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21 reviews for The Grand America Hotel
Went to the Grand America for Sunday Brunch on Mother's day. This is a fantastically beautiful hotel. Very elegent, and although I haven't been exposed to many hotels in Utah, I can't imagine there are any others in SLC that are this elegant.
We did have some problems with the service. First, they lost our reservations, sent us to the other restaurant in the hotel, where we were told told we didn't have a reservation and we had to enlist the help of a managment employee to get is into the brunch. It was quite the fiasco and the people were clueless. You would not see service workers in the hotel industry in a hotel of this caliber who were that clueless in any major metro.
The food made it worth it however. That is why I am giving this four stars. This brunch reminded me of the top of the Hilton in SF. Lot's of seafood, roasted meats, great cheeses, sushi (this wasn't that great actually), made to order breakfast items if you like that kind of stuff (eggs, sausage, bacon etc)..and dessert including a chocolate fountain!
It was quite pricey but I would go back for a special occasion.
Comment from Anthony B. of
The Grand America Hotel
10/6/2009
Dear Ms. M, First I want to thank you for your kind remarks…
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I went here for TEA today. It costs $18 per person and you get your choice of tea, little sandwiches, scones and dessert. It actually is enough food for lunch so don't eat beforehand.
After being seated, we were ignored for a good 25 minutes. I was really annoyed because I have worked in the restaurant industry and know the 'greeting rules.' We were finally greeted and then the manager showed up. He apologized profusely and gave us his card so we could come in and have breakfast on him. He was SO nice, apologetic and gracious!....I am so impressed. Yay Grand Amercia!! Oh, tea was good too.
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I stayed here for a wedding, which was also held in the elegant courtyard of this hotel. This truly is a 5-star hotel, starting from the doormen and concierge all the way to the turn-down service in the evening. The linens were amazingly comfortable to sleep in, and the design and exterior is beautiful. The last step in making this hotel truly exceptional would be to have plasma tv's in the rooms.
Stayed here for a business trip and LOVED it. This place has an old world European feel to it. Chandeliers, marble everywhere, special touches like a big glass water dispenser with strawberries floating in it in by the reception desk. I do feel parched, thank-you for the strawberry scented water. Mmm.
Live jazz in the lounge with $7 small plates. Gorgeous bathrooms in the rooms - as other reviewers have stated. There's an inner courtyard of fountains, manicured hedges and white lights. It was beautiful to walk through the halls at night or out your bedroom window should you be lucky enough to have a courtyard facing room and see the lights.
They even had a Maroon 5 Concert at the hotel and everything was set up very nice. Separate rooms with djs, VIP party on the 23rd floor. Ok...it was a lot of fun. I can imagine a very swanky wedding here. Try it, you'll like it....even better if someone else is paying.
I am most impressed with the attention of details with this hotel.
I felt as if I walked into a 18th century palace.
The coolest detail were the room keys. They were not your run of the mill magnetic plastic card. They were actual keys, but digital keys. All you do is insert the key and pull it out. No turning of the lock was necessary.
Dear L.A. Yelpers,
I am sorry, but this is goodbye.
Why? I'm moving to Salt Lake City (that's in Utah for those of you who are geography challenged). Where specifically? I'm moving into The Grand American Hotel.
It has been a pleasure knowing everyone in L.A., but the allure of the amenities provided by The Grand America is simply too irresistible.
To begin with, the rooms here are just incredible--the foyer area alone is probably larger than my living room (okay, I'm exaggerating, just venting about Westside real estate prices)! And, although I'm not normally a bathroom person, I really like the setup of the bathroom here; with a separate water closet, a glass enclosed shower and a huge bathtub; the latter in which is perfect for indulgent luxurious bubble baths (Dandelion Bath Foam provided by Gilchrist & Soames).
I love the architecture of the hotel. Solid, granite, and impressive. A force of nature jutting up from the relatively flat landscape of SLC (that's "Salt Lake City" for those of you that's slow on the acronym uptake). If I were to build a house, I would build it after the way Grand America was built. Although the weather was pretty inclement the days I was there, I enjoyed walking the massive courtyard in the center of the hotel, which is sizable enough to Rollerblade around.
