Finding a place to crash in Salt Lake City shouldn't feel like a research project, yet here we are. You search for Hampton Inn Salt Lake City and suddenly you're staring at a map with a half-dozen pins scattered from the shadows of the Wasatch Range all the way down to the suburban sprawl of Sandy. It’s confusing. Most people just click the first one they see and hope for the best, but if you’ve ever ended up staying by the airport when you actually wanted to walk to Temple Square, you know that’s a recipe for a miserable trip.
SLC is weirdly spread out. It's a grid system designed by pioneers who wanted streets wide enough to turn a team of oxen around without cussing. That means "downtown" is bigger than it looks on paper. If you pick the wrong Hampton, you’re looking at a $30 Uber ride every time you want a decent cup of coffee or a view of the mountains that isn't blocked by a warehouse.
The Downtown Reality Check
The Hampton Inn Salt Lake City-Downtown is the heavy hitter. Located on 425 South 300 West, it’s basically the default choice for anyone coming in for a Jazz game at the Delta Center or a convention at the Salt Palace. Honestly, the location is solid. You’re close enough to the action to feel like you’re in a city, but just far enough away that the noise doesn't keep you up at 2:00 AM.
Wait. Let’s talk about the "free breakfast" for a second. Everyone knows the Hampton waffles. They’re a staple. But here’s what people miss: the SLC Downtown location actually has a massive breakfast area compared to the cramped corners you find in older East Coast builds. It matters when there's a youth volleyball tournament in town and 40 teenagers are trying to get to the syrup at the same time.
If you're looking for luxury, keep moving. This is a Hampton. It’s clean, it’s reliable, and the beds are surprisingly great, but it’s not the Grand America. You go here because you want to know exactly what your room will look like before you even open the door. You’re paying for the lack of surprises.
Why the Airport Location is Sneakily Better
Normally, airport hotels are the literal last resort. You stay there because your flight got canceled or you have a 5:00 AM departure and you value sleep over joy. But the Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City-Airport is a bit of an outlier.
It’s about seven miles west of downtown. Usually, that’s a dealbreaker. However, if you’re heading to Utah for skiing—which, let's be real, is why half of you are reading this—staying at the airport can actually save you a massive headache. You avoid the city center traffic entirely when heading toward Park City or the Cottonwood Canyons. Plus, the parking is way easier.
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The rooms here are often larger. They have more "Suites" in the "Inn & Suites" part of their name than the downtown spot does. If you have two kids and four pairs of skis, that extra six feet of floor space is the difference between a vacation and a hostage situation.
Things nobody tells you about SLC hotels:
- The tap water in Salt Lake is actually delicious because it comes straight from the snowpack. Don't buy bottled water at the front desk.
- Parking downtown is rarely free. Budget an extra $15–$25 a day even if you’re a Hilton Honors member.
- The "Green Loop" is a thing now. The city is turning 200 East into a giant park. If you stay at a hotel near there, expect construction but eventually, it’ll be the coolest walk in the city.
The "Other" Hamptons: Murray and Sandy
If you tell a local you're staying at the Hampton Inn Salt Lake City, they’re going to ask, "Which one?" because there are locations in Murray, Sandy, and Cottonwood.
If your business isn't specifically at the Salt Palace, look at the Cottonwood location (Fort Union Blvd). It’s tucked right against the base of the mountains. You wake up, you look out the window, and boom—Mount Olympus is staring you in the face. It feels more like "Utah" and less like "Generic American City."
The Sandy location is the move if you’re catching a Real Salt Lake soccer match at America First Field. It’s suburban. It’s quiet. There’s a Target across the street. It’s not sexy, but it’s functional.
Breaking Down the "Hidden" Costs
Don't get burned by the "starting at" prices. Salt Lake City has a pretty hefty transient room tax. By the time you add the state sales tax, the county salt-on-the-wound tax, and the municipal "thanks for visiting" tax, your $160 room is suddenly $195.
Then there’s the parking.
