With the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop and the shores of Great Salt Lake as a natural buffer, Salt Lake City is a great place to visit if you are looking for culture, outdoor adventure, or business. Whether skiing, visiting Utah's national parks, in town for a convention, or visiting family, discovering where to stay in Salt Lake City can make or break your trip.
This guide will help you understand the best Salt Lake City hotels, divided by area and budget for convenience. Whether you want semi-luxury hotels with mountain views, downtown hotels, family-friendly hotels, or something at the airport, this guide covers it all.
Ideal for: sightseeing, business travelers, nightlife, and easy access to transportation.
Visitors flock to downtown Salt Lake City because of its proximity to attractions, including Temple Square, City Creek Center, the Utah State Capitol, and numerous bars, restaurants, and shops.
Luxury Stay: Grand America Hotel
This five-star property offers ornate rooms, a full-service spa, and garden courtyards. It is ideal for travelers seeking luxury and comfort in an upscale downtown destination.
Mid-Range: Hilton Salt Lake City Center
A convenient location, steps away from Salt Palace Convention Center and Temple Square, and standard hotel amenities at a reasonable rate make this a good option for business or personal travel.
Budget Friendly: Little America Hotel
Although the price isn't high, the Little America Hotel provides extensive value with large rooms, an indoor/outdoor pool, and a classic Western hotel look and feel.
Ideal for young travelers, foodies, longer stays, and boutique lovers.
A little southeast of downtown is Sugar House, one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. It is home to quirky shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and tree-lined avenues.
Luxury Boutique: The Anniversary Inn - Fifth South
This romantic inn offers themed rooms, like "Jungle Safari" and "Swiss Family Robinson." It is not luxury in the traditional sense, but it is undoubtedly a place for a fun getaway for couples or people who need a nice break!
Mid Range: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Sugar House
The newest hotel in the neighborhood, the SpringHill Suites, is modern, has large suites, and is a few steps away from Sugar House Park to the northeast (and major shopping to the south).
Budget Option:
Sugar House offers very few budget hotels. However, reasonable alternatives are a short drive to the east in South Salt Lake. Expect to pay about 10 minutes for budget hotels.
Ideal for parents visiting students, sports fans, and cultural travelers.
This area, which includes the U of U, Red Butte Garden, the Natural History Museum, and Rice-Eccles Stadium, is quieter than downtown but still has a nice bustle.
Luxury: University Guest House & Conference Center
Located on the U of U campus, this "hotel" allows reasonably priced, high-quality service and lovely views. It is a quiet and safe spot, making it great for those visiting for academia or family.
Mid-Range: Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City-University/Foothill
This property offers great value, with clean, modern rooms and free parking. It is located close to the Hogle Zoo and This is the Place Heritage Park.
Budget Option:
You'll find more Airbnb and local inns in this area than actual hotels, creating a more home-like, cozy, and affordable experience.
Ideal for business layovers, early morning flights, and short stays.
If you’re flying in or out, you may want to stay near Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Fortunately, plenty of airport hotels have free shuttles and early check-ins.
Luxury: Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport
Modern, comfortable, and with upscale features like a 24/7 café, this is the go-to for a quick yet relaxing overnight.
Mid-Range: Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City Airport
Offers a free airport shuttle, Starbucks coffee, and ergonomic workstations. Excellent for business travelers.
Budget-Friendly: Quality Inn & Suites Airport West
Affordable, reliable, and includes breakfast, parking, and shuttle service. One of the best budget Salt Lake City hotels near the airport.
Ideal for LGBTQ+ travelers, art lovers, and those seeking character.
This emerging neighborhood is a cultural hotspot, filled with art galleries, coffee shops, and historic buildings. It's within walking distance of downtown but offers a more relaxed, residential feel.
Boutique Stay: Ellerbeck Mansion Bed & Breakfast
This Victorian home-turned-B&B is perfect for a cozy, personalized experience. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts and charming décor.
Mid-Range: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East
This is great for longer stays with a vibrant, modern atmosphere and kitchenettes in each room.
Ideal for extended stays, remote workers, and peaceful escapes.
The Avenues is a hilly, historic neighborhood northeast of downtown. With fewer hotels and more vacation rentals, it’s perfect for those wanting quiet and charm.
Vacation Rental: Historic Avenues Retreat
This Airbnb favorite includes period details and a private garden. Excellent for couples or solo travelers.
Small Inns and Guest Houses
The Avenues features several locally owned B&Bs, offering homemade breakfasts and views of the city skyline.
Ideal for skiers, families, and business travelers heading to the southern metro.
If you're heading to the slopes or want a family-friendly suburban vibe, these southern neighborhoods offer spacious hotels and easy freeway access.
Luxury Stay: Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Sandy
Spacious suites with full kitchens, an outdoor pool, and a location near Rio Tinto Stadium. Ideal for families.
Mid-Range: Best Western Plus CottonTree Inn
Excellent reviews for cleanliness and service, plus it’s close to shopping and dining options.
Budget-Friendly: Super eight by Wyndham Pride Midvale/Salt Lake City Area
It has one of the best rates in the metro area, offering solid but straightforward service near ski bus stops.
Ideal for digital nomads, families, and long-term stays.
These newer southwest Salt Lake County neighborhoods offer parks, trails, and picturesque lakeside developments.
Mid-Range: Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City-South Jordan
All-suite hotel with a fitness center, pool, and complimentary breakfast. Ideal for longer trips or family relocations.
Budget Stay: My Place Hotel-West Jordan/South Valley
Clean, newer property with kitchenettes and reasonable weekly rates.
Book early for the ski season and conferences. Winter and significant events can drive up prices fast, especially downtown.
Use TRAX (light rail) access as a guide: Hotels near TRAX lines offer easy, affordable access across the city.
Consider weather: Some areas like Sugar House or Sandy get heavier snowfall—plan ahead if driving.
Look for free perks: Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast, parking, or airport shuttles—these can save you big.
Salt Lake City is small relative to large cities, but has a surprisingly wide range of accommodations. Whether you are looking for downtown lodging for work, a quaint inn in the Avenues, a family hotel near Sugar House, or an airport hotel for your convenience, there is something available to meet virtually every taste and budget.
Selecting the right hotel can elevate your trip from good to excellent, so planning appropriately can enhance your experience in Salt Lake City. Use this guide as your source of decision-making when selecting accommodations and enjoy this vibrant city's offerings.
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