Whether you are visiting Boise State students, attending a sporting event at Bronco Stadium or visiting downtown Boise, Holiday Inn Express Boise University in Idaho is a good choice. The 2-star Boise hotel offers friendly service and affordability and is centrally located near I-84.
We were Denver, Colorado bound and unfortunately, did not have the time to explore downtown Boise. We would have liked to have visited Boise State University, as the campus is a 10-minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Boise. The hotel is also within walking distance of lovely Greenbelt access. On a sunny day, rent one of the complimentary bicycles and ride along the Boise River.
This Holiday Inn Express features 159 rooms with two king suites; one of which is ADA accessible. We stayed in a double queen mountain view room on the fourth floor. I’ve mentioned in other hotel reviews that we are IHG Reward members, so we are entitled to a room upgrade, if available. I always book the least expensive room and usually receive the one category (or more) hotel room upgrade.
The six-story hotel offers king and queen hotel rooms with 42-inch LCD TV, in-room coffee maker, iron and ironing board and an alarm clock radio. The room also includes a mini refrigerator and microwave oven, separate closet and work desk with lamp.
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Complimentary Holiday Inn Express Breakfast
While all Holiday Inn Express hotels offer complimentary breakfast, the buffet at this Boise hotel was particularly good. I mentioned to the breakfast supervisor that my husband really enjoyed the bacon and egg entrees offered here. I typically opt for fresh fruit and yogurt, so grab and go options are fine with me.
We both noticed that most hotels in this price category rarely offer bacon these days. The price of eggs, dairy and meat have soared, along with so many things. Let’s hope this is a temporary problem.
As this is a popular hotel with parents of Boise State students, airline flight crews and teams competing in the Boise area, there is a large lobby next to the breakfast buffet area. This is also the only hotel I’ve encountered with a media room, complete with several x-box video game stations. Parents traveling with teenagers, and gamers of all ages, might like this unique feature.
If you are visiting in the summer, or any season besides winter, there is an outdoor swimming pool. Fortunately, the small, indoor hot tub is heated year-round.
Rates range from $115 to $300 and fluctuate depending on the season. Check the website for special offers, AAA for senior discounts or see if the rates are better on Booking.com or Expedia. This Holiday Inn Express is not pet-friendly. Service animals are allowed. There is a nightly self parking fee. We also encountered an additional nightly fee to cover rising energy costs.
There are several restaurants available within walking distance of the hotel. Have you visited Boise, Idaho? Whether you prefer art-focused boutique hotels or budget-friendly hotels near downtown Boise, there’s plenty to choose from on your next trip to Idaho.
Article and photos by Hotel Scoop freelance writer Nancy D. Brown, who was not hosted at this property.
