Boise’s brand new 29 million dollar Inn at 500 is a luxurious, contemporary boutique hotel located conveniently in downtown Boise just a few minutes from the airport. An emphasis on attentive service, plush comfort and gallery level art displays makes the Inn at 500 a wonderful choice for accommodations in the City of Trees.
Location
For hitting all the downtown Boise hotspots, you can’t beat Inn at 500’s location. It’s ideal with a majestic view of the capitol as soon as you step outside the front door (and also from some rooms). They offer a complimentary car service within a four mile radius, but between the complimentary bikes and the walkability, we never needed it apart from catching a ride from the airport.
Lobby & Local Art
The lobby is gorgeous and full of color and artwork by Boise artists. Wide open space with plenty of seating and interesting things to look at like blown glass chandeliers that hang like jellyfish, tree trunk tables, and steer horns. There’s a slight cowboy aesthetic without feeling western, it’s a fresh look that feels appropriate for the city and surrounding terrain.
As soon as I walked in the door, my eye went right to the huge landscape by local artist JanyRae Seda. The movement and color in this painting is energizing and it sets the tone. There’s also a cowboy painting in the lobby by the same artist and more throughout the hotel–I love her work.
Snack Amenities
We often enjoy club rooms at hotels and we’re spoiled with endless supplies of drinks and snacks. My son especially appreciates these things and he was delighted to discover the big basket of chips and snacks located behind the front desk for all to enjoy during their stay. Below the snacks are two community refrigerators offering complimentary local beer, wine, water, juices and sodas. He said, “Look Mom! It’s like the Gold Room for everybody!”
The Room
Our room was cozy with a fireplace under the tv, and a cute little nook with books and accent pieces like a bicycle sculpture, which is symbolic of the downtown cycling culture. Purple and orange pillows and ottomans lent color while soothing light colored wood furniture kept it spacious feeling and modern. We really wanted to stay in a suite because we heard they are spectacular, but the hotel was full and we had a Double-Queen. I was super impressed by how much space we had–it felt kind of like a suite.
The beds are quality and we slept great. Bedding is top of the line and butter soft. I slept just as good if not better than I do at home, and woke up refreshed to a lovely view out the window.
The Bath
Look at that light, creamy latte colored wood, isn’t that refreshing? It’s contemporary and easy on the eyes. I’m also a fan of the undermount sinks and modern fixtures.
Dog Friendly
Inn at 500 is a dog friendly hotel that provides a velvety soft dog bed, bowls and treats. There are plenty of grassy places to take your dog walking right outside the hotel which keeps potty breaks hassle free. If you want to go on longer walks, the greenbelt is right around the corner.
I loved that the dog-floor had tons of dog-art everywhere. It’s in the room and in the halls. Our dog was happy here, she’s extremely agreeable to begin with, but enjoyed the luxury and easy access to grass.
Bikes and the Greenbelt
Speaking of the Greenbelt, this was one of my favorite things about Boise. The river runs along side the bike paths and there are huge, beautiful, clean parks that you ride through too. Inn at 500 provides complimentary Electra Townies that you can ride downtown to dinner or to the greenbelt.
Townies!! My favorite cruisers. They’re comfortable and some of them come with bike baskets so you can take your stuff. We rode every day we were in Boise and it was a highlight of our time there.
Inn at 500 is a modern, luxurious, pet friendly hotel in downtown Bosie. It’s the perfect home base for enjoying fabulous food, the Greenbelt and other loca l experiences. Inn at 500 Hotel review, where to stay in Boise, Best hotels in Boise, downtown Boise hotel, Boise luxury hotel.
The Food
Connected to Inn at 500 is Richard’s, which is not part of the hotel, but accessible right through a door off the lobby. Richard Langston is a celebrated chef in Boise, and we dropped by to sample lunch.
I had the Grilled Portabella wth Carrot-Cumin Puree and Fried Haloumi on Ciabatta and my son had the RBLT, a different take on the BLT with Bacon, Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, and Red Onions on a Toasted Baguette with Summer Salad instead of chips. I have to remember to put strawberries in my salads at home because it’s a wonderful summer flavor, and I liked the pairing with the lemon vinaigrette. Richard’s provides room service and food for guests at Inn at 500 and serves breakfast and dinner too.
Because of the fabulous location, food options are abundant, you are within walking distance of some fantastic restaurants. There were several we really wanted to try, but we ran out of time before we could visit all of them.
Inn at 500 Bottom Line
Inn at 500 would be my first choice for Boise accommodations. The convenient location, knowledgable friendly staff and loads of perks add up to a luxurious, joyful stay. Here are a few of my favorite amenities:
- Complimentary car service (not necessarily needed, because of the great location, but handy when transferring from the airport)
- Refrigerators in all rooms
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Dog Friendly
- Electra Townie Cruisers
- Butler’s Pantry, allowing you to get room service without opening the door
You can find out more on the hotel’s website. I especially love the detailed descriptions of the rooms complete with floor plans.
Like it? Pin it!
- We were guests of Inn at 500, opinions are my own.
