Escape to Utah's Best-Kept Secret: Homewood Suites Salt Lake City!
Escape to Utah's Best-Kept Secret: Homewood Suites Salt Lake City – A Review That's Actually Real (and Kinda Weird)
Okay, so, Homewood Suites Salt Lake City. Sounds… generic, right? You picture beige hallways, a lukewarm breakfast buffet, and a whole lotta "meh." But honestly? This place almost broke the mold. Almost. Let’s dive in, shall we? Consider this less a review and more a confused, slightly caffeinated after-action report.
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(Accessibility & Getting There - or, My Near-Disaster)
Okay, first impressions. I, personally, don't require accessibility features, but I'm always a fan of a hotel that gets it. Homewood Suites SL City mostly gets it. The entrance boasts ramps, which is great – especially after you've wrestled your luggage through a blizzard (which, okay, wasn't technically a blizzard, but the wind chill… let's just say I was questioning my life choices). The elevators were spacious and the hallways were wide enough for a parade of power wheelchairs. Nice. Accessibility: SOLID!
Getting to the hotel? That was its own adventure. I opted for the airport transfer, which was… interesting. Let's just say the driver had a very strong personality and a penchant for unsolicited life advice. He was a fountain of local trivia and seemed genuinely baffled that I wasn't more excited about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Honestly, I was still trying to figure out how to work the seatbelt. Airport Transfer: Potentially traumatizing but eventually effective.
(Finding Your Happy Place - or, Where the "Relaxation" Happened)
Now, the good stuff. The Swimming Pool [outdoor] looked inviting (even with the near-freezing temps). The Pool with view was just a pool, but at least it wasn’t cramped. I did NOT use the pool, because, again, freezing. But I did check out the Fitness center. It was… adequate. Treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. I lasted about 15 minutes before I decided my hotel room was my fitness center (aka, doing push-ups in front of the TV).
The Sauna and Spa/sauna? I did not partake. My budget and my fear of being accidentally steamed into oblivion kept me away. I did peruse the spa menu, and let’s just say, “Body scrub” and “Body wrap” sounded… intense. This whole section is making me question my commitment to self-care.
The Things to do: Well, this is Salt Lake. Hiking, skiing, temples… or maybe just… Netflix. Ways to Relax: Hotel room, questionable. Spa, not if you are me.
(Eating & Drinking - or, The Free Breakfast Saga)
Listen, the free breakfast is a big deal. Especially when you're on a budget (and let's be honest, who isn't these days?). Breakfast [buffet]: this was a highlight. Not Michelin-star level, but the waffle machine was a godsend. I may or may not have gone back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Breakfast takeaway service? Brilliant idea. I grabbed a yogurt parfait to go for the, uh, "strenuous" hike I planned (aka, a stroll around the block). Coffee/tea in restaurant: plentiful, which helped me survive the aforementioned airport transfer.
There’s a Coffee shop too. I didn't use it, again, the buffet situation was too efficient, however.
Restaurants: There's no fully-fledged, fancy-pants restaurant in the hotel. But there's a Poolside bar! Except it was February, so, yeah… maybe not. Snack bar – well, that's what the convenience store in the lobby felt like.
The Dining, drinking, and snacking generally gets a "Good enough" rating.
(The Room - or, My Fortress of Solitude (with a Few Quirks))
Okay, the rooms. Spacious. Clean. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: A huge win. The bed was comfy (the most important thing, really). Air conditioning, a lifesaver, as Utah can get toasty. Blackout curtains: crucial for my sleep schedule, which is best described as "highly erratic." Extra long bed: fantastic. I'm tall-ish. The refrigerator was handy for storing snacks (because, yes, I did raid the convenience store). Coffee/tea maker: a necessity. Desk - I did not use. Laptop workspace: See desk, same answer. There was a seating area, which I used to dump my luggage. Separate shower/bathtub: this was a plus, and a mirror that was not warped.
