Founded in 1847 by a group of Mormon pioneers, the city is a hub for LDS church culture with many historic buildings detailing this heritage. The capital of Utah is laid-back, folksy and sunny, with many theatres, malls, museums and restaurants (it has an emergent foodie scene), as well as four ski resorts. Built into a mountain bowl 4,300 feet high, Salt Lake’s setting is prime for adventure sports like mountain biking and climbing and its namesake provides opportunities to take to the water (in which you can enjoy a natural floatation experience).
The Grand America Hotel
Rising 24 storeys, this is a Salt Lake landmark, with some of the best views in town. 775 bedrooms and suites feature handcrafted Richelieu furniture, original artworks and Italian marble bathrooms, while public areas boast unique pieces such as a solid brass portico and 17th-century Flemish tapestries. Guests can take tea in The Lobby or Gibson Girl Lounges, sample traditional American dishes in the Garden Café, order artisan chocolates, ice cream and pastries in La Bonne Vie, and drinks and snacks at the outdoor pool bar. Amenities at The Grand America Hotel also include an indoor lap pool, a sauna, spa, salon and gym.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
Stay downtown, at this cool and quirky, pet-friendly establishment, part of the upscale international Kimpton group. It’s an urban sanctuary with a boutique feel – although the hotel accommodates 225 rooms and suites. Explore the city with complimentary loaner bikes and Micro Kickboard scooters (for kids). Savour award-winning food by Executive Chef Patrick LeBeau in The Vault, an intimate 35-seat eatery, or enjoy seasonally-inspired plates in the lively Bambara bistro. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City also has a fitness centre, yoga mats in every room and a kids’ programme.