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Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Southwest, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    For travelers mindful of budget, hostels provide dormitory-style rooms, often with shared facilities. Some also offer private rooms. Hostels exist mainly in the downtown area, fostering a social atmosphere and chances to meet other travelers. The Avenues Hostel is an example. Book through Hostelworld.

  • Motels

    Economical choices, motels frequently line major roads and sit slightly outside the immediate city center. They usually present basic amenities, free parking, and highway access. They are a practical choice for travelers with a car.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    Numerous options from major hotel chains (for example, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express) are widely present in downtown, the Sugar House neighborhood, and near the airport. They feature comfortable rooms, often with amenities like fitness centers, pools, and complimentary breakfast. Find options on Booking.com, Agoda, or IHG Hotels.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Salt Lake City presents upscale properties, largely concentrated downtown. These hotels feature refined amenities, fine dining establishments, spas, and a high degree of service. The Grand America Hotel, Little America Hotel, and the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City are examples. Explore luxury stays on Booking.com or Agoda.

Specialty Lodging

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish hotels with unique character, often in historic buildings. These present a more personalized stay and distinct design elements. Hotel Monaco (a Kimpton property) is a well-known example in downtown Salt Lake City, situated in a renovated historic building. Search on Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Charming, independently run B&Bs create a cozy atmosphere, frequently with personalized service and homemade breakfasts. These are notable in historic neighborhoods like The Avenues. Discover B&Bs on Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Platforms like Vrbo offer a wide selection. These cater to families, groups, or travelers planning longer stays, frequently providing more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Homestay & Community-Based Tourism

    While Salt Lake City lacks formal programs, some vacation rentals present a homestay-like experience, supporting direct interaction with local hosts. This provides local insights. Explore options on TrustedHousesitters for house/pet sitting exchanges.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area offers a distinct character, proximity to attractions, and ambiance.

Downtown

Pros
  • Central location
  • Public transport (TRAX) access
  • High walkability to major attractions
  • Wide range of dining and nightlife
Cons / Safety
  • Can be busy during the day
  • Some areas quiet after business hours
  • Parking costly
  • General urban precautions apply late at night

Capitol Hill / The Avenues

Pros
  • Quieter ambiance
  • Scenic views
  • Historic charm
  • Close to downtown attractions
Cons / Safety
  • Hilly terrain in The Avenues
  • Fewer dining/shopping options within area
  • Short ride or longer walk to reach main commercial areas
  • Mainly residential, considered very safe

University / Foothill

Pros
  • Good for families
  • Access to cultural institutions
  • Close to outdoor recreation
  • Generally quiet and well-maintained
Cons / Safety
  • Further from downtown core
  • Public transport or car needed for major city attractions
  • Very safe, student-oriented population

Considerations

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation

Downtown: Best for walking to Temple Square, City Creek Center, The Gateway, with direct TRAX access. Capitol Hill / Avenues: Near Capitol Building, short walk or ride to downtown. University: Direct TRAX to downtown. Sugar House: Direct TRAX to downtown. Near Airport: Direct TRAX to downtown.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Downtown: Can be busy and noisy, especially near entertainment venues on weekend nights. Residential Neighborhoods (Capitol Hill, Avenues): Much quieter, a peaceful retreat. Sugar House: Lively, especially in its commercial core, but generally pleasant without excessive noise.

Booking Strategies

Strategic booking finds the best accommodation at the right price, especially during peak seasons.

Optimizing Your Reservation

  • Advance Booking Recommendations: High Season (Winter Ski & Summer Peak): 3-6 months ahead. Shoulder Season (April-May & Sep-Oct): 1-3 months ahead. Low Season (Nov & Early Dec, Mid-March to Mid-April): 2-4 weeks ahead. Conferences and Events: Check city event calendar and book well ahead.
  • Trusted Booking Platforms: Major Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Agoda. Vacation Rental Platforms: Vrbo. Direct Hotel Websites: Compare prices; often loyalty benefits exist.

Important Considerations

  • Negotiation Customs: Negotiating walk-in rates is not common in the U.S. Hotel industry. Online booking typically offers better rates. Arriving without a reservation, especially during peak times, risks higher prices or no room.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: These vary by property and platform. Review specific deposit requirements and cancellation policies carefully. Most standard hotel rates feature free cancellation up to 24-72 hours before check-in. Non-refundable rates are usually cheaper but carry more risk if plans change.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Accommodation prices are typically highest during winter ski season (Jan-March) and peak summer (July-Aug). Lowest prices often occur in November, early December, and parts of spring (April-May), outside university events or major conventions.

