History
Perched at the dogleg bend through downtown with postcard views of Payette Lake, Hotel McCall is more than just a place to stay – it’s a cornerstone of local history and hospitality.
Since 1904, this beloved inn has welcomed travelers with timeless charm, thoughtful touches, and a deep connection to the town it helped shape. Today, it remains the beating heart of McCall, where lakefront views, mountain air, and a warm welcome await.
McCall’s story began with Finnish homesteaders in the 1880s, but it was the town’s namesake, Tom McCall, who helped usher in a new era when he built Hotel McCall around the turn of the 20th century. By 1922, under the capable stewardship of Mrs. Wm. M. Deinhard, the hotel became known for its forward-thinking amenities—boasting 25 rooms with hot and cold running water, a rare luxury at the time.
That spirit of hospitality was tested in the winter of 1937, when a fire destroyed the original building. But by the following year, the hotel had risen again on its original site—restored and ready to welcome guests once more. Throughout the decades, Hotel McCall remained a beloved landmark, especially during the tenure of Lawrence and Blanche Luce, who ran the hotel with a vintage flair: $11 room rates, chocolates on the pillow, and nightcaps offered on request.
The 1990s brought another chapter of transformation. Peggy Wheatcroft and Chris Kirk ushered in a period of revitalization, before the Carey family took ownership in 1995. With care and vision, they remodeled and expanded the hotel—restoring its warmth while elevating its elegance. The most recent renovation, completed in 2007, preserved the hotel’s signature character while adding modern comfort, making it as inviting today as it was over a century ago.
From wild west roots to modern mountain retreat, Hotel McCall has stood the test of time – not by chasing trends, but by offering a sense of place, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality that never goes out of style.