Then, of course, there's the food. Forget about the plastic chicken you normally have unceremoniously placed in front of you at hotel banquets. The food has been excellent, far exceeding my expectations for banquet food (here for a company retreat)--well, except for the weird beef skewers that we were served after they ran out of roast beef (JT said this was the fault of my company's event planner and not of the hotel)--they tasted like a strip of tire (or at least what I think a strip of tire would taste like). And, of course, they had sushi rolls that were veritably horrific, but why would someone eat sushi in SLC anyway?
Sorry, I'm rambling. My bags are packed, my utilities have been shutoff, and I've gone to the bathroom one last time before the flight. Think fondly of me, and visit when you get a chance!
Sincerely,
EJ
P.S. Happy April Fools Day.
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The hotel is five years old yet built to capture the renaissance era with it's classical theme and french accents. The premier suite was roomy reminding me of a mansion my aunt once owned in Pacifc Heights years ago. It was nice, but not my style. The beds were comfy but the thermostat was whacked! The city was in the middle of a heat wave with days reaching in the low to mid 90's. In a suit jacket, it's not too comfy. I adjusted the room temp to be cooler and it seriously took a day or two to budge. The hotel hallways were pretty warm as well. Luckily, the conference rooms were cool and were at comfortable levels. Despite the temp, the service was great and everyone catered to our needs.
Note: There exists an area in the hotel where alcohol cannot be consumed. Because of this, you are not able to order a beer at the bar and take it up to your room. You would end up crossing the alcohol free zone, so room service would be your only option. This city ordinance is heavily enforced with no exception.
I recommend the buffet brunch which included fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, fresh salmon rolls dressed with capers in a special creamy sauce, deli cuts, the usual breakfast items and an array of dessert options. The price was reasonable at $38 for two patrons. This included freshly squeezed oj and a pretty good pot of coffee!
The best part of the hotel was the courtyard where at 2am I did break the no alcohol zone rule, snuck a beer or two, smoked my cigs and enjoyed the beautiful weather, the awesome landscape complimented with the sounds of the fountain! That was a great night!
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I'm surprised at all the negative reviews. I've had the best service at this hotel than any other I've been to. The cleaning lady saw me leave the room (I just ran down to pick up something at the lobby) and by the time I came back she had already put a robe and chocolate on my bed, pulled off the top covers and left a lil card that showed tomorrow's weather report.
I had the executive king suite which was huuge. It have a living room area and thru the french doors is the bedroom and to the right is a large closet/bathroom area. Instead of knocking, there's a doorbell the maid/bell hop can ring. One of my favorite things here. I HATE when the cleaning person knocks like there's a crackhead ODing outside my door. I couldn't help but to notice the little details throughout the place from the crown molding on the ceiling to the large french chairs throughout the walkways, the placement of centerpiece items that changes everyday and all the windows throughout the place. It takes alot of work to keep a place this big clean and they do a great job at it. Grand America definitely lives up to its grandeur.
The concierge is great as well. They helped me book reservations at restaurants right away, printed out directions wo asking, offered some discount to ski resorts and just so pleasant to speak too.
5 stars without a doubt!
Ok, when i first moved back to SLC, I drove past this behemoth white granite building and thought the Church had built a 2nd temple downtown, greek columned style temple, which made no sense. There was no sign (and I still think there is no sign), and i had no idea what this building was. It is HUGE and takes up a full city block (the blocks are really big in SLC). It is actually is bigger than the temple up the street.
Though I have not stayed here my employer held our Christmas parties here each year. So, have had 3 very nice meals here and danced my feet off in the ballrooms, and attended a Cold Blood concert out at the pool. Food was great, lobby is beautiful, but it takes quite a heck of a hike to get to the rooms where our event was being held - as I said, the place is MAMMOTH. Its overdone and overblown if you really want to know. and yes, the bathrooms are veeerry nice. but it just doesn't fit into salt lake, its too much, too big, too vegas for me. choose a smaller place, Hotel Monaco, for example.
