Where to Stay in Salt Lake City 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Salt Lake City's accommodation clusters around downtown and the suburban corridor leading to the ski canyons. Downtown offers the best walkability and TRAX access, while Sandy and Cottonwood Heights put you closer to Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude. Ski-season visitors should weigh canyon proximity against wanting a dining and nightlife scene after the lifts close. Summer visitors are best served downtown for museum access and road-trip staging.
On This Page
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Downtown / Temple Square
Direct TRAX connection to the airport, walking distance to Temple Square, Main Street dining, and the Utah State Capitol. Best balance of sightseeing, transit, and flexibility for day trips to ski canyons, Park City, or national parks.
Downtown / Temple Square
Sandy / Cottonwood Canyon Gateway
9th & 9th / Central City
Sugar House
The Avenues / Capitol Hill
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • West Valley City motels along Redwood Road are cheap but far from attractions and poorly connected by transit
- • Airport-area hotels are only 10 km from downtown but lack any walkable dining or character—only useful for early departures
- • The area immediately around Pioneer Park can feel uncomfortable after dark; check hotel reviews for noise concerns
Understanding Salt Lake City Geography
Salt Lake City is laid out on a simple grid system centred on Temple Square—streets are numbered by their distance from that point (e.g., 900 East is 9 blocks east). The Wasatch Mountains form an impassable wall to the east, with the ski canyons cutting into them. Downtown sits north-centre, the university northeast, and the suburb-to-canyon corridor extends south through Murray, Sandy, and Cottonwood Heights.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City
Downtown / Temple Square
Best for: First-time visitors, Temple Square access, walkable dining, TRAX hub
"Compact, walkable core mixing religious heritage with modern dining and nightlife"
Pros
- TRAX light rail hub
- Walking distance to major sights
- Best restaurant concentration
Cons
- Quieter on Sundays
- Hotel parking can be expensive
- Limited late-night options
Sugar House
Best for: Local vibe, parks, affordable dining, young professionals
"Tree-lined residential streets with a lively commercial strip and park"
Pros
- Affordable accommodation
- Great local restaurants
- S-Line streetcar to TRAX
Cons
- 3 km from downtown
- Less tourist-oriented
- Need transit or car for major sights
9th & 9th / Central City
Best for: Walkable dining, indie shops, coffee culture, boutique character
"Laid-back neighbourhood village with independent character"
Pros
- Best coffee and brunch spots
- Walkable neighbourhood streets
- Close to Liberty Park
Cons
- Limited hotel options
- Relies on bus connections
- Quieter at night
The Avenues / Capitol Hill
Best for: Historic architecture, quiet streets, Utah State Capitol, canyon access
"Quiet, leafy hillside streets with Victorian and early 20th-century homes"
Pros
- Beautiful architecture
- Immediate hiking access (City Creek, Ensign Peak)
- Walkable to Temple Square
Cons
- Steep hills
- Very few hotels—mostly B&Bs and rentals
- Limited dining
Sandy / Cottonwood Canyon Gateway
Best for: Ski resort access, mountain proximity, families, suburban comfort
"Suburban gateway to the ski canyons with chain hotels and strip-mall dining"
Pros
- Closest accommodation to ski resorts
- TRAX connection to downtown
- Lower hotel prices
Cons
- 25 km south of downtown
- Suburban feel—no walkable core
- Need a car for most activities
Accommodation Budget in Salt Lake City
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Evo Hotel Salt Lake City
Downtown / Granary District
Budget-boutique hotel in the Granary District with a gym, sauna, free parking, and a social lobby. A short drive from Vivint Arena and the Salt Palace, with easy access to the ski canyons.
Evo Hotel
Downtown / Temple Square
Modern pod-style budget hotel near the convention center with a shared kitchen, lounge, and rooftop patio. Compact private rooms keep costs low while the communal spaces and central location keep the experience social and convenient.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
Downtown / Temple Square
Pet-friendly boutique hotel in a restored 1924 building on Main Street. Bold, colourful interiors and a popular on-site restaurant, two blocks from Temple Square and the TRAX light rail.
AC Hotel by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown
Downtown / Temple Square
Modern mid-range hotel near the Salt Palace Convention Center with a sleek rooftop lounge. Clean European-inspired design and solid value for the downtown location.
Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown
Downtown / Temple Square
Good-value downtown option a short walk from Temple Square and City Creek Center. Spacious rooms with a free breakfast and an indoor pool — practical and well-located for first-time visitors.
Little America Hotel
Downtown / Temple Square
Classic mid-century grande dame in the heart of downtown with unusually large rooms, an outdoor pool, and surprisingly affordable rates. The on-site coffee shop and old-school charm make it a local institution as much as a hotel.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Grand America Hotel
Downtown / Temple Square
One of Utah's premier AAA Five Diamond hotels, occupying an entire city block with a marble-clad lobby, indoor and outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. The Grand Ballroom and manicured English gardens set it apart from anything else in the city.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
The Cliff Lodge & Spa at Snowbird
Sandy / Cottonwood Canyon Gateway
Ski-in/ski-out lodge at Snowbird Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon, roughly 40 minutes from downtown. Ride the aerial tram straight from the village and unwind at the rooftop pool with panoramic Wasatch views.
Smart Booking Tips for Salt Lake City
- 1 Ski season (December–March) drives hotel prices up 30–50%, especially at canyon-adjacent properties—book 2+ months ahead
- 2 Sundance Film Festival (late January) fills Park City AND downtown SLC hotels—book 3+ months ahead or expect 2–3x rates
- 3 Summer is off-peak for city hotels but peak for national park road trips—book early if combining SLC with Moab or Zion
- 4 Many downtown hotels offer ski-and-stay packages that bundle lift tickets and canyon shuttle transfers at a discount
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Salt Lake City.
Updated: February 12, 2026
Ready to Visit Salt Lake City?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Salt Lake City?
How much does a hotel cost in Salt Lake City?
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Salt Lake City?
Are there areas to avoid in Salt Lake City?
When should I book a hotel in Salt Lake City?
More Salt Lake City Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Cost & Budget
Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Salt Lake City: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.