divIf you’re in the west of the USA, then you should drop by to see Salt Lake City, Utah. The natural landscape around the city is the real drawcard. It’s perfect for a huge range of outdoor activities and attracts adventure seekers from all over. But the city itself is almost a match for this natural beauty. Salt Lake City is filled with culture, history, and an amazing food scene that will leave you happy that you have so many opportunities to burn some calories.
Salt Lake City is a big city, so it can be difficult to find the best neighborhood in Salt Lake City close to everything. That’s why we created this simple guide, so you can work out the best areas to stay no matter what your interests are.
Let’s get started.
Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Salt Lake City?
- Where to stay in Salt Lake City first time – Downtown
- Where to stay in Salt Lake City on a budget – Avenues
- Best neighborhood in Salt Lake City for families – Central City
- Best area to stay in Salt Lake City for nightlife – Sugar House
- The Coolest place to stay in Salt Lake City– University-Foothill
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
If you prefer to keep things simple, here are our best recommendations for places to stay in Salt Lake City no matter what you want to do in the city.
Nestled in Salt Lake City’s most desirable neighborhood, this inviting B&B offers great value for money with a plethora of fantastic amenities at budget-friendly prices. Guests can unwind in the bar, dine on tasty meals at the on-site restaurant, and relax in the shared lounge and garden.
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western
- Fitness centre
- 24-hour front desk
- Outdoor swimming pool
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western
- Fitness centre
- 24-hour front desk
- Outdoor swimming pool
This modern and contemporary hotel is situated on the Avenues of Salt Lake City and is our overall top pick for the best mid-range hotel in the city. Indulge in the refreshing outdoor pool, unwind in the state-of-the-art hot tub, and revel in the comfort of spacious, well-lit rooms.
Situated within a short stroll from Temple Square, this hotel offers charming rooms adorned with luxurious furnishings. The hotel also has fantastic, shared facilities, including a 24-hour fitness center and a tasty on-site restaurant.
Salt Lake City Neighborhood Guide
Salt Lake City is home to around 200,000 people, but despite its relatively small population, it’s a sprawling city that spreads over 177 miles. This huge area is divided into 19 distinct areas, each of them with its own attractions and appeal. So, if you’re struggling to work out where to stay, here’s where to look.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Salt Lake City for your first visit, then head to the Downtown area. This is where you’ll find the biggest collection of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
The next area to look at is Avenues. Overlooking the city, this is a student area where you’ll find budget-friendly accommodation and places to eat.
And then we have Central City, the best neighborhood in Salt Lake City for families. Close to the Downtown and offering a lot of attractions along with a local vibe and prices, this area is ideal when you’re traveling with kids.
The Sugar House neighborhood is an area of real contrast. One of the oldest neighborhoods, it’s also full of college students, which is why the nightlife is absolutely first-rate!
And the final area to think about is the University-Foothill, the best neighborhood in Salt Lake City for couples or anyone else who wants easy access to the natural areas around the city. If you’re a biking, hiking, or nature enthusiast, you’ll love this area.
Salt Lake City’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Salt Lake City for nightlife or would prefer a quieter visit, here’s where you should be looking.
Neighborhood#1 – Downtown
Where to stay in Salt Lake City first time
- COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – Marvel at the displays at The Leonardo science and technology museum
- BEST place to visit in Downtown – The Farmers’ Market for fresh produce and people watching
If you like to be in the center of all the action when you travel, then you need to stay in Salt Lake City’s Downtown. This is the business center of the city and contains all the best restaurants and shops. It also has the best transport links to other parts of the city, which should make it easy for you to explore during your stay.
The Downtown area is hands down the best neighborhood in Salt Lake City for your first visit. It’s filled with historical architecture that will give you a good introduction to the city as well as art galleries and attractions. It also contains the best variety of accommodation options, so you’ll find somewhere to stay that will suit you no matter what your budget is like.
- Have a meal at the Ramen Bar, Bruges Waffles and Frites, or Red Iguana
- Wander the trails and check out the statues in the International Peace Gardens
- Enjoy the exhibits and movies at the Clark Planetarium
- Learn about the city’s founders at the Pioneer Memorial Museum
- See 5,000 years of art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts
- Play a round of golf at the Bonneville Golf Course
- Enjoy the paths, playground, and events at Pioneer Park
- Have a drink at the Red Door, Boomerangs Bar Down Under, or Bar-X
Best Budget Hotel in Downtown
Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites
With modern rooms and contemporary furnishings, this hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Salt Lake City on a budget. It has lots of extras like a hot tub, sauna, and indoor pool and is located in a busy area with lots of shops and restaurants. There’s also free breakfast in the hotel every morning so that you can start out your day right.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown
Doubletree Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City
Doubletree Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City is a modern and contemporary hotel that boasts some fantastic facilities including a fitness center, a heated indoor pool along with ski storage space for those traveling in the winter months.
Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
This hotel is just a short walk from Temple Square and offers lovely rooms with unique furnishings. It has in-room spa services, a 24-hour fitness center, and a restaurant that serves delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and tea. There’s also a bar at the hotel where you can sit and enjoy a drink after a long day.
Neighborhood#2 – Avenues
Where to stay in Salt Lake City on a budget
- COOLEST thing to do in Avenues – Tour the Capitol Buildings to see how the US political system works
- BEST place to visit in Avenues – Mueller Park Picnic Area for hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor adventure activities
If you prefer a quieter vibe when you travel, then make The Avenues your base. This neighborhood is next to Capitol Hill, a must-see if you’re interested in politics, and it’s a quieter local neighborhood with a lot of state and historical landmarks. You’ll also find a range of restaurants that are different from the norm in this area.
Overlooking the city, The Avenues is close enough to the Downtown area to be convenient, and far enough away to be quieter. It also stretches over miles of natural areas and preserves, so make sure you get out into the surrounding landscape to really see what Salt Lake City is about!
- Learn more about the area at the Natural History Museum of Utah
- Take a walking tour through Temple Square
- Relax and wander the nature trails in Red Butte Garden
- Take in the living history at the This Is The Place Heritage Park
- Head up to the Tomahawk Natural Area for hiking trails and nature experiences
- Try some local brews at Avenues Proper or Tibetan food at Café Shambala
- Grab a quiet or noisy drink at the Beerhive Pub or Poplar Street Pub
Best Budget Hotel in Avenues
Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast
Located in the best neighborhood in Salt Lake City, this cozy B&B has a bar, a restaurant, a shared lounge, and a garden for total relaxation during your stay. All of the units have a patio, as well as a dining and seating area and the B&B is close to the Downtown area and all its attractions.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Avenues
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western
Expect stylish and modern facilities throughout this hotel, including a sleek outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art hot tub along with spacious and brightly lit rooms. The hotel is also home to a tour desk, where you can get epic discounts on trips and activities in and around Salt Lake City.
Best Luxury Hotel in Avenues
The Kimball at Temple Square
Clean and modern, this hotel has apartments will full living rooms, kitchenettes, and linens. There’s a hot tub on-site as well as a guest lounge and laundry facilities and the hotel offers free parking in case you need your own transport while you’re in the city.
We are obsessed with backpacks – we’ve tried them all! And our favourite carry on backpack in the WORLD is the Nomatic Travel Backpack. This backpack has revolutionized the backpack industry and will change the way you travel forever :) Check it out here!
Neighborhood#3 – Central City
Best neighborhood in Salt Lake City for families
- COOLEST thing to do in Central City – Keep the kids occupied at the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
- BEST place to visit in Central City – Liberty Park for picnics, playgrounds, and pools
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Salt Lake City for families, then check out Central City. This area has a little bit of everything. It has lots of outdoor spaces where the kids can run around and burn off some energy as well as plenty of indoor attractions. This part of the city also boasts many of the city’s best restaurants, so be prepared to have some feasts while you’re in the area.
Central City is an interesting local area that offers great access to all the attractions and activities just outside the city. If you want to go biking, hiking, or mountain climbing, there are lots of providers in this area who will help you out with gear and guidance.
- Check out the sculptures at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden
- Have a brew at the Desert Edge Brewery at the Pub or Water Witch
- Go people-watching in historic Trolley Square
- Have a bite at Spitz, The Other Place Restaurant, or Sapa
- Head out of the city for biking, hiking, and mountain climbing
- Take the kids to see the birds at the Tracy Aviary
Best Budget Hotel in Central City
Motel 6
This motel is a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Salt Lake City on a budget. It’s close to the Central City area and has clean, comfortable rooms with the usual amenities. There’s a laundry on-site that you can use as well as a seasonal outdoor pool.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Central City
Little America Hotel Salt Lake City
Little America Hotel is one of Salt Lake City’s most popular hotels and we can see why with the hotel offering both indoor pool and outdoor pools, on-site boutique shops, a range of deluxe room options, and an award-winning Sunday brunch.
Best Luxury Hotel in Central City
Marriott Salt Lake City Center
This hotel is close to Central City and offers elegant luxury with lots of extras. Have a meal at the Italian restaurant on-site or just enjoy the gym and indoor pool during your stay. There’s also a bar on-site for a late-night cocktail and some of the rooms have views of the mountains or the Downtown area.
