Image courtesy of Sorrel River Ranch
The most unique places to stay in Utah, from luxe hotels to gorgeous national parks, are found throughout the Beehive State. Red-sand deserts, vibrant canyons, snowy mountain passes — Utah’s incredible landscapes offer a refreshing change of pace for the urban dweller, while world-class resorts will make them feel right at home.
From desert luxury at Amangiri to alpine resorts in Park City, the coolest places to stay in Utah are only made better when you plan your travel with Fora. VIP perks, expert travel tips and awesome hotel upgrades are but a few of the benefits you can get when you book your travel through a Fora Advisor.
The most unique places to stay in Utah: hotels and resorts
Image courtesy of The St. Regis Deer Valley
It’s not a coincidence that the most unique places to stay in Utah are among the best at large. Each resort offers a singular experience in pristine surroundings, perfect for a revitalizing journey into nature.
1. Amangiri: the coolest place to stay in Utah’s red desert
Of all the boutique hotels in Utah, very few offer what Amangiri does: a luxurious experience in the middle of the desert. Amangiri is unique in virtually every meaningful way, and behind an almost-utilitarian façade lies a remote, five-star resort built into the red rock of America’s Wild West.
The resort’s monolithic design and modernist decor make for a calming stay away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. But that hardly means there’s nothing to do here: guests can hike the desert, kayak in the nearby lake and enjoy massages from the resort’s Navajo-inspired spa.
And don’t forget: connect with Fora to plan your adventure in the American Southwest and gain access to exciting travel perks (at no extra cost to you).
2. Washington School House Hotel: the most unique boutique hotel in Utah
The Washington School House Hotel’s colonial-meets-contemporary design is enough to place it among the most unique places to stay in Utah. The hotel was constructed in Park City in the late 1800s and pays homage to the American revolutionary hero of the same name.
A colonial façade and furnishings are complemented by mountain-chic elegance. Charming yet undeniably posh, Washington School House is one of the best places to stay in Park City if you’re looking for a unique and eclectic experience. (And don't miss Fora's for foodies.)
3. Sorrel River Ranch and Spa: the perfect base for an array of aquatic and canyon-bound adventures
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Utah or the best family resort in Utah, the Sorrel River Ranch and Spa delivers.
Here, a winding river flanks the resort while verdant shrubbery dots the region’s characteristic red sands and majestic canyons. The result is nothing short of picturesque, and the five-star accommodations provide the perfect abode from which to explore.
Adventure is in no short supply: whitewater rafting, jet-boat tours, horseback riding and off-roading tours are just a few of the exciting things to do from the resort.
Book your trip with Fora to experience everything Sorrel River Ranch offers.
4. The St. Regis Deer Valley: a luxurious ski resort near Park City
The St. Regis Deer Valley stands out among Park City’s top ski resorts. From late fall through early spring, snow sports dominate outdoor excursions, while hiking and horseback riding provide ample opportunities for fresh mountain air the remainder of the year.
Every room is opulently furnished to serve as a classy, cozy refuge from the otherwise frigid temperatures outside. Even in summer, The St. Regis’ alpine setting makes it one of the cooler locations to stay in Utah.
The most unique places to stay in Utah: national parks & landmarks
Zion National Park, Utah
Ask anyone, and the national parks will top their list of fun places to go in Utah. Just be sure to connect with Fora to learn about the best times to visit Utah if you’re considering exploring the parks.
5. Bryce Canyon National Park: unique rock spires amid gorgeous canyons
One of the coolest places in Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the largest concentration of hoodoo spires, strange rock formations that appear as if they’re manmade but are entirely natural.
There aren’t many places to stay in Bryce Canyon itself, but the nearby town of Moab (which we mention below) has a couple fantastic options.
6. Zion National Park: the coolest place to stay in Utah for travelers who want to get in touch with nature
Hiking in Zion is an otherworldly experience. Even among Utah’s world-famous parks, Zion manages to stand out due to its undeniable beauty. But unlike Bryce Canyon, there are a couple of cool Utah hotels you can stay at here — most notably, Zion Mountain Ranch, which features posh, cozy cabins.
7. Lake Powell / Glen Canyon: an oasis in the middle of the Colorado Plateau
Every year, millions of people flock to Lake Powell on the Arizona-Utah border to escape the scorching heat. The lake is part of the larger Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. You can take boats, kayaks and jet skis out on the water — or go hiking in the Canyon and surrounding red-rock deserts.
The westernmost offshoot of the lake is relatively close to Amangiri, but a Fora Advisor will be able to tell you about all the area’s hotel options.
8. Capitol Reef National Park: a stunning park to see the stars
Adding to Utah’s beautiful natural scenery is Capitol Reef National Park, which encompasses a sizable portion of the state’s south-central region.
Admittedly, the park’s remoteness does mean there are limited accommodations nearby. However, this also means the park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. In fact, Capitol Reef is certified by the International Dark-Sky Association for having virtually zero light pollution at night.
At the very least, the park makes for an awesome night trip from one of the coolest places to stay in Utah.
The most unique places to stay in Utah: charming towns
Park City, Utah
Looking for a low-key weekend getaway in Utah? Many of the state’s small towns are built around enjoying the outdoors.
9. Park City: a top ski destination in the United States
Park City, one of the best ski towns in the United States, offers a charming village and top-tier ski slopes. Naturally, the best time to visit is in winter (our Park City itinerary lists the top things to do) but even in warmer months, the town’s natural surroundings are incredible to explore.
10. Moab: a tiny town with easy access to two of Utah’s top national parks
Surrounded by red-rock canyons and deserts, Moab is a tiny town hidden between Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Adventure in Moab can take many forms, but simply enjoying the unique desert scenery is among the best.
Book your trip with Fora, and an advisor will plan and book your getaway at any one of the best places to stay in Moab or Park City.
11. Kanab: the most unique place to stay in Utah for cinephiles
Also known as “Utah’s Little Hollywood,” Kanab has been the site of filming for a number of classic Western films and shows, like El Dorado (1966) and John Wayne’s Stagecoach (1939).
The town sits right on the Utah-Arizona Border, with many of both states’ national parks and monuments within day-trip distance. Amangiri is the closest luxe resort in Utah — but if you don’t mind a bit of a drive, Las Vegas is about three hours away by car (check out some other places to visit near Las Vegas by car, if you’re interested).
12. Salt Lake City: Utah’s only major city still features a small-town vibe
Salt Lake City, or SLC, is an underrated destination among the most unique places to stay in Utah. As Utah’s only major urban center, there aren’t many other places like it in the state.
What makes Salt Lake City one of the coolest places to stay in Utah is its vibe, though. Utah’s capital is a city by virtually any metric, but it still feels like a small town. The streets are broad and clean, and feature a surprising variety of architectural styles, including Gothic revivals, contemporary refurbishments and Romanesque derivatives.
While Park City offers more of an upscale shopping and dining experience, Salt Lake City has more variety. There’s also no shortage of high-class hotels (which a Fora Advisor would be happy to help you book).
Book your stay at the most unique places in Utah with a Fora Advisor
Eager to travel? Plan your Utah trip with Fora , and we’ll help you every step of the way. You’ll get the most out of Utah’s most unique places to stay, plus exciting hotel perks, at no extra cost.
Looking for a unique place to stay but not settled on Utah as your destination? Ask your advisor about the most unique places to stay in Colorado, the best areas to stay in Puerto Rico, the most unique places to stay in Maui or even the most unique places to stay in New Orleans.