Planning a trip to Salt Lake City but not sure which part of town to stay in? Look no further!
We absolutely adore Salt Lake City. It’s not only a fascinating destination in its own right, but it’s also a gateway to some seriously impressive outdoor adventures.
As with any city, the best place to base yourself depends on what you want to see and do. So to help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this guide to the city’s three best neighborhoods, plus our top hotel picks in each.
Ready? Let’s get to it!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
This is the area and hotel we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our FAVORITE area to stay in is North Downtown. It puts you right in the heart of the city, close to top sights like Temple Square with easy access to outdoors.
We recommend staying at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, which offers luxury without breaking the bank and an unbeatable location!
- Our Top Choice
- Where to Stay in Salt Lake City Map
- Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Salt Lake City
- Important Tip
- Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
- Top Activities to do in Salt Lake City
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Hotels on booking.com
- Book your Airport Taxi in advance
- Renting a Car in the USA
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
- The Services We Recommend
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City Map
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is laid out on a straightforward grid system, which makes it relatively easy to navigate.
TRAX light rail is especially convenient for traveling around the downtown area, and it even provides a direct connection to the airport. Uber and Lyft are also readily available if your route isn’t covered by public transport. If you stay centrally and plan to focus mainly on city sightseeing, you probably won’t need a rental car at all. However, a rental car is useful if you stay farther out or want to spend time in the mountains.
When it comes to planning your trip, the best place to stay in Salt Lake City ultimately depends on what your priorities are. Downtown puts the city’s major attractions and public transport within easy reach, while the neighborhoods farther south feel more residential and offer quicker access to the roads leading into the Wasatch Mountains.
We also recommend booking early if you’re visiting during ski season, a major convention, or a busy summer weekend. Centrally located rooms can fill up quickly, and prices tend to rise as your travel dates approach.
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of the three best areas to stay in Salt Lake City:
- North Downtown – Best for first-time visitors – This is where you’ll find key sights and landmarks like Temple Square, City Creek Center, the Salt Palace, and several TRAX stops, making this the easiest base for sightseeing. Our top pick here is Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, a pet-friendly boutique hotel just a five-minute walk from City Creek Center with complimentary bikes for exploring downtown.
- South Downtown – Best for dining and nightlife – This central pocket puts Washington Square, Library Square, The Leonardo, restaurants, and TRAX stations nearby while keeping you slightly removed from the busiest tourist blocks. Our favorite stay here is Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City, which offers complimentary breakfast and parking, an indoor pool, and an airport shuttle just five minutes from Courthouse TRAX station.
- Sugar House and South Salt Lake – Best for a trendy, local atmosphere – This more residential area has independent shops and restaurants, easy access to Sugar House Park, and convenient roads toward the mountains. Our top pick here is SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Sugar House, thanks to its spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, and location that’s just a 3-minute walk from the park.
Important Tip
Multiple Salt Lake City trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking Salt Lake City accommodations is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
North Downtown
BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS
Pros
- Easy walking distance to Temple Square, City Creek Center, the Salt Palace, and major TRAX stops
- Direct light rail connections to the airport mean you may not need a rental car
- Excellent central base for exploring downtown’s biggest attractions
Cons
- Hotel rates and parking fees can be high during major conventions and events
- Some streets feel noticeably quieter once offices and shops close
If you’re visiting Salt Lake City for the first time, North Downtown is hands down our top pick. This area is close to all the major sights and landmarks, so you’ll be able to walk almost everywhere you’ll want to visit.
If you’re visiting during the peak of summer (or the depths of winter), the neighborhood also has excellent public transport connections. The TRAX light rail connects you to other parts of the city, and you can also easily travel between downtown and the airport on your arrival and departure days.
Location-wise, North Downtown has the Gateway and Delta Center to the west and Temple Square and City Creek Center to the east. Washington Square and Library Square are also nearby (less than a 15-minute walk away), so you’ll have plenty of restaurants, museums, and attractions within easy reach.
