The Modern Hotel and Bar is one of Boise's most distinctive places to stay. It occupies a refurbished mid-century motor lodge on Grove Street, and the redesign keeps the retro bones while adding contemporary style: clean lines, bold color and a sociable courtyard. It attracts a crowd of younger travelers, design fans and locals who come for the bar, and it has the buzz of a place that knows its identity. Rooms are compact and stylishly furnished, with comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and a quirky sense of fun. They are not the largest in town, so travelers who need lots of space should look at suites or larger rooms. The bar and restaurant are the heart of the property, serving cocktails and food in the evening and a casual breakfast in the morning, and the courtyard fills on warm nights.
The location is a short walk from the Basque Block, the Capitol and downtown restaurants, which means you can leave the car and explore on foot. The Grove neighborhood has bars, music venues and shops, and the Greenbelt is a short ride away. The surroundings are urban, and the trade-off for a lively bar is evening noise, so light sleepers should ask for a quieter room or bring earplugs.
The Modern suits couples, friends and solo travelers who like personality. It is a good fit if you want a place with its own social scene and don't need a full-service resort. Families with young children may prefer larger hotels, but older kids and teens often enjoy the atmosphere.
Rates at The Modern Hotel and Bar move with demand in Boise. Summer weekends, football Saturdays at nearby Boise State, big conventions and the holiday season are the busiest periods, and midweek stays in late winter are usually the quietest and cheapest. Ask about parking, since downtown garages are common and charges differ from hotel to hotel, and check whether breakfast, Wi-Fi and any resort or facility fees are included in the quoted rate.
If you are traveling with a bike, a pet or a lot of luggage, mention it when you book so the front desk can plan for you.
Book early for summer and for event weekends, since the property is small and popular. Ask about parking, which can be limited, and check bar hours and any events. The hotel's style makes it a favorite for photography, so bring a camera.
Boise is easy to navigate from any downtown base, with the Greenbelt, the Basque Block and the Capitol all within a short ride or walk. Whether you pick The Modern Hotel and Bar for its location, its style or its value, the practical advice is the same: reserve early for summer, ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper, and plan one or two days around the foothills and river so that you leave with more than a city view.
Why stay here
- ✓Bar and restaurant on site
- ✓Design-forward rooms
- ✓Courtyard
- ✓Walkable downtown
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Near Basque Block
- ✓Bicycle friendly
Good questions
What is The Modern like?+
It is a stylish hotel in a converted mid-century motel, with a lively bar and compact rooms.
Is it noisy?+
The bar and courtyard can be lively in the evening, so request a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
Is it walkable to downtown?+
Yes. The Basque Block and the Capitol are a short walk away.
