If you’re looking to shave a few shekels off your travel budget, you’re not going to do better than the Copa Cabana Inn in downtown Boise, Idaho.
The air conditioning works and the wifi is free (something that can’t be said of a number of other hotels across the cost spectrum.) There’s no breakfast or swimming pool, but how much are you really willing to pay for that?
Unlike cut-rate hotels we’ve encountered in other cities, the fact that it’s low-rent doesn’t automatically mean it’s dirty, dangerous or dilapidated. It’s none of those things.
It was quiet at night, the guests all appeared to be passing through, like us, and absolutely nobody was scary.
It’s affordable because they don’t spend money on modern styling in the rooms, breakfast, a pool, or advertising. It’s a face value place. If you don’t mind an ugly room, you’re going to save a bundle.
The sign says “lowest price downtown” and I believe it. We had a double-queen room with four occupants (we rarely admit to six, that number is widely frowned upon,) and it only cost $58 plus tax. Mind you that was on a weekend during peak season. Their website also says it goes as low as $40 (presumably for less people in a single room.)
It’s not fashionable. It’s spartan, but it’s clean and comfortable, which at this price break, is a welcome comfort.
Cabana Inn is located at 1600 W. Main Street, Boise, Idaho. Online at www.cabana-inn.com/.