What is the best area to stay in Salt Lake City?
By Esther Nemethy. February 15, 2023
A visit to Utah is usually found on any seasoned traveler’s bucket list. Salt Lake City, Utah’s capitol, is the perfect place to start exploring the state’s offerings. The city is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, like the towering Wasatch Mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and famous ski resorts. Visitors can explore the city’s history and religious heritage at the Salt Lake Temple, the Mormon Pioneer Memorial, and other landmarks. Salt Lake City also boasts a thriving cultural scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing the work of local and international artists. For adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Salt Lake City is a must-visit travel destination that has something for everyone.
For those visiting Salt Lake, the most highly recommended area to stay is in the heart of downtown. Just below the stunning quartz and limestone pillars of the Capitol building, downtown has museums, restaurants, world-renowned theater, and a stadium for Salt Lake’s professional basketball team, the Utah Jazz. With clean, wide, spacious streets, you can walk almost everywhere downtown to partake of the numerous restaurants, breweries, and cocktail bars that are on every corner. Fall months such as September and October are ideal for visiting, because downtown is cooler and you will find cheaper accommodations.On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Salt Lake City, Utah, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Salt Lake City, you can also be interested in where to stay in Las Vegas and where to stay in Denver.
Downtown, the best area to stay in Salt Lake City
For art lovers, foodies, and those looking to enjoy all the activities Salt Lake has to offer, downtown is the best area to stay. Travelers can enjoy cultural activities at the Museum of Contemporary Fine Arts, while sports lovers can catch a Utah Jazz game. Several breweries and cocktail bars call downtown home, so there are no shortages of local beers and drinks. On the weekend you can peruse the bustling Farmer’s market, then finish your day with a stop by the Utah Capitol for a history tour.
Overall, three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Salt Lake’s downtown area before heading out to explore the rest of the city. Once you’ve covered downtown’s offerings, you’ll be ready to head out and explore the great outdoors. You’ll be able to hike, bike, take a tram up the mountainside in Park City, rent a boat on the nearby reservoirs, or even learn to rock-climb if you love adventure.
Hotels in Downtown Salt Lake City
Other areas to stay in Salt Lake City
Cottonwood Heights
Cottonwood Heights, located just a few miles southeast of downtown, is a charming and peaceful suburb that offers a convenient and comfortable alternative to staying in the city center. So named because it is the closest neighborhood to the enormous Cottonwood Canyons, Cottonwood Heights is an ideal place to stay for skiers, couples, and those who want peace and quiet. The area is known for its proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities, with several parks, trails, and ski resorts located just a short drive away.
Accommodation options in Cottonwood Heights range from cozy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels and vacation rentals, providing a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re in town for a family vacation, a business trip, or a romantic getaway, Cottonwood Heights is a great place to stay when visiting Salt Lake City.
Sugarhouse
Located just a short drive from downtown, Sugarhouse is a tiny, historic neighborhood with charming Victorian homes, walkable neighborhood streets, and a tiny private college with a beautiful campus called Westminster. It’s an excellent place for foodies, history buffs, and those who love to shop. Sugarhouse has more boutique shops than downtown, and also boasts a few of Salt Lake’s excellent local coffee roasters like Sugarhouse Coffee and Urban Sailor Coffee.
If you want a break from eating and drinking, Sugarhouse is known for having a plethora of antique and thrift stores—check out Haight and Ashbury, or The American Rust Company. And finally, don’t forget to check out the many breweries in Sugarhouse, Like Hopkins and Wasatch Brewing. Accommodations in the area are mostly vacation rentals, although there are a select few hotels for those wanting just a short stay.
Midvale
Midvale, a southwest suburb of downtown, is a charming and convenient place to stay when visiting Salt Lake City. This suburban community offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere away from downtown, while still being just a short drive away from all the attractions and amenities of the city. Perfect for big families, those who love ethnic food, and who want lots of activities, Midvale is known for its affordable and prevalent accommodation options—there are numerous hotels and cheap vacation rentals.
Midvale is not as close to the mountains as Cottonwood Heights, but is still only 10 minutes from the nearby Wasatch Mountains, making it perfect for those on a ski trip with a tight budget. You can explore the Jordan River Parkway as well, and there is a great deal of delicious ethnic food located along State Street. Altogether, Midvale is ideal for travelers on a budget that need access to both the mountains and city amenities.
Best place to stay in Salt Lake for Skiing
Deer Valley
For those wanting the best of both worlds—staying close to the city but also wanting to partake in the amenities, staying in Deer Valley is the thing to do. Those inclined for fine dining, fancy hotels, and mellow skiing will love this resort. Deer Valley has multiple hotels right on the mountain, so you can ski and ski out. Plus, it has the town of Park City just a few minutes away, and Salt Lake is a thirty-minute drive on a major highway.
This is important, because the roads in Utah are often treacherous, particularly the roads up to some of the other resorts. In addition, Deer Valley has some of the best restaurants and dining right on the mountain. Check out Rime, located in the St. Regis, and enjoy a view from the funicular which will take you up the mountainside. Ultimately, Deer Valley has the best balance of access and spectacular skiing.
Best place to stay in Salt Lake for Hiking
Millcreek
For those who are coming primarily to Salt Lake to enjoy the hiking and outdoor activities, Millcreek is the best place to stay. Located southeast of downtown, Millcreek has a plethora of hiking trails, and access to all the major canyons. Gearheads will love the plethora of outdoor shops, and those who like to shop will enjoy all of boutique thrift stores. Families will also love Millcreek, for the variety of food and family friendly restaurants.
Millcreek Canyon is especially popular for those coming in the fall for a glimpse of the colors—both sides of the canyon turn yellow and orange starting in September. One of the most popular hikes is the Millcreek Pipeline, a winding trail appropriate for all ability levels that winds above the city and provides great views of the valley. Other popular hikes include Neff’s Canyon and Mt Olympus for those wanting a big challenge.
Our recommended hotels in Salt Lake City
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Salt Lake CityNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
