Quiet and Convenient
Written: Jun 30 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quiet location, reasonable price, comfortable
Cons: Small, exit ramp a bit tricky
The Bottom Line: Great place to stay and great value for the money
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| Rocketgirl's Full Review: Shilo Inn Boise Riverside |
When staying in Boise (Idaho), why stay any place else? I occasionally travel to Boise to visit family and have stayed here twice. It is centrally located in the city, is situated right on the Boise River, and is in a quiet location.
The Boise Shilo Inn - Riverside is a smaller, a bit older hotel in central Boise. It is right at the edge of the downtown, but also close to other area activities. Its only negative is that whether you approach it from Highway 20-26 or Highway 184 getting to it is a bit tricky. From 20-26 the highway splits off to the left onto Fairview where you approach it from the opposite side of its address. From Highway 184, you have to exit at River Street, go under the freeway on Americana, then take a parallel street to Main Street to approach the hotel.
Once you get there, though, you'll be happy with its location. It isn't close to other hotels or night spots so you don't have to worry about a lot of other noise. Surrounding businesses are the type that are closed at night. Nearby Fairview Avenue and Chinden Boulevard both provide many options for restaurants and shopping. Go east, and experience the old downtown, the capital building, and some nice city parks. And the hotel is situated right on the river, with a large lawn for picnicking or playing with your pet, etc. There is a nice hiking/biking path along the way.
There are three different room rates: street side, ground floor river side, and balcony river side. There is only about $5 difference in the three rooms. The only disadvantage that I could see that is if people are out on the balconies talking--noise carries. So if you need sleep, stay on the street side. The view and walk are just around the corner. I was also able to save a considerable amount on this room by booking through hotels.com, for about $57. I thought this was a very reasonable rate considering the nice room, great location, and the terrific breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast, that is this hotel's best asset. Most hotels that advertise continental breakfast or complimentary breakfast, supply little outside of a danish and a coffee. Not a fan of either, this doesn't do anything for me. I often seek out a hotel that has either complimentary breakfast or at least a restaurant on site, so that I don't have to waste my time in a strange city trying to find a place to eat. The breakfast at the Shilo is extensive and will save you a lot of money and time. Yes it does have the coffee and danish, as well as several other drink choices and sweet rolls. They have biscuits and gravy, waffles, and microwaveable omelets which are very good. There is also fruit, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, muffins and toast, and several types of cold cereal and oatmeal. If you can't find something here to fill you up you are too picky.
The rooms themselves are comfortable and clean. They aren't overly large but adequate. I have never had any issues with sinks or toilets not working, unemptied garbage, insects, or filth. Some rooms have small apartment-size refrigerators for your cold drinks and all have coffee pots. The TV's aren't large and for a satellite system, the selection of channels is not very big. But I don't choose hotel rooms with the intention of doing anything in them but sleep, so this isn't an issue for me. The heating units have always worked well in maintaining cool and warm temperatures, depending on need, without making a lot of noise.
Though I haven't taken advantage of them, the hotel also has a nice outdoor pool and hot tub, in a nice setting facing the river. The weather was not warm enough for outdoor swimming when we were there, but the facility seemed nice and clean and larger than some. There is also a work out room for those who enjoy that sort of thing. For those on an extended stay there is a laundry. The lobby has a public computer for guests who may want to look up local attractions, check their e-mail, or whatever they might need to do.
Though not luxurious, I find that this hotel has most amenities the typical traveller would need. It is clean and comfortable and it is situated in a strategic location. The staff is friendly and helpful and provides good maid service. Besides the very reasonable price it has saved me money just by not having to purchase breakfast. I would definitely recommend this hotel as good place to stay.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Rocketgirl
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 in Books |
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Member: Beth
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Reviews written: 398
Trusted by: 224 members
About Me:
So many books, so little time.
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