With its unique blend of gorgeous landscapes and vibrant cultural attractions, Boise, Idaho, is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and culture vultures alike. But with so much to see & do, choosing where to stay in Boise can be a challenge.
For most visitors, the best hotels in Boise are concentrated in Downtown Boise, the hub of the city’s top attractions. But don’t stop your accommodation search there. Districts like the North End and Southeast Boise have their own unique personalities worth exploring.
Want to score the perfect lodgings for your Idaho vacation? Discover all the best places to stay in Boise, ID, with this complete guide to the top areas, neighborhoods, and hotels!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our United States Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Best places to stay in Boise, ID
If you’re planning a visit to Boise, figuring out where to base yourself can be tricky – because the city offers so much to travelers!
The capital city of Idaho, thriving Boise gives other cool Pacific Northwest kids like Portland a run for their money. Cradled by the Rocky Mountain Foothills, Boise is a paradise for outdoor lovers with awesome ski hills, lush green parks, miles of trails, and beautiful rivers and lakes. And with its vibrant arts scene and phenomenal cuisine, this PNW town rates high with culture connoisseurs.
The “City of Trees” is home to diverse neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. For most visitors, Downtown Boise is the best place to stay in the city. This district gives you easy access to great cultural attractions, amazing restaurants and pubs, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Venture beyond downtown, and you’ll discover loads of interesting options. Explore the leafy streets and parks of Southeast Boise, the hip local scene of the North End, or the wall-to-wall mall action of West Boise.
The best areas to stay in Boise, ID, are:
Downtown Boise
✓ Best area to stay in Boise for sightseeing and nightlife
Visiting the Idaho capital for the first time? Set your sights on Downtown Boise. The city’s cultural and entertainment hub, BoDo is where the action is. This thriving neighborhood is packed with cool shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to many of the most popular tourist attractions in Boise.
Check out the historic Linen District, named for the circa-1910 American Laundry Building that still stands. Stroll south, and you’ll hit the beautiful Boise River and its famous Greenbelt, a buzzing hub of outdoor activities that offers 25 miles of trails to explore on foot or bike – and plenty of trendy restaurants and craft breweries along the way!
Browse upscale boutiques and fantastic museums. Explore Basque culture at the Basque Museum and Basque Market. Saunter over to Grove Plaza to enjoy live music. Ramble through beautiful Julia Davis Park to explore the Idaho State Museum, the Boise Art Museum, and the Zoo Boise.
When it comes to after-dark options, you’re spoiled for choice with a cornucopia of lively clubs and bars.
Downtown is home to many of the best Boise hotels, with options to suit every taste and budget. As it’s the center of the city, you should expect to pay higher prices here.
Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown
Looking for a budget hotel that offers great value? Settle in at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown. Amenities here include a pool, 24-hour gym, mini-fridges – and fantastic views of the Boise Foothills. You’re just minutes away from popular attractions like the Boise Art Museum and the famous blue turf of Albertsons Stadium, home to the BSU Broncos.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Boise Downtown
For business travelers and extended-stay visitors, Home2 Suites By Hilton Downtown is a great choice. This hotel features connecting rooms, a fitness center, a sunlit boardroom – and it’s pet-friendly!
Savor the sunrise on the park-like hotel patio. Hit the gym or the pool, then enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast.
Head out for a stroll along the Boise River Greenbelt. Check out nearby attractions like the Boise Center, the Basque Block, and dozens of local restaurants, shops, and breweries.
The Grove Hotel
Not many lodgings have bragging rights to their own hockey rink – but the Grove Hotel does! This stylish, upmarket hotel also features a fitness center, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and room service. Pamper yourself with a hot tub or sauna session. Step out on the balcony to take in the downtown action – or get the view from the ground aboard a free rental bike.
Modern Hotel
What do you get when you turn an aging ‘60s roadhouse into something funky? Answer: The Modern Hotel. Completely remodeled with a vintage aesthetic (think wood accents and Mad Men), this hotspot may be the coolest place to stay in downtown.
Relax in the Modern’s hip bar and restaurant. Or sip and savor around stone fire pits in the treed courtyard. So hop on a free rental bike and explore!
Residence Inn by Marriott Boise Downtown City Center
Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown City Center is ideal if you’re planning a longer stay. Take your pick of spacious one- or two-bedroom suites. Fuel up with a complimentary breakfast, then head out to nearby attractions like Boise State University and the Idaho State Capitol building.
When hunger hits, cook up a storm in your fully-equipped kitchen. Savor a cocktail in the Lobby Bar, then head up to the roof deck for amazing downtown vistas.
Southeast Boise
✓ Recommended neighborhood to stay in Boise for outdoor enthusiasts and leisure travelers
If you want to enjoy outdoor attractions and an upbeat vibe, put Southeast Boise at the top of your list. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Southeast Boise is one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. Home to young families, professionals, and Boise State University students, this district exudes a welcoming feel.
