The Idanha Hotel, one of Boise’s most iconic historic landmarks, was built in 1901 and quickly became the city’s premier luxury hotel. Designed in the French Châteauesque style, the six-story structure was the tallest building in Idaho at the time. It was originally constructed to accommodate the growing number of travelers arriving by train, offering elegant accommodations and modern conveniences such as steam heat, electric lights, and a grand lobby with a stained-glass ceiling.

The Idanha became famous for its role in Idaho’s political history. In 1905, former Idaho Governor Frank Steunenberg was assassinated in Caldwell, and the man accused of orchestrating the crime, labor leader William "Big Bill" Haywood, was arrested. The trial, which drew national attention, saw key witnesses, attorneys, and journalists staying at the Idanha. The hotel’s telephone booth was reportedly used to arrange Steunenberg’s murder, adding to the building’s storied past.

Over the decades, the Idanha witnessed Boise’s growth and underwent several transformations. It remained a prominent hotel into the mid-20th century but gradually declined in prestige as newer establishments emerged. By the 1970s, the hotel had fallen into disrepair, and there were discussions of demolishing it. However, recognizing its historical significance, preservation efforts saved the building, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

In the 1980s, the Idanha was converted into apartments and commercial spaces, ensuring its continued use while preserving its architectural charm. Today, the building remains a fixture of downtown Boise, housing residential units, offices, and restaurants. It is also known for its ghost stories, with reports of unexplained noises, flickering lights, and eerie encounters adding to its mystique. As a symbol of Boise’s past and a testament to historic preservation, the Idanha Hotel continues to be a beloved part of the city’s architectural and cultural landscape.