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Downtown Salt Lake is becoming more like San Francisco or Seattle every year when it comes to vehicle storage. The Hampton Inn Salt Lake City-Downtown charges for their lot. If you’re trying to save a buck, check the street parking rules. SLC is generous with metered spots on weekends, but they will tow you during the week if you aren't careful.
The Skiing Logistics
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the "Ski and Stay" vibe. Most people think they need to stay in Park City to ski. They’re wrong. You’re going to pay $800 a night for a room in Park City that smells like damp wool and 1994.
Staying at a Hampton Inn Salt Lake City—specifically the Cottonwood or Murray locations—puts you at the mouth of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. This is where the "Greatest Snow on Earth" actually is (Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, Solitude).
You can take the ski bus. It’s a literal lifesaver. Parking at the resorts now requires reservations and often costs more than a steak dinner. The bus picks up near many of these mid-valley Hamptons. You save money, you save the environment, and you don't have to drive a rental Nissan Altima up a 12% grade in a whiteout.
What’s Nearby? (The Non-Tourist Stuff)
If you stay downtown, you're going to be told to go to Temple Square. Fine. Do it. It’s iconic. But if you want to eat like someone who actually lives here, walk a few blocks over to Siegfried’s Delicatessen. It’s this old-school German spot that’s been there forever. Get the bratwurst and the potato salad. It’s cheap, it’s heavy, and it’s perfect.
For coffee, skip the lobby brew once in a while. Publik Coffee Roasters is nearby and has that industrial-chic vibe that makes you feel like you’re much cooler than you actually are.
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If you’re at the Airport Hampton, you’re basically in a food desert unless you like chain diners. Take the 10-minute drive into the North Temple area and find a taco truck. Salt Lake has a surprisingly massive and incredible Mexican food scene that most tourists completely miss because they’re too busy looking for a Buffalo Wild Wings.
Is it actually worth the points?
If you’re a Hilton loyalist, the Hampton Inn Salt Lake City locations are usually a great "Value" redemption. Because SLC isn't a "Tier 1" city like New York or Vegas, you can often snag rooms for 30,000 to 40,000 points.
During the Sundance Film Festival (late January), everything breaks. Prices quadruple. Availability vanishes. If you’re planning a trip during Sundance and haven't booked your Hampton yet, you're probably already too late or you're going to pay through the nose.
The Final Verdict on Choice
The "best" location is a moving target.
For the business traveler with meetings at the Wells Fargo Center: Downtown.
For the family on a budget who wants a pool and easy highway access: Murray.
For the solo skier who just needs a bed and a quick route to the canyon: Cottonwood.
For the person who has a 6:00 AM flight and hates stress: Airport.
Salt Lake is a city of neighborhoods. The downtown area is clean—scary clean, according to some people from Philly or New York—but it can feel a bit empty after 9:00 PM on a Tuesday. Don't be alarmed. It’s just how the city breathes.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Event Calendar: Before you book, see if there’s a massive convention at the Salt Palace or a concert at the Delta Center. If there is, the Downtown Hampton prices will spike, and you’re better off staying 10 minutes south in Murray.
- Download the Transit App: SLC has a surprisingly good light rail system called TRAX. The Green Line runs from the airport straight through downtown. You might not even need a rental car if you stay at the Downtown Hampton.
- Join Hilton Honors: Even if you hate loyalty programs, the "Digital Key" at these locations actually works. You can bypass the front desk entirely and go straight to your room, which is a godsend when you land at midnight.
- Verify Parking Fees: Call the specific property. Don't rely on the website. Rates change based on the season and local events.
- Request a High Floor: If you’re staying downtown, the mountain views from the upper floors (facing East) are spectacular at sunrise. It costs $0 extra to ask.
Salt Lake is a gateway. Whether you’re headed to the Mighty 5 National Parks or just here for a tech conference, picking the right base camp matters. The Hampton Inn options in SLC are solid, middle-of-the-road workhorses. They won't change your life, but they won't ruin your trip either. And in the world of travel, that's a win.