BUT, and there's always a but, there were a few quirks. The lighting was a bit…dim. The TV channels seemed to be from a parallel universe (who watches that many religious programs?!). Also, let's talk about the Bathroom phone. Yes, a PHONE. I'm talking about the kind with a curly cord. Why? WHY? I feel like it would have some use. All I could think of doing was calling the front desk and ordering pizza.
The Cleaning and Safety was on point. Cleanliness and safety were paramount. Anti-viral cleaning products were used. They were taking the whole thing seriously. The Rooms sanitized between stays, which is always a good thing.
(Services & Conveniences - or, The Little Things That (Sometimes) Matter)
Daily housekeeping: appreciated. Laundry service: a lifesaver (after the aforementioned near-blizzard). Elevator: essential. Cash withdrawal: helpful. Concierge: friendly (but maybe couldn't find me the secret speakeasy I was looking for… or maybe I just wasn't looking hard enough). Contactless check-in/out: smooth as butter. Convenience store: the source of all my snacking needs. Facilities for disabled guests: plentiful.
The Meeting/banquet facilities seemed… impressive (I didn’t attend any meetings, however).
(For the Kids - or, My Personal Lack of Experience)
I’m not a parent, so the For the kids section is lost on me. But the hotel did seem family-friendly, with Family/child friendly features, so take from that what you will. I saw a couple of highchairs in the breakfast area and the hotel has Babysitting service. Cool, I guess! Kids meal if you have a child, is great.
(Security & Stuff - or, Feeling Safe-ish)
CCTV in common areas, of course. Check-in/out [front desk [24-hour], and Security [24-hour] made me feel safe-ish which is fine. The fire alarms were present.
(The Verdict - or, Would I Go Back?
Despite the minor quirks and the potentially terrifying airport transfer, I’d say, yes, I’d go back to Homewood Suites Salt Lake City. It's not a luxury resort, but it's clean, comfortable, conveniently located, and the free breakfast (and free Wi-Fi!) is always a win. The staff was friendly, the room was spacious, and it offered a solid base camp for exploring Salt Lake City (or, you know, hiding from the weather). It’s a solid choice, even if it’s not quite the "best-kept secret" I was hoping for. But hey, sometimes "good enough" is perfectly… good enough.
Harrodsburg Getaway: Clarion Pointe's Unbeatable KY Charm!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of travel chaos, centered around the Homewood Suites by Hilton in the Salt Lake City-Midvale/Sandy area. Warning: May contain traces of caffeine-fueled enthusiasm, questionable decision-making, and the unwavering belief that airport coffee is a criminal offense against humanity.
The Utterly Unreliable (and Frankly, Overly Ambitious) Itinerary for a Salt Lake City Adventure (with a Homewood Suites basecamp)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and the Quest for Decent Dinner
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL! (Hopefully.) Okay, so the flight was delayed. Surprise, surprise. But hey, at least I made it. Dragging my slightly-too-large suitcase through the airport felt like a grueling sport. (Why can't they make luggage lightweight, people?!) Found the shuttle—a small victory!
- 2:00 PM - Check-in at the Homewood Suites. First impressions? It's…clean. Relief washed over me like a warm, albeit slightly chlorinated, wave. The staff seemed genuinely friendly, which is always a good sign. I booked a suite, because, let's be honest, I need space to spread out my travel chaos. The queen bed is calling my name.
- 2:30 PM - The Great Room Reconnaissance. Okay, I have to admit, I did a little (a LOT) of peeking. The complimentary breakfast is a KEY factor in choosing the Homewood Suites. I am hoping for decent eggs and maybe a waffle bar.
- 3:00 PM - Altitude Adjustment Attempt #1. I had the brilliant idea to walk, a brisk "stroll" to get acclimated to the altitude. I have not slept in the last 12 hours and I am sure I have already fallen asleep.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner Search: The Culinary Abyss. Okay, so I was HANGRY. And desperate to find a good meal. I consulted Yelp, Google Maps and the hotel staff. I was hoping for something more authentic than the usual chain restaurants. The hotel staff was actually really helpful.
- 6:00 PM - The search for dinner is over! Found this amazing restaurant. It was the perfect way to end day one. I'm heading back to the hotel. I'll need to sleep because tomorrow is supposed to be a long day.
