For anyone planning a trip to the heart of Utah’s capital, the Salt Lake Plaza at Temple Square offers more than just a place to stay; it provides an immersive gateway to the city’s most significant landmarks. This hotel isn’t merely a building with rooms; it’s a cornerstone of the visitor experience in Salt Lake City, offering unparalleled access to the very pulse of downtown. Situated directly adjacent to the world-renowned historic Temple Square, its location promises a stay defined by convenience and cultural enrichment. Whether you’re in town for business, a family vacation, or a spiritual pilgrimage, understanding what this establishment offers is key to unlocking a truly memorable trip, especially with the added bonus of the City Creek Center just a stone’s throw away for all your shopping and dining needs.
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What Are Guests Really Saying?
When you sift through the countless reviews and testimonials from past visitors, a clear and consistent picture of the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at Temple Square emerges. The most frequently lauded aspect, without a doubt, is its phenomenal location. Guests consistently rave about the ability to step out of the lobby and be immediately immersed in the historic and cultural epicenter of Salt Lake City. Many recount the sheer convenience of walking to Temple Square, the Salt Palace Convention Center, and the City Creek Center, effectively eliminating the need for a rental car for much of their stay. The phrase “location, location, location” seems to have been coined for this very spot.
Beyond its prime real estate, the service often receives high marks. Visitors frequently describe the staff as warm, welcoming, and exceptionally helpful, contributing to a pleasant and stress-free atmosphere. Stories of front desk agents going the extra mile to provide directions, offer dining recommendations, or resolve minor issues are common. However, it’s also important to note the constructive feedback. Some guests mention that while the rooms are clean and comfortable, the decor could be perceived as slightly dated compared to more modern, boutique hotels. This is often framed not as a major complaint but as an observation, with the comfort and cleanliness still meeting expectations for a pleasant stay.
Why is the Location of the Salt Lake Plaza at Temple Square Unbeatable?
To truly grasp the value of staying at this hotel, one must understand the geography of downtown Salt Lake City. The hotel is not just near Temple Square; it is quite literally at Temple Square. This proximity is its greatest asset and the primary reason so many travelers choose it year after year. You are not a short drive or a long walk away; you are an immediate participant in the area’s daily life. This means you can easily attend a morning organ recital at the Tabernacle, explore the Family History Library at your leisure, or take an evening stroll through the beautifully manicured temple grounds without ever hailing a cab or worrying about parking.
This central position extends beyond the immediate Temple Square complex. The hotel serves as a perfect hub for exploring the wider downtown area. The TRAX light rail system has a stop conveniently nearby, providing effortless access to other parts of the city, including the University of Utah and the airport. For business travelers, the Salt Palace Convention Center is a short, pleasant walk away, making it an ideal choice for conference attendees. The convenience factor is simply off the charts, allowing you to maximize your time exploring rather than commuting.
As Dr. Eleanor Vance, a cultural historian specializing in urban development in the American West, notes, “The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel’s location isn’t just convenient; it’s historically significant. It occupies a space that has been central to the city’s identity since its founding. To stay there is to place yourself directly in the narrative of Salt Lake City.”
Exploring the Neighborhood: What’s Within Walking Distance?
The immediate vicinity of the hotel is a treasure trove of attractions, dining, and shopping, ensuring you’ll never be short of things to do. Your feet are your best mode of transportation here, unlocking a rich and varied urban experience.
Temple Square and its Attractions
The most obvious and significant neighbor is Temple Square itself. This 35-acre complex is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a major tourist destination. Within this area, you can visit the iconic Salt Lake Temple (exterior views), the historic Tabernacle (home to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir), the Assembly Hall, and two comprehensive visitors’ centers that explain the history and beliefs of the faith. The Family History Library, the largest genealogical library in the world, is also on-site and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to research your ancestry with the help of expert staff.
