Finding a place to park your life for a month or two in a city like Idaho Falls isn't just about finding a bed. It's about not losing your mind in a 200-square-foot box while you're waiting for a house to close or finishing a contract at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Honestly, most people just look at the nightly rate and click "book." That is a massive mistake.
If you’re hunting for extended stay hotels Idaho Falls ID, you’ve probably realized the market is a weird mix. You have the high-end suites near the Snake River and the budget spots out by the highway. The "best" one depends entirely on whether you're bringing a dog, a massive SUV, or a burning need for a kitchen that actually has a freezer.
The Reality of Long-Term Lodging in Eastern Idaho
Most travelers assume "extended stay" means a specific brand. In Idaho Falls, it’s more about the amenities. You’re looking for a kitchenette, sure, but you also need to think about the "Greenbelt Factor." If you're here for six weeks, being able to walk out your door and hit the 5-mile paved path along the river is the difference between feeling like a local and feeling like a prisoner.
Home2 Suites by Hilton and Residence Inn by Marriott are the heavy hitters here. They usually sit around $89 to $110 a night if you're lucky, though those rates fluctuate wildly when the summer tourists start flooding toward Yellowstone.
Where to Stay if You’re Working at INL
If you’re one of the thousands of contractors or scientists headed to the Idaho National Laboratory, location is everything. Most of the INL offices are on the north and west sides of town.
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- Candlewood Suites Idaho Falls: This is a classic choice for the "no-frills, just let me cook" crowd. It’s right on the banks of the Snake River. Their "Candlewood Cupboard" is basically a pantry where you can grab a box of pasta at 11 PM without driving to Walmart.
- My Place Hotel: Located on Snake River Parkway, this spot is remarkably close to the Mountain America Center. It’s newer, feels clean, and they have full-sized refrigerators. Most people don't realize how much they’ll miss a real freezer until they’re trying to store a week's worth of frozen meals.
- Residence Inn: It’s slightly more expensive, but they do a hot breakfast that actually tastes like food. If you're working 12-hour shifts at the site, having someone else cook your eggs is a legitimate luxury.
The "Secret" Budget Options
Not everyone has a corporate relocation budget. If you're paying out of pocket, you have to look at spots like FairBridge Extended Stay or Motel West.
FairBridge is interesting because it’s a "kitchenette hotel." It’s a bit older, yeah. But they have an on-site restaurant and a bar. Sometimes, after a long day, you just want to walk downstairs for a beer rather than staring at the microwave in your room.
Motel West is another local staple. It’s family-owned, which is rare these days. They have an indoor pool and a hot tub that actually feels private. Rates can dip as low as $50-$60 if you negotiate a weekly or monthly rate directly with the front desk. Pro tip: Never book a 30-day stay through a third-party site like Expedia. Call the manager. They’d much rather give you a deal than pay the 15% commission to a booking engine.
Bringing the Dog to Idaho Falls
Idaho is a dog state. If you try to stay at a "regular" hotel for a month with a Labrador, you're going to get hit with a $250 non-refundable fee that’ll make your eyes water.
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My Place Hotel allows dogs for about $200 per month. Compared to the nightly fees elsewhere, that’s a steal. Motel 6 on the Snake River technically isn't an "extended stay" brand, but pets stay free. If you're on a tight budget and just need a place for a week while you find an apartment, that’s your winner.
Avoiding the "Relocation Trap"
Here is what most people get wrong about extended stay hotels Idaho Falls ID: they forget about the taxes.
In Idaho, if you stay longer than 30 consecutive days, you are often exempt from the state's travel and convention tax. This is a huge deal. It can shave 6% to 11% off your total bill. But—and this is a big but—you usually have to sign a specific agreement at the start of your stay. If you book 29 days and then extend for another 10, the hotel might not give you the tax break for the first month.
What to check before you unpack:
- WiFi Strength: A 2025 review of one major local hotel noted the WiFi dropped every two minutes. If you’re a digital nomad, that’s a death sentence. Ask the front desk for a room near the router.
- The "Pantry" Situation: Does the hotel have a grocery delivery service? Most Marriott and Hilton brands in the area will actually stock your fridge for you if you provide a list.
- Laundry: Avoid hotels that only have two washers for 120 rooms. You’ll be fighting for a dryer at 2 AM on a Sunday. Candlewood and Home2 usually have better-than-average guest laundry facilities.
Beyond the Hotel Room
Living in a hotel means you need to find "third places." In Idaho Falls, that’s the Public Library or one of the local coffee shops like Villa Coffeehouse downtown.
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If you're staying on the east side near the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), you're better off at the La Quinta Inn & Suites. It’s not a traditional extended stay, but their suites are huge, and you’re within walking distance of the Grand Teton Mall.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
Don't just show up. If you want to actually enjoy your time in Idaho Falls, follow this checklist.
- Audit the kitchen: Many "kitchenettes" in Idaho Falls don't come with pots or pans. You have to "rent" them from the front desk. Ask if they have a full kit available before you arrive.
- Request the River side: If you're staying at the Candlewood or the Residence Inn, specifically ask for a room facing the Snake River. The "city view" is often just a view of a parking lot or I-15.
- Check the HVAC: Idaho Falls goes from 100 degrees in July to -20 in January. Test your unit immediately. If it sounds like a jet engine, ask to move. You won't sleep otherwise.
- Ask about the 30-day tax rule: Specifically ask the manager: "If I stay 31 days, will you waive the sales and lodging tax?" Get the answer in writing.
Idaho Falls is a great transition city. It’s small enough to feel friendly but big enough to have a Costco and a decent airport. Choosing the right extended stay is just about knowing whether you value a free breakfast or a quiet room near the water more. Keep your expectations realistic, negotiate your rate, and make sure there's a place for your dog to run. High-quality living in a hotel is possible, you just have to be picky.
Next Steps for Your Move:
- Call the property directly to ask for a "Long Term Occupancy" rate (usually 7+ or 30+ nights).
- Verify the pet policy specifically for "extended stays," as some hotels change their flat fees to monthly rates.
- Confirm the kitchen inventory so you know whether to pack your own coffee maker or cast iron skillet.