North Downtown is more about convenience than anything else, and some parts can feel quiet once the offices and shops close for the evening and on weekends. However, if you want to stay close to Salt Lake City’s biggest sights and explore downtown without having to rely on a car, North Downtown will definitely be your best bet.
Le M̩ridien Salt Lake City Downtown Р$$$
If you’re after an ultra-stylish stay right in the heart of downtown, Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown is definitely worth checking out!
This luxury hotel sits in The West Quarter, just steps away from the Delta Center and a 7-minute walk from the Salt Palace. The real highlight, though, is the heated rooftop pool, where you can soak up gorgeous mountain views before grabbing a drink at the rooftop bar.
Rooms typically cost between $210 and $645+ USD per night, but for a newer luxury hotel with a rooftop pool in such a central location, we think it’s definitely worth the splurge for a special occasion.
If Le Méridien is all booked up on your preferred dates, Asher Adams, Autograph Collection is a solid backup. It occupies the restored 1908 Union Pacific Depot, and the interiors here are simply stunning!
We also really love Hilton Salt Lake City Center, which is just a 2-minute walk from the Salt Palace. This hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub, and they also keep rooftop beehives that supply honey to its restaurants (so cool!).
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City – $$
For our mid-range pick, we always recommend Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City.
This is an Art Deco-inspired hotel set inside the historic Continental Bank Building, and in our opinion, it’s well-suited to couples and anyone traveling with a pet, since animals stay at no extra cost!
As for the location, City Creek Center is just a 5-minute walk away, while the Salt Palace, Temple Square, and Washington Square can all be reached within 10 minutes. Gallivan Plaza TRAX station is also just one block away, making airport transfers nice and easy.
There’s no pool here, but the central location, stylish rooms, and excellent on-site restaurant more than make up for it, with rooms generally ranging from $180 to $350+ USD per night.
If you’d like another option, TownePlace Suites is also worth checking out. This hotel sits directly opposite the Salt Palace, and each room is equipped with a kitchen, which is super handy for families and longer stays.
The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown is also a lovely mid-range choice. This hotel dates back to 1910 (so it’s got plenty of character!), and best of all, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the Salt Palace.
Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown – $
For our budget-friendly pick in North Downtown, you really can’t go wrong with Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown.
This hotel sits directly across from the Salt Palace Convention Center, and you can expect all the perks of staying at a Holiday Inn, including free hot breakfast, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a 24/7 fitness center. Plus, every room has a microwave and mini-fridge, which is super handy for storing drinks and leftovers.
As for pricing, you can expect rooms to typically cost between $120 and $350+ USD per night, which is excellent value for such a convenient downtown base.
Another budget-friendly option in the area is Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Downtown. This hotel is also close to the Salt Palace Convention Center and offers apartment-style kitchens, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool perfect for families.
We also really love Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-Downtown. It’s only a couple of blocks away from The Gateway and Delta Center, plus the hotel is pet-friendly!
Why We Book Hotels on booking.com
Booking.com is a trusted online booking platform for hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and boutique stays around the world. We’ve been using Booking.com to reserve our accommodations for over a decade, and we keep coming back for a few key reasons:
South Downtown
BEST FOR DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Pros
- Plenty of restaurants, cultural attractions, and TRAX stops within walking distance
- Less touristy than North Downtown but still convenient for sightseeing
- Good selection of value hotels with practical amenities
Cons
- Temple Square and City Creek Center are farther away than they are from North Downtown
- The neighborhood is fairly spread out, so your hotel’s exact location matters
If you want to stay central but prefer somewhere a little less touristy, South Downtown could be the perfect neighborhood for you!
This area puts you close to Washington Square, the Salt Lake City Public Library, and The Leonardo, while the restaurants and bars around Main Street give you plenty of options once you’ve finished sightseeing for the day. Temple Square and City Creek Center are a little farther away, but you can still walk there or hop on the TRAX for a quicker journey.
South Downtown also has a broader selection of budget and family-friendly hotels, including properties with suites, pools, breakfast, and on-site parking. This can make it an especially good fit for couples, families, and younger travelers who want a central location without paying the highest downtown rates.
