If you’ve spent any time in downtown Boise lately, you’ve seen it. That sleek, glass-heavy building sitting right on the corner of Capitol and Myrtle. It’s the Inn at 500 Capitol, and honestly, it’s kind of changed the vibe of the city’s hotel scene since it opened its doors in 2017. Before this place showed up, Boise had plenty of reliable chains and a few historic spots, but nothing that quite hit that "luxury boutique" sweet spot with this much personality.
It’s expensive. Let's just get that out of the way. You aren't staying here because you're looking for a budget roadside motel experience. You're staying here because you want a glass of local wine the second you walk through the door and a room that doesn't feel like it was decorated by a corporate committee in a windowless office in Delaware.
The Weird, Wonderful Themed Rooms at Inn at 500 Capitol
Most hotels are boring. You know exactly what the room looks like before you even swipe your key card. Beige walls. A framed print of a generic tree. Maybe a desk lamp that flickers.
The Inn at 500 Capitol went a completely different direction. They have these themed rooms that could have been incredibly cheesy, but they actually pulled it off. We’re talking about rooms dedicated to the Boise State Broncos (blue and orange everywhere, obviously), a "State Capitol" suite, and even a "Jazz" themed room. Each one has custom artwork and specific finishes that make it feel like a high-end apartment rather than a transit hub.
I’ve heard people complain that the themes are a bit much, but in a world of cookie-cutter Marriott Courtyards, I’ll take a room with a mural of the Idaho foothills any day. It adds a layer of local flavor that’s actually authentic to the Treasure Valley.
Why the Balconies Matter
If you’re booking a stay, try to snag a room with a balcony. This isn't just about fresh air. The hotel is positioned perfectly to watch the sunset over the Owyhee Mountains or to look straight down Capitol Boulevard toward the Idaho State Capitol building.
The street noise? Yeah, it's there. You're at one of the busiest intersections in the city. But the windows are thick. Once you slide that door shut, the city hum mostly disappears. It’s a weirdly peaceful vantage point for being right in the heart of the action.
Richard’s: More Than Just a Hotel Restaurant
A lot of hotel restaurants are basically just places to get an overpriced club sandwich at 10:00 PM when everything else is closed. Richard’s is different.
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Chef Richard Langston is a big deal in the Northwest. He’s a James Beard semi-finalist, and he moved his namesake restaurant into the Inn at 500 Capitol because it fit the brand. It’s sophisticated Italian-influenced Northwest cuisine. Think braised lamb shank, handmade pasta, and locally sourced trout.
It's the kind of place where locals actually go for anniversary dinners. That's the litmus test, right? If the people who live in the city are willing to pay for parking and walk into a hotel to eat there, the food is legit.
- The Wine Situation: Idaho wine is actually getting good. Like, really good. Richard’s stocks a lot of it.
- The Bar: It’s intimate. Great for a pre-show drink if you’re heading over to the Morrison Center.
- The Service: They don't rush you. It's a slow-paced, European-style dining experience.
The Logistics of Staying Downtown
Boise is a walkable city. Well, the downtown core is, anyway. If you stay at the Inn at 500 Capitol, you basically don't need your car unless you're driving up to Bogus Basin to ski or heading out to the Snake River Wine Region.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle, which is a massive perk. They’ll take you to the airport or anywhere within a certain radius of downtown. It’s a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, so you aren't exactly roughing it.
Parking Realities
Okay, let’s talk about the annoying stuff. Parking in downtown Boise has become a bit of a nightmare as the city has grown. The hotel offers valet, and honestly, just pay for it. Searching for street parking nearby is a losing game, and the parking garages are fine, but they aren't exactly convenient when you're hauling luggage.
Small Touches That Actually Work
Service in the hospitality industry has been... let's say "variable" lately. But this place seems to have kept its standards up.
There are these little things they do. A "butler pantry" on every floor is stocked with snacks and water. It sounds like a small thing until it’s midnight and you’re craving something salty but don't want to pay $9 for a bag of chips from a minibar.
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They also have a social hour in the lobby. You can grab a local beer or a glass of wine and just sit by the fire. It’s a smart way to get people out of their rooms and into the common spaces, which are genuinely beautiful. The lobby feels like a high-end living room, full of local art and fireplace nooks.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s be real. You’re going to pay significantly more here than you would at the Hampton Inn down the street.
Is it worth it?
If you’re in town for a quick business meeting and you’re just going to sleep and leave, maybe not. But if you’re celebrating something, or if you actually appreciate interior design and a staff that knows your name, then yeah. It’s arguably the best hotel in the city, competing closely with the Grove Hotel and the Hotel 43.
What sets the Inn at 500 Capitol apart is the modern edge. The Grove feels more like a traditional convention hotel. Hotel 43 is cool and moody. The Inn at 500 is bright, artistic, and feels very "New Boise."
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're planning a trip to Boise and looking at this property, keep these specific points in mind to get the most out of it:
Ask for the North-Facing Rooms: If you want the iconic view of the Idaho State Capitol building, you need to be on the north side of the building on a higher floor. It's one of the best views in the entire city.
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Check the Event Calendar: Boise is a festival town. If you’re staying during Treefort Music Fest or any major event at the nearby convention center, book months in advance. This hotel fills up first because of its location.
Walk the Greenbelt: The Boise River Greenbelt is just a few blocks away. It’s 25 miles of paved paths. You can borrow a bike from the hotel (they usually have a few available for guests) and ride all the way to Lucky Peak or just over to Julia Davis Park to see the zoo and the museums.
Skip the Standard Breakfast: While the hotel has food, you are literally steps away from some of the best brunch spots in Idaho. Walk two blocks to Goldy's Breakfast Bistro. Just be prepared to wait—it’s a local legend for a reason.
The Pet Policy: They are actually very pet-friendly. If you’re traveling with a dog, they provide beds and bowls. It’s not just a "we allow dogs" policy; it’s a "we actually like dogs" policy.
Look at the Art: Seriously. The hotel commissioned a ton of work from local Idaho artists. Take fifteen minutes to walk through the hallways on different floors. It’s like a private gallery tour of the Boise art scene.
The Bathroom Situation: Many of the rooms have massive walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs. If that matters to you, double-check your room type, as some of the entry-level rooms might only have the shower.
By focusing on these details, you can turn a standard hotel stay into something that actually feels like a vacation. Boise isn't just a stopover anymore; it's a destination, and staying at a place that reflects the local culture makes a huge difference in how you experience the city.