9 Coolest Hotels in Salt Lake City from Elegant Romanticism to Boutique Bliss

The Grand America

Located on 10 acres in downtown Salt Lake City, The Grand America is more than just a hotel — it’s an experience in and of itself.

All 775 rooms feature handcrafted Richelieu furniture, original works of art, English wool carpets, Italian Carrera marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase views of the city or the hotel’s landscaped gardens. It’s elegant, romantic, and gorgeous in every way — perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

On the premises, you’ll find a 24/7 fitness center, world-class indoor pool, relaxing spa, and delightful shops, including fashionable boutiques for ladies and gents, and a toy store where children can capture a fairy, build their own robot, create music on a candy organ, and more. With dining opportunities like Sunday brunch, afternoon tea, and a Parisian style bakery that sells melt-in-your-mouth macarons, you really can’t go wrong.

If all that wasn’t fancy enough, The Grand America offers indulgent luxuries to pamper its lucky guests. A rose petal heart sprinkled on the bed? A fragrant floral arrangement created by the in-house florist? A freshly baked cake with a special message in chocolate? A bedtime snack of milk and homemade cookies? All of the above (and more) can be arranged to surprise and delight your loved ones, no matter the occasion. It’s no wonder The Grand America is a five-diamond hotel (the only one in SLC).

The Little America

Across from The Grand America is her sister property, The Little America. This four-diamond, 850-room hotel still knows how to give her guests the royal treatment, but she’s a little more friendly to the commoner’s budget.

The Little America holds Salt Lake City’s largest indoor/outdoor pool as well as a garden pool that’s open during warm weather. You can enjoy poolside dining at both, whether you’re in the mood for a cold, refreshing drink or a hot, juicy burger — or both. There’s also a fitness center with a sauna and whirlpool, plus an on-site restaurant and coffee shop. With decor inspired by the French, each guest room is elegantly furnished.

The hotel is in a prime location, within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, bars, and sporting events. It offers free self-parking or valet parking for those traveling by car, and it’s conveniently located on a TRAX light rail line for those going car-free.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco

For design maximalists, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a visual delight. It’s decorated in bold, dramatic, and emphatically eccentric style with quirky details throughout. A wall of mirrors in the lobby, extra-tall tufted headboards, playful horse headlamps, and a yoga mat in every room are just a few of the fun and thoughtful details. There’s also a hosted wine reception in the lobby every evening, coffee and tea in the morning, and a complimentary overnight shoeshine service.

Like all Kimpton hotels, Hotel Monaco is pet-friendly. That means your pet can stay for free and Hotel Monaco is happy to spoil your furry friends. The hotel offers a selection of amenities, including plush pet beds, food, and water bowls. There’s also a concierge list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers and pet boutiques, and each pet is welcomed by name at check-in.

Hotel Monaco is conveniently located in downtown SLC, a short walk to shopping, theater, and some of the city’s best restaurants — including its own on-site restaurant, Bambara. Beloved among guests and locals alike, Bambara embodies the same hip-yet-friendly sophistication as the hotel itself. Executive Chef Nathan Powers lovingly prepares seasonal, creative twists on New American fare, and the 35-seat bar is a fun and energetic place to gather and let loose.

It’s a luxurious hotel, but without the stuffy pretense. Fancy, yet vibrant and youthful.

The Peery Hotel

The Peery Hotel, built in 1910, is a charming Early Prairie-style building listed on the National Historic Register. The hotel once provided an elegant haven for those striking it rich in the Utah mining boom, and has been in continuous operation ever since. The Peery was fully remodeled in 1999, but it still gives a nod to its early 20th-century history and its ties to the railroad and mining industries. The interior mixes elegant new pieces with many of the original antiques — a perfect mix of vintage and modern.

It’s a beautiful hotel — but there’s more to The Peery than what meets the eye. Rumor has it that “Moaning Molly” haunts the elevator, making moaning sounds and sometimes moving the elevator from floor to floor when nobody has called it. Of course, the elevator is quite old, so who knows whether the moaning is truly from a ghost or the result of outdated machinery. But if the risk of a ghost encounter gives you the creeps, then you’ll be glad to know that the stairs are a perfectly suitable option for this fairly small three-floor hotel (plus, you won’t have to worry about running into The Shining twins — that’s in Colorado).

Each of the 73 guestrooms has a view of downtown Salt Lake City along with new memory foam beds and crisp white sheets. The on-site hotel, Carnegie’s Public House, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel At Temple Square

The most-visited tourist attraction in Salt Lake City is the historic Mormon Temple Square. It’s 35 acres of beautiful gardens and stunning architecture, and the Plaza Hotel is located right on it. You literally can’t find a better location for exploring this landmark.

