By Eric Hrubant, Founder & CEO of CIRE Travel
Often, when we travel, the reputation of a place precedes it. In the case of Salt Lake City, Utah, what we thought we knew got turned upside-down. And, honestly, isn’t that the best kind of surprise when you’re out in the world? Discovering something you didn’t even know you were missing? That’s Salt Lake, no longer just a waystation between destinations or a city defined solely by its religious heritage, but instead the new epitome of the alpine-urban lifestyle.
Here, you can rise with the sun to summit Mount Olympus and slip into courtside seats for a Jazz game in the evening. Move on to craft cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking snow-capped Wasatch Mountains, and you’ve had an A+ day in SLC. While the LDS Church has a large presence here (learn all about it in Temple Square), actually, less than half the population is affiliated with the Church. Instead, you’ll find a diversity of culture that has prompted contemporary art galleries and James Beard-nominated restaurants. We’re here for it, and here’s what we love.
Stay: Luxury Hotels in Salt Lake City
1. The Grand America Hotel
A stand-out in the boutique category in Salt Lake City, The Grand America Hotel’s detailed Victorian-inspired decor (think gilded wall paneling, crystal chandeliers, and priceless antiques) is a prelude to its meticulous white-glove service. Right down to the finely trimmed topiaries and perfectly set tables at afternoon tea, there’s more refinement than you might have assumed this rugged western city was capable of. But capable this landmark hotel is, from the expansive Executive Suites, with Juliet balconies and dreamily plush beds, to the resort-like atmosphere at both an indoor and outdoor pool, and the four-story Grand Spa. Woven throughout the sophisticated ambiance of the hotel is a warm, inviting staff attending to every whim – and always ready to recommend outdoor fun when the mountains lure you outside.
2. Kimpton Hotel Monaco
We love the Kimpton Hotel Monaco as much for its plum location, a short walk from Temple Square, as for the Victorian touches throughout. (Notice a trend? Many of SLC’s downtown buildings date back to the early 20th century). Yet, however historic its bones may be, the space is packed with today’s personality. Quirky extras like a goldfish companion in your room and hula hoops upon request, a pet-friendly policy, and a yoga mat in every room make for a stay that feels anything but ordinary. Don’t confine yourself to your stylish room, however. You’ll want to sit for a while in the intimate, 40-person Vault, with its showpiece mahogany bar, and savor European-inspired specialties at Bambara (we recommend the black garlic koji aged ribeye).
3. Evo Hotel Salt Lake
For you go-getters, there’s this experience- and community-focused gem that puts you within a stone’s throw of Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range so you can get all your hiking, mountain biking, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding vibes pumping. Evo Hotel Salt Lake is an inspired hotel concept that combines your adventurous tendencies with great coffee, local brews, art, and more. Seattle-based outdoor retailer Evo is the brainchild behind this campus, which also boasts a bouldering gym, an indoor skate park, and a yoga and fitness studio. You can rent and service skis, snowboards, and bikes right here, have a sauna session, and sip rooftop brews at the Crown Bar, with gorgeous mountain views, as you dream of tomorrow’s exhilarating activities.
Eat: Favorite Restaurants in Salt Lake City
As much as it’s easy to get addicted to fry sauce—that quirky, pink Salt Lake City blend of mayo and ketchup—this Western mountain city has undergone a culinary renaissance that can’t be ignored. Changing demographics and a booming economy have given SLC its “Silicon Slopes” moniker and infused the city with several continents’ worth of culinary influences, from East African injera to West Asian kebabs. The thread weaving all this exceptional food together: Utah’s strong agricultural heritage and the organic, whole-food movement. From artisanal ramen shops tucked into converted warehouses to elevated takes on classic American comfort food, we found dining in Salt Lake City to be a pleasant surprise for even the most seasoned food enthusiasts.
1. Koyoté
If you have dining restrictions and have had it up to here with uninspired “back-up” entrees, Koyoté, in the Marmalade district, has got your back. The tantan-men, a veggie ramen with creamy sesame stock and mapo chili, is just one excellent choice for you. Chef Hiro Tagai, a ramen expert trained in Tokyo, and Chef Felipe Oliveira focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create their extensive menu, where you’ll find plant-based gyoza, whipped tofu served with scallion pancakes, a vegan ramen bowl with roasted shimeji mushrooms, and chuka soba with tender chasu pork. Don’t forget dessert: ice cream sprinkled with kuromitsu (a Japanese black sugar), among other dishes.
