From ski resorts to national park lodges – best options for families visiting SLC
Salt Lake City, Utah and the surrounding area are picture-perfect family destinations. From ski resorts to national park lodges, the hotels are no different. Whether you’re staying for just one night or a whole week, these family-friendly hotels are perfect homes away from home. In addition to downtown favorites, I’ve included resort areas that your family may visit on a day trip from Salt Lake.
1. Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Mile 17 Utah 128, Moab
Four hours from Salt Lake City, Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa sits on the banks of the Colorado River about 20 miles from Moab and Arches National Park. All the rooms and suites come with small refrigerators, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Other rooms come with kitchens which is perfect for larger families. The resort’s proximity to Moab, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks makes it a perfect base for a family adventure. It also has its own amenities including an equestrian center, outdoor pool and hot tub, tennis courts, and hiking trails. Starts at $459/night.
For more on Arches National Park, click here. Or headed to Canyonlands? Click here.
2. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown
110 600 South
There’s nothing more inviting than starting your stay with warm chocolate chip cookies! Beyond the sweet start, there’s plenty to keep the whole family relaxed during a stay at DoubleTree Suites, including an indoor pool. The hotel is just minutes away from some of the city’s most popular attractions like Temple Square and Discovery Gateway. It’s also just steps away from a TRAX station which provides easy transportation to other spots on your must-do list. Starts at $189/night.
3. The Little America Hotel
500 Main Street
This hotel is located right downtown at an affordable rate. The Little America Hotel is just one mile from Temple Square and four miles from Utah’s Hogle Zoo. It has an indoor and outdoor pool for older kids and a children’s pool for the little tykes. The rooms are large and come with free Wi-Fi; most rooms also are equipped with a small refrigerator. Starts at $169/night.
4. The Grand America Hotel
555 Main Street
Located downtown, The Grand America Hotel has well-appointed rooms with flat-screen TVs, MP3 docks, and free Wi-Fi. This luxury hotel also has a spa, an indoor pool, and a seasonal outdoor pool. If you have young children, you can request everything from a crib to a rocking chair for your room.You can also arrange babysitting services through the concierge, so parents can have a night out on the town. Starts at $329/night.
5. Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport
N. 52 Tommy Thompson Road
Hyatt Place is less than three miles from the airport, making it easily accessible. The rooms come with separate living areas, pull-out couches, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also sports an indoor pool, perfect for some splashing around regardless of the weather outside. Breakfast is complimentary. Starts at $159/night.
6. Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Downtown
250 W. 600 South
Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of many downtown attractions. The rooms are comfortable and come with a microwave. The hotel has an indoor pool and laundry facilities (perfect if you have messy kids like mine). Starts at $264/night.
7. Zion Lodge
1 Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Zion National Park
Located inside Zion National Park, Zion Lodge is a 4-1/2-hour drive from Salt Lake City, but this destination is worth packing up the kids! The lodge is beautifully rustic with comfortable rooms; there’s also cabins available. Use the park shuttles to access hiking, points of interest, and the visitors center; from the visitors center, you can also jump on the shuttle into Springdale. Children under 16 stay free when using existing bedding and staying with an adult. Starts at $146/night.
For more on Zion National Park, click here.
8. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Zion Ponderosa Twin Knolls Road, Mt Carmel
This 4000-acre ranch sits on the border of Zion National Park. It offers rustic cowboy cabins, cabin suites, and even multi-bedroom vacation homes. You can also claim a spot for a tent or a parking space for an RV. Besides its proximity to Zion National Park, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort also offers plenty to do on the property. There’s an outdoor pool, tennis courts, billiards, miniature golf, and a climbing/rappelling wall. Starts at $207/night.
For more on Zion National Park, click here.
9. Westgate Park City Resort & Spa
3000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City
No trip to Utah is complete without a visit to Park City, nestled in the Wasatch Mountains. Westgate Park City Resort & Spa is at the base of the Canyons ski area less than five miles from downtown Park City. Suites feature kitchenettes and pull-out sofas, perfect for smaller families. The one- to three-bedroom villas have full kitchens, dining rooms, fireplaces, and balconies. The resort offers a special kids’ club with arts and crafts, games, and other supervised fun, plus there’s a huge indoor pool. Starts at $135/night.
10. Waldorf Astoria Park City
2100 Frostwood Drive, Park City
Also located at the base of the Canyons ski area, Waldorf Astoria Park City offers luxury to visiting families. Of course, the kids will love the complimentary nightly s’mores and the year-round, outdoor heated pool. Hotel staff can also help you arrange kid-friendly activities to enjoy during your stay. Starts at $269/night.
For Top 10 Plays in Salt Lake City, click here.
For Top 10 Eats in Salt Lake City, click here.
Katherine Price is a journalist, living in Salt Lake City with her husband and two children.
This writer received some complimentary stays for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.