Utah’s scintillating capital Salt Lake City lies tucked nicely between the craggy peaks of the Wasatch Mountain range and the Great Salt Lake. Besides being Utah’s only city with an international airport, SLC, as it’s fondly called, is all about fantastic food, even better people, and the great outdoors. The city brims with creative cafes, breweries, and trendy restaurants that’ll keep you on a “taste high.” What’s more, its snowy mountains, gushing rivers, salt flats, and red-rock arches are a haven for intrepid adventurers. Thus, staying at one of the best hotel in Salt Lake City, UT is like the cherry on top. No matter what you’re visiting SLC for, you’ll find lodging experiences that are tailored for you, whether they’re lavish hotels or boutique stays that are hidden gems. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also home to some of Utah’s Best Ski Resorts too!
There’s a ton to do in Salt Lake City, which is one of the Best US Winter Vacation spots. It’s perhaps known most for the Bonneville Salt Flats, which is amongst the World’s Most Stunning Salt Flats. Exploring the city, thus, requires a few good numbers of days. And while staying in this stylish capital, why not stay in style? To that end, here are the 13 options for the coolest and best hotel in Salt Lake City, UT.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City?
Multicultural SLC has a host of neighborhoods that cater to a diverse array of travelers, budgets, and needs. The epicenter of everything in the city is Downtown, a lively and buzzing district housing SLC’s best entertainment, dining, sports, and cultural hotspots. It’s also well-connected via public transport system and is the perfect base for sightseeing or if you’re visiting SLC for the first time. East SLC is for those who want to get away from the bustle – it’s also where lies the famed Museum of Natural History and Hogle Zoo, making it great for families too. Next, we have what is one of SLC’s oldest, and coolest, neighborhoods, Sugar House. The hipster area is brimming with bistro-style eateries and massive streetside murals.
Those who love Utah’s landscapes will love the University and Foothill neighborhoods, which lie on SLC’s eastern fringes and offer stunning views of the mountains surrounding the city. Finally, we have Central City and Avenues/Capitol Hill. The former is home to haute couture and historical landmarks and is more residential. Capitol Hill features some of the most famous landmarks and buildings in the state and generally has a wide and open feel.
Cliff Lodge and Spa
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The best hotel in Salt Lake City, or rather outside it near the mountains is the Cliff Lodge and Spa. Located less than half an hour from SLC, this iconic ski lodge deserves your consideration if you’re planning to hit the slopes. The lodge offers superb vistas of Little Cottonwood Canyon from every room. What’s more, it looks after the needs of skiers and has complimentary ski lockers, an on-site ski repair and rental shop, and incredible ski-in/ski-out convenience. After a day of exploring SLC or zipping down the mountains, enjoy a relaxing dip at one of its many pools, especially the rooftop one with a hot tub and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.
Post a swim and soak, indulge in a decadent treatment at the on-site spa, or stay warm on the heated decks and enjoy an alfresco meal around the gas fire pits. If you want to work up an appetite, there’s even a fitness center and a yoga studio. If that wasn’t enough, you have the choice of 15 restaurants to choose from to dine at. Its rooms are equally impressive and are a meld of luxury and gorgeous mountain decor. Plush beds, heavenly views, and swish bathrooms make your stay memorable.
Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast
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If you’re someone who loves the home-like charm of a bed and breakfast, then Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast is for you. One of the best hotels in Salt Lake City UT for a romantic sojourn, it lies in a historic house full of antiques in the quiet Central City. With just seven rooms to choose from, staying here is as intimate as it gets. Free parking, laundry, and Wi-Fi aside. you’ll absolutely adore the rooms which have four-poster beds, writing desks, and chic bathrooms. The best bit is that some bathrooms even come with bathtubs to enjoy a languorous soak with your significant other at the end of a long day of exploring SLC.
In fact, a few even have little patios with cute alfresco furniture where you can sit and dig into a delicious made-to-order breakfast. Choose from lip-smacking dishes such as thyme scrambled eggs, stuffed French toast with Nutella, and baked frittatas. At the end of the day, sip coffee on the shared patio or in the lush garden that’s blossoming with flowers and shrubs.
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel At Temple Square
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The historic Mormon Temple Square is not only amongst the Top Things To Do In Salt Lake City but also the city’s most-visited attraction. And you won’t find a place better than Salt Lake Plaza Hotel At Temple Square to explore this landmark – it lies right next to it! In fact, when you step out of the hotel’s back door, you’ll find yourself right in front of the Genealogy Library. What’s more, most of SLC’s other attractions are within walking distance, so you can skip car rentals altogether! Aside from the location, free parking, and Wi-Fi, the hotel’s biggest draw is the outdoor seasonal pool as well as an indoor Jacuzzi. So, there’s nothing better to do at the day’s end than enjoy a swim and a soak in the pool and jacuzzi.
Bibliophiles, on the other hand, can head straight to the guest library, which has the choicest selections of books. A cash machine, tour desk, gym, and business center cater to the needs of a wide variety of travelers. However, it’s the rooms here that are most impressive, which come with microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Wrapping up the offerings are cloud-like beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and immaculate bathrooms, making for excellent value in a fantastic location.
