Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

Best known as the worldwide headquarters of the Church of Latter-Day Saints (also referred to as the Mormon Church), the terrain of Salt Lake City is spectacular, with the mountain ranges of the Wasatch Front towering over the valley just to the east. In winter, these mountains are blanketed in the light, airy snow that renders the ski resorts of Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude, as well as the more renowned ones surrounding Park City, some of the most popular in America. The ski runs additionally offer hikers and mountain-bikers access to alpine lakes and pine woodlands in the summer. Mormon history provides most of the allure in the city itself, though there is a smattering of engaging museums, the elegant Utah State Capitol building, and a developing culinary scene to explore.

Many top attractions in Salt Lake City are located in the Downtown area or the nearby Capitol Hill and Avenues districts to the north, with the Mormon complexes, churches, and museums around Temple Square being major focal points. There is also plenty to explore in the University/Foothill neighborhood and surrounding the Great Salt Lake itself just west of the city. We`ve also covered the neighboring cities of Park City,Provo, and Ogden here, with the former being one of America`s largest and most visited ski resorts.

Though Salt Lake City offers a wide variety of lodging options, with many choices Downtown, it mostly consists of chain hotels, with several motels clustered along the surrounding highways. There are a few bed and breakfasts in the city, with Avenues being the best area to search.

Public buses and TRAX trams are run by the Utah Transit Authority, connecting all the mentioned areas. Fares are $2.50 but journeys within Downtown are free of charge.

The FrontRunner train service ($2.50 base fare, with $0.60 per additional stop) connects Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo.

• Salt Lake City International Airport is 4 miles west of Downtown. The public transportation connects the airport with the city center for just $2.50 (every 15 minutes).

Though Downtown is relatively compact and easy to explore on foot, a vehicle is necessary to make the most of the broader city and surrounding attractions. Relying entirely on public transportation is possible (there is even a bus to Park City, which has its own transit system), but it’s far less convenient, especially when heading into the mountains or around the Great Salt Lake.

We’ve examined our favorite neighborhoods to explore and stay in more thoroughly below, but with extra time, these regions are also worthwhile to check out:

In the area directly east of Downtown is the primary attraction, the Utah State Fairpark, home to the annual Utah State Fair (usually September). Due to its close proximity to the airport, there exists a significant cluster of chain hotels and motels along I-80 in this vicinity. While not ideally positioned for Downtown, our preferred accommodations here include the Comfort Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport,Hampton Inn & Suites Airport,Holiday Inn & Suites Airport West,Residence Inn Airport, and the excellent value Tru Airport.

• A few miles southwest of Downtown, West Valley City is primarily known as the location of the Maverik Center, home of the Utah Grizzlies hockey team and a popular performance venue. Our preferred lodging options in this large, suburban area – generally situated along the I-215 corridor – include the Hampton Inn West Valley,Home2 Suites West Valley City,SpringHill Suites West Valley, and TownePlace Suites West Valley.

• Great Salt Lake: Not a neighborhood, but a fascinating natural feature just west of the city and the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. It creates a stunning spectacle in the clear morning light, though only a small number of locations allow access to it. The best is Antelope Island State Park, off Interstate 15 exit 332, some 40 miles northeast of Downtown Salt Lake City. Here there are bison enclosures, lots of pronghorn (antelopes), and amazing views. Quicker to reach is Great Salt Lake State Park, 16 miles west of Downtown on Interstate 80, yet beyond a marina there’s little here. On the far northern arm of the lake lies Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty, a huge basalt rock sculpture. The nearest hotel to the lake is the Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele off Interstate 80, at the southern end; camping is also a possibility at Antelope Island State Park.

Best Places to Stay in Salt Lake City

• Best Luxury Hotels in Salt Lake City

  Visiting the Getty Center, home to entities like the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Foundation, the Getty Research Institute, and the Getty Conservation Institute, is among the top activities in Los Angeles. Works by notable names like Leonardo da Vinci, Goya and Rembrandt, among others, are showcased here. I recommend exploring this place if you’re interested in art, although going there is also something interesting to do in Los Angeles if it rains.

• Best Boutique Hotels in Salt Lake City
  The AC Downtown and Kimpton Monaco offer lodging options.
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• Preferred Low-cost & Moderate-cost Lodgings in Salt Lake City

  Traveling throughout the picturesque Viñales Valley area is another excellent activity available in Cuba. This exceptionally scenic natural locale is considered one of the country`s most beautiful and well-known attractions, having been designated both a National Monument and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Here, visitors will discover the special geological formations known as “mogotes.” These are round limestone elevations or mounds that create a distinctive and appealing panorama throughout the Viñales Valley.

