I was here for a conference in January 2013, and I would love to go back and experience all the St. Regis and Park City have to offer. It was my first trip to Park City and while I am not a skiier, I could see why people love to come here.

The hotel was beautiful. It is relatively new (built in 2009) and sits near the top of the mountains in Deer Valley. While I did not utilize the ski access, it seems you can ski in/out of the resort. The restaurant was excellent, as was the service in all parts of the hotel.

The regular room I had was spacious and luxurious. The bathroom was huge and the linens were nice. Each room has a fireplace controlled with a switch on the wall, and it really heats the room. I was in a suite as well, and it was a fully functioning apartment with a kitchen.

While I was there on business, I'd love to go back with family and use this as my base. While it doesn't come cheap, nothing in Park City does, and this is money well spent.

From the moment you arrive, you will feel like you are in a very special venue. The staff is trained to provide world class assistance while you are there. The funicular will transport you upon arrival into a warm, understated elegance. Onsite dining options are first class, as are the s'mores you can make each evening over an outdoor fireplace. Summer is a great time to visit, as you can enjoy all of this at greatly reduced prices.

St. Regis sits high atop Deer Valley's base camp, which is quickly accessed by the hotel's private Funicular, a glass and leather elevator of sorts that travels horizontally and vertically. The entire experience is 5 stars and allows you to match your dreams of a fun, easy family ski vacation with reality. Something all too rare.

As you walk through the front doors, the first thing you see are twin concierge desks that set the tone. The location and finishes of the resort are excellent, but service is at the heart of the experience.

The hotel occupies the first 7 floors of the complex, with St. Regis residences above. There is an onsite outfitter, Jans, which will take care of gear rental and last minute accessories. There is a fully stocked kids gameroom with pool, air hockey and every gaming platform available. Games and controllers are available for checkout at the front desk. In the mood for puzzles or board games, grab them at the front desk, too.

Our unit, a Superior King, was large and exceptionally well decorated. You enter into an open kitchen/great room with views galore. There are dark hardwood floors and comfortable carpet, along with a nice dining area and kitchen full of the best appliances (Viking/Sub Zero). There is a powder room along with the full bath that is in the large master suite.

Food and drink here is pretty solid. Don't miss the unique Bloody Mary mixed with locally distilled vodka, smoked sea salt and wasabi foam. The restaurant is high end, but very family/kid friendly. The bar is better, though. And our two best meals were not in the St. Regis, but on Main Street in Park City -- High Mountain Distillery and Vinto. High quality, fresh delicious food in a more relaxed atmosphere. They serve an oatmeal breakfast, with complementary tea/coffee/hot chocolate, every morning...you can return in the evening for more hot chocolate or a cocktail to kick off your apres ski.

There are also activities for kids in the evenings. Smores around the fireplace, kid's yoga and igloo (sugar cube) building allow the kids to wind down in a fun way.

What makes this place really special, though, is the service...especially if you are skiing. Like lots of high end places, they remember your name and are exceedingly gracious. Different than most places, there are a lot of things the staff can and does do to make a ski trip easy. Rent you skis on property, and ski out in the morning. Come home for lunch or at the end of the day, and you can ski right in...drop your skis outside where a ski butler will grab them and store 'em. Bring you boots in and they will be cleaned, dryed and heated for your return. The staff was everywhere helping...even helping youngsters buckle and unbuckle boots. If you are not inclined to ski out, ride the funicular or hop in the hotel's shuttle for the short drive down.

The shuttle will also take you all over the Park City area. We didn't rent a car, and it was the right decision. Between the free shuttle and extensive public transportation options in the area, the car was overkill. And it saved us the premium parking fees.

Not everything was perfect....we ordered room service only to be disappointed with cold food. But the microwave quickly solved that problem. Our room was not serviced one day, but that was quickly remedied while we went out to dinner. Hotels are going to slip up, the test is how the staff responds. The response from St. Regis was tremendous. They apologized and fixed it quickly. When you consider the entire experience, which was excellent, these small missteps fade away.

Would we go back -- definitely. Would we recommend it to friends -- yes. We are looking forward to our return trip.

From the warm greeting and backpack gifts for the little travelers to the sumptuous JGV buffet breakfasts, s'mores around the outdoor patio fires in the crisp autumn evenings, knowledgable and friendly guidance of the concierges, help in arranging hikes and fly fishing expeditions - not to mention the elegantly mountain chic suites and the warm tiered pools and the fun of riding the funicular at the end of the day - a fabulous family vacation - and would be equally great for a romantic couple's getaway.