Eylul Tunc 
Heading to Idaho’s fun capital? Then hop on this guide on where to stay in Boise and learn how you can make the best out of your trip!
After thorough research I’ve found the top areas in the city and the best hotels in each of those neighborhoods for all budgets!
In short, Downtown is the best area to stay in Boise, Idaho as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and amazing hotels. But make sure to scroll below and check the other areas too!
Book your hotels in Boise in advance! As the state’s capital this town gets lots of visitors and it’s important to secure your spot early.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best places to stay in Boise, Idaho from luxury to budget. They all have very good reviews and excellent locations near downtown and Boise River!
Contents
Here is a map for where to stay in Boise, Idaho with the 3 best areas I will be talking about in this blog post so you can easily understand them:
- Downtown Boise: for first-timers
- North End: for local experiences
- Southeast Boise & East End: for nature lovers
1. Downtown Boise – where to stay in Boise for the first time
If this is your first visit then definitely head to Boise Downtown and set base there!
This is the cultural and commercial center of the city where you will find great museums, fun attractions, good quality restaurants, and local craft breweries. Whether you are an art lover, foodie, or into shopping, there are more than enough things for everyone here!
While strolling through the modern buildings in the area you’ll often stumble across a nice park, like Julia Davis Park (map) which is set on the banks of Boise River that runs through the town. In that park you’ll also find the Boise Zoo, the Boise Art Museum and the Idaho State Museum.
Trust me you’ll fall in love with the atmosphere in this city! Plus you can also enjoy the mountain views from here! What more could you wish for?
Make sure you’ll go on a walk by the beautiful Boise River and check out the trendy cafes and great dining options along the way. Cottonwood Grille (map) is a great spot for your first dinner in town!
Now, let’s have a look at the best places to stay in Downtown Boise:
P.S. If you’re visiting at the beginning of October you’ll get to attend the Idaho Cider Festival, which usually takes place in Downtown Boise, so make sure you drop by and enjoy some yummy drinks.
Boasting stylish rooms with large windows that overlook the city, this hotel is perfect for your stay in Boise! When you’re not out and about exploring the town you can enjoy a swim in the indoor pool and a yummy meal at the restaurant. The hotel also offers a free airport shuttle.
Other accommodation options in Downtown Boise
This hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, parking and a complimentary breakfast
Set by the Boise River the hotel offers free bikes, and modern rooms with a flat-screen TV
A nice place that has room for 4 guests, a kitchen, free parking and a shared hot tub
Things to do in Downtown Boise
- Marvel the artworks at the Boise Art Museum
- Have fun at Zoo Boise
- Enjoy a yummy dinner at Cottonwood Grille
- Visit the Basque Museum and Cultural Center in the Basque Block
- Shop for goodies at Boise Farmers Market (map)
- Go for a walk in the Julia Davis Park
- Explore West Boise and its neighbor city, Meridian
- Learn about history at the Idaho State Museum and Idaho Black History Museum (map)
2. North End – best place for the local vibe
North End is located just 2 miles (3 km) north of Downtown Boise and is a great place for those who want to experience the town’s local vibe!
Cute historic buildings, local craft breweries, antique shops, and hipster coffee shops are just some of the things that await you in the North End.
One of the cutest places here is the Janjou Pâtisserie (map) which is the perfect place to grab a croissant and coffee in the morning (my favorite ritual while on holiday)!
Although different from Downtown Boise and not as crazy or packed with museums or big attractions, the North End is perfect for those of you who’d prefer a more low-key vibe.
However if you do want to head Downtown, you can use public transport (check the Treasure Valley Public Transport site for the schedules) to get there or just rent a bike for the day! There’s a place called Tri Town Bicycles (map) in this area, from where you can rent your bike!
Here you will also find the city’s largest park, Camel’s Back Park (map) which is absolutely huge and has countless hiking trails so make sure you pack some comfy shoes and explore this place while you’re in Boise!
You’re going to love this studio which has such great style, a kitchen along with a dining area and a yard with a cute little lounge area and a hammock where you can relax when you’re not out and about exploring Boise.
