Guests are surrounded by comfort, from the rich English wool carpets and the crystal chandeliers to the ornate tapestries decorating the walls. The hotel attracts business travelers with its expansive meeting space, and leisure travelers with its many on-site amenities.

What to expect: The elegant lobby, with French-limestone fireplace and marble floor, is a great place to people watch. Brunch, served every Sunday in the Grand Ballroom, features food from around the world and attracts families throughout the Salt Lake area. Convenient to downtown businesses, shopping, and cultural sites, the hotel attracts business travelers and vacationers.

Amenity highlights: The hotel features an indoor/outdoor and an outdoor pool, five on-site shops, and a beauty salon. Two on-site restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daily breakfast and lunch buffets are served, as well as a lavish Sunday Brunch. Complimentary perks include wireless Internet access in the lobby.

What to expect: This contemporary hotel stands directly across from the convention center. Guest's first impression is the high-ceilinged lobby, handsomely appointed with curved skylights, grand crystal chandelier, cherry-and-marble fireplace, mezzanine, plush sofas and armchairs, and a marble floor with Oriental rugs. In addition to businesspeople and vacationers, the hotel hosts political figures and professional athletes.

Amenity highlights: Elevations restaurant offers a lodge-like dining experience with stone fireplace, beamed ceiling, antler chandeliers, and vintage ski posters. The menu spotlights updated American favorites. Hotel guests automatically become members of Destinations Private Club, with a cocktail lounge and food service.

A clear, retractable roof shelters the indoor pool, spa tub, and pink-slate sundeck. On summer days, the roof is opened to the sunshine and fresh air.

Insider tip: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, accompanied by the 11,623-pipe Tabernacle organ, rehearses most Thursdays at 8 PM and broadcasts live on Music and the Spoken Word Sundays at 9:30 AM. For the latter, the audience must be seated by 9:15 AM. The rehearsals and broadcasts, complimentary to the public, take place at the Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square, one block from the hotel.

What to expect: Door staff, dressed smartly in blazers, greet guests arriving at this ivory-colored high-rise hotel. The two-level lobby showcases rich hardwood paneling, a fireplace, and marble tiled floors. The hotel primarily draws families on weekends and business travelers during the week.

Amenity highlights: Hilton Salt Lake City Center houses the popular Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops restaurant, serving USDA prime beef, chops, and seafood. A business center is staffed 24 hours a day. The indoor lap pool has indoor and outdoor decks with chaise lounges and an adjoining spa tub. Also poolside is The Retreat, a spa specializing in facials and massages.

Insider tip: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, accompanied by the 11,623-pipe Tabernacle organ, rehearses most Thursdays at 8 PM and broadcasts live on "Music and the Spoken Word," Sundays at 9:30 AM. For the latter, the audience must be seated by 9:15 AM. Rehearsals and broadcasts, free to the public, take place at the Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square, 2.5 blocks from the hotel.

Amenity highlights: At Bambara, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, chefs in the exhibition kitchen prepare creative American cuisine with regional influences and Italian, French, and Asian techniques. At the Club Bambara lounge, guests relax on big, curvy sofas, sipping signature cocktails. The hotel hosts an evening wine reception in the lobby with complimentary neck-and-shoulder massages. Pets are welcomed with special amenities and without surcharges.

Insider tip: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, accompanied by the 11,623-pipe Tabernacle organ, rehearses most Thursdays at 8 PM and broadcasts live on Music and the Spoken Word Sundays at 9:30 AM. For the latter, the audience must be seated by 9:15 AM. The rehearsals and broadcasts, complimentary to the public, take place at the Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square, two blocks from the hotel.

What to expect: Adjacent to the Gallivan Center, this Marriott is steps away from events and entertainment, garden nooks, and a lively aviary. Families and businesspeople stay here for the close proximity to downtown attractions, the Salt Palace Convention Center, and the meeting facilities covering the entire second floor. The hotel is entirely smoke-free.

Amenity highlights: Piastra restaurant offers a seasonal menu of American cuisine with Italian influences. In warmer months, guests can dine on the outdoor patio overlooking the plaza. An on-site Starbucks, with indoor seating, provides complimentary wireless Internet access.

Wireless Internet access is also complimentary in the lobby, and a business center is open 24 hours a day. Additional amenities include an indoor lap pool, spa tub, and fitness center.

Insider tip: The eye-catching sculpture at the adjacent Gallivan Center is Kazuo Matsubayashi’s Asteroid Landed Softly sundial. The sculpture uses a light gnomon, is topped with red rock from the state’s Native American region, and honors the “sundagger” sundials of the ancient Anazai people.