• Best Hostel in Salt Lake City
  Avenues Hostel

Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City for…

• Premier area of town for initial visitors/sightseeing: Downtown
  Unless you`ve come to spend time engaging in winter sports like skiing or explore the outdoors through hiking and biking during warmer months, staying in Downtown Salt Lake City makes practical sense. This area is home to the major religious and historical landmarks tied to the Mormon faith in addition to the principal retail and entertainment district focused on Main Street. The hotel choices don`t provide especially exciting options, but there are many options available and some offer good value for money. The primary train, cable car, and bus hubs are also located here, creating ease of access to visit the University district, Provo, and Ogden as well as smaller neighborhoods such as Sugar House.
• Most Romantic Neighborhood: Avenues
  The B&Bs in the Avenues neighborhood offer an excellent environment for couples – the Anniversary Inn-South Temple is located in a spectacular old mansion on Temple Street, a leafy road lined with similarly beautiful Victorians (like the Governor’s Mansion). The restaurant/craft brewer Avenues Proper is perfect for a romantic evening out, and City Creek Canyon is interlaced with tranquil hiking trails. Hatch Family Chocolates is also located here, overflowing with sweet treats. The historic Salt Lake City Cemetery is renowned for its bright pink crabapple blossoms in the spring and flashes of yellow and red maple leaves in the autumn. And though it’s an upscale, quiet neighborhood, it’s just minutes away by bus from Downtown
• Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife: Downtown and Granary

Thanks to a series of revitalization projects, Downtown’s Main Street is once more the hub of the city’s primary entertainment district, anchored by the contemporary Eccles Theatre. Other highlights include drinking establishments like White Horse Spirits & Kitchen and Bodega and The Rest, no frills pubs and microbreweries like Squatters Pub and the Beehive, piano bar Keys On Main, and busy nightclubs like Sky SLC.

South of the area, the older warehouse area of The Granary has turned into a developing neighborhood of microbreweries and bars – Fisher Brewing Company and Kiitos Brewing are smart choices – but there are numerous others. The State Room is the best venue for live bands. You can stay right in the heart of the area at the new evo Hotel. There are also a couple of cheaper hostels – Camelot Inn & Hostel and SLC Hostel – and SpringHill Suites Downtown, right on Granary’s northern boundary (W 600 South Street).

• Best Neighborhoods for Cuisine and Eateries: Downtown and Sugar House
  The dining options in Salt Lake City vary, with highly rated locations spread throughout the metro region and to the north and south along the Utah Valley (e.g. the exceptional Log Haven sits alone halfway up Millcreek Canyon). For visitors, downtown likely provides the best choices as there are many options in a small area: excellent Italian cuisine at Caffé Molise, a convenient branch of the popular taco establishment Taqueria 27, and the elegant White Horse Spirits & Kitchen).

  Food aficionados should also check out no less than one area external to Salt Lake`s downtown. Sugar House stands as our favorite locale, with fare spanning juicy hamburgers to authentic Italian cuisine and Vietnamese phở. Highlights encompass the domestic branch of cult burger chain Burgers Grilled Right, plant-based meals at Lil Lotus, superb Vietnamese fare at Little Saigon and SOMI Vietnamese Bistro,SugarHouse BBQ, the doner kebabs at Spitz, and an accommodating branch of the Wasatch Brew Pub.

• Best Neighborhoods for Shopping: Downtown and Central City
  Downtown presents a fine place to commence shopping in Salt Lake City, with a couple significant indoor shopping complexes – City Creek Center and The Gateway – and an aisle of favored stores along Main Street such as H&M and Macy’s).

  However, it’s also worthwhile checking out Central City, known for its art galleries and Trolley Square, an indoor mall featuring both high street brands and designer stores – check out Himalayan Artswear. There’s also the tiny sub-district in Central City known as 9th and 9th (centered around the intersection of 900 S and 900 E streets), lined with restaurants and independent stores like The Children’s Hour. The only lodging nearby is a B&B, the Anniversary Inn 5th South.

  We also suggest visiting Millcreek, 8 miles south of Downtown, particularly for outdoor gear: Black Diamond Equipment. Nearby in East Millbrook are stores like DaleBoot Custom Ski Boots,REI,IME, and Salty Peaks, Utah’s pioneering snowboard shop. A good lodging selection in the area is Home2 Suites East.