Day 2: Exploring Salt Lake City (and Possibly, Losing My Mind)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Mayhem. Okay, here we go. The free breakfast buffet. The eggs? Edible. The waffles? Potentially the best part of the whole experience. (I may have loaded up on the toppings.) Coffee? Still a crime, but I powered through. Fueled by sugar, caffeine, and the sheer force of will, I'm ready for adventure.
- 8:00 AM - Temple Square Trek. I set my GPS to drive to Temple Square. It's…impressive. Majestic buildings. Serene atmosphere. I am not religious but it has me thinking about religion. And how it can be so beautiful. I wander for a while.
- 10:00 AM - City Creek Center. I did some shopping at City Creek Center. Mostly window shopping, but the architecture is spectacular.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch (and the Perpetual Quest for the Perfect Sandwich). Found a deli that was recommended on Google. The sandwich was perfect! I may need a nap after this.
- 1:00 PM - The Gateway. It's all the tourist attractions. I went around the area.
- 3:00 PM - Brewery Adventure! I've been looking for a local craft brewery and finally found one.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and Hotel Relaxation. I ordered some takeout food and went back to the hotel to relax and eat a relaxed dinner.
Day 3: (Potentially) Going to the Mountains (or the Laundry Room)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast AGAIN. (No judgment, people. It's free!) Evaluating whether I’m up for exploring the mountains is still a question. I could spend the day doing laundry.
- 9:00 AM - Deciding. I decided to hike.
- 12:00 PM: The hike was amazing.
- 3:00 PM - Packing: Packing for the next leg of the journey.
- 5:00 PM - Last dinner: My last dinner in midvale.
Day 4: Departure and the Aftermath of Awesome
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast…again? Well, I am getting my money's worth…
- 9:00 AM - The sad realization. It's time to pack up, gather the memories. Honestly, that was the hardest day and I am proud of myself for getting through it.
- 10:00 AM - Checking out.
- 11:00 AM - The Airport. Again. (May whatever deity is listening have mercy on our souls.) Hoping the flight is on time. The end!
The Messy Truth:
Look, this is just a plan. Life will happen. Flights will be delayed. I might accidentally spend an entire afternoon napping by the pool (if there is a pool). I might fall madly in love with a random coffee shop. Or maybe I'll just spend the entire time marveling at the sheer, glorious fact that I managed to escape my everyday life and experience something (anything!) new.
Whatever happens, I know one thing: This trip will be an adventure, even if it's a slightly disheveled, slightly caffeine-fueled, and utterly unpredictable adventure. And that, my friends, is the whole point.
Las Vegas Days Inn: Your Ultimate Budget-Friendly Strip Getaway!So, Homewood Suites Salt Lake City... Best-Kept Secret? Really? Spill the Tea!
Alright, let's get one thing straight: "best-kept secret" is a *bit* of a stretch. It's more like a comfy, reliably decent, somewhat-under-the-radar-but-still-pretty-popular place. Look, I stumbled upon it during a mad dash for the slopes last year. Needed a place, yesterday. Ended up here. And honestly? I wasn't *mad*. Salt Lake's got this whole "business-trip-meets-adventure" vibe going on, and Homewood Suites kind of *gets* that. It's not the Ritz, but it's not a dump either. Think, "Your Aunt Mildred's guest room, but with free breakfast." And that, my friends, is a pretty good baseline, right?
What's the Vibe? Is It All Corporate Drones or Can a Normal Person Hang?
Okay, the vibe. It's... a mix. You'll see the guy in a perfectly pressed suit on his laptop (probably plotting world domination or at least a hostile takeover of a stapler company), and the family with the three kids who just *know* they're not going to behave. And you, hopefully, somewhere in between. It's definitely not a "party" hotel. Unless you consider quietly sipping coffee and judging other people's breakfast choices a party (which, let's be honest, sometimes I do). I'd say it leans slightly toward business-y, but it’s perfectly fine if you're just there for the skiing, hiking, or even (gasp!) existing. Don't expect a nightclub in the lobby, which, frankly, is a huge relief. The quiet is gold, sometimes.