Genealogy enthusiasts will also be thrilled with The Plaza’s location. Head out the back door of the hotel, and you’ll find yourself on the front steps of the Family History (Genealogy) Library.

In fact, you can skip the rental car all together. Salt Palace Convention Center, the Utah State Capitol, and many of Salt Lake City’s most iconic buildings are within close walking distance. For those that want to venture further, there is a TRAX station right in front of the hotel where you can catch a free ride downtown. And for your convenience, The Plaza Hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle service.

Other memorable extras include access to their guest library, an outdoor seasonal pool, an indoor Jacuzzi, and (for those booking longer stays) your sixth night free. WiFi and parking are also free, plus there are mini fridges and microwaves in every room. It’s a great value in a fantastic location.

Hotel RL Salt Lake City

As chain hotels go, this is a cool one. Hotel RL includes unique amenities like free bike rentals, Tesla charging stations, free artisan coffee by Victrola Coffee Roasters, and a valet laundry service. Their on-site restaurant, bar, and café serves up modern American dishes with a focus on healthy options and local cuisine (there’s also a great Grab ‘n Go menu).

The lobby hosts The Living Stage, where you’ll find local authors, artists, musicians, community leaders, start-ups and more. From lectures to performances to hands-on demonstrations, there’s always something going on.

Guest rooms are modern and spacious with 55-inch wall mounted televisions, premium movie channels, hardwood floors, free water bottles, a microwave, and a refrigerator — ideal for traveling families who need to regroup and recharge at the hotel.

Anniversary Inn

For a truly unique hotel experience, Salt Lake City’s Anniversary Inn offers elaborate theme rooms with creative decor that transports you to a different time and place. Scroll through them all and pick the one that intrigues you most.

Will it be the Swiss Family Robinson, where you climb the spiral staircase to your own private tree bed? Will you choose the Sultan’s Palace, where a winged dragon surrounds the jetted tub and the bed sits atop two elephants? Or will you brave the Wild West, where you sleep in a covered wagon, then mosey into “town” for a hot bath? Whether you’re looking for romance or adventure, you’re sure to have a fun and memorable night here.

Guests enjoy complimentary cheesecake and sparkling cider, as well as a free breakfast in the morning.

Ellerbeck Mansion B&B

If you prefer the homey charms of staying in a B&B, check out the Ellerbeck Mansion. It’s a gorgeous historic house located in a quiet residential neighborhood near downtown Salt Lake City. Bigger parties can rent out the entire house, or you can book one of the seven tastefully decorated rooms. WiFi, laundry, and parking are free.

You’ll start your mornings off right with a delicious hot breakfast that’s nothing like the lackluster continental breakfasts you’ve come to dread. Their in-house chef prepares amazing made-to-order menu items like Italian-style baked frittata, stuffed French toast with Nutella, parmesan and thyme scrambled eggs, and more. All ingredients are fresh and locally sourced (if possible), and vegan and gluten-free meals are available upon request.

The Cliff Lodge

It’s not technically in Salt Lake City, but if you’re planning to hit the mountains, then The Cliff Lodge at Snowbird definitely deserves your consideration. This iconic ski lodge is just 45 minutes away from the city and offers impressive vistas of Little Cottonwood Canyon from every room.
Skiiers will appreciate the ski-in/ski-out convenience, the on-site ski rental and repair shop, and the complimentary ski lockers.

After a day on the mountain, you can relax at one of the many pools, including the rooftop pool and hot tub, where you can gaze out at the snow-capped mountains surrounding you, while staying warm with the heated decks and gas fire pits. Or, book a luxurious treatment at The Cliff Spa. There’s also a yoga studio, a fitness center, a steam room, and a state-licensed daycare facility so you can enjoy a relaxing date night.

Speaking of date night, there are 15 restaurants to choose from, ranging from fine dining to casual eats. The award-winning Aerie Restaurant & Lounge is the most famous, and it draws foodies and wine enthusiasts throughout the year with exquisite food, hundreds of wine choices, and distracting mountain views. The Summit is the newest year-round establishment where you can dine at 11,000 feet on delicious dishes inspired by French rotisserie traditions and the secret recipes of a Rocky Mountain barbeque pitmaster.

As for the interior, the lodge recently underwent over $35 million in upgrades, with gorgeous modern decor that’s heavily influenced by the beautiful mountain setting.