The Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Boise is excellent. This is a great location for both business travelers and tourists wanting to experience all the charm Boise has to offer.

Located in the heart of the theater and restaurant district, the hotel offers great service at a reasonable price. Two blocks from the local stage theaters, the hotel also is just a short walk to the Green Belt river walk and the Boise Art Museum. Just outside the door is a 9-show movie theater and there are a dozen excellent restaurants and coffee shops nearby.

By far the best feature of this hotel is the staff. The friendly, helpful and professional people who work here, from the front desk team to the housekeeping folks, impresses even the most jaded traveler. The employees sincerely like each other and their hotel, and it shows. Whether giving helpful advice on places to eat and things to see, or efficiently arranging checkout, the Hampton Inn Boise Downtown crew really goes the extra mile.

The pros: spotless rooms that, despite some older chairs and couches, are well maintained and inviting. The hotel offers an extensive selection of satellite TV and on-demand TV video. Excellent free WiFi. Microwaves and small refrigerators add to convenience and comfort. Very good fitness facility and small indoor pool, ideal for kids. Great business center with actual office supplies and working printers.

The complimentary daily breakfast bar (6-10 a.m. daily) was nothing to write home about, but can accommodate any dietary needs. There are hot trays of mediocre microwaved omelets, but the fresh fruit and oatmeal make up for the hot-side shortcomings. There's ample space in the dining area to enjoy breakfast without being elbow-to-elbow with the other guests. There's always complimentary hot coffee and tea in the lobby.

The cons: room windows don't open – you're dependent on the in-room heat/ac with no fresh air. Depending on the level of Fabreze used by housekeeping, this can be a real minus. While there are "enough" electrical outlets available, you still need to hunt for bedside outlets behind the end tables.

The "other:" There is a public parking garage attached to the hotel, with direct lobby access, for $10 a day, unlimited entry and exit using your room key. Your room key also activates the elevator – a nice hotel security perk. In addition, there's a front desk "store" with food and sundries in case you prefer to eat in your room.

I'll definitely stay here again if I find myself in Boise. The property is quiet, comfortable and has a great location, but the friendly and helpful staff is what would really get me to return. If you're a tired traveler, the people can make all the difference – something this Hilton Family property has figured out.