Boise's BEST Budget Hotel? (Inn Review!)
Boise Budget Bliss or Budget Blunder? A Deep Dive into [Imaginary Hotel Name]: Boise's "BEST" Budget Hotel (Or So They Say…)
Alright, folks, buckle up! Because I just spent a weekend in Boise, Idaho, a city I've always wanted to explore, and that meant finding a place to crash that wouldn't completely drain my bank account. I'm talking budget baby! After some intense Googling and reading reviews, I landed on [Imaginary Hotel Name], a place loudly proclaiming itself as "Boise's BEST Budget Hotel!" Intriguing. Let's see if that's hype or the real deal.
Let's Cut to the Chase: Accessibility, Safety, and Cleanliness
First impressions? The good. The front entrance had ramp access (yay!), and signage seemed clear enough. The hotel also has an elevator, so thumbs up for the overall Accessibility.
Now, let's get real about safety in today's world. The front desk staff was masked (a good start). I'm talking Anti-viral cleaning products and other safety measures because, honestly, I'm still a bit freaked out by the pandemic. They had Hand sanitizer stations galore, and the staff mentioned frequent cleaning of common areas. This is a huge relief.
Hygiene Certification? Couldn't find it posted, but the room felt clean. I saw staff diligently cleaning rooms between stays and the Daily disinfection in common areas seemed on point. So, a solid B+ in this department. I'm picky about germs and this place didn't make me want to burn my shoes.
Feeling Safe and Sound: Security Features and a 24-Hour Welcome (and a questionable view…)
The hotel had the usual suspects: CCTV in common areas and outside the property, plus a 24-hour front desk. That's reassuring, especially if you're arriving late. There's a Fire extinguisher in the hallway, and the Smoke alarms and Safety/security feature I'm looking for is just plain peace of mind -- and it's there.
My room, however… well, let's just say the "view" was of a parking lot. Not exactly postcard material, but hey, it's budget, right? That's a small price to pay and it’s not a deal-breaker.
Getting Around (and Parking!)
Car park [free of charge]? YES! Such a huge win! Parking in downtown Boise can be a pain (and expensive!), so this was a major plus. They do offer Airport transfer for which you have to pay but it's an option. They have taxis services as well if you want, but I like the parking!
Inside the Room: The Good, the Okay, and the "Meh…"
Now for the main event: the room itself. Let's get the good stuff out of the way. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Amazing! And it actually worked! I'm talking fast, reliable internet access, which is vital when you're a travel blogger like myself!
Free bottled water? Always appreciated! The Air conditioning worked like a charm, which was essential in the Idaho heat. Plus, the Blackout curtains were a lifesaver when I was fighting off jetlag after a long flight.
But, okay, the "meh" parts. Decor? Let's call it "functional." The carpet was a bit worn, and the furniture wasn't exactly designer. Standard fair. The Closet didn't have many hangers, so I had to improvise (a minor inconvenience, but still). The Sofa was there, but it wasn't the most comfortable.
The bathroom was clean, and thankfully, there was hot water and a decent shower. The hair dryer was a little wimpy, but it got the job done. I really appreciated the desk and laptop workspace, perfect for the work I was doing.
Amenities that Actually Made a Difference
The presence of a refrigerator was a huge bonus. Great for storing snacks and drinks! The Coffee/tea maker was also a lifesaver in the mornings. It's all these little extras that can make or break a stay, and for the price point, [Imaginary Hotel Name] hit the mark.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast (and limited options!)
Breakfast was included—a standard buffet in restaurant with some Breakfast [buffet]. There was the usual fare: continental breakfast, yogurt, some sad-looking fruit Individually-wrapped food options were great.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges? Nope. I didn't find any restaurants or lounges on-site, bummer.
Beyond the Ordinary: Relaxation, Recreation, and the Illusive "Spa"
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room: the "relaxing" amenities. The website mentioned a Fitness center. And yes, there WAS one – a room with a treadmill and a few weights. Fine, but it wasn't exactly a bustling gym.
Pool with view? Technically, yes. Outdoor pool. The "view" was of… the parking lot again. Sigh.
The website mentioned a Spa, but when I inquired, I was told it was currently unavailable.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Strange
Cash withdrawal? Yes, they had an ATM. Laundry service? Yes, but it cost extra. Concierge? Nope, sorry. They offered a Daily housekeeping service, which was appreciated.
The Convenience store seemed stocked with the usual snacks and drinks. They provided an Ironing service and dry cleaning.
The Quirky Bits and Bobs:
There was a shrine in the lobby. I'm not sure why, but it added to the slightly odd charm of the place.
For the Kids
I didn't see a playground or any obvious Kids facilities, but it's not the kind of hotel that seemed to be geared towards families.
Overall Ponderings: Budget Bliss or Budget Bust?
So, is [Imaginary Hotel Name] Boise's "BEST" budget hotel? That depends on your perspective. It's not fancy. It's not glamorous. But it is clean, safe, and offers a solid value for the money. It's also well-located, with easy access to downtown Boise.
