Whether you are into skiing, whitewater rafting, golfing, or just taking in beautiful natural vistas, an Idaho vacation can reward you with some tantalizing options. Located in the upper northwest region of the continental United States, Idaho features stretches of the Rocky Mountains among its mountainous terrain. Whether you are traveling with the family, are seeking out adventure, or are looking for a relaxing getaway, Idaho has its door open to visitors, and the Idaho hotels welcome weary travelers looking for a place to rest their head in the Gem State.

Idaho is a large state, much like the neighboring states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada. The bulk of the terrain in this sparcely populated western state is comprised of mountains, rivers and farmland, and in the state's panhandle, you will find rolling green hillsides, timber-laden mountains and splendid lakes. Boise, being both the capital and the state's largest city is where you will likely arrive to on a flight to Idaho, and it is here that you will likely find the most variety among the Idaho hotels. Boise is growing fast, and its modern cityscape is a compliment to all the natural wonder that lies nearby. Boise may be more sophisticated and cultured than you might have thought, and a trip to the Boise Art Museum is a great way to enjoy a bit of culture. Also worth visiting is the Basque Block and the significant Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. The hotels in Boise provide a list of options to fit your needs and budget, and among them are motels, guest ranches and bed and breakfasts. If the hotels in Boise are too "comfortable" for you, you can also set up camp at one of the Boise area campgrounds. The hotels in Boise have some nice upscale options among them, as well as national chain brands that are typically a good bet for discount Idaho lodging.

Idaho's tourism industry no doubt owes much to the ski resorts found in the state, the most notable being Sun Valley, Soldier Mountain, Tamarack Resort and Silver Mountain. While the Idaho ski resorts aren't the best places to find cheap hotels in Idaho, if you do some investigating, you can often find some nice package deals that can alleviate the cost of your room. During the high season, or winter, these resorts do offer some discount Idaho lodging options, but the word discount could be misleading. Your best bet to find cheap hotels in Idaho at the ski resorts is to book your room in the off-season, or to visit at the beginning, or tail end of the ski season. If you want the optimum Idaho ski experience, you may choose to hit the slopes of Sun Valley, near the town of Ketchum. A popular hangout for Hollywood stars, Sun Valley has been named the top ski resort by Condé Nast Traveler and Ski Magazine. You can find easy runs in Sun Valley and plenty of tough ones. If you are a particularly good skier, you might try Sun Valley heli-skiing, where you reach the top of the mountain by helicopter. In the off-season, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and horseback riding are among the preferred things to do in Sun Valley.

Idaho Map

Outside of Boise, there aren't many large cities in Idaho, but Idaho Falls is a smaller Idaho city that deserves a visit. Also a great place to enjoy the outdoors while offering a touch of urbanity, Idaho Falls may not be overflowing with Idaho hotels, but there are a mix of full-service and discount Idaho lodging options in and around town, so finding a place to stay should not be too hard. During the summer in Idaho Falls, the Snake River is a popular, and convenient, spot to enjoy some Idaho fly fishing, and you are none too far from another enjoyable small Idaho city, Twin Falls. Twin Falls, Idaho is home to the Snake River Canyon, which was made famous by a failed attempt by Evil Knieval to cross it on his motorcycle. Fly fishing in Twin Falls is popular in the warmer months, as is hiking and mountain biking, and in the winter, you'll enjoy proximity to some of the state's preferred ski sites. The Twin Falls hotels offer a nice selection of both luxury hotels and cheap hotels in Idaho. Those looking to explore a picturesque small Idaho city, can explore the small town of Sandpoint, which lies far from the aforementioned destinations. Located in the northern reaches of the Idaho panhandle, Sandpoint benefits from its proximity to the Schweitzer Ski Resort, and there are a good variety of Sandpoint hotels that welcome visitors.

In terms of the Idaho panhandle, one of the most sought after destinations found here is the lakeside city of Coeur D'Alene. A long time favorite vacation destination for Pacific Northwest residents, Coeur d'Alene's beauty is hard to put into words. Among the Coeur d'Alene hotels, you will find one of the world's top resort hotels, which also boasts a top notch golf course. The Coeur d'Alene Resort was named the nation's number one inland resort by Condé Nast Traveler readers, and though it is expensive, it is not terribly expensive relative to its praises. There are also some options for cheap hotels in Idaho in and around Coeur d'Alene, making a trip here a possibility regardless of budget. The question is, will you ever want to leave? One of the great joys of visiting here is the chance to view the area from Tubbs Hill. If you are traveling in a large group, the Idaho vacation rentals might prove more spacious and affordable than the cheap hotels in Idaho, and if you have time to spare before your trip, you might look for discount Idaho lodging online. Some of the resorts will likely have package deals available to help make your Idaho vacation more affordable and enjoyable, so checking ahead of time can mean big savings.