Four miles from downtown, Southeast Boise boasts lush green gardens, amazing landscapes, and miles of Greenbelt hiking trails along the Boise River.
Sports buffs can snag a seat in Albertsons Stadium for a Boise State Broncos game. If you’re a theater fan, immerse yourself in the magical summer Shakespeare Festival.
If you’re a plant lover, you’ll want to meander through the gorgeous Idaho Botanical Garden. Want to go aquatic? Head over to riverside Barber Park and raft down the Boise River.
For some great bites and browsing, saunter along to the popular Bown Crossing pocket neighborhood and check out its eclectic stores and upscale eateries.
The accommodation scene in Southeast Boise is varied, ranging from chain hotels to owner vacation rentals. Prices here are a tad cheaper than in the downtown core.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boise ParkCenter
Looking for a premier all-suite hotel that offers both comfort and style? Book a spacious contemporary suite at SpringHill Suites by Marriott ParkCenter. Rev up for the day in the hotel’s fitness center, then fuel up with a complimentary continental breakfast.
Relax poolside, or hop on a bike to soak up some great city scenery and explore attractions like Boise State University, the Idaho Botanical Garden, and Zoo Boise.
Holiday Inn Express Boise Downtown, an IHG Hotel
For a centrally-located budget hotel option, check in at the Holiday Inn Express Downtown. Jumpstart your day in the pool or fitness center, then enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
Stroll through Boise Town Square Mall for tons of shopping and restaurant options. Or head to Julia Davis Park, where you can hike the Greenbelt and explore popular attractions like Zoo Boise, the Idaho State Museum, and the Boise Art Museum.
The Huntington
Want affordable comfort for an extended stay? You’ll find it at the Huntington. These cozy, quiet apartments provide a balcony, patio, living area, fully-equipped kitchen, fridge, and oven.
Step outside and revel in the natural beauty of neighboring Warm Springs Park. Minutes away, explore popular attractions like Zoo Boise, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts.
Modern Gem Minutes from BSU
Enjoy a private oasis in this modern, family-friendly vacation home just outside the BSU campus and Downtown Boise. Stretch out in a generous backyard, complete with a beach and fire pit. Whip up your own meals in a fully-equipped kitchen.
Explore popular local sights like Julia Davis Park, the Zoo Boise, and Ann Morrison Park. And you’re mere minutes away from BSU’s famous blue turf!
North End
✓ Recommended place to stay in Boise for the local vibe
Ready to experience some “Boise Soul”? Then plan to hunker down in the city’s storied North End, where you’ll be treated to an eyeful of natural and historic beauty.
Set against the backdrop of the Boise Foothills, the North End nestles between downtown and neighboring Meridian. A Boise Historic Preservation District, this neighborhood is where the past comes alive with a simple stroll.
Hit North 13th Street, and you’ll discover blocks lined with hipster coffee hangouts, quirky boutiques, amazing restaurants, and local craft breweries – many housed in beautiful 19th-century buildings.
Saunter through Hyde Park – the heart of the North End – and savor the sight of graceful buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Take a two-minute stroll to view the elegant turn-of-the-century homes that line Harrison Boulevard, the area’s leafy main street.
Meander just a few blocks northeast, and you’ll hit Camel’s Back Park, a green oasis complete with play and picnic areas and volleyball and tennis courts. If you’re up for some rambling, hit one of the park’s trails and head for the Boise Foothills.
Traditional accommodation options in the North End are limited. On your lodgings search, expect to find mostly condos and vacation homes.
Franklin House
Want to relax in a cozy historic setting? Hunker down in the oh-so-quaint Franklin House and immerse yourself in its laid-back vibe. Offering “bed and beer,” this unique B&B is set in a restored circa-1896 ice house.
With just five rooms, this location is about getting to know the neighbors! Snag a spot in the backyard beer garden and savor an on-tap beer or cider around the Franklin House fire pits.
Condo 24!
Craving the comforts of home? Check out Condo 24! This spacious, top-floor condo comes offers free parking, a separate bedroom, bathroom, living and dining areas, and a private balcony.
You’ll be just steps from a natural grocer and restaurants. Explore nearby attractions like Historic Hyde Park and the State Capitol, and the location is just minutes away from beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails.
Enjoy easy check-in with a digital door lock.
Pueblo Street Tiny Home
Want a private oasis where you and the gang can hang out? Check out the beautifully-renovated Pueblo Street Tiny Home. Enjoy the natural light from overhead skylights as you whip up meals in the fully-equipped kitchen.
Head out for a ramble in Hyde Park. Grab some snacks from the Boise Co-Op, then head north to hike or bike in the foothills of Camel’s Back Park. Return to your roost at night and relax around the patio fire pit.