The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown
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Are you a fan of history, legends, myths, and everything in-between? Then head straight to The Peery, one of the best hotels in Salt Lake City UT for culture vultures. It sits in a 1910-built, National Historic Register-listed Early Prairie-style structure that radiates oodles of charm. The hotel was an elegant haven for those who struck it rich during Utah’s mining boom. Even today, it has remnants of its early 20th-century origins such as chandeliers and an old, timeless elevator. Nevertheless, the hotel is chock-full of modern amenities, whether it’s the 24-hour fitness center or the business center. Plus, there’s free Wi-Fi everywhere in the hotel, so they sure know how to meld the old and the new.
The spacious and grand lobby is an excellent place to relax. It boasts numerous chandeliers, cushy leather sofas, and a roaring fireplace that’s a blessing in the winter. Sip on free tea or coffee while reading a book or people watching. Even the rooms are spacious and comfortable with cushy armchairs, writing desks, coffeemakers, and spotless bathrooms. Plus, most of them enjoy views of the city from their floor-to-ceiling windows.
Radisson Hotel Salt Lake Airport
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If you want to stay in the best hotel in Salt Lake City close to the airport, then we’d highly recommend Radisson Hotel Salt Lake Airport that lies just 5 minutes away. What’s more, it’s within walking distance of a light rail station that’ll take you Downtown in 30 minutes. There’s a lot to like about this hotel, especially if you’re arriving or leaving at odd hours. That’s because it has a 24-hour front desk and business center and even a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service. Also, it’s one of the few airport hotels that has a superb outdoor pool and a hot tub, complete with sunbeds and alfresco furniture. If you’re a fitness fanatic, then the fitness center will highly appeal to you. At the end of the day, nothing beats enjoying a grilling dinner around the fire pit.
You’ll love the classically furnished rooms at this hotel too, all of which come with the coziest beddings and spacious workspaces for business travelers. Moreover, you’ll find tea/coffee-making facilities and a fridge for storing meals and enjoying your morning cuppa. It’s no wonder then that the Radisson is considered amongst the Best Hotels in Salt Lake City Near the Airport.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
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Design aficionados will absolutely love Kimpton Hotel Monaco, one of the most good-looking and best hotels in Salt Lake City UT. Every nook and cranny of the hotel is visually delightful – think yoga mats in every room, whimsical horse-shaped headlamps, and a lobby wall of mirrors. The hotel also pays particular attention to service. For instance, when you arrive after a long day of discovering SLC’s delights, a lobby wine reception awaits you every evening. Plus, you get to drink as many cups of tea or coffee you want in the morning as you wait for your tour guide. You could also grab a nightcap at the snazzy bar and tuck into dinner at the on-site restaurant Bambara, one of the hottest eating spots in town for New American cuisine. In fact, you’ll even find ski storage services and a fitness center here.
Perhaps its biggest plus point is that the hotel is pet-friendly, just like all other Kimpton hotels. So, not only can your furry friend stay for free, but also the hotel spoils them silly with water bowls, food, and soft pet beds! If that wasn’t enough, every pet is welcomed by name at check-in – now that’s what you call service!
That said, it’s the rooms that are the biggest delight at this Kimpton hotel. Besides state-of-the-art amenities such as docking stations and flatscreen TVs, you’ll also find soft bathrobes, a cloud-like heavenly bed, and bathtubs. The icing on the cake is that Kimpton SLC offers in-room spa services as well.
Little America Hotel Salt Lake City
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Discerning travelers who want to experience royal treatment on a budget should head straight to Little America Hotel, the best hotel in Salt Lake City. Sitting right across from her pricier sister hotel Grand America, this hotel is famous for housing what is SLC’s largest indoor/outdoor pool. What’s more, it even has a seasonal garden pool that’s perfect for enjoying a relaxing dip during summers, surrounded by Salt Lake City’s foliage. After a swim, tuck into coffee or a croissant or sip drinks from the bar right by the pool. Or, you could head to the whirlpool and sauna and continue with your decadent relaxation session. For those who want to get in some exercise, the fitness center is great. Begin your day on a high note at Lucky H Bar & Grille, which offers an excellent breakfast, apart from other meals.
Rooms at Little America are divided into tower rooms in pastel hues and courtside and garden rooms, where a dusty rose shade rules the roost. Nevertheless, all rooms are elegantly furnished and feature French-inspired decor, free Wifi, flatscreen TVs, and modern bathrooms with bathtubs. Even swanky iPod docking stations, coffeemakers, and separate sitting areas are common in all rooms. For those who have a rental car, there’s free parking too. If you don’t, the hotel conveniently sits on a light rail line for your convenience.
