Hotel 43's Fresh Renovations Near Completion

The long-anticipated completion of the renovation of Hotel 43 is due by the end of March. The four-star, downtown Boise boutique hotel at 981 W. Grove Street is undergoing its third transformation since becoming Hotel 43 in 2007, according to Vicki Carley, area director of sales and marketing for Block 22 Hotels. Besides Hotel 43, the firm runs The Grove Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Downtown.

All guest rooms and public space will get a complete refresh. Key upgrades and changes to Hotel 43 include an expanded lobby “to create a welcoming space for guests, as well as the Parallel Room that offers a glassed-in, closed-off space for small meetings,” Carley said. “Whether you want to enjoy a glass of Idaho wine or collaborate with co-workers, it is warm and inviting.”

Suzie Hall, founder and chief executive officer of The Cornerstone Collective, said “the interior design team set out to bring the history and charm of Hotel 43 forward into today’s dynamic downtown Boise landscape. The carefully curated design narrative, representative of the state’s rich history and local geology, ebbs and flows in organic shapes and fractal patterns throughout the space.”

The hotel, which sits on just under a half-acre, was originally built in 1979 and was once known as the Statehouse Inn. It was rebranded in 2006. It features 112 rooms and is 71,955 square feet, including 2,700 square feet of basement. Renovations began in September 2023. Contractors for the roughly $6 million updates include Hall, who handled the interior design, and architects CSHQA, with construction by Elmridge Construction. Ken Lenz of White-Leasure Development was the project manager.

The design team, Hall said, commissioned local artists and artisans “to create uniquely crafted expressions through different mediums on display in the renovated lobby, as well as the new lounge and library. The spirit of Boise combines a balance between structure, nature and individual flair. The sophisticated and dimensional palette used throughout the property offers each guest an unparalleled experience upon arrival, while also stimulating curiosity and energy to further explore the offerings of the city and surrounding area.”

The hotel is also home to Chandlers Steakhouse.

“The porte cochere has been redesigned for cohesiveness from Chandlers,” Carley said. “This includes some exciting lighting elements and masonry work. When you first drive up, you will have a wonderful sense of arrival to a great hotel.”

Chandlers transformed the meeting room across the breezeway. This space, a mirror of the restaurant, will be available to host private groups and is excellent to host a reception prior to a private dinner in one of Chandlers’ other three private dining rooms, Carley said.

Upgrades to the Latitude Room will include a new bar and restroom.

“It’s important for hotels to stay fresh and current through regular renovations,” she said.

“The Block 22 ownership’s desire was to pay tribute to Hotel 43’s pedigree, being on the 43rd Parallel in the 43rd state. Our full hard goods renovations reflect the arts, Boise, Idaho and all the rich culture that makes our state so wonderful. We’re proud of Boise and Idaho, the inspiration for the beautiful design,” Carley said.

Soft renovations include carpets, wall vinyl, lighting and soft seating. Hard renovations include all of these, along with hard goods renovations such as tiles, counters, beds, dressers and more.

The original rooms were warm and inviting while the last renovation was more modern. Though the rooms are not themed, they vary with artistic elements of the Greenbelt, foothills, arts, Freak Alley and the State Capitol.

Boutique hotels are typically smaller hotels that provide more personalized service and are unique to the area, according to Carley. Most boutique hotels are independently owned and operated and have the flexibility to change with guests’ needs and offer innovative amenities. Hotel 43 will offer a locally made Idaho-shaped soap, serve local wines and craft beers.

“Hotel 43 has always offered guests an arts passport with free admission to the Boise Art Museum,” Carley said. “The revised version will be more encompassing, with tributes to the arts as well as craft beer or wine tours, walking art tours, and more. Boutique hotels embrace and promote the culture of the city. Most boutique hotels are not tied to the large brands. Hotel 43 and The Grove Hotel are both Stash Hotels (stashrewards.com); by the end of the year Boise will offer four Stash Hotels as well as several other unique hotels in the state.”