The Riverside Hotel

This hotel offers a distinctive resort-style feel right on the riverfront, providing direct access to the Greenbelt for outdoor activities. Its signature features include multiple pools and a vibrant live music scene, creating a lively atmosphere. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the generally friendly and helpful staff. It is an ideal destination for families seeking entertainment and outdoor fun, couples looking for a relaxing getaway with dining and music, business travelers attending conferences, and staycationers desiring a local escape. Pet owners will also find it accommodating. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a river view and be prepared for a potentially maze-like layout, which can be navigated with the provided maps.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of facilities designed for relaxation and recreation. Guests can enjoy both a heated outdoor saltwater pool and a newer indoor pool, complemented by hot tubs, a splash pad, and a whirlpool. Wellness options include a sauna and a well-equipped fitness center or gym. For convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The hotel also features various entertainment spaces, including multiple concert venues like the Sapphire Room and Bar365, along with meeting rooms and banquet rooms. Unique touches like art galleries, fireplaces, and a giant checkerboard contribute to the resort ambiance, though some guests noted the indoor pool can be heavily chlorinated.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be clean and spacious, often featuring high-quality finishes and comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. Many rooms offer desirable amenities such as balconies or grassy courtyard access, large bathtubs, lighted makeup vanities, a fridge, microwave, desk, and lounger, with robes provided for guest use. However, some reviews indicate a portion of the rooms are dated, with issues like gross carpet, backed-up drains, old shower heads, and inconsistent water temperature. A few guests reported a mold or mildew smell, bugs, or thin walls leading to noise from neighbors or hallways.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast buffet is a significant highlight for many guests, frequently praised as excellent and offering a wide variety of options. A popular feature is the omelet bar, where chefs prepare eggs to order, alongside favorites like candied bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, and various pastries. While generally well-received, some guests noted that the food can occasionally be cold or that the buffet area becomes very crowded, especially on weekends. The hotel also offers several on-site dining options, including the Sandbar for poolside food and drinks with live music, and other restaurants like the Patio Grill and Bar365, with food quality generally being good, though some found it mediocre or overly spiced.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime location is consistently praised, situated directly on the Greenbelt with immediate access to the Boise River. This allows for easy enjoyment of water activities and extensive biking trails. It is conveniently close to downtown Boise and various local attractions, including wineries, breweries, and restaurants. The hotel provides a valuable free airport shuttle service and a free shuttle into town within a three-mile radius, making exploration effortless. While ample parking is generally available, it can become challenging and full during large events, and some guests reported their cars being soaked by sprinklers in the parking lot.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Many guests highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as early check-ins for medical needs or pet-friendly service. Shuttle drivers are frequently commended for their excellent service and local knowledge. While the majority of interactions are positive, some guests reported isolated instances of staff being less accommodating, disinterested, or providing slow service at the bars or restaurants. Housekeeping is generally efficient, though a few guests experienced issues with room cleanliness or missing items.

Additional Information
The hotel embraces a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their furry companions, though a fee applies and some guests noted challenges with designated pet relief areas. A welcoming touch for many is the provision of complimentary chocolate chip cookies upon check-in. The property is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring live music performances across various venues throughout the year and showcasing local art displays. Guests should be aware that the hotel's extensive layout can feel like a maze, with some areas requiring long walks from the main lobby, and signage could be improved. Laundry facilities are available for guest use, and the hotel is undergoing room renovations to update its accommodations.