As the capital of Utah, Salt Lake City is the gateway to five of America’s most popular national parks and is perfectly positioned for visitors who enjoy nature. Beautiful surroundings aside, the city is known for its very strong art community, religious connections, and an increasingly hip vibe with plenty of amazing hotels to choose from. From quirky-chic boutique inns to sleek and modern high rises, here are the best cool and unique hotels in Salt Lake City, Utah…
evo Hotel
One of my favorite places for a getaway is the Evo Hotel in the Granary District. While visiting, I fell in love with its outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Evo Hotel caters to those passionate about biking, climbing, hiking, and snow sports.
During my stay, I was thrilled to find that each room came with single-day passes to the All Together Skate Park, perfect for someone like me who loves adventure sports.
The rooms and suites have a hip, modern design with local artwork, creating a peaceful haven to unwind after thrilling activities. Evo Hotel’s commitment to supporting local projects and organizations made my stay even more special.
Pros
Incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains
Rock Climbing and Hiking
Rooftop bar
Fireplace and patio
Single-day passes to the Skate Park
Cons
Pets allowed for extra charges
Rollaway beds not available
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
One of my favorite places in Salt Lake City, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. While visiting, I appreciated the preservation of original features. The clever design brings old-school grandeur into the 21st Century.
My guest room perfectly fused classic and contemporary luxury and dining in the historic bank lobby was a delight. I savored exquisite dishes and expertly crafted cocktails in the bar and lounge.
For business or pleasure, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco offers stylish ballrooms and conference rooms. The location is within walking distance of city attractions, a short drive to ski resorts, and the TRAX light rail system at the doorstep.
Pros
Quaint and eclectic hotel vibes
Serves steak and seafood options
Pet friendly with doggie treats at check-in
Bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs
Cons
Bedding quality concerns noticed
Slightly small rooms
Homewood Suites
It’s one of my favorite places to unwind. The tasteful color splashes added charm, making it inviting. Rooms and suites, designed for space, kept things uncomplicated, enhancing the laid-back vibe.
I enjoyed daily hot breakfasts to start the day and the complimentary social evening for mingling. Meeting rooms and a business center catered to my work needs.
What truly sets this hotel apart is its central location. While staying, I loved how the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Palace Convention Center, and Temple Square were all within walking distance.
Pros
Minimalist Scandinavian style with wholesome vibes
Hot American breakfast served daily
Complimentary social evening
Large modern rooms with the kitchenette
Cons
Sight cleanliness concerns
Fewer food options
AC Hotel by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown
Conveniently located near the Salt Palace Convention Center and Temple Square, the AC Hotel Salt Lake City is well-situated for travelers looking to absorb local culture.
The hotel’s style is unintrusive with its clean lines and oatmeal neutrals. Guest rooms are just as uncomplicated, which leaves the space free for home-from-home touches. Large windows open onto views of the city, filling rooms with natural light.
In the hotel lounge, craft brews are on tap with tapas-style bites to eat, and a freshly baked continental breakfast is available at the AC Kitchen. A selection of event spaces caters for business and pleasure.
Pros
Freshly baked continental breakfast
Tapas-style bites to eat
Craft brews are on tap
Beautiful scenic views from windows
Cons
Slight parking concerns
Pets allowed for extra charges
Grand America Hotel
I love this exceptionally rated hotel. It’s an imposing building set against the backdrop of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains.
The spacious rooms with soaring ceilings and full-length windows are beautifully decorated with Italian marble, English wool, and cherry wood furnishings. I was delighted to find priceless antiques and art from around the world displayed throughout the hotel.
During my stay, I tried the delicious cream teas and pastries. The brasserie offered delectable European cuisine, complemented by a selection of cocktails and craft brews. The amenities here are top-notch, including a variety of event spaces, two ballrooms, a well-equipped fitness center, and two pools. I even had the opportunity to explore a toy store and a men’s haberdashery on-site.
Pros
Fresh cocktails and craft brews
Cream teas served with a courtyard fountain view
Adorned with priceless antiques and art
Cherry wood furnishings with vintage vibes
Cons
Parking is expensive
Not so budget friendly
Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast
Nestled amidst lush ivy, I love this charming Victorian mansion that dates back to the turn of the century. While staying at this place, I was delighted to find five elegant suites with antique furnishings, set against pristine white walls and linen. The sixth suite added a burst of cheer with its sunny canary yellow decor.
One of the highlights of my visit was the three-course ‘pioneer’s’ breakfast. In the dining room, there was a delightful spread of hot drinks, pastries, and fresh fruits available. The cafe was open most days, offering a wonderful alternative. During my stay, I also enjoyed the opportunity to unwind by the cozy fire in the library or bask in the sunlight on the terrace and the garden.
I experienced both indoor and outdoor events during my visit, all of which were hosted in the historic mansion and the Carriage House.
Pros
Free three-course pioneer breakfast
Classical vibes with historic charm
Firepit in the library for relaxation
Ideal spot for romantic getaways
Cons
Smoking is not allowed
No parties or events are allowed
The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown
I loved the Peery Hotel. While visiting, I was charmed by its historic Prairie-revival architecture within walking distance of the city center. The interior exudes 1920s elegance, mixing vintage and modern elements seamlessly.
