I just returned home from three nights at the Rustler with a friend for a ski weekend at Alta. I loved the food, the service, the vibe, and the slope-side location can't be beat.

My friend and I shared a room to keep costs down. Our room was in the back and super quiet. I slept like a log. The room was huge, nicely furnished, well-kept and clean.

We ate breakfast and dinner each day in the dining room, and the food was excellent (those meals are included). They have a buffet breakfast with an omelette station. For dinner they serve a four-course menu, starting with soup and salad, an entree and dessert (I'm not a big dessert person but I couldn't pass up the lavender cheese cake). For my entree I had trout one night and salmon another night. The menu is extensive, and there are a lot of healthy choices. The view from the dining room is breathtaking. On our first night we arrived late, around 11 pm, and the staff had sandwiches waiting for us, a nice touch.

The staff is super friendly and helpful. I loved the pool and hot tub overlooking the mountain - it's pretty social in the early evening. The Rustler provides plush bathrobes in the room for guests to stay warm at the pool. I briefly used the exercise room to stretch a bit. It's outfitted with weights and machines. (They have an early morning stretch class on the 7th floor that I didn't attend, but would on my next visit.)

What else? We spent lots of time in the cozy bar, which has a dramatic mountain view. Great place to read by the fire. The bartender, John, is super friendly. I ended up renting skis in the shop inside the hotel, a nice convenience. They also sell gear. There are lockers to store skis on the level of the hotel with access to the slopes, and boot warmers in the room. A small chairlift carries guests right to the Rustler. I didn't notice a lot kids during my stay, but I look forward to going back with my 13-year-old who skis.

Ill be honest, I was a little hesitant to book this hotel given the steep prices here. Based on the pictures I saw online, I couldn't see what justified the high cost of the rooms. But I'm so glad I decided to stay at Alta's Rustler Lodge. From the service to the food to the amenities, all exceeded my expectations. I stayed in a Deluxe King Wasatch Room w/balcony, it was spacious and had a comfortable bed and nice seating area. The bathroom was a bit small, but was nicely appointed and had an extra sink.

The food was fantastic and included in the price of the room. The staff was warm and welcoming. There's also a super convenient ski/rental shop inside the hotel. It was my first time to Alta and I would definitely return! Thanks Rustler Lodge for a wonderful stay.

nd skiing is spectacular either at Alta or the next door Snow Bird resorts.What a lovely setting facing the Alta Ski Resort and sitting right at the edge of the Road leading up to the Mountain, sitting at an elevation of 8000+ft! It is one of the greatest venues where you can book a private wedding and have all the guests stay at the lodge and enjoy once in a life time event. That's what memories are made of to last several generations. Nearby hikes in the Wasatch Mountains with stunning views and wild flowers in Alpine meadows are to die for.