• Best Neighborhood for Local Atmosphere: Sugar House
  Some 6 miles southeast from Downtown, Sugar House is one of the city’s oldest and trendiest neighborhoods, with a recent surge of independent shops, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s a great place to wander and examine the local art galleries, bookstores, and small businesses, especially along 2100 South Street and 1100 East Street. There aren`t any real sights to aim for, other than scenic Sugar House Park, featuring a small lake, Parley’s Creek, bike trails, and woods. To avoid tourists, stay down here at Home2 Suites East and SpringHill Suites Sugar House.
• The premier neighborhood for skiing is Cottonwood Heights/Canyons
  Those looking to take in skiing holidays in Utah typically flock to Park City. Yet another possibility exists to incorporate mountain enjoyment with metropolitan attractions: Cottonwood Heights. This suburban area lies 13 miles southeast of Downtown, with reliable road and transportation access to the city center. But what really draws visitors is its proximity to the Wasatch mountains. Being based here means effortless admission to Big Cottonwood Canyon, Ferguson Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon, all crossed with hiking and biking trails. In winter it also ensures entry to 4 significant ski resorts: Alta,Brighton,Snowbird, and Solitude. They all lie within a 20-minute drive from Cottonwood Heights (a private vehicle proves convenient). Brighton Resort offers the most family-oriented experience, while Solitude provides a European-style village with luxurious condos and restaurants. Besides rental homes and condominiums, these represent the top hotels in the vicinity: Courtyard Cottonwood,Hampton Inn Cottonwood,Hyatt Place Cottonwood, and Residence Inn Cottonwood. There’s also a bed and breakfast, the Engen Hus. The local Wasatch Powder House offers ski and bicycle rentals.
• Locations to Avoid in Salt Lake City
  Central Salt Lake City is usually safe, though normal precautions ought to be followed at night. Crime rates have fallen in recent years across the wider region. Pioneer Park in downtown has enhanced significantly, but likely should be avoided at night (together with the vicinity known as Rio Grande between the park and Salt Lake Central). Care is also advised when visiting the Ballpark neighborhood and avoiding Liberty Park at night.

The 6 Best Neighborhoods in and around Salt Lake City for Tourists

1. Downtown

The heart of business in the city, downtown features the traditional shopping district along Main Street that the city has relied on, plenty of restaurants and bars, and in its northern region, most of the significant Mormon buildings (most of which are open to travelers). The spiritual core of the LDS remains Temple Square where the iconic spire-adorned Temple was finished in 1893. Non-Mormons can tour the visitor center located in the Conference Center, the 1880s Assembly Hall, the older Mormon Tabernacle, and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, home to the Nauvoo Café and Legacy Theater. There’s also the Beehive House, constructed in 1854 for Mormon leader Brigham Young, the enlightening Church History Museum, and 2 sites associated with the formidable ancestry research arm of the Mormon church: the Church History Library and the Family History Library.

Non-religious attractions include the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, and family-friendly Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum and Clark Planetarium. The Vivint Arena is home to basketball’s Utah Jazz.

• Public transportation like buses and streetcars is free in most parts of downtown. Visitors can also use GREENbike, the city’s bike sharing program.
• The Downtown area has plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife options as well as the best selection of accommodations in the city; additionally, staying here means being at the central hub for city transportation.
• Highly Recommended Accommodations: AC Downtown – Courtyard Downtown – Grand America – Hyatt House Downtown – Kimpton Monaco – Peery Hotel – Marriott City Center – TownePlace Suites Downtown
• Top-Rated Budget/Moderate-Priced Hotels: Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites – Hampton Inn Downtown – Holiday Inn Express Downtown – Little America Hotel – Salt Lake Plaza

2. Capitol Hill & Avenues

City HostelHostel SLEPSSlamba Hostel

Just across City Creek Canyon to the east lies the similarly upscale Avenues Historic District, dotted with beautifully restored Victorian homes in fine condition. Two good illustrations are the stately Keith Brown Mansion (529 E S Temple St, closed to the public) and the Thomas Kearns Mansion (603 E Temple St), which currently serves as the official Governor’s Mansion and welcomes tours. Nearby is the Cathedral of the Madeleine, the city’s grandest Catholic church boasting an incredibly ornate interior. Avenues is also earning a reputation as an artistic neighborhood, with the Salt Lake Acting Company, trendy coffee shops, and craft breweries such as Avenues Proper. Another favorite spot for sweet treats is Hatch Family Chocolates.

• Avenues is the best neighborhood in the city for B&Bs it’s otherwise easier to find apartment rentals here than hotels. It also boasts the city’s best hostel.
• Staying here means being within walking distance (or a short ride) of Downtown, whilst enjoying a more tranquil, local atmosphere.
• Best Hotel: Kimball at Temple Square
• Top-rated B&Bs:Anniversary Inn South Temple – DeSoto Tudor on Capitol Hill – Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast – Inn On the Hill
• Best Hostel: Avenues Hostel

3. University/Foothill

A few miles east of Downtown, a small grouping of attractions can be found near the lovely campus of the University of Utah and Foothill Drive, the main street of the neighborhood. On the campus itself, the Natural History Museum of Utah celebrates the cultures of Utah’s 8 federally recognized Native American tribes, as well as its prehistoric past, while the Utah Museum of Fine Arts features an enormous collection of works from all around the globe. The Fort Douglas Military Museum (32 Potter St), inside a 19th-century garrison, covers Utah`s history with special focus on its military contributions. Just outside the campus, This Is the Place Heritage State Park is a living history museum, displaying historic properties salvaged from around Utah. Opposite, the medium-sized Hogle Zoo provides fun for kids.

