abound in Central Oregon's playground. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are some of the things folks like to do here in the winter. Just eight miles west of Suttle Lake is Hoodoo Ski Resort. Mt. Bachelor, one of the area's favorite ski resorts, is only 60 miles away. The area is beautiful and serene in the winter, and the accommodations offer some of the best nesting opportunities around!
On Highway 20 just twenty miles east of The Lodge at Suttle Lake, you will find Sisters, Oregon. A wonderful variety of locally owned craft and antique shops in this quaint, Western-Style town offers you an entertaining day of activity, exploring and shopping. Or, visit nearby Bend's scenic Mill District on the Deschutes River for a great day of shopping and sightseeing.
Unique Inn Member
13300 Highway 20
Sisters, Oregon 97759
Innkeeper: Ronda Sneva
Phone: 541.595.2628
Directions
From the East(Bend, Redmond, Sisters)
Fourteen miles west of Sisters on Highway 20, turn left at the sign for Suttle Lake Resort and Marina.
From the West
(Portland, Salem, Eugene)
Six miles east of Hoodoo Ski Area (Santiam Pass summit)
On Highway 20, turn right at the sign for Suttle Lake Resort and Marina
Email: info@thelodgeatsuttlelake.com
Happily hosting travel writers of distinction with letters of introduction and reservations.