Before you book, know that the neighborhood is a lot more spread out than North Downtown, so make sure to check the exact hotel location before booking, especially if you’re traveling without a car.
All in all, South Downtown is (in our opinion) a fantastic place to base yourself if you want great restaurants, livelier evenings, and convenient transport without having to stay right beside the city’s busiest attractions.
The Grand America Hotel – $$$
If you’re celebrating a special occasion (or simply feel like treating yourself), The Grand America Hotel is the ultimate Salt Lake City splurge!
We love this hotel because it has marble bathrooms, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and a seriously luxurious spa and wellness center. There’s also an afternoon tea service, which is such a nice touch!
The location here couldn’t be better. Courthouse TRAX station is one block away, while Washington Square and The Leonardo are just two blocks east. Price-wise, rooms typically cost between $290 and $450+ USD per night, which is surprisingly reasonable for one of the city’s most luxurious full-service hotels.
Another high-end option we love in this area is DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City. It’s not quite as lavish as The Grand America, but its spacious suites come with separate seating areas, microwaves, and refrigerators, which are always nice to have!
Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City – $$
If you love a hotel with plenty of freebies, you’ll definitely want to check out Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City!
Every stay here includes a hot breakfast, downtown parking, and a free airport shuttle service, which can save you a surprising amount of money! There’s also an indoor pool and hot tub, plus a sauna for soothing your tired muscles after hiking or skiing.
In terms of location, Courthouse TRAX station is just a 5-minute walk away, while the Salt Palace, Temple Square, and Library Square are all also within walking distance. As for pricing, rooms generally range from $110 to $270+ USD per night.
If Crystal Inn is full, Placemakr Salt Lake City Downtown is another great option. This modern hotel offers apartment-style units with full kitchens and laundry facilities, and it’s just a 2-minute walk from Pioneer Park.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown is another mid-range option we love in the area. It’s closer to the restaurants and breweries of the Granary District and has spacious suites, free breakfast and parking, and a complimentary airport shuttle.
Little America Hotel – $
For a more affordable stay with resort-style facilities, we absolutely love Little America Hotel Salt Lake City.
This sprawling hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, a sauna, and two restaurants. If you stay here, you can also book treatments at the luxurious Grand Spa across the street, so you can still treat yourself without having to actually book a room at The Grand America.
Location-wise, Courthouse TRAX station is only a block away, and Temple Square, City Creek Center, and the Salt Palace are all around a 15- to 20-minute walk away. Rooms typically range from $160 to $380+ USD per night, making this a practical choice for families, road trippers, and anyone looking to snag a bargain.
Another budget-friendly option worth checking out is Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Downtown. This hotel has an indoor pool and an airport shuttle, and it’s only around 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) from the Salt Palace.
We also really love Hampton Inn Salt Lake City-Downtown, especially because breakfast and parking are included. The Salt Palace is also easy to reach (only about a 15-minute walk away), while Temple Square takes closer to 20 minutes to reach.
Related Read: Need help organizing your trip? See our 3-day Salt Lake City itinerary for our top activities, sights, restaurants, and more, all planned out for you!
Sugar House and South Salt Lake
BEST FOR A TRENDY AND LOCAL ATMOSPHERE
Pros
- Relaxed, residential feel with independent restaurants, coffee shops, and green spaces
- Convenient access to Sugar House Park and roads leading toward the mountains
- Great for longer stays, families, and travelers planning plenty of day trips
Cons
- Downtown attractions are around 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) away
- Getting around is much easier with a rental car or rideshare
- Public transport into downtown typically requires a transfer
If you like the sound of trendy coffee shops and the cutest, leafiest streets over busy tourist attractions, Sugar House might be exactly what you’re looking for.
This part of the city feels much more residential than downtown, with independent restaurants, local cafes, and plenty of green space nearby. Sugar House Park is one of the neighborhood’s biggest draws and is a lovely place to walk, picnic, or simply slow down after a busy few days of sightseeing.
