This Giant Potato Hotel Gives Other Luxury Stays a Run for Their Money
A South Boise, Idaho getaway that's equal parts cozy and unique.
February is National Potato Lover’s Month, which means it’s the perfect time to talk about all things spuds. Of course, you can’t have that conversation without mentioning Idaho, a state whose rich soil and perfect climate produce the best ‘taters in the world. From the Idaho Potato Museum to a tuber-shaped sundae called “Ice Cream Potato,” the state’s potato passion is obvious. But the most wonderfully wierd display of their affections? The Big Idaho Potato Hotel in South Boise, ID. Designed to look like a giant potato on the outside, its rustic-meets-modern-minimalist interior cues more luxurious accommodations. Here’s the scoop on why the potato hotel is worth booking for your next vacation.
The Hotel’s Spud-Tactular History
Looks are deceiving when it comes to The Big Idaho Potato Hotel, because (of course) it’s not an actual spud. The structure, erected in 2012 to commemorate the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) 75th anniversary, weighs six tons and is made from steel, plaster, and concrete. Following the IPC’s anniversary, the potato was attached to a trailer and driven across 48 states for seven years. After its nationwide tour, the spud settled in Boise — which is when Kristie Wolfe began to take an interest.
Wolfe, a former Big Idaho Potato Tour spokesperson and tiny house lover, figured that the potato could be repurposed into a place for people to stay. “It had more room than my house,” she told RoadsideAmerica.com. “Once I knew how big it was inside, that’s when I said, ‘Wow, this would make a great place to live in.'”
Wolfe transformed the unassuming lump into the world’s first potato hotel, which opened in 2019. Resting on 400 acres of Idaho farmland, the hotel accommodates only two guests at a time — so while it makes the perfect romantic getaway for you and a significant other, it probably won’t work as a place to host a family reunion.
The Hotel’s Features and Amenities
The hotel’s minimalist interior includes white-washed walls, modern pink furnishings, a warm wooden bookshelf, and an antler chandelier. A queen-sized bed custom-built for two comprises the sleeping quarters; while the living area includes a kitchenette to brew coffee, a mini fridge, and a collection of old records to spin on the record player. The small but luxurious bathroom is outside the potato, in a recycled silo replete with whirlpool, fireplace, and glass skylight.
Other amenities include air conditioning, power outlets, and an eco-friendly fresh water system for the sink. Overall, this faux root vegetable makes for an unforgettable stay. “It doesn’t really feel claustrophobic,” Wolfe adds, even though the spud has no windows to speak of. “The ceiling is high and everything is light and bright. It’s kinda like a cocoon.”
Watch the video below to see inside of the hotel and get a sense of what Boise has to offer as a vacation spot:
Book a Potato Lover’s Dream Stay
You can book a stay at The Big Idaho Potato Hotel through its listing on Airbnb.com. The hotel’s nightly rate is $207, and it boasts many five star reviews. Be sure to act quickly if you’re planning a stay in the coming months, though — the hotel is often fully booked. And it’s no wonder — who wouldn’t want to snuggle up and sleep inside a giant potato? Talk about a bucket list item.