Other accommodation options in North End
A spacious apartment great for 4 people that has a kitchen, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
A stylish and affordable pace that comes with a kitchen, an outdoor furnished space and barbecue facilities
A nice suite with a small kitchen that offers access to a shared backyard and a patio
Things to do in North End
- Go for a walk at Camel’s Back Park
- Enjoy some drinks at 13th Street Pub and Grill (map)
- Eat yummy pastries at Janjou Pâtisserie
- Go for a stroll at Elm Grove Park (map)
- Take a trip to the Garden City and check out the breweries
- Grab a coffee at at Hyde Perk Coffee House (map)
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3. Southeast Boise & East End – best area to stay for nature
If this is not your first time in Boise and you’re looking for a different experience then you might consider staying in Southeast Boise & East End.
I wanted to couple together these 2 areas as they’re set next to each other (only separated by the Boise River) and both offer the same vibe and types of activities.
Southeast Boise & East End are located 3 miles (5 km) away from Downtown Boise, on the banks of the river and both offer some gorgeous lush gardens and unique landscapes.
This is where you’ll find the Idaho Botanical Garden (map), the Warm Springs Golf Course which is set by the river and lots of hiking trails around Table Rock (map).
Both of these areas are heaven on earth for those who want to spend most of their time out in nature, hiking, exploring and playing golf, so if that sounds like something you’d want to do, you’ve found your perfect place!
The Airport is set right near Southeast Boise so if you were looking for a place to stay near it, then definitely look for accommodation here.
Chill by the outdoor pool of this hotel that offers a free airport shuttle and a fitness center. Their rooms come with a small seating area, comfy beds and coffee making facilities.
Other accommodation options in Southeast Boise & East End
This hotel has a swimming pool with sun loungers, a fitness center and comfortable rooms
A nice apartment with a kitchen and nice outdoor area where you can relax after a day out
Cozy and comfy guesthouse that comes with a small kitchen, a backyard and a patio
Things to do in Southeast Boise & East End
- Discover the beautiful Idaho Botanical Garden
- Go for a stroll at Warm Springs Park (map)
- Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
- Go on a hiking adventure around Table Rock (map)
- Play some golf at Warm Springs Golf Course
- Check out the Boise Depot Museum
- Visit the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$200 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$100 |
| 📍Best area: | Downtown Boise |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Grove Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hilton Garden Inn |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hyde Park Delight |
FAQs about where to stay in Boise, Idaho
🗺️ What part of Boise, Idaho should I stay in?
Downtown is the best place to stay in Boise, Idaho as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and some of the best hotels in town!
🔔 What are the best hotels to stay in Boise, Idaho?
The Grove Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn are some of the best hotels in Boise, both set in the Downtown area, close to all the attractions.
🤔 Is Boise, Idaho worth visiting?
Yes, Boise is a very nice city worth visiting that offers scenic river views, cultural museums, fun attractions, lush green parks, and nice restaurants.
❌ What are the bad areas of Boise, Idaho?
Morris Hill is a bad area to stay in Boise due to its high crime rate.
📷 What should I not miss in Boise, Idaho?
Here are some of the main city attractions that you should not miss in Boise:
● The Idaho State Capitol Building
● The Boise Art Museum
● Idaho Botanical Garden
● The Idaho State Museum
● Zoo Boise
● Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
🗺️What county is Boise, Idaho in?
Boise, Idaho is located in Ada County, which is in the Southwestern part of the state.
🚶♀️Is Boise Idaho a walkable city?
Some parts like Downtown are pretty wallable but for the rest you should rent a bike to get around the city, rent a car or use public transport.
🍷 Is Boise a party town?
Although there are some bars and clubs in the Downtown area, Boise is not a major party town.
📅 What is the best month to visit Boise Idaho?
The best time to visit Boise is between March to May when the temperatures are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Boise
I bet you’re feeling so ready to go on your holiday after reading this guide on where to stay in Boise!
Just remember to book your hotel here in advance, as there isn’t a wide range of options and the good ones will always sell out in advance!
If you’re still not sure which hotels to pick, here are my top 2 favorite top rated hotels both set in Downtown:
- The Grove Hotel – this hotel has an indoor pool and a restaurant
- Hilton Garden Inn – a great hotel that comes with a swimming pool and a bar
Have a fun holiday in the city and don’t forget that I’m still around if you have any questions on Boise. Just drop me a comment below and I’ll answer as soon as I can.
Enjoy your time in Boise,
Eylul
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