Staying there, I found the guest rooms simple yet comfortable, offering a peaceful retreat. The hotel also features four conference rooms and two ballrooms for weddings and events.
I tried local wines in the tasting rooms and savored farm-inspired American cuisine made from sustainable ingredients at the grill restaurant.
Pros
History-filled quaint rooms with retro vibes
Free coffee is served in the lobby
Live music and performances on-site
Continental; Vegan and Gluten-free breakfast
Cons
Slightly inexperienced staff
Limited room space
Kasa Salt Lake City Downtown
While staying at these modern, bright, and airy apartments, I experienced a well-designed self-catering experience. The decor is refreshingly simple and stylish, with some units even featuring breakfast islands and balcony seating.
During my visit, I tried out the shared outdoor area. It’s equipped with comfy sofa-style seats, fire coals, and a convenient gas grill for cooking up a great meal.
I made use of the fitness center, spent time in the community room, and enjoyed some coffee in the on-site café. The round-the-clock contactless access made it incredibly convenient to explore downtown Salt Lake.
Pros
Featuring breakfast islands and balcony seating
Billiard and game room
Accessible downtown location
Skiing and Hiking off-site
Cons
Slightly noisy at night
Smoking is not allowed
Four Points Marriott Salt Lake City Airport
While staying at the Four Points Marriott, I loved the complimentary airport shuttle, ensuring a quick arrival. The warm wood lobby with its natural materials and modern design set the tone for relaxed luxury.
My guest room boasted polished wood floors, cozy lighting, and plush comfort. The hotel offered a business center alongside meeting rooms and a fitness center with an outdoor pool. I tried the hotel restaurant with its traditional American favorites, and the modern bar area was perfect for meeting or catching up.
Pros
Warm subtle lighting
Cozy contemporary vibes
Bathrooms with hot tubs/jacuzzi
Outdoor pool with sun loungers
Cons
A little noisy at night time
Slightly inexperienced management
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown
I love these suites for their customizability. I experienced how versatile they are, making them perfect for both business and pleasure. Each suite comes with full kitchens, cozy sleeping areas, convenient shelving and storage spaces, and well-lit workstations with adjustable shelving.
I also discovered the high-ceilinged lobby, adorned with cool starburst lights and enormous windows. It can be easily transformed into an event space. There’s also a shared area where I enjoyed a continental buffet breakfast and did some work in the company of fellow travelers. The fitness center and meeting room were other great amenities I tried out.
One of the best aspects of this place is its proximity to the Salt Palace Convention Center, which is just a short walk away.
Pros
Continental buffet breakfast daily
Free hot chocolate and games
High-ceilinged lobby with cool starburst lights
Spacious rooms with kitchenettes
Cons
Slight parking issues
Rollaway beds not available
Engen Hus Bed and Breakfast
I love this charmingly rustic yet elegantly decorated house that’s nestled near the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon. I experienced its rich Nordic interior, which is deeply rooted in its history. This place was originally built by three Norwegian brothers who came to Utah to compete in ski-jumping competitions and ended up playing a pivotal role in establishing the local ski industry.
One of the highlights of my stay was the gourmet, home-cooked breakfast served daily.
I had the chance to stay in one of the five unique guest rooms, each featuring its private bathroom and a wonderful Scandinavian ambiance. The cozy fireplace indoors provided a perfect spot to unwind, and I also enjoyed the ample patio seating around a fire pit and gas grill. Not to forget, there’s a hot tub nearby for added relaxation.
Pros
Charmingly rustic yet elegant décor
Sit cozily by the fireplace indoors
Ample patio seating
Fire pit and grill with hot tub nearby
Cons
Non-smoking rooms
Rollaway beds are not available
Best Hotels in Salt Lake City Compared
In the table below we have ranked the top 11 cool and unique hotels of Salt Lake City.
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
evo Hotel 660 S 400 W STE 200 $221-$357 Yes 1.3 6
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, an IHG Hotel 15 West 200 South, $261-$426 Yes 1.3 5
Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown 423 West 300 South $236-$434 Yes 1.8 3
AC Hotel by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown 225 W 200 S $261-$306 Yes 1.4 6
Grand America Hotel 555 South Main Street $316-$429 Yes 1,8 6
Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast 140 North B Street $269 (booking.com) No 1.5 3
DeSoto Tudor on Capitol Hill PERMANENTLY CLOSED
The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 110 West Broadway $273-$543 Yes 1.5 5
Kasa Salt Lake City Downtown Salt Lake City, UT 84101, $190-$231 Yes 1.9 4
Four Points Marriott Salt Lake City Airport 200 North Admiral Byrd $192-$227 Yes 7 2
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown 135 West 200 South $204 (booking.com) Yes 1.3 3
Engen Hus Bed and Breakfast 2275 East 6200 South, Holladay $192-$248 Yes 1.2 4
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Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
Hotel Reviewing Experience – published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board, Canada Tourist Board, Eviivo, France.fr, Visitoostende.be, Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos.
I’ve also been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, LA Weekly, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, Daily Express, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and Metro. Winner of Travel Blog of the Year. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
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