The Grand America
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Do you want to splurge on a stay in Salt Lake City? Then The Grand America, one of the most lavish best hotels in Salt Lake City UT, is where you should be staying. Located on sprawling lush land in downtown SLC, staying here is a grand experience. Choose from 775 gorgeous and elegant rooms, all of which feature massive floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the landscaped gardens or the city. You’ll also find swanky Italian Carrera marble bathrooms, plush wool carpets, original artwork, and handcrafted Richelieu furniture. Whether you’re indulging in a romantic or luxurious vacation, The Grand America’s rooms are perfect. What’s even fancier is how the hotel pampers their guests – think turndown services with homemade cookies and milk, freshly baked cakes, and fragrant floral arrangements. It’s no wonder that it’s the only five-diamond hotel in SLC).
When you do step out of the decadence of the rooms, work out in the 24-hour fitness center or enjoy a swim in the cool waters of the indoor pool. When you want to unwind, head off for an indulgent massage session at the relaxing spa. Are you here with your kids? The toy store is sure to capture your kids’ imaginations with robots, fairies, and what-not. Finally, the hotel has a host of on-site restaurants that serve, apart from meals, baked goodies, afternoon tea, and Sunday brunch too.
The Anniversary Inn
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For a true one-of-a-kind and romantic Salt Lake City hotel experience, try the fabulous adults-only Anniversary Inn. The iconic place of stay has elaborately themed rooms featuring vintage decor that transports you to a different era. Are you a fan of the Wild West era? You could sleep in a covered wagon, just like those times of yore, and “mosey” into the inn for a hot bath and breakfast. Do you dream of yourself as Aladin and Jasmine? Go for the Sultan’s Palace, where the bed sits on two elephants and the jetted tub is surrounded by a dragon! Or, if you fancy yourself as a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, then climb a spiral staircase to your tree bed. No matter in what form you feel like staying, the Anniversary Inn will ensure a memorable staying experience.
No matter what kind of room you choose, all of them feature bathrobes, fridges, DVD players, and satellite TVs. Since it’s an adults-only place, all rooms come with divine 2-person spa baths and bespoke toiletries. The rest of the inn is equally charming and captivating. Tuck into a hearty complimentary breakfast in the morning, and enjoy free sparkling cider and cheesecake on the patio. When you check-in, you’re even treated to some crunchy, homemade cookies.
Castle Creek Inn
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Located just 15 minutes from downtown SLC, Castle Creek Inn is one of the best hotels in Salt Lake City UT. Those who love whimsy, fantasy, and fairytales will love this place as it literally lies inside a castle! Radiating lots of old-world charm, the inn blends the rustic experience with modern living aspects such as online movies and fast Wi-fi. What’s more, rooms at this property are themed, such as the King’s Lodge, its largest room, the serene Ivanhoe, or the romantic Romeo and Juliet. Watch movies all night long in the Versailles room and munch on snacks from the all-night snack bar. If you’re on your honeymoon, then sink into the European-style tub at Rapunzel’s Tower. Nevertheless, all rooms come with relaxing seating areas and chic private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.
The inn sits in a wonderfully lush garden with alfresco furniture where you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine. The fireplace in the living area is a great place to read a book during winters. You get to choose breakfast from an extensive menu that includes everything from pancakes and egg dishes to muffins and bacon. In fact, you can even enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your room.
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
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Topping the list of the best hotel in Salt Lake City is Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek. Sitting right in the heart of downtown, the hotel is the perfect luxurious base for exploring the town. A modern lobby with tons of natural light and a roaring fireplace welcomes you within. With 510 rooms and suites spread across 16 floors, this is definitely one of the largest hotels in SLC. Rooms are modern and spacious and feature plush beds, writing desks, flatscreen TVs, and immaculate en-suite bathrooms. Outlets are conveniently located everywhere, and you’ll even find mini-fridges, ironing boards, and even patios and balconies with views of Temple Square.
Just like any other Marriott hotel, this one has a slew of amenities. Choose from hot, American, or continental breakfasts during your stay, all of which cost between $10 and 16. The indoor/outdoor pool is a great way to relax after an entire day of sightseeing, and you can lounge on the sunbeds after. For those who don’t like missing on workout regimens, the fitness center here is just perfect.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Salt Lake City:
- Salt Lake City Bike and Brew Tour: Indulge in an urban bike tour of the best breweries in Salt Lake City. Listen to their history, sample some excellent complimentary brews, and have all your questions answered by a fun and knowledgeable guide.
- Penny Ann’s Cafe: This lovely home-style eatery serves lip-smacking American breakfast and lunch items, for which it has won multiple awards. If you’re here for breakfast, don’t miss tucking into hotcakes served with syrup and butter. When you’re here for lunch, get the tomato-basil cream house-made pasta.
Recommended Activities in Salt Lake City:
- From Salt Lake City: Private Tour of Arches National Park: The legendary red-colored geological rock formations of Arches National Park is perhaps what Utah is most known for. Take an entire day to explore this incredible national park, which lies merely a few hours out of Salt Lake City.
- Salt Lake City Great Salt Lake Tour by Bus with Guide: The Great Salt Lake is the American version of the “Dead Sea,” and is the western hemisphere’s saltiest lake. Spy stunning views of this lake from the panoramic touring windows of your small tour bus while listening to enthralling stories and fascinating mysteries told by your expert guide.