Neighborhood#4 – Sugar House
Best area to stay in Salt Lake City for nightlife
- COOLEST thing to do in Sugar House – Get out of the city for jogging or hiking in the Parleys Historic Nature Park
- BEST place to visit in Sugar House – Sugar House Park for sledding in winter and sports of all kinds in summer
Sugar House is hands down the best neighborhood in Salt Lake City for nightlife. This hipster area offers the best combination of bars and clubs, which is why it’s popular among young locals! It also has a good collection of restaurants just in case you prefer to enjoy your drinks with a delicious meal.
Sugar House is one of the oldest areas in Salt Lake City and offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. It also boasts great transport links to the rest of the city, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around when you stay in this area.
- Play a round at the Nibley Park Golf Course or The Country Club
- Have a picnic at the Hidden Hollow Nature Area
- Relax with a drink at the Campfire Lounge, The Ruin, or The Brickyard Bar
- Have a meal at Bombay House, The Dodo Restaurant, or Bruges Belgian Bistro
- Head out for some hiking on the Parley’s Canyon Overlook Trail Head or the Arcadia Trailhead
Best Budget Hotel in Sugar House
SpringHill Suites
Located right in the center of Sugar House, this hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Salt Lake City for nightlife. The rooms are modern and bright and pack a lot into a relatively small space, with a work desk and seating area as well as a sleeping area.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Sugar House
Sugar House Urban Basecamp
Unfortunately, Sugar House isn’t home to a limited selection of hotel options, however, this beautiful 3-bedroom house is an amazing place to stay in the neighborhood. The house is brightly lit with natural daylight and has spacious rooms and common areas, making it perfect for families or groups of friends visiting Salt Lake City.
Best Luxury Hotel in Sugar House
Home2 Suites by Hilton
Located close to the popular Sugar House area, this hotel has a shared lounge, business center, fitness center, and an indoor pool. An American breakfast is served every morning and you can always spend your days relaxing in the hot tub or on the sun terrace during your stay. The rooms are large and include a working space just in case you can’t leave your work at home while you’re on holiday.
If you are traveling you should ALWAYS have emergency cash hidden on you! Security belts are great because they are affordable and can fit a ton of stuff in them (great for peace of mind!). Check out our favorite travel belt!
Neighborhood#5 – University-Foothill
The Coolest place to stay in Salt Lake City
- COOLEST thing to do in University-Foothill – Experience what life was like in a pioneer village at the This Is The Place Heritage Park.
- BEST place to visit in University-Foothill – Natural History Museum of Utah for some of the best displays you’ve ever seen
If you’d prefer to be out of the city, then why not stay in the University-Foothill? Located on the eastern edge of the city, it offers equal access to the concrete jungle as well as to the mountains and natural areas around the city. This makes it a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Salt Lake City for couples or anyone else who travels to experience the outdoors!
But it isn’t all hiking and mountains. The University-Foothill neighborhood is rapidly rising in popularity lately, which is why there are a lot of restaurants, museums, and art galleries springing up all over. And the area also offers good transport links into the rest of the city as well, so you shouldn’t have trouble exploring more urban areas.
- Explore the Bonneville Shoreline trail
- Watch the sun go down at the Water Conservation Garden
- See military displays from the 1800s to today at the Fort Douglas Military Museum
- Take the Living Room Trailhead up to one of the most scenic overlooks outside of the city
- See the displays at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts
- Go exploring through the Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park
- Have a meal at the Corner Bakery Café or the Pie Pizzeria Underground
Best Budget Hotel in University-Foothill
University Guest House
Located on the grounds of the University, this hotel has a fitness center and offers breakfast options every day. You’ll have your own private room and bathroom and there are laundry facilities on-site as well. It will be easy for you to explore the city from this hotel because the train station is just a few minutes away on foot.
Best Mid-range Hotel in University-Foothill
Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City- University/Foothill Drive
This modern 3-star hotel offers guests a range of leisure facilities, including an indoor pool, sleek fitness room, and hot tub. The hotel also serves a tasty, hot breakfast every morning, which is the perfect way to fuel yourself for a day of exploring the city.
Best Luxury Hotel in University-Foothill
Salt Lake City Marriott University Park
Salt Lake City is all about the mountains, so you might as well enjoy the views during your stay. Located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, this hotel has rooms with views, a fitness center, a lounge, and a restaurant on-site. There’s also an all-day coffee shop so you can relax with a cup of your favorite brew.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Salt Lake City
Ever dreamed of hiking through the stark landscape outside of Salt Lake City? Then check out this easy guide to help you decide where to stay in Salt Lake City close to everything. This city is vibrant and alive, with its own culture and way of life. But of course, it’s the natural areas outside that are the real winner, so make sure you get out there!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
- Hostels 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying in a Hostel for the First Time - September 7, 2023
- 5 Best PARTY HOSTELS in Chicago [2023] - February 1, 2023
- 5 Best PARTY HOSTELS in Santiago! [2023] - January 31, 2023
