Elevating Downtown Boise: The Grove Hotel & the Opening of Hemlock

Downtown Boise is raising the bar on luxury with major updates to two cornerstone experiences. The Grove Hotel is undergoing its most extensive renovation yet, transforming guest rooms and shared spaces with sophisticated design and natural, Boise-inspired elements. Just steps away, located in the space previously occupied by Richard’s, Hemlock—a sleek & bold new steakhouse—offers an elevated yet approachable dining experience with inventive dishes, stylish atmosphere, and pianist playing upbeat, hip-hop classics during cocktail hour.. Together, they signal an exciting evolution in Boise’s hospitality scene, blending comfort, creativity, and refined taste.

A Transformative Refresh for an Iconic Hotel

Known for offering “luxury without sacrificing comfort,” The Grove Hotel is redefining its guest experience with a full-scale redesign of its 234 rooms and public spaces—an effort led by Boise-based contractor Zelham, Inc. and design firm EDGEiD. Renovations began in April and are slated for completion by September 2025, with updates including new furniture, lighting, and walk-in showers in many rooms. Floors are being replaced with luxury finishes, and the design embraces warm, earthy tones and natural textures that reflect Boise’s “City of Trees” identity.

“This is a transformative redesign,” said Vicki Carley, regional director for Block 22. “We’re not just updating—we’re creating an environment that blends contemporary luxury with the tranquility of nature.” Corridors, lobbies, and meeting spaces will echo this same vision, offering guests a more serene and modern experience throughout their stay. And despite the extensive scope, care has been taken to minimize disruption to guests—construction takes place only during daytime hours, and service continues uninterrupted.

Hemlock: A Stylish New Standard in Boise Dining

Just steps from The Grove, the newly opened Hemlock brings a fresh and elevated take on the traditional steakhouse. Located on the ground floor of the Inn at 500, Hemlock was conceived by restaurateur Scott Slater to fill a gap in Boise’s fine dining landscape—offering high-end cuisine with a relaxed, come-as-you-are attitude.

The restaurant’s inventive approach includes dishes like pork, duck, and pasta entrées alongside creative appetizers and standout sides such as the tableside baked potato for two—complete with luxe toppings like crème fraîche and Royal Ossetra caviar. With a warm, modern interior and attention to detail, Hemlock embodies an upscale yet unpretentious experience that’s already becoming a standout in the city’s culinary scene.