Where to Stay in Salt Lake City: Best Areas & Hotels
Downtown Salt Lake City is the area where most people visiting Utah's capital city will want to stay, as it hosts the most iconic sites. Attractions like the Salt Lake Temple and surrounding Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol are all found in this area.
Downtown is also well equipped to welcome tourists, with hotels for all budgets and types of travelers, from families on vacation with the kids to couples celebrating a honeymoon, or skiers coming here to visit the nearby ski resorts.
From luxury to budget, family-friendly to romantic, there are options for everyone in downtown Salt Lake City. The other main area that visitors might want to stay is around the University of Utah, which is also home to a hospital. Here, you'll find a number of mid-range properties.
For true budget bets, you'll need to look towards the airport area, which is not as far removed from the city center as many airports are and holds a number of good-value chain motel and hotel options.
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Where to Stay in Salt Lake City for Luxury
The Grand America Hotel is Salt Lake City's most luxurious, and only five-star, property. This old-world, European-style hotel is an opulent affair in a landmark, white-stone building downtown. The 775 rooms and suites have a grandiose feel and are richly appointed with lots of crimson and gold accents, custom furnishings, marble bathrooms, and plenty of space to move around.
On-site amenities include an American restaurant, an elegant lounge serving afternoon tea, two swimming pools, a spa, and boutique shops. There is paid parking available if you're traveling with a car.
Another luxury sleep in the downtown area is the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City in a former bank building. It has an eclectic vibe, which is appealing to young couples. That said, it also works for families and offers babysitting services. The hotel provides in-room goldfish upon request and is known for being super pet-friendly should you be traveling with a pup.
Rooms and suites are stylish, with fun decor, and are very comfortable. On-site amenities include a restaurant, fitness center, and paid parking. There is also free coffee in the morning and a nightly reception in the lobby.
Set on 10 acres of beautiful grounds landscaped with fountains and flowers, in the heart of downtown, Little Hotel America is also a good luxury pick. This large property features elegantly decorated rooms, which are clean and comfortable.
Staff members are friendly and professional, and on-site amenities include a steakhouse restaurant, coffee shop, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a large fitness center with male and female locker rooms and saunas.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City: Mid-Range
For a great location in downtown, try the Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Downtown. This modern property offers elegant, contemporary rooms with custom-made beds and appealing dark wood headboards and side tables. The suites feature separate living spaces and Jacuzzi bathtubs.
On-site amenities include an American restaurant and a 24-hour convenience store. There is also an indoor pool, hot tub, and gym. If you have a car, parking is free. If you're coming from the airport without a vehicle, the hotel runs a free 24/7 airport shuttle.
One of the best mid-range hotels in Salt Lake City is University Guest House & Conference Center, which is located on the University of Utah campus, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. It is a popular pick for families or anyone coming to visit a university student or patients at the University Medical Center, also on the grounds.
The rooms are tastefully decorated and come with microwaves and mini-fridges, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. On-site amenities include a free hot breakfast buffet, gym, free shuttle around campus, coin-operated laundry, and free parking.
Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City/University-Foothill Drive is another solid mid-range option on the outskirts of Salt Lake City. It features panoramic city and mountain views thanks to a location on a hill above the city. The hotel is also near the University of Utah and runs a free shuttle service to city attractions.
The 81 rooms and suites are spacious, clean, and comfortable and come with work desks, mini-fridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. Suites feature kitchenettes and pullout couches. Perks of staying include a free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, an indoor swimming pool, and a gym.
If you want to be close to the airport, check out the Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City. Just one mile from the airport, it offers a free 24-hour shuttle service to guests. The rooms and suites here, including options for families, are modern and comfortable.
Amenities include a restaurant that does room-service in the evenings. There is also a swimming pool, fitness center, and free parking. If you need a babysitter, this can also be arranged.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City on a Budget
Metropolitan Inn is a centrally located budget hotel within walking distance of a few restaurants and shops. The hotel offers basic rooms, which are clean and feature really comfy Tempur-Pedic beds, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and cable TV. The suites add more space and can sleep up to four people, making them ideal for families.
On-site amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast, free parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, coin-operated laundry, and business center.
Nearly all of Salt Lake City's budget options are close to the airport, and the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport is one of the best of its kind. The property offers clean and comfortable rooms, which manage to block out the noise of jets taking off and landing fairly well. They also feature flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi.
Suites also come with sofa beds and kitchenettes, making them a good choice for families. A free continental breakfast is included, as is a shuttle to and from the airport and parking. There is a fitness center on-site as well.
Another budget option near the airport is Comfort Suites Airport. The good-value hotel offers clean and comfy suites that are perfect for families. The hotel runs a free airport shuttle and also offers a complimentary breakfast. Kids stay free here, and there is a swimming pool and fitness center on-site.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City for Families
Hyatt Place Salt Lake City - Downtown is located right downtown, less than three quarters of a mile from the Salt Lake Temple and surrounding Temple Square, and is a popular choice for families. It is not only good value, but all rooms come with separate sleeping and living areas with pullout couches. They are also clean and comfortable with amenities like large flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges.
A free hot breakfast is included in the rate, and a market cafe stays open 24 hours on-site. Other amenities include a gym, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and business center.
Another family-friendly downtown hotel option is Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City - Downtown, which is within walking distance of Washington Square. It features spacious rooms, with their own sitting areas, which are clean and comfortable and come with mini-fridges and microwaves.
The suites add more sleeping space and Jacuzzi tubs in the bedrooms. Amenities include a hot breakfast buffet, parking, a 24-hour convenience store, workout room, indoor swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi. There is also a free airport shuttle.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City for Couples
Couples like the Peery Hotel, which has been operational since 1910 and is within walking distance of Temple Square and other downtown sightseeing attractions. The rooms are elegantly decorated with period furnishings, framed art, and bold splashes of color, as well as modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. They all feature alluring city views.
On-site amenities include a restaurant with a wood-fired oven serving up modern American fare and a workout room. Parking is available for a fee, but the Wi-Fi is free.
The Anniversary Inn - Fifth South is another popular couples' choice in the vibrant Central City neighborhood. An eclectic bed-and-breakfast, it features one-of-a-kind themed, fantasy suites, from The Wild West to Phantom of the Opera and The Mysteries of Egypt.
The Romeo and Juliet suite comes with swanky marble columns and an impressive marble staircase leading to the bedroom with a king-sized bed and jetted tub. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, cheesecake, and refreshments.
The Ellerbeck Mansion Bed & Breakfast is another romantic choice. It is located in a residential neighborhood that is just a quick five-block walk from downtown attractions like Temple Square. The rooms have a romantic Victorian-era vibe, and each one has a different look and color scheme. Some have four-poster beds draped with lace curtains. Couples massages can also be arranged.
Amenities include free breakfast and parking. There is also a concierge that can arrange dinner reservations in Salt Lake City or a day trip to go skiing at one of the nearby ski areas, like Park City and Deer Valley, that are a mere 45 minutes drive from the hotel.
