These 7 Unique Places To Stay In Idaho Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

 

It’s almost moot to say that Idaho is rich with beauty, sport, and culture; that much is obvious the moment you cross our borders and explore our landscape and treasured history! What truly sets Idaho apart is the genuine, caring western hospitality that can be found in every corner of our state.

As you explore Idaho’s great outdoors and vibrant personality, your lodging experience in the Gem State doesn’t have to be an impersonal “chain hotel” one. Idaho has dozens of scenic, lavish, quirky, and comfortable options that will allow you to make the most of your visit, no matter which part of the state you’re traveling to. Support small businesses and get an awesome night’s sleep at any one of these unique places to stay in Idaho.

1. Black Swan Inn, Pocatello

Built in 1933 and transformed into the realization of two couples' dreams, the Tudor and garden-like exterior of the Black Swan Inn is only a taste of its interior charms. With 15 themed suites ranging from Egyptian and Moroccan to Underwater, there's a cozy destination retreat to fit every taste and romantic occasion. Here, you will be charmed with all the elegance and details of a pricey overseas vacation, with all the conveniences of one of Southeast Idaho's largest cities.

2. Destinations Inn, Idaho Falls

We can't mention the Black Swan without mentioning its sister location, Destinations Inn. Owned and operated by the same husband and wife team, Destinations offers an entirely new set of themed rooms, all housed in the historic 1905 Idaho Falls Eagles Lodge Building.

3. The Treehouse, Ketchum

You've always wanted to stay in a treehouse, and these quaint, lofted cabins give travelers a taste of childhood dreams come true. Each Ketchum Treehouse has an outdoor kitchen below the sleeping quarters, and a large, shared community bathroom. Depending on the treehouse you choose, your cozy home away from home may come equipped with a ladder or more accessible stairs.

4. Dog Bark Park Inn, Cottonwood

Officially named "Sweet Willy," this giant beagle is actually a clean and comfy B&B. Whether sleeping in the belly or in the snout, you're sure to love the kitschy canine decor, sweet homemade touches, and artistic, welcoming atmosphere that husband and wife owners Dennis and Frances create in this one-of-a-kind stay in rural Idaho. According to Dennis and Frances, dogs and their "well-behaved humans" are also welcome at the Dog Bark Park Inn. Woof!

5. Ashley Inn, Cascade

For a cozy, yet luxurious hotel-like stay with personalized service and complimentary...everything, Ashley Inn is a beautiful and welcoming Idaho gem. Oversized tubs and suites, fireplaces, a scenic setting right on Payette River, and fresh Southern charm and hospitality make this inn something truly special. And the opportunity to sleep in a turreted tower is just an added bonus.

6. Boise Guesthouse, Boise

A unique alternative to a traditional hotel or B&B, these compact, urban, playful, and subtly themed suites bring historic downtown Boise and its vibrant art scene to life. With three locations, multiple decor options, and the utmost in simplified luxury, every suite in the Boise Guesthouse makes for a beautiful destination retreat even in the heart of the capital. You can even check out their website to learn more about the contributing local artists and their work.

7. The Coeur d'Alene Resort, Coeur d'Alene

This resort was hailed by U.S. News & World Report as Idaho's top hotel and nationally ranked in the top 20 Northwest getaways. One glimpse of this luxury resort's panoramic lakeside views, lush tower suites with wall-to-wall windows and majestic fireplaces, and its scenic floating golf course will be enough to make you want to drop everything and move in. The Couer d'Alene Resort is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Idaho destination lodging, offering every amenity and lavish experience one could dream of, all in Northern Idaho's most beautiful waterfront setting. There was no way we couldn't include it on this list.

Forget ordinary motels and cabins – which of these unique places to stay in Idaho have made it only your bucket list? Are there any other Idaho accommodations we may have left off the list? For those who like to stay somewhere it might be a bit spooky, check out our list of haunted hotels in Idaho. Just make sure to let us know what you see!

Address: Black Swan Inn, 746 E Center St, Pocatello, ID 83201, USA

Address: Ketchum Treehouse, 280 3rd Ave, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA

Address: Dog Bark Park, 2421 Business Loop 95, Cottonwood, ID 83522, USA

Address: The Ashley Inn, 500 N Main St, Cascade, ID 83611, USA

Address: Boise Guest House, 614 N 5th St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

Address: Destinations Inn, 295 W Broadway St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Address: The Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Exploring Idaho

October 05, 2022

Sara Dager

What state parks can’t be missed in Idaho? 

There are so many fantastic state parks in Idaho, 27 to be exact, but we definitely have a few favorites that you won’t want to miss! We absolutely love the massive, 11,000-acre Harriman State Park. This huge Idaho state park is smack dab in the middle of a wildlife refuge in the greater Yellowstone area, so while you are taking in the fresh air, biking, hiking, and fly fishing, make sure to keep your eyes out for a variety of fascinating wildlife. There is a chance to spot moose, elk, and trumpeter swans among others.

Another delightful choice, despite its slightly spooky name, is Hells Gate State Park. This park is wildly underrated and has the coolest canyons and hills dotting the landscape. Hells Gate offers lots of opportunities to hike as well as camp through the gorgeous terrain.

Does Idaho have any funky museums? 

If you are looking for strange museums in Idaho, there are a few that even the most discerning of weirdos will fall for. Since Idaho is known for potatoes it will come as no shock that the state has a potato museum. You’ll learn all about the agriculture and history of potatoes and even get a chance to see the world’s largest Pringle! Or the adults in the group can make the trip to the Oasis Bordello Museum. This spot was once a brothel and today acts as a perfectly preserved time capsule of that history. You can tour through the rooms of employees and see all the items that were left behind during the raid that shut the business down.

Where can I dine like the locals in Idaho? 

We think the best way to dine like the locals is to eat at one of the many hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Idaho. These spots don’t advertise for tourists but they have a dedicated clientele, kind staff, and scrumptious food that you won’t find anywhere else. For some of the best Mexican food in Idaho, hit up Morenita’s restaurant in Idaho Falls. The space is small but you are gonna love anything you get. For classic comfort food made to perfection, try Garnet Cafe in Coeur d’Alene. The dishes are cooked with fresh farm-to-table ingredients, that’s pretty hard to beat! We’ve also put together an Idaho cuisine bucket list to make sure you don’t miss anything! Not much beats the comfort of an Idahoan sandwich.