For Rent: Spacious Potato, One Bed, Nearby Bath, $200

April 25, 2019

Idaho Potato Commission recycles 6-ton potato into hotel(?) room.

Seeking to take its 6-ton, 28-ft.-long symbol out of national touring, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has renovated the giant fabricated potato into a hotel room in South Boise "with breathtaking views of the Owyhee Mountains."

This week, the commission announced the opening of this unique retreat. The steel, plaster and concrete fake tuber – 28 ft. long, 12 ft. wide and 11.5 ft. tall – was created in 2012 in celebration of the IPC’s 75th anniversary. Bolted to a flatbed trailer, the giant spud was designed for a one-year tour, but it traveled across the country for seven years. Until now, when it was deemed unfit for travel.

Kristie Wolfe, a former member of the Big Idaho Potato Truck Tour team and tiny house builder, transformed the head-turning tater into a lasting fixture that folks can continue to enjoy.

The Big Idaho® Potato Hotel is a 28-foot long, 12-foot wide and 11.5-foot tall potato firmly planted in an expansive field in South Boise with breathtaking views of the Owyhee Mountains.

“When Kristie presented her vision for the potato, the IPC unanimously agreed to donate it to her," said Frank Muir, president/CEO of the commission.

Some facts about the eco-friendly…uh…hotel:

Energy Efficient – The potato’s walls are made of 10-inch thick green expanding foam for optimal heating and cooling efficiencies.
Air Conditioning – An 8-inch x 60-inch underground pipe acts as a natural air conditioner and fan pumping cool air into the potato even during hot summer months.
Water – The sink is located above the toilet to redirect the fresh water that normally goes into the tank to the sink, saving both water and space
Conveniently Located – Just 20 miles to downtown Boise.

The bathroom is located in a recycled silo just a few steps from the potato. The spa-like loo features a giant whirlpool, a fireplace, luxurious amenities and a glass skylight for night-time star-gazing.

Encasing a queen-sized bed, it's listed on Airbnb for $200 a night:

Meanwhile, the Big Idaho Potato Truck Tour is already under way with its second-generation spud.