Utah is one of the nation's top destinations for outdoor recreation in the country. But it's also a premier location to find a luxurious stay.

From the Grand America Hotel in the heart of Salt Lake City to Park City's Stein Eriksen, Utah offers some of the best places to create memories with your loved ones. 

The Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City

The first thing I noticed about The Grand America Hotel was the glimmering Italian chandelier that dangled from the ceiling. The building is full of coveted Murano and Milan chandeliers, captivating the attention of all who see them.

As I made my way through the building, I also noticed the handcrafted Richelieu furniture, the 17th-century Flemish tapestries, countless antiques, statues, paintings, and patterned carpets that riddled the halls.

The hotel was a work of art in itself. Although the hotel was built in 2001 in preparation for the 2002 Olympics, it quickly took on its own character. The Grand America was designed in the European style, providing a mixture of historic charm and modern convenience. 

Quick Facts About The Grand America

• The Grand America Hotel is the largest hotel in Salt Lake City, featuring 24 floors and 75,000 square feet of space

• It's just one block away from Washington Square

• Frank Nicholson designed it

• The Grand America is the eighth tallest building in the city

• It’s a common destination for business conferences, trade shows, family events, and more.

The Rooms

The Grand America Hotel features 775 guest rooms: 396 executive suites and 379 premier rooms. These rooms range in size from 700 to over 2,000 square feet. When you step foot inside the rooms, one of the first things you'll notice is the Carrara Italian marble bathrooms. Each bathroom offers a full-sized bathtub and a walk-in shower, making you feel completely pampered. Each room comes with complimentary wifi, English wool carpets, elegant French doors for privacy, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a balcony with a view that overlooks the city. 

During my stay, there was an opera event taking place in the courtyard, which I could watch from my balcony. The hotel's gardens provided the most beautiful visual, complimenting the whole experience. 

Additional Amenities

With about 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space, it's no wonder The Grand America is a hot spot for businesses. It's also a coveted destination for weddings, family holiday events, and more. 

Those who stay at The Grand America can easily access the underground or valet parking. The facility also has a 24-hour fitness room and two pools. There's an indoor pool and whirlpool.

And an outdoor terraced pool is available for use in the summer. Visitors barely don't even have to leave the hotel to meet all of their needs. They may simply return to the first floor to explore food options like The Laurel Brasserie & Bar, the Bonne Vie, and the Lobby Lounge. 

The Food

The Laurel Brasserie & Bar offers a range of European cuisine options. Diners may choose an iconic meal like the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Skewers or the Pan-Seared Scottish Salmon. Open from breakfast through dinner, this is one of the best picks in the building for a luxurious meal. 

Just outside of the Laurel, visitors will also find the Bonne Vie, which is a French-style patisserie that opened in 2010. This destination is a terrific place to satiate a sweet tooth with a macaroon or a coffee drink. It also serves light breakfast items like pastries and quiche. 

The Spa

The Grand America Hotel is home to 18 spa service rooms spanning about 20,000 square feet. Visitors to the facility can take advantage of massage therapy, wet treatments, facial rooms, waxing services, and a full-service salon. The spa even offers custom-formulated scrubs and moisturizers for purchase. 

Boutique Shopping

Several different shopping opportunities within The Grand America Hotel are easily accessible. The Jou Jou is a fun and interactive toy store that's family-friendly and entertaining for visitors of all ages. There's also a women's boutique that offers clothing, jewelry, gifts, and a number of additional products. The Men's Haberdashery provides a similar retail experience, covering men's basic travel and comfort needs. And the Newsstand is a quick-stop shopping destination for commonly forgotten items and entertainment. 

The Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City

The Stein Eriksen Lodge is Utah's only Forbes 5-star hotel and spa, blending luxury with the ski experience. This unforgettable lodge has been offering a 5-star experience to visitors across the world for more than 30 years. Located in the alpine zone of the Deer Valley, this lodge greets visitors with the warm ambiance of a crackling fire and a leather chair. The lodge was named after Stein Eriksen, an alpine skier and an Olympic gold medalist who lived until 2015. But his legacy lives on in his properties. The lodge features ski-in and ski-out access, making them a convenient pick for festivities and holiday celebrations. It's also a popular destination for conferences, weddings, and other special events. 

Quick Facts About Stein Eriksen:

• Stein Eriksen opened in 1982

• It's Utah's only Forbes 5-star hotel and spa (also the longest running one)

• The lodge offers ski-in and ski-out access

• Wilderness-chic style

The Rooms

Stein is home to 170 supreme rooms. Visitors to Stein may book a deluxe bedroom, which offers 350-700 square feet of space. They might also choose a Luxury Bedroom, which offers 700 square feet of space. Or even a Luxury Suite, which boasts 1,200-1,400 square feet of space and may contain anywhere from 1 to 5 bedrooms. These rooms also come with a European-style kitchen. Most of Stein's rooms have private decks and multiple fireplaces that allow you to set the mood. And hot tubs are available upon request. And many rooms come with convenient trail access. 

The Food

Stein's Glitretind Restaurant offers seasonal menus to those who choose to dine with them. With an emphasis on fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients, this restaurant puts care and attention into everything that it does. Open daily all summer long, this restaurant is one of the top picks for those who can try it. Common menu items include the Ora King Salmon and the Utah Lamb Loin. 

The Troll Hallen is a terrific lunch spot for those who are looking for a convenient but delicious bite. Seasonal spirits and apres menu picks can be found in this location, offering items like garlic Asiago cheese fries or the Stein Burger. 

The Stein Alpenglobes offer Stein visitors one of the unique dining experiences across the country. These globes offer visitors a year-round outdoor experience from the comfort of their glass-encased booth. But since the lodge features just six globes, it can be challenging to snag one. The menu items are the same as those found in Troll Hallen.

There are also terrific food experiences in the Champions Club, which offers old-school gaming opportunities with casual and to-go food. And the First Tracks Kaffee is the perfect pick for a quick coffee or a pastry-styled breakfast. 

The Spa

The Stein Eriksen Spa offers 23,000 square feet of complete decadence, blending expertise with comfort. Visitors to the spa can take advantage of the saunas, separate relaxation rooms, cold plunge baths, and private showers to top off their trip. 

For many people, the ambiance of the surrounding mountains, paired with a crackling fire, provides plenty of entertainment and relaxation. But Stein's Spa is another distinguished amenity. Constructed with a European feel, the spa offers some of the state's best and most relaxing treatments. Visitors might take advantage of a classic massage, a CBD massage, a couples massage, or a Himalayan salt massage, to name a few. The spa also offers a variety of wellness experiences. 

Entertainment

Stein Eriksen is best known as an outdoor haven for skiers and hikers. From the lodge, visitors can access convenient ski lifts all season long. There are also several hiking or snowshoeing opportunities nearby. The concierge also assists visitors with the planning of activities like horseback riding, fishing, and cycling. And Park City offers year-round entertainment like art galleries, outlet shopping, and hot air balloon rides. Those who choose to spend most of their time within the lodge will also have access to two heated pools and hot tubs. 

Final Thoughts

If you are traveling through Salt Lake City to ski in the winter or visit the national parks in the summer, there are a variety of luxury hotels to meet your needs. Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

About the author:

Mary Beth Skylis is a full-time traveler and writer who specializes in personal narratives. She is currently a columnist for Backpacker Magazine, Parkinsons News Today, and ParkinsonsDisease.net. And she makes frequent contributions to publications like Outside Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and Cascade Designs Blogs. Follow her on Instagram @h1kertrash.