George W. stayed here when he was in town, and of course everything in the world was shut down for his security (including the freeways and all entrances and exits to the freeways), downtown was an impossible MESS. This was the closest I've ever come to being arrested. i had attended the peace rally, headlined by my favorite mayor, Rocky Anderson, who gave an amazing speech, (see here -
http://www.thenation.c... ) and I was trying to get home. After taking the 10th DETOUR, around major blockades, and trying for 2 HOURs to get home, i started road raging, banging my fists against my steering column and yelling out my car window at one of the zillions of policemen, I can't get HOME, this town is SHUT DOWN!! a big leather clad policeman came sidling over and said SETTLE DOWN, SETTLE DOWN. i finally went waaay east and got home, a usual 5 minute drive.
do you really want to stay at George W's favorite place to stay in SLC?
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This hotel is really not my style. The organization I work for held a meeting here in November.
The hotel is very ornate and what I would call stuffy. The major bonus are the rooms - when you have to work a meeting, it really doesn't hurt to have the extra space. The rooms have the seating area seperate from the sleeping area, and also a very large dressing area and bathroom. My only problem is, give me that much space, and I will find a way to trash all of it. Packing to go home was not too much fun.
The meeting rooms were fine - looked like other meeting rooms. The staff at the hotel was very pleasant. (this is important as many of the people who work for my organization can be upleasant at meetings - there has to be some balance of personalities!)
This is a fine hotel for work, but I wouldn't spend my own money to stay here (especially because I don't think it is cheap!)
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Totally, insanely nuttily over the top in a way that only a billionaire with a huge "we are as good as you gentiles" chip on his shoulder could possibly achieve. This is reminiscent of the flashy piles built long ago in places like Manaus, Bombay or Potosi--places way off the map but loaded with dough and peopled with the self made who wanted to flaunt it. The luxury of appointments is nothing short of garish--vulgar--I love it. What is it like--impossible to describe--its an overwhelmng sense of "what the hell were they thinking" and "whoa--is that real?" As an example--one of many--they dont have cans in the ceiling or halogen lights--there are instead in the public spaces dozens--maybe hundreds--of the real deal venetian glass chandeliers. Of crystal chandeliers. Chandeliers. Right over your head. The ceilings in the lobby are soaring. The joint glitters. Its all shiny--wood, stone, metal. The public spaces are wild, but all the rooms are comfortable. Make that very comfortable. Huge--ride a bike around huge. The service is so good you wonder if its a put on. How can they be so friendly? The food is normal American food as of course befits this place, its owner and most of the patrons. A great place to stay in Salt Lake. Five Stars
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Their $40 buffet is...not worth $40. Unless if you go during the Jazz festival, when they have live performances. Then we're talking. More of a date place.
Food is pretty good, but for $40 I guess I expected more. Reminds me of Vegas buffets. The atmosphere is very lazy, afternoon-tea-ish (but that could be due to the Jazz performances). Kinda upscale, but if you go in jeans you won't feel uncomfortable either. The only thing that impressed me the most was their kiwi juice. I had about 5 and that somehow made it worth the while.
The rest of the hotel is pretty and almost comparable to Ritz or Vegas hotels.
All the hype, none of the substance. I have been to numerous meetings and galas here and only once have been impressed by the food or the service.
Little America is better and cheaper, but it needs a major overhaul as the look is dated and the fabrics frayed.
You can tell that Earl Holding is getting up there in years and down in health and that the iron fist has softened. As they say, when the cat's away....
What's not to like about this hotel?? Free wi-fi. The staff are attentive, helpful and seem to truly care. The rooms are big (I stayed in a premier King), the beds and sheets are soft and really comfortable. Rooms are clean. I love the bathroom, from now on I don't think I can take a shower unless I'm surrounded by marble. Very classy hotel, love the marble accents.
