MacDonald's Resort

Here on business in the off-season, mid December. DISCLAIMER: they were incredibly accommodating by allowing us to stay here while everything is shutdown. They typically do not rent out cabins during the off-season like this. The cabin we're in is #1. All the cabins are in a row along the hillside and have an absolutely amazing view of the lake, mountainside and town. Not sure if all cabins are the same floor plan but, ours had 2 bedrooms (queen beds). Primary bedroom had a view of the lake while the secondary had a view of the hillside you drive in on. Kitchen is good size with stove/oven, full fridge/freezer, large double bowl sink, dishes and cutlery. Bathroom has standing shower and plenty of towels, outlets everywhere which is awesome. Living room has a full size fold-out futon and smart TV with Netflix, YouTube, etc.. Parking seems like it could be a little tricky during peak season since the road is shared with the other cabins and also private residences. High-speed internet The shop down on the dock has the craziest Pringle selection... It's a lot.

MacDonald’s Resort is not only a great place to catch a boat ride or watch the local sailboat races, but it is a lovely place to spend a relaxing week on the water. Their cabin rentals are easy, comfortable, and the gateway to a good time. My family has stayed at a variety of the cabins multiple times over the years and have found them all to be great. The staff are so friendly and helpful, they were happy to assist with everything we asked. It’s an awesome family run business in a beautiful part of the world that everybody should be lucky enough to enjoy one day.

The cabins are in a great location with an awesome view of the lake (and a short walk down to the docks). The owners are extremely helpful, and the whole stay was a delight. Proximity to Silverwood amusement park was super convenient. Kids loved the beach, which has beach toys available for all to use. This is definitely a place we'd look to stay again when we're in the area.

This is a quiet resort, but so nice for families. There is a swimming area for the kids, you can rent a boat here as well. Lots of fish to go fishing (you need to throw the fish back), but the kids loved the opportunity to fish. Beautiful area, even though we had wildfires nearby, we had good air quality! Will be back!

Stopped in here to check it out while staying at Farragut. Awesome location on the water in Bayview. This place had an awesome coastal feeling, staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. Store had some localized fishing gear, nice clothes mainly for women, decent beer selection, gas available for boats, and the biggest Pringle selection I've ever seen, haha. Staff told us we were welcome to explore the docks and even go upstairs to enjoy the covered viewing deck. People were up there enjoying the view and some reading.

I don't normally leave reviews but I wanted to take the time to give MacDonald's Resort a five star. **All** of the staff was very friendly and helpful. The cabin we stayed in was wonderfull, had all the amenities, and a wonderful view of the lake. We rented a pontoon boat from the resort, and also paddleboarded from the docks. It was was wonderful days on the lake. We accidentally left an apple watch.. We did not realize it until the resort called and asked if we were missing something. They were careful to make sure that it actually belonged to us, which we appreciated. We were far away on the journey of our road trip and could not turn around. We asked if they might be able to send it to us, and they did! The watch just arrived and they took extra care in wrapping and protecting the watch, ensuring it's safe journey. We were already planning on returning to the resort in the future, but this kind action solidifies the choice. Thank you MacDonalds Resort!

Our weekend stay at MacDonald Resort was absolutely perfect! The owners were incredibly nice and accommodating, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Everyone in the area was so welcoming, which really added to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We truly didn't want to leave and can't wait for our next visit! Thank you Gary!!

Great place to stay, especially if you love being on the water. Great views, clean cabins and staff is so helpful and friendly!

Avoid this place! My parents got severely sick and required hospitalization. Despite letting the resort know more than a week in advance, they refused to provide a refund of the deposit for the stay The staff actually had the gall to say that this was ok as they and my parents both took a loss on the visit. Please do not give this company your business!

What a delightful experience with the wonderful MacDonald family. It was great to meet Gary - third generation owner and his son Justin. Lanita was helpful and professional. Everyone we communicated with went above and beyond to make our day exceptional. We rented the Honda Crestline pontoon and we're given helpful and effective instructions. We were able to swim in a fairly secluded bay with peace and quiet. It was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.

Stopped in here on our first boat trip on Lake Pend Oreille. We were trying to get the lay of the landscape of the lake as far as gas stations for our boat and where we could stop for food and bathrooms throughout the day. The young man working the dock was on the spot, helping us get tied up and checking if we needed fuel. We spoke with Gary Macdonald in the store and asked him all sorts of questions. He was super friendly and broke out a map, and started drawing all sorts of info on it gas stations, public docks, and even a spot to go look for mountain goats. They had a little café upstairs with a beautiful wooden bar that looked like an old wooden chris-craft boat, and we had already had lunch. Otherwise, we would have had one of their facasia flatbread pizza's they looked and smelled delicious. The people working here were friendly, helpful, and informative. Just top-notch experience, we will be making a stop in every time we are on the lake for summers to come. Thanks Gary! See you all soon.

Rented a pontoon in mid October for half a day. Lake was stunning, weather was great and the boat and service were phenomenal! Justin's communications were top notch and the entire process was easy. We had a Godfrey pontoon which is a very nice boat for cruising or fishing. We did a little of both. Felt like we were borrowing a friend's boat!

Beautiful area for a cozy stay. The people at McDonalds are so nice. If you stay here you need to bring all your kitchen utensils, towels and blankets!! The cottages are really quaint but limited as far as being stocked like you would have a rental B&B Bayview is really a small town and no grocery stores so make sure you stop in Athol at the nice Super1 Grocery store to stock up prior to stay! We had to go back there for pots and pans-~ ugh!