West Boise
✓ Top-rated district in Boise for shopping
Shopaholics, prepare to give your eyes (and your wallet!) a workout in West Boise. Serious shoppers will be delighted to dig into the retail motherlode in West Boise’s mega malls.
Check out Boise Town Square, the mother of them all. The biggest retail complex in Idaho, this mammoth boasts over 150 stores and dozens of eateries.
For a different kind of shopping experience, head 10 minutes west to the Village at Meridian complex. Browse upscale boutiques, take in a flick, savor a meal on an outdoor patio, and view a spectacular fountain show complete with lights and music.
Time for a little R&R? Take a two-minute stroll to Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, a gorgeous 60-acre West Boise oasis. If you’re up for more family-friendly fun, check out the Aquarium of Boise, just 15 minutes away.
You’ll find a good range of motels, mid-range hotels, and apartment rentals in West Boise – and at more reasonable rates than you’d pay for downtown accommodation.
Courtyard by Marriott Boise West/Meridian
Business and leisure travelers will find a comfortable spot to roost in the Courtyard by Marriott Boise West/Meridian. Nestled between downtown and Nampa, the Courtyard is just 10 minutes from the Boise Airport.
This full-service hotel offers spacious suites complete with a microwave, mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi. Stoke up for the day or recharge at night with made-to-order meals at The Bistro. Enjoy minutes-away attractions like BSU football games and concerts at the Ford Idaho Center.
Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Meridian
If you’re looking for comfort and convenience, you’ll find both in the Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Meridian. Prep for the day with some laps in the pool and a complimentary breakfast.
Then head out to explore local attractions like the Boise Town Square Mall, the Boise Zoo, and Roaring Springs Water Park.
Hyatt Place Boise/Towne Square
One of Boise’s newest hotels, this Hyatt Place exudes a modern feel that’s both stylish and functional. You’ll enjoy plenty of room to stretch out in their spacious, stylish rooms and suites.
Fuel up for your day with a complimentary breakfast. Then hit the downtown tourist trail to explore nearby attractions like the Capitol building, vibrant galleries, inviting boutiques, and diverse eateries.
At the end of the day, relax and decompress in the hotel pool.
Boise Bench
[/area-header]Recommended area for off-the-beaten-path adventures
[/area-header]If you believe variety is the spice of life, you’ll want to get a taste of Boise Bench. “The Bench” – named for its position overlooking the city and the surrounding hills – is a vibrant mosaic of eight different neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Just minutes southwest of downtown, The Bench is one of Boise’s hottest districts.
With its agricultural and industrial history, Boise Bench is a neighborhood where the contemporary meets the traditional. Walk or bike through the area, and you’ll discover a tapestry of styles ranging from late 19th-century estates to iconic mid-century Americana to brand-new builds – even secret basement speakeasies! The vibe is eclectic and unpredictable.
Boise Bench feels like a peaceful oasis thanks to a sound barrier of natural foliage. Browse a rich assortment of locally-owned shops, markets, and restaurants. Families with kids in tow will want to dip into the Aquarium of Boise and get their hands wet in its touch pools.
Don’t miss the historic Boise Depot. Built in 1925, this striking Spanish-style structure has been exquisitely preserved. Stroll the riverfront, meander through the gorgeous Platt Gardens, and take in panoramic views of the Boise skyline.
The Bench offers a mix of accommodations, from chain hotels to owner vacation rentals.
Oxford Suites Boise
If you’re looking for lodgings that mirror Boise Bench’s unique mix of vintage and modern, check out the Oxford Suites. The hotel’s luxurious garnet color theme reflects the area’s rich past and the subtle “moving water” soundscape hints at the neighborhood’s natural surroundings.
Power up with a gym workout or a dip in the pool, fuel up with a complimentary hot breakfast, then check out local attractions, including BSU, Albertsons Stadium, the Idaho State Capitol Building, and Roaring Springs Water Park.
Hampton Inn & Suites Boise/Spectrum
Experience comfort and convenience at the Hampton Inn & Suites Boise/Spectrum. Swim a few laps or grab a workout in the gym, chow down on a complimentary hot breakfast, then head for one of the area’s most popular attractions: the Spectrum Center, just minutes away. There, you can take in a flick at an IMAX theater, graze at a great selection of restaurants, and shop ‘til you drop!
Residence Inn by Marriott Boise Downtown/University
Ideal for out-of-town sports buffs or parents visiting BSU students, this all-suite extended stay hotel offers quick and easy access to the BSU campus and football games, the “Alive after Five” Art in the Park events, and the Albertson’s Boise Open.
Enjoy large spacious suites, a free breakfast buffet, fitness center, pool, and outdoor running trails.