Swanky, swanky hotel. I've never stayed here (though I did stay at Little America prior to moving to SLC) but have eaten brunches and attended conferences here. I swear that the ladies' room has heated toilet seats, to the point that I forced my hubby into the women's room to see (ahem, feel) for himself while I kept guard.
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The Grand Hotel America is reminiscent of the massive and extravagant hotels found in Vegas. Driving into the circular driveway, you are greeted by doormen who escort you into an opulent marble entryway; grand chandeliers and formal dcor abound. My room was HUGE, equipped with everything one could possibly need while away from home. Not keen on the fact that the workout room/pool was an additional fee (especially when you are paying as much for the room). I guess this is the norm for hotels of this caliber...but it didn't seem right, and definitely did not seem to fit with the scene in Salt Lake. Summary--this is a beautiful hotel, but it lacks some of the quaint personality of many of the smaller boutique hotels found in Salt Lake.
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I don't know whether to give this place 5 stars because its the best place to stay in SLC or zilch because it IS in SLC, the most depressed city on the planet. Damn...! Residents of Baghdad seem in a better mood. But...If you have ever stayed in an upper end Vegas hotel or a Disney world resort, the Grand America is right in that league. I'm not kidding, its a nice place.
The in-house restaurants though are a bit pricey and really only so-so in general quality. Food quality is good, quantity is restricted. Not a good place to go for an all-you-can-eat fare. The people that are involved in the dining room service reflect well the overall mood of SLC. They get the job done but thats it. Not too much of that "happy that you're here" feeling. Not rude or unprofessional..just kind of a "yeah, whatever" approach to what they do.
The facility is top notch. Totally. Rooms are decked out for maximum comfort and (you'll need it staying in this city) isolation. The peripheral services throughout the hotel are military like. Check in, room service, housekeeping, valet...they got it all down.. If you have to go to SLC, stay here. It's THE place to stay. A bad hotel in a depressed, bummed out place like SLC can have a long term effect on you about whether you will ever come back. Grand America may get me back to SLC and its surrounding beauty. Well, it might.
Five diamond service if you can afford it! They seem to always have banquets going on, and the rooms are pretty stunning, especially the penthouse views. I got to work for a weekend here on a special gig, and the service is nothing less than first class. All personnel must be standing in the presence of guests, and as a guy just walking around in normal clothes you get greeted by every hotel staff member that sees you. They have a full service spa, massage facilities, and the conference rooms are well, every bit as classy as you'd think it could get. There is even a secret series of back hallways, and entrances so that regular staff can move about the hotel without being seen doing their remedial tasks. Fine life for those that can have it.
One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. Wow! Great service, friendly staffs, great outdoor pool. Rooms are huge! One ding for ridiculously expensive food in the hotel and $10 fee for use of indoor pool.
After Salt Lake lost the bid for the '98 Winter Olympics, the city encouraged Little America Hotel to expand with an upscale offering that would wow delegates and assist in securing the 2002 Winter Olympics. I'm sure it helped because the resulting Grand America certainly does wow. I stayed in an executive suite and it was easily the nicest room I have ever had. The service is tremendous and the accomodations are fantastic.
Love Love Love the spa here, I use it religiuously. The male receptionist can be a bit of a bitch though. Their services are worth the price and worth the time. As far as their food....Holy crap, I went to go an get some lunch one day. I said "Are you serving lunch yet?" the hostes looked at me and laughed and smiled. I repeted again...she then handed me a menu and sat me down and I relized she gave me the bloody dinner menu. Honestly, get it right. I then realized she did not speak english. You would think for a 5 star hotel it would be different. I expect if i pay 40$ for lunch I will be treated like roaltiy. not that case. The food is ok but seriously not that good...its kind of slop really. Step it up a notch i say. as for the interiors possibly take the decade up a notch from 1989 to 2007 classical traditional style, the pinks and greens are a bit grotesc.
either way the spa is so worth the time. love that much atleast.