Accommodation Recommendations

Budget
  • Avenues Hostel, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport
  • Notes: Hostel: dorms and private rooms, good for social travelers. Motels: basic, clean rooms.
Mid-Range
  • Hyatt Place Salt Lake City / Downtown, Hampton Inn Salt Lake City-Downtown
  • Notes: Reliable national chains. Comfortable rooms, good amenities, often complimentary breakfast.
Luxury
  • The Grand America Hotel, Little America Hotel, Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
  • Notes: Upscale amenities like spas, fine dining, pools. Central locations add convenience.
Family-Friendly
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown, Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-Downtown
  • Notes: Suite-style hotels with kitchenettes or full kitchens. Often include pools and complimentary breakfast, with more space.

More Recommendations

Solo Traveler

Avenues Hostel, Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City. Hostels: budget-friendly, social. Boutique hotels: unique, stylish experience for higher spending.

Long-Stay

Extended Stay America (various locations), Airbnb rentals. Kitchenettes or full kitchens for self-catering. Consider weekly or monthly discounts.

Cultural/Historic

Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City (historic building), Inn on the Hill (B&B in Avenues). These properties feature unique character, often in beautifully renovated historic buildings or charming B&B settings.

Neighborhood Breakdown

Downtown & Capitol Hill

Downtown Core

The central business district, a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture.

  • Home to Temple Square, City Creek Center, The Gateway.
  • Excellent public transport (TRAX) access and walkability.
  • Wide range of dining and nightlife options.
  • Can be busy; general urban precautions apply.
Capitol Hill / The Avenues

Mainly residential, historic neighborhoods north of downtown.

  • Home to the Utah State Capitol Building with panoramic city views.
  • Known for charming Victorian homes and tree-lined streets.
  • Quieter ambiance and scenic views.
  • Hilly terrain; fewer dining options directly in the area.

University & Sugar House

University / Foothill Area

Located east of downtown, centering around the University of Utah.

  • Suitable for families, with access to cultural institutions.
  • Close to outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • Generally quiet and well-maintained.
  • Further from downtown; public transport or car needed for attractions.
Sugar House

A trendy, historic neighborhood southeast of downtown.

  • Known for independent shops, local restaurants, bars.
  • Popular Sugar House Park is located here.
  • Lively, local vibe with a strong sense of community.
  • Well-connected to downtown by TRAX.

Airport & Suburban Convenience

  • Near Airport / West Valley

    Mainly commercial, featuring many chain hotels. This area is convenient for early morning flights or late arrivals.

  • Pros

    Close proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Often provides lower prices for chain hotels. Easy highway access for quick departures.

  • Cons

    Lacks the unique character of other neighborhoods. Requires transportation to reach city attractions. Limited local dining options, mostly chain restaurants.

  • Safety

    Generally safe, typical of a suburban commercial area.

Choosing Your Stay

  • Consider your travel plans

    For access to downtown attractions, staying central is ideal. For a quieter, more local experience, Sugar House or The Avenues are good options.

  • Public Transport

    TRAX light rail connects downtown, the University area, Sugar House, and the airport, making travel without a car quite feasible for many main attractions.

  • Walkability

    Downtown is highly walkable, allowing easy access to major sites on foot. Other areas may necessitate a mix of walking and public transit.

  • Ambiance Preference

    Choose between the energetic pulse of downtown or the tranquil, tree-lined streets of residential areas, based on your preference for atmosphere.

Booking Essentials

Advance Booking

For high season (ski season & summer), book 3-6 months ahead. Shoulder season (spring/fall) allows 1-3 months. Low season can mean 2-4 weeks advance booking.

  • Always check for major city events or conventions, as these cause price surges.
  • Online travel agencies offer broad selections.
Policies & Prices

Deposit and cancellation policies vary. Always review them before finalizing your reservation.

  • Most standard rates offer free cancellation up to 24-72 hours prior.
  • Non-refundable rates are usually cheaper but carry more risk.
  • Walk-in rates are rarely better than online pre-bookings in the U.S.

Price Tiers & Examples

Budget ~$50-$100/night

Avenues Hostel, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport. Offers basic, clean rooms, ideal for social or budget-conscious travelers.

Mid-Range ~$150-$250/night

Hyatt Place Salt Lake City / Downtown, Hampton Inn Salt Lake City-Downtown. Reliable national chains with comfortable rooms and amenities.

Luxury ~$250+/night

The Grand America Hotel, Little America Hotel, Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City. Upscale amenities, fine dining, and prime downtown locations.