The only downside is that you’ll be further away from Temple Square and Salt Lake City’s main downtown attractions. However, you’ll be better positioned to visit the University of Utah, drive into the Wasatch Mountains, and take day trips outside the city. This makes the area especially practical if hiking or skiing are a big part of your Salt Lake City itinerary.
To make the most of this location, we strongly recommend renting a car. Sugar House does have S-Line streetcar service, but traveling into downtown by public transport usually requires a transfer and takes considerably longer than driving. So if that isn’t a dealbreaker, Sugar House is a lovely place to settle in and experience Salt Lake City at a slower pace.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Sugar House – $$$
If you’re traveling as a family, or maybe you just want a little extra room, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Sugar House is our favorite all-round stay in the area.
Each suite has a separate living space and sofa bed, so you won’t feel cramped after a few nights. Free breakfast is another big plus, and there’s also an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and outdoor terrace with a cozy fire pit.
Sugar House Park is just a 3-minute walk away, while Fairmont S-Line station takes around eight minutes to reach. Downtown is also only a 15-minute drive, making this an easy base for a trip combining city sightseeing with outdoor adventures, with rooms typically ranging from $140 to $340+ USD per night.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East – $$
If you’re planning a longer stay or an outdoor-focused trip, Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East is definitely worth a look.
Every suite has a full kitchen, making it easy to prepare your own meals, and breakfast is included each morning (a lifesaver for busy days outdoors). There’s also an indoor pool and a combined laundry and fitness area, which is handy for longer stays.
In terms of location, you can expect to drive to most places, but free parking makes coming and going nice and easy. Even better, the rooms here are very reasonably priced at just $115 to $220+ USD per night depending on the season.
Comfort Inn & Suites Salt Lake City I-80 I-15 Downtown – $
Last but not least, Comfort Inn & Suites Salt Lake City is our budget-friendly pick for the area.
This hotel is actually located in South Salt Lake (which is its own city), around 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) from Temple Square and the Salt Palace. However, free parking, complimentary breakfast, and quick access to I-80 and I-15 make it a convenient option if you’re planning on splitting your time between the city and the mountains, and you don’t mind driving downtown to see the main attractions.
We always recommend this hotel because it’s clean, comfy, and right on the interstate. And with rooms generally ranging from $90 to $260 USD per night, it can be a much more affordable alternative to staying downtown, especially in busy seasons.
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
Top Activities to do in Salt Lake City
Now that you’ve picked out your favorite area and hotel, you can plan the rest of your trip! There is so much to do in Salt Lake City, but here are a few of our personal favorite activities that are easy to add to your itinerary.
- See SLC’s top sights – Short on time? This bus tour hits Salt Lake City’s best sights in one go. Simply cruise around the city with expert commentary, stopping to explore the most important locations!
- Explore the Great Salt Lake – You can’t visit the city without seeing the Great Salt Lake! This 45-minute boat tour gets you out on the salty water to take in the views, spot some wildlife, and enjoy Utah’s beauty. And trust me – it’s beautiful!
- See wildlife on Antelope Island – Another exciting outdoor adventure is this Antelope Island tour. Here, we saw hundreds of American Bison, as well as antelope, porcupines, and more. It was truly a unique day out!
- Fly over the Great Salt Lake – Take your adventures to the next level with this scenic flight! This truly encapsulates how big the iconic lake is, and gives amazing views of Utah. Not only was it thrilling, but informative, too!
- E-bike around the city – We love e-bike tours because they make it easy to see more city sights, while keeping a leisurely active pace. This SLC bike tour hits the highlights, diving into all facets of the city’s unique culture.
Related Read: Need a few more activities to fill your itinerary? See our full list of the best things to do in Salt Lake City for our top recommendations!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?
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Thanks for reading!
Whether you’re traveling to Salt Lake City for some of its world-class outdoor scenery and skiing, or checking out the downtown core, you will surely love this place! Choosing the right area to stay will help you maximize your sightseeing, so book your accommodation well in advance so you don’t miss out!
Before you go, check out our other USA guides! If you’re staying in Utah or exploring more of the Southwest and beyond, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few related blogs to help you plan an epic getaway. Cheers!
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The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
