If you’re scrolling through Little America Hotel Salt Lake City photos, you've probably noticed something a bit weird. One picture looks like a high-end European manor with marble bathrooms, and the next looks like a classic 1950s roadside motel where you park right outside your door.
Both are real. Honestly, if you don't know which section of the hotel you're looking at, you might end up pretty disappointed when you actually check in.
The Little America is a Salt Lake City staple, sitting on 10 acres of prime downtown real estate. It’s owned by the Holding family—the same folks who built the ultra-luxury Grand America across the street. But while the Grand is all about that over-the-top opulence, Little America is this strange, charming hybrid of mid-century nostalgia and genuine 4-star comfort.
The Tower vs. The Garden: A Tale of Two Hotels
The biggest mistake people make when looking at photos is assuming all rooms are in that big 17-story building you see in the skyline shots.
Those are the Tower Rooms. They were renovated fairly recently (around 2025/2026 updates) and they feel much more modern. We’re talking 600 square feet of space, which is huge for a standard hotel room. You’ve got the French Richelieu furniture, soft wool carpets, and massive windows that give you a killer view of the Wasatch Mountains or the downtown lights.
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Then there are the Garden and Courtside rooms.
These are the ones that look like a motel. You’ll see photos of two-story brick buildings spread across the grounds. Inside, they’re still nice—Little America doesn't do "cheap"—but they have a totally different vibe. They have exterior entrances, meaning you walk from the parking lot straight into your room.
- Tower Rooms: Best for business travelers, couples, and people who want that "big city" hotel feel.
- Garden Rooms: Great for families with kids who need to run around the grass or people who hate waiting for elevators.
- Courtside: Basically the same as garden rooms but usually situated closer to the parking areas.
Why the Pool Photos Always Look Different
You’ll see two distinct pools in the photo galleries. One is a standard outdoor pool that’s usually open during the summer months (typically May through September). It’s surrounded by those 10 acres of manicured gardens, and it feels like a little oasis in the middle of a busy city.
The other one is the indoor/outdoor pool.
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It’s a massive, heated pool that literally goes under a glass wall. You can swim from the inside section right out into the Utah air, even when it’s snowing. It’s a classic Little America feature. If you’re visiting in January, this is the photo you want to look for.
The Food Photos: Don't Skip the Coffee Shop
If you look at photos of The Coffee Shop, don't expect a Starbucks. This is a full-service restaurant that locals have been obsessed with for decades.
It’s famous for "made-from-scratch" everything. You’ll see pictures of their roast turkey dinner—it's served 365 days a year. It comes with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, and it looks like something your grandma made.
There's also the Lucky H Buffet. In late 2025, it got some serious national buzz for its seafood and prime rib spreads. The interior photos show a lot of dark wood, coffered ceilings, and some pretty wild custom lighting fixtures that were recently installed to give it a "sleek yet warm" aesthetic.
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Practical Stuff You Should Know
The hotel is located at 500 South Main Street. It’s right on the TRAX light rail line, which is super convenient because you can hop on for free within the downtown "Free Fare Zone."
Parking is $18 a day for self-parking or valet, which is actually decent for downtown Salt Lake. Most hotels in the area charge double that.
One thing the photos don't always show is the walk. If you stay in the Garden rooms, it can be a bit of a trek to get to the lobby or the restaurants, especially if the weather is doing that "Utah thing" where it rains and snows at the same time.
Key Takeaways for Your Stay
- Check the Room Category: If the photo shows a balcony or a high-rise view, it's a Tower Room. If it shows a car parked outside a door, it's Garden/Courtside.
- The Spa Situation: Little America doesn't have its own full-scale spa, but guests usually get access to the Grand Spa across the street at the Grand America. It’s pricey, but it’s the best in the state.
- Holiday Lights: If you’re visiting in December, the hotel goes absolutely nuts with Christmas lights. The photo ops in the lobby and the gardens are peak holiday vibes.
When you're booking, always double-check the square footage listed. Tower rooms are 600 sq ft, while Garden rooms are around 500 sq ft. It doesn't sound like much, but that extra 100 feet makes the Tower feel much more "luxury."
To make the most of your trip, verify your room type on the confirmation email immediately after booking. Most third-party sites use "Stock Photos" of the Tower even for Garden room listings, which leads to a lot of confusion at the front desk. If you want the view, call the hotel directly to ensure you are placed in the 17-story tower.