Getting around Salt Lake City

Public transport

UTA (Utah Transit Authority) (tel: +1 801 743 3882; www.rideuta.com) runs Salt Lake City's bus network, TRAX light rail service and FrontRunner commuter trains. There are also services to nearby cities such as Ogden and Provo, and during the winter a special ski bus operates to Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta, Brighton and Sundance ski resorts.

Buses and the TRAX rail system operate a single, standard fare across the main valley area. A large portion of central downtown Salt Lake City (including Temple Square) is a fare-free zone. Tickets purchased here are valid for two hours from the time of purchase and can be used on both buses and light rail. Day Passes covering both these systems are also available. FAREPAY smartcards, available at UTA customer service centres and sales outlets across the city, offer discounts on regular fares.

Taxis

Several taxi companies in Salt Lake City offer a 24-hour service, including City Cab (tel: +1 801 363 5550), Yellow Cab Company (tel: +1 801 521 2100) and Ute Cab Co (tel: +1 801 359 7788). Cabs can be hailed in the street and there are taxi stands around the city.

Driving

With wide streets laid out in the standard American grid system, navigating around Salt Lake City poses few problems. A good freeway system provides quick access to the canyons and suburban areas and there are many scenic routes into the surrounding mountains. Parking is plentiful and there are free Park & Ride lots located near all the light rail stations.

Car hire

All main service providers are here, including Avis (tel: +1 801 575 2847; www.avis.com), and Hertz (tel: +1 801 575 2683; www.hertz.com). The minimum age to hire a car is 25 years. A full driving licence from your home country is usually sufficient. You should enquire exactly what will be covered in the accompanying insurance and whether the rate includes unlimited mileage.

Bicycle hire

Cycling is popular in Salt Lake City and the surrounding region, with mountain biking trails available. Utah Ski and Golf, 134 West 600 South (tel: +1 801 355 9088; www.utahskigolf.com), offers bicycle hire from different locations in the city.

Greenbike (tel: +1 801 333 1110; http://greenbikeslc.org) is the city's bikeshare system. The best options for visitors are the 24-hour or four-day passes; once you buy a pass, the first 30 minutes of any journey are free.

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Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

The Anniversary Inn

Popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway, this is a themed room hotel designed to fulfil an array of fantasies. Options include sleeping in a sultan's palace, an Egyptian chamber, or hunkering down in a covered wagon. The inn was once the old Salt Lake jail and every suite is now luxuriously equipped with themed spa baths and down duvets - there may even be a room that’s themed to look like the old jail. A romantic continental breakfast delivered to your room is included.

The Grand America Hotel

Built in time for the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Grand America Hotel offers 775 rooms, including four presidential penthouse suites. All rooms have balconies and views of the city skyline or exotic fountain courtyard, internet and 24-hour room service. The plush hotel is filled with antiques, and there's a full service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and elegant lobby lounge and bar. It’s also within walking distance to all downtown attractions.

Hotel Monaco

This expansive property offers some of the most stylish accommodation among the category of boutique hotels in Salt Lake City. Seductive guest rooms and suites set in a meticulously refurbished landmark 14-story building are filled with dazzling décor flourishes, featuring bold geometrics that appear to be an extraordinary cross between art deco and Native American tribal. The establishment has an upbeat feel and staff are attentive and will able to arrange most facets of your stay.

Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown

This is one of the biggest hotels in Salt Lake City, offering 510 well-equipped rooms and suites, arranged over 16 floors right in the centre of town, and just a few steps away from Temple Square and Symphony Hall. All the reassuring comforts expected of this global chain can be found here, including a decent on-site restaurant, swimming pool, fitness centre, and internet access.

La Quinta Inn Salt Lake City West

Located in the suburbs west of Temple Square with easy highway access and in convenient proximity to the airport, this cheap Salt Lake City hotel still has all the facilities and comforts required, including 59 guestrooms featuring phones, cable television and wireless internet access. Shared facilities include an indoor pool and fitness centre.

Old Town Guest House

In the heart of Park City, ski right out the front door to cross-country trails or the in-town ski lift. Within walking distance of the historic Main Street, this is cabin-cosy accommodation, providing cooked breakfast, and a hot tub to soothe muscles after a day hiking, biking, skiing or exploring. The perfect base for those visiting the mountains any time of year, this actually became the headquarters for the British ski team during the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics.

Introducing Salt Lake City

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