The Suites: Space, Comfort, or Cramped Chaos? Give Me the Lowdown!
Ah, the suites. This is where Homewood Suites actually shines. They're... spacious. Actually, *really* spacious, compared to some of the shoeboxes you find in other hotels. You've got the living area, the bedroom, and a little kitchen area, which is a *godsend* if you're trying to avoid eating out every single meal (been there, done that, wallet cried). Now, the couch situation... it's usually okay. Sometimes, if it's been through a few years of kids bouncing on it, it's a *bit* saggy. But hey, free cookies make anything bearable, right? And the beds? Perfectly acceptable. I actually *slept*! Which, after a day of trying not to fall down a mountain, is a huge win. Just don't expect luxury linens. They're clean, they're comfortable, and that's all that matters after a long day.
Free Breakfast: Savior or Sad Excuse for Food? The Verdict, Please!
Okay, breakfast. Here comes the juicy bit. The free breakfast. It's... adequate. Let's be real. Don't go expecting Michelin star-level cuisine. You've got the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (texture varies wildly, I swear one day they were fluffy, the next... rubbery), sausage, waffles, cereal, fruit (sometimes slightly bruised, but hey, it's *free*), and of course, the coffee. The coffee. It's not the best coffee in the world, let's be honest. It's hotel coffee. It'll get you going, but, *bring your own K-cups* if you're a true caffeine snob. I swear, I once saw a guy actually *cry* when they ran out of the good orange juice. It was that bad. So, prepare yourself. But honestly? For free? It's a win. Especially when you consider the price of a decent breakfast in Salt Lake. I've saved a fortune *just* on not having to go out for breakfast.
What About the Amenities? Pool, Gym, or Just a Whole Lot of Nothing?
Okay, amenities. This is where it gets a little... meh. There *is* a pool. I think. I vaguely remember a pool. Did I use it? Nope. The gym? Yep, there's a gym. It's got the basics – treadmills, some weights. Functional? Sure. Inspiring? Definitely not. It's the kind of gym where you're more likely to see people awkwardly avoiding eye contact on the treadmills than pumping iron. The best amenity, in my *opinion*, is the free parking. Especially in Salt Lake City, where parking can be a nightmare and cost a pretty penny. So, bonus points for that. Just don't expect a resort experience. It's a functional hotel, not a spa retreat.
Location, Location, Location! Is It Actually Convenient?
Ah, the location. This is where Homewood Suites actually does pretty well. It's fairly close to the airport, which is a *huge* plus after a long flight, believe me. It's also not too far from downtown, and you can get to some of the ski resorts with a reasonable drive. It's not *perfectly* central, like, it's not *walking* distance to EVERYTHING, but it's definitely convenient. And that convenience is more important than you realize when you're exhausted and just want to collapse somewhere after a day of skiing. I'd say, it's a decent base if you plan on exploring the city and the surrounding areas. Just don't expect to stumble out of your hotel and find yourself at the base of a mountain. You’ll need a car (or a ride-sharing app, because, let’s face it, who wants to deal with car rentals?). But overall, yeah, the location is pretty solid.
The Service: Are the Staff Friendly? Or Do They Act Like They're Trapped in a Customer Service Hell?
Okay, the staff. This is where the experience can vary. Generally, they're... fine. Pleasant enough. Not overly friendly, but not actively rude. It's the kind of service where you'll get your questions answered and maybe a polite smile. I wouldn't say they go above and beyond, but honestly, I haven't had any *nightmarish* experiences. I did once witness a guy loudly complaining about the waffle maker at breakfast (see breakfast section). The poor desk clerk just blinked and apologized profusely. I felt sorry for her. So, yeah, service is generally okay. Don't expect to be pampered, but you won't be treated badly. It's hotel service. It is what it is.
The "Secret": What's the Catch? What's the Downside We Need to Know?
The catch? Hmm. Well, it's not the most *exciting* hotel inHotel Radar Map
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