We stayed at Salt Lake City's Grand America for two days before a Memorial Day weekend wedding. Our King Suite on the 16th floor (21 story hotel) had great views down into their courtyard and a straight shot east toward the University of Utah. Cost? $275 for a deluxe suite with marble bath! The SLC and State of Utah taxes totalled an additional 12.8%...or $34.97. Still a bargin for a 5-star hotel built in 2001 for Salt Lake City's Winter Olympics. In fact, I can't think of a hotel in the world where you'll get a better "bang for your buck".

We were there while the San Antonio Spurs were playing the Utah Jazz in the NBA playoffs. They said the Spurs were staying in the hotel, but they must go to bed earlier or later than us, it was very quiet over the weekend. Why? Utah doesn't promote drinking. In fact one of the best rooms not seen on their hotel brochure is the Gibson Room. The Grand America's cocktail lounge (no bar stools) hidden down a zig-zagging hallway from the lobby. Only one sign points you in that direction. We stopped in on Friday night after dinner at the nearby New Yorker restaurant, about three blocks up the street.

Why the "Gibson Room"? It sounds better than the Gibson Bar. But it is decorated with about 150-200 gold framed original prints by American artist Charles Dana Gibson who immortalized the "Gibson Girl" in the 1890s. Joining us in the lounge were a bartender and cocktail server, one couple and two sports fans—one was the play-by-play annoucer for the San Antonio Spurs. The prices were reasonable and the wine by the glass list extensive enough for California wine country visitors.

We did experience the last half-hour of their afternoon "High Tea" on Friday...although only for a glass of wine. Service was fine. But if we had wanted High Tea we could have sampled the cakes and candies from the tables and no one would have noticed. But isn't that what High Tea is all about? Leaving you alone for an hour or so?

The architect and contractors who built the Grand American can all take a bow. Management has trained all the employees to recognize you the minute you walk by. Maybe it's just the way Utah youth are brought up to be respectful and friendly, after all most Mormon youth go on 2-year missions to foreign shores. But in all of our travels to 4 and 5-star hotels abroad and in the U.S., we've never been so impressed with the entire staff of a hotel like we were at the Grand American. Valet, Concierge, Front Desk, cocktail waitress, etc. All had put forth a friendly smile and a "Hello, is there anything I can get you?"

We didn't eat at the hotel, except for a morning breakfast in our room. But there was free coffee off the lobby. It was exceptional coffee for Utah. We drink ours black and even Seattle natives would be impressed.

Of course we'd stay there again. California neighbors say Salt Lake City is a must visit at Christmas time as most of the town is decorated with lights.

My first experience with a five-star rated hotel.....EVER! I've paid much more and in all cases (regardless of rate) gotten less (in Canada, much less!) Outstanding quality of service, accomodations, location and value. Room was spacious, quiet, luxuriously appointed and comfortable. Grounds are expertly maintained, main lobby area is spotless. Check-in was effortless (although it puzzles me why the French speaking reservations clerk was assigned to deal with a predominantly English speaking public (in Salt Lake City???) Very .....European, but hey.......) Dining was a bit of a problem during the stay, however was rectified immediately to everyone's satisfaction. Hotel/motel managers worldwide would be well advised to take lessons from this quality resort. A very VERY pleasant surprise I must say. Great pillows, great mattresses, great linens and great (down) comforters. Spotless bathroom. Great soap!

Insomnia Rating: 10 Z's

Only true 5* hotel we've been in -- many say they are, but the Grand America sets the standard. Food, service, accommodations, valet parking...every aspect was 5*.

I have been in many fine hotels, many of which were supposed to be 5 star but somehow did not quite live up to the rating. This hotel goes beyond 5 stars. Rooms are large and well maintained; service is immediate; employees are helpful and friendly. There is even a doorbell for each room so that there is no obnoxious knocking on the door. Surrounding neighborhood does not offer much, but within a short walk there is much to see and do. Nice shopping close by also.