This 775-room property is the most luxurious in Salt Lake City, and offers guests old-world charm on a grand scale. Its classic style is characterized by warm wood paneling, Italian marble accents, Venetian chandeliers, and wrought iron or white balustrade balconies that overlook well-groomed courtyards. Big rooms are traditional and sophisticated (if in need of some updating) and the decadent marble bathrooms are a highlight. The amenities live up to the standard set by the rest of the hotel: The fitness center is large and modern, the pools are lovely, and the spa is one of the best in the area.

The 850-room Little America Hotel is one of Salt Lake City's grand dames. The lobby has an elegant (if somewhat stuffy) feel with marble floors, wood-paneled walls, and a large central chandelier. The massive rooms are decorated with pastels and floral patterns (maintaining the nice but somewhat dated feel), and guests should note that though the garden rooms and tower rooms share a similar decor and size, tower rooms have been updated with nicer bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks, while garden rooms have mint-green, 70s-style bathrooms and tube TVs. The indoor/outdoor pool and large outdoor pool and Jacuzzi are a big draw, as is the spacious fitness center and lovely sauna.

The main draw of this quaint, historic hotel is its downtown location, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. Rooms have old tube TVs and some are on the small side, but they're clean and have some nice upscale touches: Tempur-Pedic beds with quality linens and romantic white canopies, iPod docks, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. It's still a mid-range hotel at heart, and most of the decor reflects that, but it's got a bit more charm than some competing properties in the area. All in all, it's a solid downtown pick for the price.