Shopping and Dining at City Creek Center
Directly across the street from Temple Square lies the City Creek Center, an upscale open-air shopping mall that is a destination in its own right. With over 100 stores, including major retailers like Nordstrom and Macy’s, as well as a variety of boutiques, it’s a shopper’s paradise. The center is also renowned for its stunning design, featuring a fully retractable glass roof, a creek that runs through the property, and hourly fountain shows. The food court offers a wide range of quick and casual options, while several full-service restaurants, such as The Cheesecake Factory and Brio Italian Grille, provide excellent choices for a more relaxed meal.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
The downtown cultural district is also within easy walking distance. You can catch a symphony performance at Abravanel Hall, enjoy a ballet or opera at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre, or see a play at the Eccles Theater. This concentration of world-class venues makes for an easy and sophisticated evening out. For a dose of local history, the Beehive House, the former residence of Brigham Young, offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century life in Utah.
A Look Inside: Rooms and Hotel Amenities
While the location might be the main draw, the hotel itself provides a comfortable and well-equipped home base for your adventures. The focus is on providing a clean, quiet, and functional space where guests can relax and recharge after a busy day of sightseeing or business meetings.
What Can You Expect from the Rooms?
The rooms at the Salt Lake Plaza are designed with comfort and practicality in mind. They are spacious and kept meticulously clean, a point frequently highlighted in guest reviews. Standard amenities include comfortable beds, a work desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee maker. While the aesthetic may lean towards the traditional, the functionality is modern. Many rooms offer fantastic views of Temple Square or the surrounding city skyline, which can add a special touch to your stay. For families or those needing more space, suites are available that provide a separate living area.
It’s a practical and reliable choice. You won’t find the edgy, minimalist design of a modern boutique hotel, but you will find a consistently comfortable and well-maintained room that serves its purpose perfectly. It’s the kind of place where you can get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and ready for the day.
What Facilities Does the Hotel Offer?
The hotel is equipped with a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay. There is an on-site restaurant that serves classic American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a convenient dining option without having to leave the property. For those looking to stay active, a fitness center is available. One of the most popular features, especially for families, is the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, offering a great way to relax and unwind, particularly during the warmer months.
The hotel also provides practical services such as a gift shop, a business center, and guest laundry facilities. For travelers flying in, the airport shuttle service is a major perk, simplifying the journey to and from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). These thoughtful amenities demonstrate a focus on the complete guest experience, ensuring that all the essential needs of a traveler are met.
Dr. Eleanor Vance also comments, “A hotel like the Salt Lake Plaza endures not just on location, but on reliability. It understands its clientele—tourists, families, convention-goers—and provides the essential, no-fuss amenities they require. It’s a model of consistent, practical hospitality.”
A little planning can go a long way in making your stay at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at Temple Square as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Understanding the logistics of parking, transportation, and booking can save you time and potential headaches.
Is Parking a Hassle?
For a downtown hotel, parking is surprisingly straightforward. The hotel has its own dedicated underground parking garage, which is a significant advantage in a busy city center. There is a daily fee for parking, which is standard for downtown hotels, but the security and convenience of having your vehicle on-site are well worth the cost for those who choose to drive. Given the hotel’s walkability and proximity to public transit, many guests find they can park their car upon arrival and not need it again until they depart. If you are flying in, utilizing the airport shuttle and the TRAX system might be a more cost-effective and convenient option than renting a car.
| Transportation Option | Best For | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Convenience Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Airport Shuttle | Direct, hassle-free travel to the hotel | Varies (check with hotel) | High |
| TRAX Light Rail (Green Line) | Budget-conscious and independent travelers | ~$2.50 | High |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Convenience and direct-to-door service | ~$20-30 | Very High |
| Rental Car | Travelers planning extensive out-of-city trips | Varies + Parking Fees | Medium |
How Do You Get the Best Rates?
Booking your stay at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel is best done with a bit of foresight. Here are a few steps to help you secure a good deal:
- Book in Advance: Like most hotels, rates tend to be lower when you book several weeks or even months ahead of your travel dates, especially if you are visiting during a peak season or a major convention.
- Check the Hotel’s Official Website: The Rollocks blog always recommends checking the direct source. The hotel’s own website often has special packages, deals, or loyalty programs that you won’t find on third-party booking sites.
