The sweet spots for business travelers in the Treasure Valley

For those traveling through the Treasure Valley on business, you will find that the surrounding areas are a diverse hotbed of people, culture and landscape. The Treasure Valley includes Idaho’s largest city, Boise, that stands as a busy urban, cultural hub, and cities like Eagle, which can be found north of Boise and known for its family-oriented community.

And while the Treasure Valley is certainly home to plenty of recreational activities, including outdoor adventures and a vibrant food scene, there is a rich offering of business travel hospitality on offer as well. From short- and long-term accommodations to conference venues that are conveniently located near the Boise Airport or in downtown Boise, there are a host of essential amenities to be found in the Treasure Valley for business travelers across all industries.

Traveling for business can be a stressful experience, from getting details such as airfare and accommodations in order to high prices being expected in terms of corporate travel this year, as found by a 2023 Deloitte study. But the Treasure Valley has much to offer business travelers once they have arrived.

Conference venues and coworking spots

In terms of convention and conference venues, the premier venue to be found in downtown Boise is the Boise Centre. At 86,000 square feet, Boise Centre offers a total of 31 meeting rooms and event spaces of varying sizes that are fully flexible for business purposes including three ballrooms. Divided into two sections, Boise Centre East and West, the facility is connected by a concourse for easy access and is surrounded by a very walkable section of downtown Boise that includes dining, shopping, nightlife venues and hotel access.

“Just minutes from the airport, Boise Centre is located in the middle of Boise’s vibrant downtown close to restaurants, breweries, shops and hotels,” said Mary-Michael Rodgers, communications manager at Boise Centre. “Boise Centre holds more than 200 diverse events annually including conferences, conventions, meetings, banquets and special events. The groups vary from national, regional and state associations to corporate, technology, agri-business, education, government and local organizations.”

And while large business event spaces are great for corporate events and conferences, there are plenty of choices for those in search of quieter co-working spaces too. Coffee shops can be found throughout the Treasure Valley, from nationwide chains to local names such as Flying M Coffee and Java Coffee & Cafe.

For travelers looking for a more private workspace on the go, there are a number of coworking spots to be found in Treasure Valley. Right across from Boise Airport on W. Elder Street, Regus offers a flexible workspace that includes private and day offices, meeting rooms, dedicated desks or a “hot-desking” option for those with budget in mind.

Based in Meridian and just off of Interstate 84, Kiln Meridian is a boutique flexible office space that offers a range of workspaces including dedicated desks, private offices, and private meeting rooms that can house teams of 15 to 50. Along with their coworking spaces, Kiln Meridian also offers additional features and spaces such as a podcast studio, two fitness spaces and an atrium.

Those traveling on business may also want to check out local public library locations that often offer reservable meeting rooms and study spaces. They can be a budget-friendly and quiet option.

Places to stay

When it comes to places to stay, there are many hotels in the Treasure Valley for business travelers to find accommodations at ranging from hotels and extended stay choices. If you’re looking to stay close to the airport, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham is located six miles from the airport and offers free breakfast, WiFi, and fitness facilities.

Ricky Gomulka, owner of JetLevel Aviation, has helped to facilitate numerous business trips to Idaho, allowing him unique insight into what the Treasure Valley’s business hospitality space has to offer. “A notable mention is the Inn at 500 Capitol. This boutique hotel provides a luxurious and distinctly Idahoan experience with great access to downtown amenities,” Gomulka said. “For near-airport convenience, the Wyndham Garden Boise Airport hotel offers well-equipped meeting spaces and is just a few minutes from the airport.”

Gomulka also recommended The Grove Hotel for its upscale accommodations and its conference center. “It’s centrally located, making it ideal for both short and extended stays.”

The Grove Hotel, located in downtown Boise, features many amenities business travelers will find appealing, including complimentary airport shuttle service for easy transport and an entire floor dedicated to a fitness center. “The 250-room hotel is connected to the 5,000-seat Idaho Central Arena,” said Vicki Carley, regional director of sales and marketing for Block 22 Hotels, the owner of The Grove Hotel. “Combined (The Grove Hotel and Idaho Central Arena) [have] meeting space of over 30,000 square feet.”

Outside of more traditional hotels, there are extended stay options to consider as well. With a location right by Boise Airport and another in Meridian, Extended Stay America Premier Suites is an option for travelers who need a place to set up for longer periods of time from a week to a month or more. Each suite, some with one bed or two, includes a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and workspace, and access to WiFi. Additional amenities include free breakfast, on-site laundry and pet-friendly rooms.

For business travelers passing through the Treasure Valley, there’s a variety of business hospitality options to choose from from accommodation and workspace choices to venues that regularly host events for all industries.

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