The Avery Boise: Where History and Hospitality Meet

You know those special places that grab you from the moment you walk in? Where you suddenly stop thinking about your inbox and start noticing the smallest details around you? That's The Avery in Boise's vibrant downtown.

A Stately History Reimagined

The building changed hands to the Tiner family in the late 1800s. Following a fire in the early 1900s, they rebuilt it with two additional floors. The Hotel Manitou opened its doors in 1910, proudly advertising itself as "Strictly Modern" – words that still mark the building's exterior today.

What now serves as a cozy second-floor library was once the original lobby and reception area. When Cal acquired the property, Averyl Tiner gave him three guest registries from the hotel's early days. These handwritten books from 1911, with their elegant script recording guest names and room assignments, are now showcased in the library, offering visitors a window into the building's past.

The Manitou operated for almost 60 years, while the ground floor housed popular theaters like The Boz and The Grenada. Later, it became home to The Blues Bouquet, one of Boise's favorite bars for many years.

The upper floors sat unused from the 1970s until Cal Elliott purchased and restored the building. Cal, a Michelin-starred chef from Boise who runs Little Pearl Oyster Bar with his wife Ashley, bought the unrestored Averyl Tiner Building in downtown Boise in 2015. He named the hotel after the Tiner family's granddaughter Averyl, whose name appears on the building's facade. His renovation kept the original layout, preserving the historic woodwork, doors, and architectural details that give the space its character.

Walking through the lobby, my fingers traced the original woodwork as my eyes caught brass fixtures that looked both authentic and brand new. The building's rich story isn't hidden away on a plaque but woven into every corner – from preserved architectural details to black and white photographs showcasing the building's former lives.

"This building has welcomed Boiseans for over a century," explained Dexter, the front desk agent who gave me an impromptu history lesson when I checked in. "I'm grateful to be at the Avery Hotel. It gives me the opportunity to get to know some of the wonderful people who live here in Boise. There have been generations of guests who have come in to see the dramatic changes to the building, and they usually share their stories from the building's "Bouquet Days." He shared with me that, “Working at a hotel with such historical and cultural significance keeps me motivated every shift.”

Room to Breathe (and Work)

My studio apartment – they're not just rooms here – felt more like the stylish city flat I've always wanted than a hotel room. Twelve-foot ceilings and tall windows flooded the space with natural light, while the original hardwood floors creaked just enough to remind me I was staying somewhere with stories to tell.

The boutique hotel offers 39 residentially styled accommodations including studios and one-bedroom suites. Each room celebrates the building's heritage while providing modern comforts that made my extended stay feel like home.

The workspace actually worked – a rarity in hotel rooms. A proper desk positioned near a window with perfect natural light, outlets exactly where needed, and a chair I could sit in for hours without complaint. The Wi-Fi never faltered, even during video calls that showcased the artfully decorated wall behind me (garnering several "where are you staying?" questions from colleagues).

The Avery's Culinary Gems: Two Restaurants, Zero Reason to Eat Elsewhere

Despite recommendations for Boise's buzzing restaurant scene, I found myself eating almost every meal at The Avery's two dining establishments. Not by laziness or convenience – by choice.

Tiner's Alley, named after the Tiner family, feels like a discovery even locals haven't made yet. The space balances historic elements – exposed brick walls, original tile flooring – with modern touches that create an atmosphere both refined and relaxed. Without a doubt you must get the meatloaf sandwich. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and savory. I also had one of the best Manhattans while admiring a bar that has the most interesting history. Trust me.

Then there's Avery, the hotel's signature restaurant, where brunch and dinner are noteworthy events. Cal Elliott, himself an accomplished chef who ran the acclaimed Rye restaurant in Brooklyn for over a decade, has created a menu that focuses on Idaho ingredients prepared with unexpected twists. Elliott's culinary journey took him from his hometown of Boise to prestigious kitchens across the country, including working under chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. His Brooklyn restaurant Rye, which opened in 2009, earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation for eight consecutive years before he decided to return to his roots in Idaho with this passion project.

The restaurant proudly sources products from local purveyors including Peaceful Belly Farm, Purple Sage Farms, and Meadowlark Farm. Their dedication to local suppliers extends to proteins as well, with beef from Highland Hollow Farm and fish from Idaho's Snake River.

The seasonal dishes celebrate regional producers while incorporating influences from Elliott's global culinary background. The Idaho trout with brown butter and preserved lemon became my go-to, paired with a glass of wine from their thoughtfully curated list of Pacific Northwest vineyards.

At every meal I ordered the endive and pear salad. My hope is to recreate this at home, but I'm doubtful. The gnocchi was delicious, the mushroom soup perfection, and the short rib in the beef duo is something I'll be thinking about for ages.

By my final night, I had become a regular, greeted by name and welcomed back with genuine warmth by the staff who remembered my preferences without prompting.

Beyond The Walls

When I did venture out (mostly between meetings), I found myself in the heart of Boise's downtown. The Avery sits steps from shopping on 8th Street, the art-filled Freak Alley Gallery, and the Idaho State Capitol. The Boise River Greenbelt – perfect for a morning run or afternoon stroll – is just five blocks away. I also took a break and did a private class at Boise Art Glass. Lucky for me I got to learn from the owner Philip who is a wonderful teacher and makes the whole process feel easy.

The front desk provided cookies, coffee and umbrellas waiting at the door – another small touch that showed their attention to detail.

Work-Friendly Features I Loved:

The Library Nook - A quiet corner off the lobby with built-in bookshelves, comfortable leather chairs, and a communal table perfect for when your room feels too isolating.
Connectivity Everywhere - Not just reliable Wi-Fi but also USB ports in unexpected places, like the café tables in the courtyard.
Smart TV Setup - Easily cast my presentations to the room's TV for rehearsals before big meetings.
Printer Access - The business center is small but had everything I needed when a client suddenly wanted hard copies.
Soundproofing That Works - Despite the central location, the thick historic walls and quality windows kept the city noise at bay.

For remote workers and business travelers who want accommodations with character, The Avery offers something chain hotels simply can't: authentic connection to place. Whether working from your “apartment”, taking calls from the courtyard, or hosting an informal meeting over exceptional coffee, the experience feels tailored without trying too hard.

I extended my stay twice, and added two additional reservations for a family member and business partner. Some places just feel right from the start. The Avery is one of them – historic without being stuffy, detailed without being fussy, and home to restaurants so good you'll find yourself making excuses not to eat anywhere else.

This post was written after what was supposed to be a two-night business stay that turned into almost a week of working remotely from The Avery.