Salt Lake City has about 100 lodging facilities. We can't possibly list them all but this should give you a good start. Although rates are a little higher downtown than in outlying parts of the city, it is worth a few extra dollars to be close to Salt Lake City's major attractions. Make sure to ask about ski-and-stay packages. Most Salt Lake hotels also sell the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass—an interchangeable voucher good for day passes at Alta, Brighton, Solitude or Snowbird—for as little as $46, which includes complimentary public transportation from downtown to the ski resort.

The Grand America Hotel (800-621-4505; 258-6000; $$$$) is the most recent property of Earl Holding, who also owns Sun Valley Resort, Snowbasin Ski Resort and the Little America Hotel chain. It has 775 suites and rooms. Finished just in time to accommodate dignitaries for the 2002 Olympics, The Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake claims is the only five-diamond property in the city. Elegantly appointed with authentic antiques, paintings, sculptures and carpets, this hotel could be listed as a museum. Ask about arrangements for an art tour when you visit. There is a full-service spa on the premises as well as a pool and hot tub. Enjoy a lovely afternoon tea in the beautifully decorated lobby. The staff is most gracious and understands the meaning of service.

SALT LAKE CITY LODGING DEALS

The upscale Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown (800-228-9290; 531-0800; $$–$$$) has spacious, comfortable rooms. The hotel has an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and health club on site and a full-service spa nearby. Parking costs $10 per day. Service is excellent and friendly. Its sister property, the Marriott Salt Lake City Center (866-961-8700; 961-8700; $$–$$$), was built in 2001 and is adjacent to the Gallivan Plaza, which showcases a great ice skating rink and cultural events. It has the same amenities and parking also costs $10 per day. The all-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Cottonwood (800-331-3131; 453-0430; $$$), half-way between Salt Lake City and both Big and Little Cottonword Canyons resorts, has kitchens and rates that include a full, hot breakfast buffet as well as light suppers with alcohol. On premises are an outdoor pool and whirlpool. The park-and-ride lot for the ski area shuttle is 1.5 miles away.

Hilton Salt Lake City Center (800-445-8667; 328-2000; $–$$$), on West Temple, recently spent $12 million in renovations and has both business and fitness centers. Another property in this area is the renovated Peery Hotel (800-331-0073; 521-4300; $$–$$$; left). Now on the National Register, elegant and once the home to a bordello, it has pedestal sinks, marble and period furniture including canopy beds. The staff is friendly and wonderfully attentive. The hotel has free wireless Internet access throughout the property.

The Hotel Monaco (877-294-9710; 595-0000; $$–$$$), a glamorous boutique hotel, is in an historic renovated bank building downtown. Definitely not a cookie-cutter property, the Monaco will deliver a pet goldfish to your room at your request and serves up free back and neck massages during the nightly complimentary evening wine reception in the lobby. And don't be surprised if you see your favorite rock star or NBA team in the lobby. This is the place to stay for tall athletes and music divas. If there's no basketball game in town when you're there for a visit, ask for a "Tall Room." Counters are high, beds are extra long, bathrobes are as well, not to mention the extended door jambs! The lively Bambara, an award-winning bistro-type restaurant, serves an eclectic menu of fabulous dishes just off the lobby (see Dining).

The tasteful Little America Hotel and Towers (800-453-9450; 596-5700; $–$$$; right), a sister property to Grand America Hotel, has large rooms that can easily accommodate all your skier's gear. Embassy Suites Hotel (359-7800; $–$$$) has two-room suites with a free cook-to-order breakfast, plus there's a hot tub, indoor pool and sauna. The Marriott University Park Hotel (581-1000; $–$$$) is near the University of Utah, farther from downtown but closer to the resorts. It's at a higher elevation than downtown, so it has a dandy view of the city from its glassed-in hot tub.

Downtown, Red Lion Hotel Salt Lake Downtown (800-733-5466; 521-7373; $–$$$) has nicely decorated deluxe rooms with king or queen beds, an outdoor heated pool, exercise facilities and free parking.

SALT LAKE CITY LODGING DEALS

Three B&Bs in historic buildings are clustered about seven blocks from Temple Square, each with wonderfully decorated rooms. The Anniversary Inn (800-324-4152; 363-4900; $$–$$$$) is as romantic as it sounds with themed rooms that cover everything from a mansion suite to a jungle safari and a sultan's palace. The Armstrong Mansion Bed & Breakfast (800-708-1333; 531-1333; $$–$$$$), built by a mayor of Salt Lake City for his bride in 1893, is a Queen Anne-style mansion on the National Register. It's been restored to its original appearance with each room romance-themed and luxurious bedding. Some rooms have jetted tubs. The more traditional Anton Boxrud Bed & Breakfast (800-524-5511; 363-8035; $–$$; below) is a small mansion resplendent with polished wood, beveled glass windows, antiques and hand-woven lace.

For decent downtown budget lodging with a free continental breakfast, try The Metropolitan Inn (531-7100; $–$$).

If you're looking for inexpensive lodging to spend  the night before you fly out, try the Days Inn Airport (888-814-3955; 539-8538; $–$$) where you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast that includes make-your-own Belgian waffles. There's also an indoor hot tub and pool. It's just minutes away from the airport.

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less