Where to Stay in Boise. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging

Hostels
Budget-friendly shared or private rooms, often with communal spaces. The Hostel at the Peck House is an option.
Budget Motels
Basic, spotless rooms at lower price points from brands like Motel 6 and Super 8.
Mid-Range Hotels
Comfortable stays with standard amenities from national chains like Hampton Inn and local options like Hotel 43.
Luxury Hotels
Upscale experiences, The Modern Hotel & Bar and The Grove Hotel are available for boutique style or full-service luxury.

Specialized Lodging

Unique Local Accommodation
The Modern Hotel & Bar has a mid-century modern design and popular bar/restaurant.
Vacation Rentals
Available through platforms like VRBO, these have apartments, houses, and private rooms, popular in the North End and downtown.
Homestay Opportunities
Some vacation rental listings have private rooms within local homes, giving a homestay experience.
Camping and Outdoor Accommodation
RV Parks and locations in Boise National Forest or Eagle Island State Park are options for outdoor stays.

Neighborhood Guide

Boise's neighborhoods each have a distinct character, influencing your stay by proximity to attractions, ambiance, and safety.

Downtown Boise

Pros

Walkable access to restaurants, bars, museums, State Capitol, Boise River Greenbelt.
Public transport links are good.
Central to major city attractions.
Good base for first-time visitors.

Cons & Safety

Can have more noise, especially on weekends.
Parking can be expensive and sometimes difficult.
Generally safe, but typical urban precautions apply late at night.

North End / Hyde Park

Pros

Quaint and quiet, good for leisurely walks.
Strong community atmosphere.
Easy access to Camel's Back Park and foothills trails.
Considered very safe with a low crime rate.

Cons

Further from immediate downtown attractions.
Requires longer walk, bike ride, or short drive.
Limited hotel options, mainly vacation rentals.

BSU Area & Boise Bench

BSU Area Pros

Good for BSU events, including football games.
Direct access to Boise River Greenbelt.
Several budget and mid-range accommodations are here.

Bench Pros & Cons

Accommodation here is usually cheaper.
Has good views and a quieter environment.
A car or public transport is useful to reach downtown.
Generally safe.

Safety Notes

General Urban Precautions

Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially when out late at night.

Neighborhood Specifics

Some areas adjacent to BSU have higher student-related activity; the North End has a very low crime rate.

Booking Strategies

Booking strategies make sure you get the accommodation you prefer at good rates, especially during Boise's peak seasons.

Advance Booking Recommendations

High Season (June-August), Major Event Weekends, Holidays: Book 3-6 months in advance.
Major events like Treefort Music Fest and BSU football games have significant demand surges.
Shoulder Season (Spring/Fall): Book 1-2 months in advance for good options and rates.
Low Season (Winter): More flexibility for last-minute bookings, but advance booking is still useful.

Trusted Booking Platforms

Major Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Hotels.com are reliable for hotels.
Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and VRBO are options for flats and houses.
Straight with Hotels: Often yields good rates, special packages, or loyalty program benefits. Consider IHG Hotels.
House/Pet Sitting: TrustedHousesitters is a possibility.

Important Considerations

Negotiation Customs

Negotiating walk-in rates is not a common practice in the U.S.
Standard pricing applies, often higher for walk-ins versus online bookings.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

These vary by property and platform.
Review policies carefully before confirming your reservation.
A lot of hotels have free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before check-in.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Summer Peak

Accommodation prices are highest during summer and major events.

Winter Savings

Prices are generally lowest in winter, excluding ski resorts near Boise.

Shoulder Season Benefit

Planning your visit during shoulder or low seasons can yield significant savings on lodging.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are recommendations through different categories.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

The Hostel at the Peck House

Downtown/Near Capitol. Historic building, shared/private rooms, communal kitchen, social atmosphere.

Price Range: $30 - $80
Booking Note: Book early, limited availability.

Motel 6 Boise - Airport

Near Airport (SE Boise). Basic, clean, pet-friendly, outdoor pool (seasonal), free Wi-Fi.

Price Range: $80 - $120
Booking Note: Good for getting around by car travelers.

Mid-Range Options Cont.

Hotel 43 Boise

Downtown. Boutique hotel, walking distance to attractions, restaurant, fitness center. Modernist design.

Price Range: $150 - $250
Booking Note: Popular for business and leisure.

The Grove Hotel

Downtown. Upscale, full-service hotel, connected to Boise Centre, pool, spa, dining.

Price Range: $180 - $300
Booking Note: Good for amenities and downtown location.

More Options

Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown
Downtown. Spacious rooms, free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center. Price Range: $140 - $240.
The Modern Hotel & Bar
Downtown (West End). Mid-century modern design, acclaimed restaurant/bar. Price Range: $260 - $400+.
Vacation Rentals (Airbnb/VRBO)
North End, Hyde Park, Downtown. Cost-effective for groups, kitchen facilities. Price Range: $120 - $500+.
Boise Riverside RV Park
West Boise (on Greenbelt). RV sites, limited tent sites, full hookups. Price Range: $40 - $70 (per site).

Traveler Specifics

Family-Friendly Options
Vacation rentals have more space and kitchen facilities. Hotels like Hyatt Place have pools and complimentary breakfast.
Solo Traveler Recommendations
The Hostel at the Peck House has a social atmosphere. Mid-range hotels downtown have security and convenience.
Long-Stay Accommodations
Vacation rentals have a home-like atmosphere with kitchens and laundry. Many extended-stay hotels also exist.
Cultural or Historical Significance
The Modern Hotel & Bar has a distinct design experience. The Hostel at the Peck House is in a historic building.