- Be Flexible with Your Dates: If your travel schedule allows, try shifting your dates by a day or two. Mid-week stays are often cheaper than weekends.
- Consider a Package Deal: Look for packages that might bundle your room with other perks, such as breakfast or parking, which can offer better overall value.
By following these tips, you can enjoy all the benefits of this fantastically located hotel while also being mindful of your travel budget.
Your stay in Salt Lake City deserves a location that puts you at the heart of the action, and few places achieve this as effectively as this establishment. It strips away the complexities of urban travel—the long commutes, the search for parking, the question of where to eat—and replaces them with effortless access and convenience. From the moment you arrive, you are positioned to explore the city’s most important cultural, historical, and commercial sites on foot. While it may not boast the trendiest decor, it excels in what matters most: providing a clean, comfortable, and welcoming base for an unforgettable trip. For a truly seamless and enriching visit to Utah’s capital, the Salt Lake Plaza at Temple Square remains a premier and highly recommended choice.
Comments
Marcus Thorne
★★★★★ (5/5)
My wife and I stayed here for our anniversary trip in April 2024, and the location was simply perfect. We walked to the Tabernacle for a choir rehearsal and then had dinner at City Creek. The view of the temple from our room was spectacular, especially at night. The staff was incredibly courteous. We will definitely be back.
Brenda O’Malley
★★★★☆ (4/5)
A very solid and reliable hotel. We were in town for a convention at the Salt Palace, and the walk was less than 10 minutes. The room was clean, and the bed was comfortable. My only minor critique is that the decor feels a bit from the 90s, but everything was in great condition. The convenience factor is a 10/10. Great value for the price.
Kenji Tanaka
★★★★★ (5/5)
I used the TRAX Green Line directly from the airport, and the station was just a block from the hotel. So easy! I was here for genealogical research at the Family History Library, and I couldn’t have picked a better spot. Being able to go back and forth to the library throughout the day was a huge advantage. The free Wi-Fi was fast and reliable.
Samantha Dubois
★★★★☆ (4/5)
We stayed with our two kids in August 2023. They absolutely loved the outdoor pool! It was the perfect way to cool off after a day of walking around. The on-site restaurant was very convenient for breakfast before heading out. The room was spacious enough for the four of us. A great family-friendly option.
David Chen
★★★★★ (5/5)
As a business traveler, I prioritize efficiency, and this hotel delivers. Quick check-in, clean room, a good desk to work at, and a central location for my meetings. The underground parking was secure and worth the daily fee. I had a great stay in January 2025 and would recommend it to any colleagues visiting SLC.
Maria Garcia
★★★★☆ (4/5)
The best part is being able to step outside and just be there. No Ubers, no stress. We explored Temple Square, saw a show at the Eccles Theater, and shopped at City Creek, all on foot. The hotel itself is comfortable and quiet. It’s not luxurious, but it’s exactly what we needed for a base of exploration.
Liam Murphy
★★★★★ (5/5)
The staff deserves a special mention. I had an issue with my room key late one night in November 2024, and the night manager was incredibly helpful and solved it immediately with a smile. It’s that kind of service that makes a difference. The location is obviously amazing, but the people working there make it even better.
Chloe Bennett
★★★★★ (5/5)
I came for the Christmas lights display on Temple Square, a bucket-list item for me. Staying at the Plaza was the smartest decision I made. I could see the lights from my window and walk through the displays every evening. It was magical. The hotel was busy, but the service never faltered. Stayed here in December 2023.
Ethan Rodriguez
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Good, clean, comfortable hotel in an A+ location. The airport shuttle was a nice perk, though we had to wait a bit for it. The fitness center was a bit small but had the basics I needed. Overall, a very positive experience, and I would stay here again without hesitation.
Isabelle Wright
★★★★★ (5/5)
My second time staying here, the first being back in 2019. The quality has remained consistent. It’s clean, the staff are friendly, and you cannot beat the price for this location. It makes visiting Salt Lake City so easy and enjoyable. Highly recommended for first-time visitors who want to see the main sights. Our stay in October 2024 was just as good as the first.
