Ever stayed in an old firehouse? Or a giant potato? Here are 8 unique Airbnbs in Boise
Right now, many Americans aren’t where they want to be financially, still reeling from years of inflation, the pandemic and the overall cost of living. Yet, self-care strategies dictate that time for yourself is crucial and that rewarding yourself and taking breaks is absolutely necessary for full-rounded self-care.
But traveling for a vacation can be prohibitively expensive, so some consider a staycation instead. The term is a mashup, or portmanteau, of stay and vacation and describes the growing trend of enabling a vacation mindset without traveling anywhere.
A staycation in Boise could have an itinerary that includes hiking, enjoying local music and checking out options along the Boise Greenbelt. But to really sell the staycation vibe, you can also get a local Airbnb. There are many options to choose from.
The Idaho Statesman has compiled a list of eight unique Airbnb stays around the City of Trees. The prices listed are approximate, as this may change depending on when you stay and how many people you stay with. Hosts can also require a service and cleaning fee.
Unique Boise Airbnbs
Located in west Caldwell just off Interstate 84 and State Highway 44, a green double-decker bus can be found tucked away in a field down the side of a standalone house. The bus would look perfectly natural in the English countryside but not so much in the middle of Idaho.
But this is where you’ll be staying. Angie and Dustin Mori, born and raised Idahoans, purchased the bus and shipped it over to the Gem State before remodeling it to act as a fully-functioning Airbnb.
The Double Decker Bus Hideaway has a near-perfect rating and costs $139 per night.
Found right next to the Boise River floating start point at Barber Park, this little Airbnb may be small, but more than makes up for it in personality.
Inside the tiny house, you’ll find a cozy living area, bookcases full to the brim, and a cozy bedroom. Outside, you’ll find hammocks, a fire pit, a covered seating area with a grill and even a small hot tub.
The Tiny House Oasis is available for $173 a night.
Another small but mighty option, the Urban Yurt is the best spot in Boise for glamping (or glamour camping, the new trend for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without the creepy crawlies).
The Yurt offers privacy in a fenced backyard, while on the inside there is a delightful cacophony of color and boho decor.
Up to six guests can stay in the yurt for just $74 per night.
Why stay in an ordinary house when you can stay in an old, renovated fire station? Located on the southern edge of the North End, Fire Station 3 was established in 1912 as a functioning firehouse before being converted in recent years into living quarters on the HGTV show Boise Boys.
The fully renovated unit can house six people and has retained features of its former purpose, such as a firehouse sign on the wall and the firefighter’s pole. Unfortunately, the hole the pole goes down has been boarded over, so visitors can’t slide down it.
The Firehouse will cost guests $173 per night.
Staying true to its name, The Bird Nest is a 1,250-square-foot barn loft above a wildlife rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned birds located on the 11th hole of Quail Hollow Golf Course.
The barn, built in 1910, has a private entrance separate from the rehabilitation center and comes with two queen beds and a fully-equipped kitchen. It’s available for $110 per night.
Have you really lived in Idaho if you haven’t slept inside a giant potato at least once in your life? Fortunately, the Big Idaho Potato Hotel has made this a possibility.
Located south of Boise, just off Interstate 84, this Airbnb was created from a former 6-ton potato hauled across the country for seven years as part of the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour.
But the giant potato has now found a permanent home. Although small inside, it has a custom-built two-person bed, furniture, a record player and electricity. Visitors can stay in the potato for $207 per night.
Ideally located just south of Boise State University, the Luxury Designer Home is within walking distance of downtown Boise. The newly-renovated four-bedroom house is perfect for large parties due to its open plan living room, dining room and kitchen, and outdoor lounge area.
Despite a price of $286 per night, the Airbnb can fit up to 10 people, bringing the cost-per-person to a reasonable cost.
The reason behind Boise’s nickname as the City of Trees is clearly apparent from the views of this Airbnb. Located in the foothills on a private road, the Foothill Home overlooks downtown Boise and the sea of trees surrounding the city.
The 3,500-square-foot home is a permanent home for its owners, but frequent travel to other parts of the country means the five-bedroom house is available for guests throughout the year.
Every room has a view of the foothills, including a game room with a large screen and theater seating, air hockey, foosball and a bar. The Airbnb can fit eight guests and is available for $220 a night.