My Verdict:
I'd stay here again. It served its purpose as a comfortable and affordable base for exploring Boise. Just don't expect a spa and a breathtaking view. Remember, in the budget hotel game, you're trading luxury for practicality. And in that regard, [Imaginary Hotel Name] delivers. It's a solid choice for travelers who prioritize affordability and functionality.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously organized travel itinerary. This is a "Budget Inn Boise, Boise (ID), USA: Survival Guide and Maybe-Fun-If-We're-Lucky Adventure." Prepare for a rollercoaster of budget-travel reality.
Day 1: Arrival in Boise (and Questioning All Life Choices)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Boise Airport (BOI). Okay, first hurdle: surviving the airport. Found my luggage, which is a win! I'm already exhausted. I'm pretty sure the dude in the row in front of me snored at ear-splitting decibels the entire flight. Seriously, what are the unwritten rules of airplane etiquette? Is there a "no snoring like a chainsaw" clause?
1:30 PM: Shuttle to Budget Inn. Praying the shuttle isn't a rusted-out death trap. Just hoping the seats aren't covered in questionable stains. I'm starting to regret all life choices that led me here. Budget Inn…this place is probably going to be… something.
2:00 PM: Budget Inn Check-In (and Initial Appraisal of the Situation). Ah, Budget Inn. The lobby smells vaguely of chlorine and regret. The lady at the counter looks like she's seen things. The fluorescent lights hum a sad tune. Room key? Check. Hope it’s not a key to hell.
2:30 PM: Room Assessment (and Deep Sigh). Okay, the room. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a room. The carpet is… patterned. Questionable patterns. The bedspread? Let’s just say it predates the internet. One thing it does have is a working TV, so I'll take it. At least the air conditioning kicks in. Note to self: Pack Lysol spray for EVERYTHING.
3:00 PM: Snack Acquisition. Must. Have. Snacks. Walk to the nearest convenience store. (The 'nearest' turns out to be a mile, uphill. Boise is apparently built on a series of hills. Who knew?) Grab a bag of chips, a gigantic Diet Coke (my lifeblood), and a chocolate bar. Sustenance acquired.
4:00 PM: Boise River Greenbelt Stroll (Attempted). Okay, this actually sounds nice. The Greenbelt! Supposedly a beautiful path along the Boise River. Spoiler alert: it is pretty. The river is nice. But I walked like a mile, and felt like I was walking nowhere. The sun does feel great, though. At least I'm not at the Budget Inn, yet.
6:00 PM: Dinner: The Waffle Window. OMG, these waffles! This is where Boise redeems itself. Crispy, ridiculously tasty waffles with all the fixings. Okay, I'm sold. This place needs to be on the map.
7:30 PM: Evening Relaxation in Room. Back at Budget Inn. Watching some brain melting TV, and just trying to figure out. Is it going to rain tomorrow? Do I actually like Boise? Do I need to leave a tip? Will I have nightmares about this carpet? God, I hope not.
Day 2: Downtown Dalliances and the Budget Inn Blues
9:00 AM: Breakfast: Leftover Waffle. Gotta save money. Also, more waffle is always a win.
10:00 AM: Downtown Boise Exploration (and Mild Anxiety). Walking around the downtown area. Nice-ish. Lots of breweries (tempting, but I need to save $$). Disconcerting amount of street art… I am beginning to feel a strong desire for a map.
11:30 AM: Julia Davis Park. Pretty good. Beautiful old, historic area. I think a lot of the "scenery."
1:00 PM: Lunch: More Waffles. Okay, I'm waffle-obsessed, I know. But they're SO GOOD. (And cheap!)
2:30 PM: Budget Inn Crisis. Okay, let’s be real. The Budget Inn is starting to get to me. The tiny, barely-functional bathroom. The questionable noises emanating from the rooms next door. Honestly, I'm starting to feel like a character in a bad horror movie. I mean, has anyone ever seen a clean shower curtain in a Budget Inn? Just saying.
3:30 PM: Attempted Escape (and Caffeine Dependency). I NEED COFFEE. Desperately. Find a local coffee shop (because I refuse to let Starbucks win). They have this amazing cold brew! Seriously, the best coffee of my life. Consider moving to Boise just for the coffee. Almost.
4:30 PM: Another Greenbelt walk. Another walk, another day. No matter what, the Greenbelt is good.
6:00 PM: Dinner: Find a cheap place. Find a cheap, but not too cheap restaurant. My wallet has been thinning out. Pizza! A whole pie for take out!
7:30 PM: Evening Relaxation (and Budget Inn Existential Dread). What to do? Watch an endless slew of garbage TV? Try and get some sleep, and hope I do not dream about the carpet again.
Day 3: Boise's Last Gasp and a Desired Departure
9:00 AM: Breakfast: Waffle, again. I'm starting to think I'm a waffle-based life form. It may be getting out of hand.
10:00 AM: Final Boise Wandering. One more shot at the places I missed. Then back home.
12:00 PM: Lunch: Last Waffle. One last Waffle Window visit. The girl behind the counter recognizes me. I hope I get a discount.
1:00 PM: Pack and Check Out (with a Sigh of Relief). The last thing I want to do is leave.