2. Pacific Seas Restaurant
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sent missionaries to the Pacific region for decades, resulting in a flow of migration in both directions. What this means for the SLC culinary scene is a love of Pacific Islander and Polynesian food. Family-owned Pacific Seas Restaurant and market caters to these tastes with island favorites, from Hawaiian musubi andTongan lu/luau (taro leaves with lamb) to Samoan muli pipi (turkey tails that have been boiled and fried). Order a mango ‘otai to go along with, a refreshing blend of mango, pineapple, and coconut.
3. Table X
For an upscale night out, turn to Table X, where chefs Nick Fahs and Mike Blocher work their culinary magic on new American fare. Tuck into a multi-course tasting menu (traditional and vegetarian options), with an ever-rotating list of tantalizing entrees (think garden sunchokes with delicata squash and poblana, or a Johns Creek beef bavette steak, for example). Loca-vores will appreciate that the restaurant sources its fresh produce from its French potager garden. If you’re on the go, pop into Table X Bread, below the restaurant, and grab one of their exceptional baked goods, from a twice-baked honey almond croissant to an espresso miso double chocolate chip cookie.
Do: Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City
1. Explore Temple Square
You don’t have to be particularly religious to enjoy visiting Temple Square, the official headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Take a free, guided tour to get your bearings in this walled neighborhood in the heart of Salt Lake City. There’s the towering Salt Lake Temple, the Gothic Revival-style Assembly Hall, the huge Tabernacle, and right across the street the Family History Library, the world’s largest genealogy library (stop by and discover a relative you never knew of!). Beyond the stately religious buildings, the 35-acre plaza brims with pretty gardens and gurgling fountains, making it a special place to pass a couple of hours.
2. Go Where the Deer and the Antelope Play
Now that you’ve discovered Salt Lake City’s LDS side, set out to explore its eponymous lake. You really can’t miss Great Salt Lake, at roughly 35 miles wide and 75 miles long. The largest natural saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere serves as a playground for locals, offering great swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The best access point near the city is Great Salt Lake Park, about 20 miles west of downtown. If you have more time, drive over to Antelope Island, where you may have to pause on your drive for a few minutes to let the free-ranging bison pass. Look out for antelope, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and millions of birds along the lake shore. (We bet you’re humming, “Home, Home on the Range” right about now.)
3. Picnic in the Park
Grab some to-go sandwiches at Caputo’s Market & Deli, lace up your hiking boots, and head to Ensign Peak Nature Park and Red Butte Garden. The Ensign Peak park connects its namesake mountain with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, and is where Brigham Young’s party stopped to survey Salt Lake City valley after their arrival in the region. The hike is about 1 mile in each direction and affords beautiful views of downtown, the nearby mountains, and, of course, that gargantuan body of water. Red Butte is for those seeking a steep, but short gem with a lot of flora. Meticulously landscaped plots, fountains, and quiet pathways are a nice respite from city hustle and bustle.
4. Hit the Slopes
We can’t talk about Salt Lake City without mentioning the insanely close proximity to world-class skiing and snowboarding. We’re talking well under an hour door to door, from your downtown hotel to a ski resort. You’ll undoubtedly find your favorite, but we recommend you visit a few to widen your choices. Brighton is one of the closest, just 30 miles southeast of downtown, and offers 1,875 vertical feet, 66 trails, and four high-speed quads. Want to try a ski bike? They’re allowed here, so give it a go. Some of the Utah resorts don’t allow snowboarders, so keep that in mind when picking your pow.
CIRE is Here to Help
Ready to discover what Salt Lake City has to offer? Our expert luxury travel planners can help you make the most of your stay. Contact us now for a hassle-free way to explore this inviting and always surprising Western city.
CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY, with offices in Kennebunkport, ME, Washington DC, Boston, MA, Miami, FL, Los Angeles, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Toronto, ON, Bogota, Colombia, Madrid, Spain, London, UK, Mexico City, Mexico, and Vancouver, BC. Our expert corporate travel planners, honeymoon travel agents, and luxury travel planners support clients across the country and around the world.
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