Park City has matured into a bona fide 4-season resort town with many luxury hotels. But you don’t have to be a visitor to enjoy the amenities offered by these hotels. The lounges, restaurants and spas are all open to the public. I love taking advantage of all these hotels have to offer. Here are some of my favorite Park City hotels to visit as a local. One caveat is that I would avoid all of these hotels during Christmas and President’s Week.
1. Montage Deer Valley
This Forbes Travel Guide 5-star hotel becomes a winter wonderland once the snow flies. If you have never been to the Montage in the evening during winter, you must put this on your list of “things to do”. Drop your car off at the free valet and head inside to the lobby lounge. During the Sundance Film Festival, you will find free live entertainment every night. Last year, I saw an American Idol contestant performing.
Burgers and Bourbon is the casual restaurant that has one of my favorite burgers in Park City. In the summer, you can dine outside or just head outside and enjoy a cocktail. Last month, my Dad and I enjoyed a beverage on the patio then did a small hike up the Mid-Mountain Trail. If you have family in town with little kids, Daly’s Pub on the lower level is the perfect place for lunch. With bowling and video games, the kids can run around while the adults catch a game on TV or indulge in conversation around the table.
Montage Deer Valley also has the largest spa in Utah.
2. St. Regis Deer Valley
You may have passed the St. Regis a dozen times or more on your way to a concert at Snow Park Lodge or shushing down to Deer Crest lift. If you’ve never stopped, you’ll want to change that asap.
When friends or family visit, no matter what time of year, we take a ride up the St. Regis Funicular and enjoy a meal or cocktails at the hotel’s J&G Grill. In the summer, the outside deck is wonderful, with live music on Sundays. The peaceful view of Deer Valley’s ski slopes can’t be beat.
3. Stein Eriksen Lodge
The Forbes Travel Guide 5-star hotel (and its 5-star spa and Glitretind Restaurant) are classic Park City. Located in Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Village, I love to ski into the Glitretind in the winter for a special treat. Glitretind is known for its “Skiers Buffet” and “Sunday Brunch”, but during the week, you can also order off of the lunch menu. In the summer and fall, I love to dine outside on the Glitretind deck. The views, food and service are magnificent. In July and August, the Hops on the Hill series is also not to be missed. Note, there are often ‘off season 2-for-1 dining coupons’ for the Glitretind in the Park Record newspaper.
The Spa at Stein Ericksen is Utah’s only 5-star spa. When you book a treatment, you can stay there all day and use the swimming pool, sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools. You can even order lunch from the Glitretind and have it delivered to the spa. This is one of my favorite “day escapes”.
4. Waldorf Astoria Park City
If I don’t have the time or inclination to travel to Main Street or Deer Valley, the Waldorf Astoria is a fantastic gem located on the north side of town at the Canyons. Powder Restaurant is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s also a great location to take in the 4th of July Fireworks. But, shhh! Don’t tell anyone.
5. Hotel Park City
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this hotel in the heart of Park City with views of Park City Mountain ski resort and golf course. Anyone who knows me is aware that my family celebrates most special occasions at Ruth’s Chris Restaurant located here. It is one of my favorite Ruth’s Chris locations, as the views are spectacular and the service and food are consistently excellent. Happy Hour at Hotel Park City is a local’s secret. The bar is hopping year round with awesome dining specials (filet mignon sliders, anyone?) And Ruth’s Chris is also open for lunch, which is always a treat. It’s one of the more quiet locations in town where you can have a conversation.
When you live in a small town of 20,000 full time residents, it’s pretty amazing to have 5 luxury hotels each offering their own dining, spa and other amenities. Did I miss something that you enjoy at one of our local luxury hotels?