Located near I-84 and Boise State University, Holiday Inn Express Boise University Area hotel is an excellent choice for business and leisure travelers. The downtown Boise hotel is perfect for road warriors, Boise State parents and Bronco sports enthusiasts. My Holiday Inn Express hotel review gives a first-hand look at this 2-star property.
Holiday Inn Express Boise University Area hotel
The 159-room Boise State hotel includes 2 king suites, one ADA. While the downtown Boise hotel is family-friendly, pets are not allowed at this Holiday Inn Express hotel. We often travel with our Labrador Retriever and find that some Holiday Inn Express hotels are pet-friendly so call ahead to confirm.
As downtown Boise is very walkable, you can be car-free on this trip. The Holiday Inn Express Boise University offers a free airport shuttle to Boise Airport. If you are visiting Boise State University (BSU) the campus is a 10-minute walk from the hotel and Bronco Stadium.
Outdoor activities at Holiday Inn Express Boise
The Boise hotel is located 2 miles from downtown, about a 30-minute walk. If you are visiting in spring, summer or fall, rent one of several bicycles at the Holiday Inn Express Boise and bike the 2 miles to downtown. Outdoor enthusiasts will like the greenbelt access right across the street. Rent bikes by the hour or all-day and ride from Lucky Peak to Eagle and Star, two towns over. Guests may also float the Boise River.
If you happen to be visiting in the winter, as we were on our November stay, take advantage of the indoor hot tub on the ground floor.
Mountain view room at Holiday Inn Express
Sometimes hotel room views are important. On our one-night stay we were content to look out to the parking lot with the Boise foothills beyond. We are IHG premium platinum members which means we are guaranteed a one-category room upgrade. We stayed in room #423 on the fourth floor of the 6-story property.
Our double queen mountain view room rented for $111.99 not including taxes and fees during this off season stay. The room included a mini fridge, microwave oven and in-room Keurig coffee maker. The beds were comfortable with soft and firm pillow options.
The bathroom featured a shower/tub combination with a single sink. Bathroom amenities include Dove body wash, shampoo and conditioner, as well as Dove soaps and body lotion.
Complimentary breakfast at downtown Boise hotel
One of the advantages of staying at Holiday Inn Express hotels is the complimentary Express Start breakfast. During the pandemic, I’ve noticed that many hotels have cut back on their hot breakfast options. The Holiday Inn Express Boise University Area hotel takes their hot breakfast buffet seriously.
My husband was pleased to see that crispy bacon was included as one of the breakfast options. This, in addition to scrambled eggs, egg white and veggie omelet, turkey sausage and Idaho potatoes. Warm cinnamon rolls, mini muffins, English muffins, bagels with cream cheese, instant oatmeal, cold cereal and a pancake machine rounded out the breakfast buffet. That’s in addition to fresh fruit, yogurt, hot coffee, tea and juice.
If you are looking for dining options outside the Boise State hotel, both Red Robin and Barbacoa Grill are within walking distance of the hotel.
Rates fluctuate depending on events such as March Madness, Spring Break, Boise State University graduation and such. Special rates are offered, including AAA and AARP rates. There is an Energy Relief Fund fee currently $7.95 on our stay. Additionally, there was a self-parking charge of $5.00 per night. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
Holiday Inn Express Boise University Area (208) 345-2002
475 West Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, Idaho 83706
Holiday Inn Express Boise University Area hotel review and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown.