LODGING & TRAVEL
Due to the postponement of the 2020 conference, this information is pending. Please check back for future updates.
The majority of the main events for the 2020 Raptor Research Foundation Conference will be located at the Boise Centre on the Grove (850 W. Front Street, Boise, ID 83702), Idaho’s largest conference center.
We have negotiated a limited number of discounted rooms at two hotels for conference attendees. Each are within walking distance of the Boise Centre. Once those rooms are booked, there are at least six other hotels within walking distance and over 50 hotels in the Boise area to choose from. Additionally, a local hostel will honor a discounted rate for early career attendees and students. Please see details on these lodging options and travel tips below. We strongly encourage you to book your reservations early as Boise is a popular travel destination in October.
DISCOUNTED CONFERENCE LODGING:
Hampton Inn and Suites Boise – Downtown
The majority of our discounted sleeping rooms are at the Hampton Inn & Suites Boise – Downtown (495 S. Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702), just around the corner from the Boise Centre. In the heart of downtown Boise, the Hampton Inn & Suites is less than 0.2 mile (a 5-minute walk) from the Boise Centre and offers walkable access to dozens of restaurants, the Basque District, and the Greenbelt. Additionally, the hotel offers a free hot buffet breakfast to guests, a large lobby with plenty of seating, an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, a business center, and a gift shop.
The hotel is accessible to persons with disabilities. Those requiring assistance in this area should make requests at the time of registration. The hotel is 100% non-smoking and all guest rooms offer LCD televisions, WiFi, MP3 docking stations, safes, refrigerators, coffeemaker, designer toiletries, and hairdryers. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours; inquire with hotel front desk before travel for details on pick-up locations and times).
A limited number of rooms at Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown from 3 October – 11 October, 2020* are available for the discounted rate of $155 per night (1 King or 2 Queen Beds). This pricing does not include applicable taxes or parking fees. Guests may park in the attached parking garage for $15/night (added to your room receipt).
*The discounted rate will be available through Saturday, September 12 or until guestrooms are sold out, whichever comes first.
Make reservations at any time by calling the hotel directly at 1-208-331-1900 and telling them you are booking with the Raptor Research Foundation. A link for online reservations is not yet available.
Red Lion Hotel Boise-Downtowner
We also have a special room rate for a limited number of rooms at the Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner (1800 W. Fairview Avenue, Boise, ID 83702) for October 4 – October 9. Room rates are $99 per night (not including taxes; 1 King or 2 Double Beds) and there is no charge to guests parking.
The Red Lion Hotel is 0.9 miles from the Boise Centre. This equates to a 15- to 20-minute walk into downtown Boise (sidewalks are available the entire walk) or a 6-minute Uber ride to the Boise Centre. The Red Lion Hotel has a limited number of complimentary bike rentals (book your reservation by calling the front desk), an outdoor pool, spa, business center, and 24-hour fitness center as well as complimentary WiFi. Grab breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, Coffee Garden, (open from 6 am to 9 am; breakfast buffet available for pay) or the unwind after the day’s events at the hotel’s Characters Sports Bar & Lounge (open from 4 – 11 pm on weekdays; serves spirits and appetizers). A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (inquire with hotel front desk before travel for details on pick-up details).
*The discounted rate will be available through Sunday, September 13 or until guestrooms are sold out, whichever comes first. You can reserve your room by calling or booking online:
Make reservations at any time by calling 1-800-RED LION (733-5466) and provide them with your check-in Date and the group code RAPT1004 for Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner.
Tony’s Place Hostel
Registrants who qualify as Early Career Raptor Researchers (ECRRs), students, or those who have graduated in the last three years are eligible for lodging at Tony’s Place Hostel (2109 s. Vista Ave. Boise, ID 83705). The RRF discounted rate for staying at the hostel is $35 per night (not including taxes). There are 18 beds available, so don’t wait to reserve your spot!
Tony’s Place is 2.4 miles from Boise Centre. The hostel is a stone’s throw to the bus stop for a 15-minute bus ride to either the Boise Centre or the Boise Airport on Route 3, Vista Route (see more details on Valley Regional Transit, below). This route runs every 30 minutes between 6 am and 9 pm on weekdays (shortened hours Saturdays).
Amenities include free Internet and WiFi, free parking, access to kitchen (fridge/freezer/microwave/cooker/dishwasher), security lockers, linens, towels for hire, laundry service at a small additional cost, board games, no curfew, and coffee and tea making facilities. Breakfast is not included. Smoking is not permitted inside the hostel and there is a zero drug tolerance policy.
Make reservations by calling, texting, emailing, or sending a Facebook message to Tony’s Place. Please be ready to provide your full name, email, and the dates you would like to book. You will be sent an email invoice to whatever email address you provide. Make sure to mention the Raptor Research Foundation to ensure you receive the discounted rate.
Call or text: (818) 421-7422
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonysplacehostel/
Tony’s Place Website: http://www.tonysplacehostel.com
TRAVEL
Traveling to Boise*
The Boise Airport (BOI) is located just a short drive away from the city center. Most area hotels provide a complimentary airport shuttle and the airport is on several bus routes that also go downtown. Additionally, Uber, Lyft, and Taxis are available to pick you up just outside of baggage claim. Onsite car rental agencies are located on the first floor of the Boise Airport, adjacent to baggage claim.
*Please remember that beginning October 1, 2020, the federal government will no longer consider standard drivers licenses as a sufficient form of identification to fly domestically. U.S. residents will need to have a REAL ID, also known as a Star Card, or another accepted form of ID, such as a passport, to fly commercially. Please check with your state department of motor vehicles about acquiring your REAL ID well in advance of travel.
Traveling within Boise
Public Transit:
Provided by Valley Regional Transit, Boise has a great public transit system, Valley Ride, for a city of our modest size. Fortunately, the Boise Centre on the Grove is located on the same block as Valley Regional Transit’s hub, so most routes lead you right to the conference center! Additionally, there are several Park & Ride lots in case you don’t want to pay the premium downtown parking prices.
Fares & Passes: https://www.valleyregionaltransit.org/fares-and-passes/
Trip Planner: https://www.valleyregionaltransit.org/home/
System Map (showing Park & Ride lots): https://www.valleyregionaltransit.org/routes
Bike-friendly Boise:
Boise is a bike-friendly city. We have several bike rental shops, a bike share program, and bike maps. Check out all this and more (including Idaho and City of Boise Bike & Safety Laws) at Downtown Boise Association’s Boise Bike Town page.