Sadly, we didn't enjoy our stay at McDonald's, and we had such hopes. The good part is that it's in Farragut State Park which is a wonderful place to walk. The resort has a nice vintage feel and is fairly attractive overall. What we didn't care for: 1. When I made the reservation over the phone I asked about our dog. The owner said he was allowed and then proceeded to lecture me about picking up after him, and if they found any hair at all on the furniture we would not get our deposit back. My husband and I are age 70 & 64 and extremely responsible dog parents. There are ways to communicate rules without lecturing. Our dog has stayed in many nice places; we've never been lectured like this. 2. Unlike most other establishments, they charged the deposit to our credit card right away. We did get it back but we covered everything with sheets we brought from home to make sure even a bit of fur flying through the air would land on anything! Of course we paid the standard dog fee which is supposed to cover any extra cleaning. 3. When we walked into our cabin there was a loud air purifier going. We had to unplug it due to the noise but it was obvious why it was there; the place smelled musty/moldy. 4. We had a view of the lake but it was rather useless. The window was small-ish and there was a very heavy sofa bed in front of it. There was no moving it. To see the view you had to stand and look over the sofabed. Or you could sit sideways on the sofabed with nothing to lean back against since the arms were low. 5. The living room had 2 sofabeds to sit on. They sit so high that even my husband's feet dangled at 6' tall. Very uncomfortable. Also the bed was so high I had to literally climb up on it with no step stool available. If I had bad knees I'm not sure what I would've done. 6. There was a sign in the kitchen saying if any dishes were left out you would not get your deposit back. 7. The woman in the resort store wasn't very friendly and admitted she knew nothing of the trails in Farragut Park. She couldn't even tell us which direction to walk from our cabin into the park. (We figured it out.) To top that off, the least expensive bottle of wine they carried was $25! Most were more. So much for convenience. All in all we didn't feel welcome which is odd since every other cabin was empty when we were there (mid October). Bayview itself also felt unwelcoming with no walking areas (no paths along the waterfront or anywhere else), signs at the marinas to keep out, "no dogs" signs in the one teensy park. We got the clear impression they don't want visitors in town, other than boaters who pay marina fees perhaps. We enjoyed walking in Farragut State Park (rangers are very helpful) and the Floating Patio Bar & Grill in Bayview but we won't be back for any overnight stays. I'd say stop at Farragut State Park for a walk and maybe a picnic, then drive a bit further to Sandpoint for the night.

Quick stop, called about services very helpful, friendly everyone we spoke with.., planning some more days on the lake. Knowing they are near by will make the boating more pleasurable... thanks for your help

It is not often where kindness to the degree that I experienced can be found in business today. My family and I were camping at Farragut State Park and were preparing for a day of kayaking on Lake Pend Orielle when I noticed that we were missing oars for one of our kayaks. I drove down to Macdonalds Resort to rent an oar and the gal that I met there graciously offered to loan me oars for the day at no cost. It is a rare event in life to find such a company that is so generous. Thank You...thank you!!!

If you are looking for a cottage with a beach area this is not your place. There is a picture of a cottage with a beach but that beach is just for those renting that particular cabin. I asked if there was another beach and was told that there was. I made the wrong assumption that it would be like the beach in the picture by the cottage. It is not. It is a little sandy area next to a pier. The swimming is in the marina, not lake side. Sweet, friendly, staff. They told us of a great beach 10 minutes away. Beaver Bay Beach saved the day, but dreams of morning coffee and evening wine with my feet in the sand looking out at the lake didn't materialize. Sitting of the outdoor deck was nice, but my Hawaiian heart was NEEDING a nice sandy beach. We were told a package of paper plates would be provided. Fortunately I brought some of my own because a package of 10 little plates and 6 bowls would not begin to cover 6 people for 3 nights. Also, bring your own dish soap. It was not on the list of things you needed to bring because of covid, and as mentioned in another review the store is EXPENSIVE! We had a good time with surrounding activities, over all the cabin was great. The toilet flusher didn't work so we had to lift the cylinder in the tank each time for a flush. and a big pile of sand was swept under the entry rug. The linen that was provided was clean and the beds comfortable. Glad we went. The views filled our souls and the cabin brought back memories of my Tutu's house.

We loved our experience here. Walking into the cabin, we were amazed at how clean and homey it felt, with an amazing view of the lake. I love all of the foliage near the cabins which provides a great escape from the 90 degree day. The MacDonald family is so friendly and gracious!

My family has stayed here many times over the years. We LOVE it. The cabins on the hill are amazing. Beautiful and cozy inside. Full kitchen, nice bedroom(s), extra sleeping space in living room, etc. Some cabins have a little yard next to them. Very fun place to cook, to play cards, etc. GREAT deal too! Would be perfect for a family reunion. The cabins right on the water look gorgeous too. This place is a GEM!!!!!!

If you want to stay on the largest, most beautiful lake in Idaho, this is the place. "A room with a view" takes on a whole new expansive meaning at MacDonald's Resort/Marina. I live nearby in a small floathouse, my guests prefer these cabins when they come to visit, spacious, clean -kitchens- and room for the whole family. If you like the great outdoors, sightseeing, hiking, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoing, cycling, relaxing ...it is all right here, next door to the best park in Idaho. Owned and operated by the nicest people, too!

Other than the fact that we had VERY limited lake access... it was VERY clean, good amount of Space. gorgeous setting. Good people... Definitely recommend if you are there to just Relax..

Great place, very clean older cabins on the lake and above the resort with great lake views. fishing at the resort and small boat rentals and the state park adjecent to the resort.

The only full service marina in Bayview. Cabins, moorage (full with waiting list),boat repair, haul-outs, fuel, store, chancellery and towing. Owned and operated by the McDonald family since the 50's. Great folks who cannot do enough for you. Honest, caring service providers on one of the finest recreational lakes in the country.

Great place to visit or stay. One of the few marina in the Pacific Northwest that has all of the accommodations on such a beautiful lake.