• Though there are a few hotels here, there’s not much to eat or do at night – unless there’s a special reason to be at the university, it’s best to visit on a day-trip from Downtown (by bus or car) or elsewhere.
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4. Park City

One of the largest ski resorts in North America and one of its most consistently popular ones, Park City’s lodgings are priced accordingly, with an abundance of luxury options, posh condominiums, and boutiques. There are some cheaper selections, however, generally at the base of the main Silver Creek Valley along Main Street. Though the Park City Museum does a acceptable job of charting the city’s silver mining heyday in the 19th century, most of Park City’s current downtown is dedicated to ritzy shops and restaurants

The resort area actually contains three main ski territories – Park City Mountain itself, The Canyons (part of the former since 2015), and Deer Valley – each possesses its own “village” and character, but they are close enough to one another to experience on a single trip. The nearby Utah Olympic Park hosted most of the 2002 Winter Olympics events and currently houses the complimentary Alf Engen Ski Museum and the Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum (both daily 9am–6pm). Guided tours of the facilities, still used today as a training center, are also accessible here. The annual Sundance Film Festival also holds most events in Park City (Jan) as well as the nearby Sundance Resort.

• Staying in Park City is all about skiing in winter and hiking, mountain biking, and other adventure sports in summer. It`s not really convenient for exploring Salt Lake City itself, though a day trip (by bus or car) is viable.
• Top Accommodation Options: Flagstaff Lodge – Hotel Park City – Montage Deer Valley – Silver Star Resort at Park City – Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley – St. Regis Deer Valley – Trail’s End Lodge – Washington School House
• High-quality Yet affordable/Mid-budget Hotels: Blue Church Lodge – Chateau Apres Lodge – Park City Hostel – Skiers Lodge

5. Provo

Approximately 45 miles south of Salt Lake City along the Utah Valley exists Provo, which is additionally backed by the scenic peaks of the Wasatch Front; Mount Timpanogos rises especially impressively. Currently the city is a thriving hub for technology and healthcare industries, and it also serves as an excellent base for attractions in nearby Provo Canyon and along the Provo River (endless opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and mountaineering). Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University also have their foundations here, with the Brigham Young campus including 4 excellent (and free) museums: the Brigham Young University Museum of Art, the BYU Life Science Museum, the BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures, and the BYU Museum of Paleontology. Elsewhere, the Provo Pioneer Village is a living history museum that depicts 19th-century life in the region throughout each summer.

• Provo can be easily accessed from Salt Lake City using the regular FrontRunner commuter train services, which take around an hour and run every 30 minutes. As such, having a car is not required to visit Provo from Salt Lake City.
• Premium Accommodations: Hampton Inn Provo – Hyatt Place Provo – Provo Marriott – Residence Inn Provo South University – SpringHill Suites Provo
• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels: Best Western Plus Provo University Inn – Sleep Inn Provo Near University – Suites at Fisherman’s Wharf
• Best B&B: Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast

6. Ogden

The Ogden River flows rapidly through Ogden Canyon to the city of Ogden, located approximately 40 miles north of Salt Lake City in the Utah Valley region. It’s an agreeable place to go (or stay), with a scattering of historical attractions and casual eateries and bars. Learn about the founders of the city at Fort Buenaventura Park, which showcases a replica of the original fort and trading post established there by Miles Goodyear in the 1840s. Union Depot now houses the Museums at Union Station, featuring various exhibits of prints, photographs, decorative arts, costumes, paintings, sculpture, toys, and railroad artifacts.

Families wanting to entertain children will want to view the participatory Treehouse Museum, where kids can make music, dress up, and explore several miniature exhibits. Younger children will also enjoy the Odgen’s George S Eccles Dinosaur Park and Museum.

While back in town, try catching a show at the Peerys Egyptian Theater, decorated in an extravagant Egyptian style (it still shows movies and hosts different performances). The mountains east of Ogden are best known for hosting 3 ski resorts: Snowbasin, the spacious Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley, which serves as the ideal place to learn how to ski (or experience night skiing).

• Ogden is connected to Salt Lake City by regular FrontRunner train services (1 hour, every 30 minutes), so a vehicle is not necessary for a day trip.

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• Quality Budget/Reasonably Priced Accommodations:Best Western Plus High Country Inn Hotel − Tru Hotel Ogden − Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ogden Hotel