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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Rocky Mountains, USA

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, clean 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 sites 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 hotels are here.
Bench Pros & Cons
  • Accommodation here is often more affordable.
  • 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 near BSU have higher student-related activity; the North End has a very low crime rate.

Booking Strategies

Booking strategies secure your preferred accommodation 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 apartments and houses.
  • Directly 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.
  • Many 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 across various 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 driving travelers.

Mid-Range Options Cont.

Hotel 43 Boise

Downtown. Boutique hotel, walking distance to attractions, restaurant, fitness center. Modern 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 central 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 environment 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.

Special Note on Hostels

The Hostel at the Peck House

This is the closest hostel option for budget-conscious travelers right in the heart of the city.

  • Good for solo travelers.
  • Communal spaces for social interaction.
  • Affordable rates.
Beyond Boise's Hostels

For other hostel options globally, consider checking Hostelworld.

  • Search for various destinations.
  • Read traveler reviews.
  • Find budget accommodation.

Online Booking Platforms

Booking.com

A global platform for various accommodation types, from hotels to apartments.

Agoda

An accommodation booking site with a strong presence in Asia, but with global listings.

IHG Hotels

Direct booking for InterContinental Hotels Group properties worldwide.