I shopped for months for a place to stay in Park City that was comfortable, upscale, but also affordable. It seemed like Park City had two types of hotels: extremely expensive resorts (700-1000/night) and no-frills hotels (100-300/night). I was hoping for something in the middle - a resort with amenities, but which had a good value for the price. I found this with Hyatt Escala.

We reserved the "Deluxe King" room. The photos on their reservation website leave a lot to be desired - it's very difficult to judge the size/layout of the rooms from these photos - but we took the plunge. The room did not include robes (as it said on the amenities), but it did include a private balcony (which would be an excellent amenity in the warmer months, but we did not use it). Overall, the room was not quite as large as I would have hoped or imagined (based on the photos), but it was sufficient.

The bathroom was very clean and well-appointed. Was very pleased with this. The only thing that could have been improved was (again) photos and more specifics on each room type with whether it was an oversized or jetted tub. Ours ended up being oversized, but not jetted, which was a bit of a disappointment, but not a problem. Just need better communication on this.

The staff was great. The valet welcomed us as we pulled in and informed us that valet was free with our stay. We didn't have cash to tip for the first day, but they didn't seem to mind (we took care of them the second day). They took care of us anyway. The check-in staff and restaurant staff was efficient and friendly. No problems on checkin or checkout. I also appreciated they could email me my receipt - very green!

We did not ski, so we can't comment on those amenities. The hotel was close enough to park city that we could do everything we wanted to via our rental car. It would have been harder had we needed to rely on shuttles or not had a car.

My only complaint was on the room service. We ordered breakfast (part of our room package) and it took 45 minutes and was cold when it got there. The next day we decided to just go down to the restaurant, and it turns out they had everything we ordered in their all-morning breakfast buffet. I don't understand why they couldn't just take it hot off of the buffet and run it directly up to the room.

Made a last minute reservation to attend a mid-winter meeting. Heard that the staff may not have been as friendly as could be. What a lie. Everyone from the valets to the management greeted us several times a day, always asking if they could help make our stay more pleasant. Loved the decor of the rooms and the in-room fireplaces. Cozy. Ski out directly from the second level ski valet in the hotel. Easy access.

Talk about exceeding expectation! Although I had heard several very positive comments from friends, my wife and I were blown away by the beauty, convenience and world-class service of this jewel of a boutique hotel.

We stayed at a 2nd floor suite that had two fire places, big flat screen TVs, a washer/dryer, a dish washer and sub zero refrigerator, all surrounded by elegant Western decor. The bathroom had a whirlpool bath tub and a spacious walk-in marble shower with dual shower heads, sit down ledge and name brand soap, shampoo, etc, etc.

The ski concierge on the second floor provides for the most convenient and luxurious ski-in and ski-out anywhere; the employees wouldn't let you touch anything - they have your equipment ready in the morning, boots warmed up and skis waxed and do everything except lift you up and sit you in the chairlift!

Valet parking, wi-fi, outdoor pool and jucuzzi is all included in a nominal and very reasonable resort fee. You can buy your lift tickets right in the lobby, and transportation to Park City, other resorts in the area, as well as all Canyon hotels and restaurants is free of charge and available until late at night.

Breakfast, besides room service, is available at the EPC, a convenient counter in the main lobby, with fresh and delicious pastries, juices, etc, etc.

And then there is the Restaurant, a breathtaking dining room overlooking the Utah mountains. We had a most memorable dinner there, with food to match any New York City eatery. I highly recommend the three layered trout, a truly unique and beautifully presented dish. The service was impeccable and friendly. Prices are very reasonable.

Having experienced the hotel in winter, we can't wait to return during summer to do some hot air balooning during the Sundance Festival, while watching Hollywood celebrities hanging out at the Hyatt.

We used to stay at the Stein Erickson resort for many years, but we have found our new favorite to be a better value, with its employees more enthusiastic and eager to please.

Bravo Hyatt Escala!

we loved the hyatt escala! we stayed in the penthouse suite room #623. it was absolutely stunning! the people were very nice. the restaurant and bar in the lobby was delicious. the ski valets were outstanding. my ONLY suggestion would be to those skiers who are beginners would be to take the shuttle to the canyons area instead of trying to use escala"s "ski in ski out" runs. it is really a intermediate/advanced run to get back to the hotel therefore not a true ski in ski out for everyone. my daughter who is strictly a green skier had to take the shuttle back from the lifts by the canyons.