Totally Boise Blog

The holiday season is approaching, and with it comes the annual challenge for every Boise host: Where will we put everyone?

While you love having your out-of-town friends and family visit the Treasure Valley, ensuring they have a comfortable, convenient, and truly "Boise" place to stay is key to a successful visit. Fortunately, downtown Boise boasts a compact core packed with diverse hotels, all within walking distance of the city's best dining, shopping, and holiday lights.

To help you find the perfect home base for your holiday guests, here is Totally Boise’s guide to booking a memorable stay in the heart of the City of Trees.

✨ The Boutique & The Unique: For Guests Seeking Local Flavor

These hotels offer a distinct character, focusing on local art, high-end amenities, and an intimate atmosphere that truly captures the Boise vibe.

Inn at 500 Capitol

• Vibe: Unparalleled luxury and personalized service.

• The Draw for Visitors: If your guests appreciate the finer things, this is the spot. Rooms feature Italian linens, complimentary gourmet snacks, and some even have gas fireplaces. The Inn boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace with stunning views of Julia Davis Park and the city—a perfect place to enjoy an Idaho sunset. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so Fido can come too!

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Hotel 43

• Vibe: Urban-chic and stylish boutique energy.

• The Draw for Visitors: Located right near the Grove Plaza, Hotel 43 is steps from the city's pulse. The rooms are decorated with unique artwork by local artists, offering a true sense of place. For a special treat, they can enjoy the convenience of Chandlers Steakhouse located right next door. Guests will love finding the bathrobe-clad teddy bear waiting to greet them.

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The Sparrow Hotel

• Vibe: Thoughtfully renovated, independent spirit with a local soul.

• The Draw for Visitors: Opened after a major renovation of the former Safari Inn, The Sparrow offers 67 modern rooms featuring custom, infographic-style artwork from local artists. It’s perfect for the guest who loves walking everywhere, as it sits in the vibrant Linen District near many breweries and restaurants. They can grab a morning coffee at Form and Function in the lobby or a quick, quality bite from the CRISP food truck parked right outside. The cozy open-air courtyard with a firepit is ideal for unwinding after a day of holiday shopping.

📍 The Core Convention Hotels: Prime Location & Full Service

These options offer robust amenities and unbeatable locations for accessing the Grove Plaza, Boise Centre, and Idaho Central Arena.

Grove Hotel

• Vibe: Premier, full-service luxury.

• The Draw for Visitors: As Boise’s most iconic convention center hotel, The Grove provides spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the Boise Foothills to the north and the Owyhee Mountains to the south. It’s the closest option to the Grove Plaza, making it the perfect hub for holiday activities like ice skating at the seasonal rink or attending an Idaho Steelheads hockey game.

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Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown

• Vibe: Spacious and contemporary convenience.

• The Draw for Visitors: This hotel is an excellent central location that caters well to active families. It offers large, contemporarily designed rooms and a complimentary breakfast buffet to fuel a day of exploration. Its proximity to both the Idaho State Capitol and Boise State University makes visiting those landmarks easy.

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👪 The Family & Extended-Stay Basecamp

If your guests are staying longer than a weekend or are bringing the whole crew (kids and dogs included!), these hotels offer the space and amenities needed to feel truly at home.

Residence Inn Boise Downtown/City Center

• Vibe: Home-away-from-home comfort and flexibility.

• The Draw for Visitors: Ideal for longer holiday visits, this hotel offers spacious, stylish suites with fully equipped kitchens. This allows your family to handle meal prep and snacks without relying solely on restaurants. Plus, the Residence Inn provides a complimentary breakfast, saving you a few trips to the coffee shop!

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Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown

• Vibe: Reliable, budget-friendly comfort.

• The Draw for Visitors: A great choice for travelers prioritizing value and convenience. It offers comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and an indoor pool—a must-have amenity for keeping kids entertained during the cooler winter months. The location is just a few blocks from the Boise Art Museum and Zoo Boise.

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🏞️ Riverfront Resort Feel (Just outside Downtown)

If your guests prefer the feel of a resort property with direct access to the Boise River Greenbelt and a slight removal from the downtown hustle, recommend this local favorite.

Riverside Hotel

• Vibe: Classic resort on the water.

• The Draw for Visitors: Situated right on the banks of the Boise River, The Riverside offers scenic views and a wealth of amenities your guests will love. They can enjoy the all-season hot tub overlooking the water, dine at the on-site restaurants, and catch live music at one of the hotel's three venues. The easy access to the Greenbelt makes it perfect for a crisp winter stroll.

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No matter which hotel you choose, you're sure to have a fantastic stay in Boise. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, it's no wonder why Boise is quickly becoming one of the top destinations in the West. So pack your bags and come see for yourself why Totally Boise loves this city so much! If you’re a visitor to Boise, or want to experience your hometown like a tourist, take a look at our visitor information guide below.

Visitor Information Guide