HISTORIC HOTELS SALT LAKE CITY

Dec 6

Salt Lake City is home to a rich history - whose entirety is sometimes overshadowed by only one group of people. Indeed, the Mormon pioneers are an important part of our Salt Lake City history and we are happy they ventured west to find this place we now call home. However, while they are a key part of our history - they are not the only part.

Over the last two centuries, Salt Lake City has welcomed newcomers from ALL walks of life. While some of these newcomers stayed to make new homes for themselves, others were simply passing through. Whether it was railroad workers passing through in the 1800s or international travelers visiting for the Olympics a century later, it’s the historic hotels in Salt Lake City that welcomed each one.

5 Historic Salt Lake City Hotels

Today, Salt Lake City continues to welcome travelers from all walks of life. And, some of the same hotels that showed hospitality to the earlier explorers of our city continue to open their doors. Yes, that includes hotels that welcomed people visiting Salt Lake City as early as 1860!

So, while there are now several amazing modern hotels in the city, today we are paying homage to five historic Salt Lake City hotels that have been welcoming wanderers to the city for decades. Each of these historic hotels continues to provide guests with exceptional hospitality and an invitation to step back in time and experience the elegance and charm of a bygone era.

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco

Standing tall above Main Street, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Salt Lake City has the richest history of any hotel in Salt Lake. It is even the home of what is said to be the first restaurant in the city.

The original hotel at this location opened sometime between the 1860s and 1870s. While the original Delmonico Hotel provided a modest place to stay, it was only the beginning of what was destined to become the grand hotel we see today.

In the 1870s, the hotel got its first renovation when it was purchased by entrepreneur Simon Bamberger. For the next 25 years, it was a popular destination for anyone traveling west by train. However, beginning in 1895 the building became home to two different banks and would not return to its hotel glory for over a hundred years.

Over a century later, the building was reclaimed for its original purpose when The Kimpton Hotel Group renovated it and reopened it as a hotel in 1999. Since then, the Salt Lake City Hotel Monaco has become one of the most iconic hotels in the state.

In 2023, the hotel once again underwent another renovation. Not to worry though. The hotel continues to maintain the charm of this historic building, with the added touch of modern elegance.

Another modern benefit of this historic hotel is its partnership with the International Hotel Group (IHG). As an IHG member, guests who stay at Hotel Monaco can receive rewards if they sign up for an IHG account. Free to register for, an IHG membership is a wonderful offer for travelers who want a little bit of the new with the old.

The Peery Hotel

The Peery Hotel is Salt Lake City’s second oldest hotel that is still in service today. Located just a few blocks up from the old Rio Grande Train Station, the hotel was built in 1910 to provide a luxury experience for the wealthy and elite in the mining industry.

While the hotel has undergone some renovations over the years to keep it current for modern travelers it still maintains its original charm and grandeur. In addition to its distinctive gray and white exterior, the hotel features elegant, Victorian-style décor, with intricate woodwork and antique furnishings.

Although this historic boutique hotel was originally independently owned it is now part of the Hilton brand. As part of Hilton’s Tapestry collection, the hotel provides a perfect blend for the modern traveler who wants a trusted brand in the industry but the unique qualities of a one-of-a-kind hotel. Moreover, travelers who are part of the Hilton’s Honors program can earn (or use) points during their stay.

The Little America Hotel

The Little America Hotel is a newer historic hotel that was built in 1952. Although it is newer it has been a Salt Lake City landmark ever since it opened. It is known for its classic, Art Deco-style architecture, with sleek lines and bold geometric patterns.

Compared to the Hotel Monaco and The Peery Hotel which are smaller boutique hotels, The Little America Hotel is home to 850 guest rooms. Beyond having more rooms, it also boasts some of the largest and comfiest rooms in the city!

Although this hotel is more spacious than other hotels it still offers a quaint and welcoming feel. The property is tucked away just a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of the city center and is surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. A delightful and tranquil property to relax and unwind at after exploring the city or adventuring in the mountains.

The Grand America Hotel

While The Grand America Hotel does not date back hundreds of years, it is a significant part of Salt Lake City’s more recent history. Therefore, it gets a spot on the list because while it may only be in its infancy compared to other historic hotels - it is bound to be one of SLC’s most well-known hotels for centuries to come.

This stunning luxury hotel was built in 2001 for the 2002 Winter Olympics. While a newer building, its design is reminiscent of the grand hotels of the past. The hotel features marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and elegant furnishings that create a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere. In addition, guests can enjoy a classic afternoon of tea, complete with savories, sweets, and scones.

Although the hotel was built to welcome travelers coming from around the world, it has become a popular destination for locals. Locals regularly book rooms for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries or simply for a relaxing staycation.

The Engen Hus

The Engen Hus is a bit further outside of the city center and a bit smaller than a full-size hotel, but this quaint Bed and Breakfast has a rich Utah history. It is also the perfect location for anyone who is coming to the Salt Lake area specifically for the mountain experience.

The original house that is now known as The Engen Hus was built in 1949. Located at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon, it was built by Norwegian brothers Alf, Sverre, and Corey Engen. Just like it still does for many people today, skiing is what brought the Engen brothers to Utah.

Although ownership of this historic Bed and Breakfast has changed hands over the years, the dedication to its rich history has remained constant. Today, The Engen Hus sits in the same place the Engen brothers first laid logs.

With 5 bedrooms and a homemade breakfast included in your stay on Wednesdays through Sundays, this historic Bed and Breakfast is wonderful for those who want to immerse themselves in Utah’s rich ski history both on and off the slopes.

Salt Lake City Attractions Nearby

Except for the Engen Haus, each of these historic hotels is located in downtown Salt Lake City. This makes each of these hotels the perfect place to start your exploration of other historic spots in the city. Main Street is an ideal spot to begin exploring historic buildings and will guide you toward Temple Square - the hub of all things Mormon history. For those particularly intrigued by the LDS Church, you can add a stop to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and The Tabernacle (not to be confused with The TaVernacle - our favorite local piano bar).

Beyond the history of the city, a quick walk to City Creek Center will offer you the best variety of shopping in the city along with some favorite local eateries on Regent Street. The Salt Palace Convention Center is also walkable for those of you visiting on business or for one of the many conventions that come to town each year.

In addition to the many walkable attractions, it is a quick drive to other nearby attractions like Trolley Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the Natural History Museum. Just a little bit further, you can explore the beauty of Utah by driving to the Great Salt Lake, Park City, or Little Cottonwood Canyon. Big Cottonwood Canyon is also a short drive, making The Engen Haus ideally situated for those wanting to make nature the focus of your visit.

Whether you choose to stay in the heart of the city or venture closer to nature, all of these historic hotels are easy to get to from the Salt Lake City airport. Moreover, regardless of which part of the valley you prioritize for your stay - you can easily explore ALL of it from any of these hotels.

Whatever brings you to Salt Lake City, whether the history of the city or the snow in the mountains, just know that there is a hotel waiting to welcome you - just like it did for travelers centuries ago.