I spent two nights in Boise for no other reason than to escape DC after the week from hell (yes, a Richard Lewis reference). I flew Delta via ATL on the outbound; notably, Delta flies 738s between ATL and BOI, which may not have ovens, because the F meal is a boxed lunch. Notably, on the return I flew through MSP and was treated to the retrofitted 738 interiors with the new F seats and a Porsche transfer owing to a tight connect time. But this is a hotel review of the Hyatt Place Boise, aka Downtown. Last minute reservations came to about $180 all taxes and fees included, which seemed high.

Checkin and lobby

Check-in was efficient with the front-desk agent explaining the free breakfast, hours for the bar and restaurant, and directions to my room. I am a lowly Discoverist, which wasn’t acknowledged. Key in hand, I noted the work stations in the lobby (but did not use them during my solitary stay) as I walked to the rather sparse elevator bay.

Notably, the elevators didn’t require a key card for floor access. We’re not in DC anymore.

Room

The room was standard-issue for a base Hyatt Place room. Immediate after entering, the bathroom was to the right. Straight ahead was the room semipartitioned between living and sleeping space. In the living space was an L-shaped sectional that wasn’t especially comfortable, a coffee and end table, desk and office chair, and coffee maker. Coffee was off-brand in an off-brand machine. I drank it, and it was as expected.

There was an armoire and wall-mounted TV with storage unit that included a minifridge and drawers with a Bible. If you’ve been to a Hyatt Place, you’ve seen this exact room and slept in this exact bed.

Views from the room were of snow-capped peaks. Just don’t look down.

Bathroom

The bathroom again was standard-issue Hyatt Place, with wall-mounted shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, although the facial bar by the sink was replenished with housekeeping.

Food and beverage

The breakfast buffet the one day I ate included oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, eggs, potatoes, sausage, coffee, juices, and bread and rolls. I toasted a bagel.

The first night I ordered a chicken and pesto sandwich from the bar for approximately $12 with a cup full of fruit. The sandwich was better than expected and the fruit a bowl full of berries, an excellent value and decent meal.

Service

Service was fine. Management appeared to be progressive in hiring, which I approve of. That said, it wasn’t especially attentive or polished. The one Discoverist perk, water in rooms, didn’t happen, and I do find having to run to the lobby for water annoying. Also, housekeeping left the blanket piled on the coach, which was pretty noticeable. I’m not one who particularly minds such things.

*** stars (out of five)

I’m being charitable, considering the local hotel market, and noting I didn’t have any major complaints, but the price felt high for what isn’t even a full-service brand.

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This is a point-in-time review by a Chaedrol associate.