Holiday Inn Express Boise-University Area by IHG

I called this place looking for somewhere to stay and the manager and staff were very unprofessional and rude when I was asking for prices and if they allow pets and what the pet fees were. I definitely wouldn’t recommend staying here.

I found dried blood in my bedding on the second night of my two nights stay. They didn’t offer to change bedding or anything. All they did was bring me a tiny blanket as a replacement. I was told by the night shift front desk that I could either get a refund or comped two nights for my stay. Only to be told by the general manager, Dawn Medina, that I’m out of luck because I booked it through Priceline. I had my three year old with me as well. Dawn just stopped replying to my emails completely! I would have been happy with two nights comped but now I’m having to fight them for a full refund. I’m a housekeeper, myself. The housekeeper simply didn’t change the bedding at all. Update I called the number and they were zero help t all. They offered to give me points seeing as I’m a member but how does that remedy the situation? It doesn’t. Not $259 dollars worth, anyway. I’ve contacted corporate and filed a formal complaint against the manager of this hotel as well as a few of the staff members. It was DRIED BLOOD guys. That’s not okay at all. Another update. Dawn is lying and telling Priceline that she had never heard about the dried blood. Even tho in their reply to me and several emails it shows that I brought it to the staffs attention. And yes. The staff was nice while I was there. Offered a refund or two nights stay for free. But the second I checked out it was a completely different story. She’s refusing a refund for some strange reason. I’m pretty sure if anyone had found blood on their bedding they’d want some sort of compensation. And no. 30 dollars worth of points isn’t enough to cover a 259 dollar stay. Update. Dawn is still trying to fight the refund. I’ve taken it up with corporate as well as Priceline who all agree that blood on my bedding suffices a refund. She’s refusing to cooperate with my bank therefore dragging the process out. Horrible management and she definitely needs looked into as a manager. Thankfully I’m not the only one who agrees. She’s acting like all I’m wanting to do is scam the hotel. Of that were the case I would be trying to get a refund for my brothers room as well but I’m not because there was nothing wrong with the room.

Update July 2026: Still the absolute best breakfast bar in the US Holiday Inn Express chain. The taco/burrito bar is well done and only here in Boise. We enjoyed our 3 night stay as usual. Update: 2024 Since our first stay here a couple of years ago, we have been here multiple times when visiting our son in Boise. The hotel itself is a bit dated, but we enjoy the corner suites on the upper floors. The rooms are always clean and the staff is great. They also have one of the best breakfast bar of any of the many Holiday Inn Express locations we have visited across the US. It has all of the same food items and is always clean and organized. The secret add in is the taco/burrito bar added by the staff with warm tortillas, salsa, salsa verde, grated cheese and a selection of hot sauces. We have also been serenaded with singing by the staff in the prep room on occasion. It’s also only 12 minutes from Boise airport. In 2022: We had a great stay at Holiday Inn Express Boise University area. The hotel itself is in good shape. Staff is very helpful and attentive. We had one issue with getting our room cleaned on the 2nd of 3 days that took 3 trips to the front desk but it was finally resolved.

This hotel was decent overall. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was clean and well presented. No view, my room faced the pool which had a nice area to sit and the pool look inviting. I do recommend this to someone looking for a room that doesn’t make your skin crawl when you walk in. Bed was very comfortable and there were enough bed covering to keep me warm. There was a nice eating area and a breakfast but I didn’t partake in the breakfast when I checked out so I can’t rate it.

Melissa and Randy at the front desk were very helpful when minor issues came up. Our "mountain view" room was of condos and the pool and if you tilted your head all the way you could see some mountains, but we weren't in town to look out the hotel room window so that's fine. Very comfortable and convenient stay!

I like that the hotel has outdoor grill. I like to cook my own food. So having that made it exceptional from other hotels.

Great experience, staff was so amazing like seriously. Give melissa a raise!!! You guys hire the best, i have been to hotels everywhere and genuinely have not received as good service as I did during this stay. Thank you for making Boise great!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Randy at the front desk was absolutely outstanding. From the moment we arrived, he went above and beyond to help us and made our experience so much better. He was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about making sure everything was taken care of. It’s rare to come across someone who provides this level of customer service, and Randy truly exceeded our expectations. He was patient, proactive, and always willing to help with a smile. Thank you, Randy, for making our stay such a positive experience. You are a huge asset to the team, and we hope your management recognizes how exceptional you are!

Upon packing before check-out I realized my luggage was drenched and smelled of mildew, including the base layer of clothes on the bottom of the bag. After assessing the area, I realized the floor was also drenched. It appears the shower is leaking through the wall and into the bedroom, as there is water damage all along the baseboards of the bathroom. When informing the front desk, all they stated was "ew yuck, I am sorry about that. I will inform maintenance." And that was the end of the conversation. No compensation was mentioned. After my fiancé returned from his business meetings, he mentioned the issue to the front desk who stated “we waved the daily properties fees which is $14.99.” A total of $30 was waved for a two night stay. I’m coming out of pocket to replace the luggage to continue my travels… in addition to the cost and time spent at a laundromat. I’m happy for a form of compensation but simultaneously I feel it is completely out of touch with reality… This hotel ended up costing us a LOT more anticipated..