1:30 PM: Shuttle Back to Airport. Farewell, Budget Inn. Farewell, Boise.
2:00 PM: Fly Home.
Final Thoughts, Ramblings, and Deep Breathing:
Look, Boise. You're… alright. The waffles are amazing. The Greenbelt is nice. But Budget Inn? We had a complicated relationship. But hey, I survived. And that's what matters. And at least I have some good stories to tell now.
Budget: It was… budget-y. I saved money!
Favorite Moments: Waffles. The coffee. The river.
Least Favorite Moments: The carpet. The noise. The existential dread.
Would I Go Back? Maybe… for the waffles. But if I do, I’m bringing my own air fresheners. And probably a hazmat suit. Okay, maybe not a hazmat suit. But definitely extra Lysol.
This is the mess, the reality, the honest-to-goodness experience. I hope you enjoyed the ride. Now, go forth and make your own mess of adventures! (Just maybe book a slightly nicer hotel.)
Escape to Paradise: Hawthorn Suites Aransas Pass Awaits!
Boise's BEST Budget Hotel? (Mostly!) - Let's Get Real! - An FAQ
Okay, spill it! Is this place *actually* the "Best" budget hotel in Boise? Don't hold back!
Alright, alright! "Best" is a slippery slope, isn't it? Look, it's good. For the price? Probably darn close. Let's be honest, you're not going to find a five-star experience. Remember that time I booked a "deluxe" room and ended up with a view of the dumpster? Yeah. But, and this is a BIG but, it’s consistently *decent*. The beds are usually comfy, and I haven't caught any bedbugs (yet… cross all the fingers!). It’s a solid choice if you're not looking to drop a fortune on a place to sleep. If it’s perfect? No. Is it good enough to recommend for a Boise stop over? Yes. Unless you are planning a Boise honeymoon. Then, no.
Describe the vibe. Is it…clean? Because I've stayed in some places that made me want to shower for a week!
Okay, this is important. Cleanliness is *generally*… fine. Look, it’s not the Ritz. You'll see normal wear and tear. I once found a stray sock under the bed - clearly left by a previous guest. (Seriously, who leaves a SINGLE sock?!) But the bathrooms, at least, *usually* look like they've been cleaned with some actual effort and some actual products, Not a constant, but a "usually after a bit of maintenance at the local level" kind of usual. I've never felt the urge to scrub myself with industrial strength bleach after a visit. So far, so good.
The breakfast situation? Tell me everything! Is it the "continental" hellscape of sad pastries and watery coffee?
Brace yourself... it *mostly* is. But, and this is the beauty of budget hotels, its a gamble for your morning start. The usual suspects are there: pre-packaged muffins (the kind that look like they’ve been sitting on a shelf since the Reagan administration), a questionable selection of sugary cereals, and the aforementioned watery coffee. BUT, (and it's a big, potentially sugary, BUT), sometimes... sometimes, there are good surprises! They occasionally put out a waffle maker! Fresh fruit! And the coffee? Sometimes it's not completely undrinkable. I once showed up and they had *real* bagels! I swear, it was like winning the breakfast lottery. So, lower your expectations, but hold a *tiny* glimmer of hope. That is my advice on the breakfast situation.
Parking: Is it a free-for-all brawl, or do you actually find a space?
Parking? Hoo boy. Okay, so it’s *mostly* okay. It's better than some places I've stayed, where you have to circle the block for 20 minutes. However, if you arrive late at night, especially on a weekend, it can get a little… tense. It means you must be in a vehicle and you may have to park the car a little farther, but it has not been a complete nightmare. I've never had to resort to parking in a bush or anything. It has some room.
How's the staff? Are they friendly or… well, let’s just say, not?
The staff? Again, it's a mixed bag. You get your super friendly, genuinely helpful folks, who seem to actually care about your stay. I remember one time, my key card wasn't working, and the guy at the front desk fixed it with a smile and a joke. Conversely, I've also encountered desk clerks who seemed like they'd rather be anywhere else on earth. But, generally, they are good professionals, that’s the bottom line. They're not going to jump up and down with excitement to see you, but they're usually polite and efficient. Not exceptional, but not terrible either.
Okay, let's talk about the *one thing* that REALLY annoyed you. What's the biggest drawback?
This is where I get REAL. Okay, so… and I'm not one to complain... but the *noise*. Oh, the noise. Look, it depends on your room and the other guests. But street noise can be a factor. I once stayed in a room directly above the ice machine. And the ice machine, oh god, the ice machine. It never stops. It just clangs and whirs and fills and drops ice, 24/7. It was like a metal torture chamber. I barely slept. Every time the motor kicked on, every single clunk, it was just endless. It drove me absolutely bonkers. Bring earplugs! Seriously, bring the thickest, most noise-canceling earplugs you can find.
Anything else I need to know before booking? Any other insider tips?
Okay, a few things. First, check the reviews *before* you book-- especially the very recent ones. Things can change! Secondly, try to get a room away from the elevator (or the ice machine, as mentioned!). Third, bring your own coffee if you are a coffee snob. Fourth, if you’re on a tight budget, it often is worth what you are missing.
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