Hotel Snapshot
Salt Lake City’s allure is that you’re never quite sure what type of history clings to the walls of its neoclassical, Gothic Revival, and Victorian-era buildings. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, the highly-publicized accommodations for President Joe Biden in 2023, is no exception, with its former tenants including the capital city’s first non-bed and breakfast hotel and restaurant, a barbershop, a pharmacy, and the largest national bank in Utah, which inspired its appropriately-titled on-site bar, The Vault.
But what makes the property even more special is its ability to effortlessly blend old-world charm with modern luxuries, including typical Kimpton amenities such as bold and bright decor, complimentary happy hours, and a commitment to diverse wellness offerings.
Design & Character
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s biggest draw is its aforementioned history, preserved in its common areas and architecture with original carved stone faces, arched windows, polished marble floors, and even a vaulted safe door in its restaurant and bar concept. Though this embrace of the building’s past runs rampant through each floor, there are added modern touches like sleek and colorful furniture, eclectic paneled chandeliers, and hints of metallics that make the front desk and adjacent living room a comfortable haven for guests to chit-chat, relax, play board games, and read.
The Rooms
Spacious rooms and suites embody understated, yet contemporary luxury with carpeted striped floors, heavy gray curtains, and pops of cerulean and burnt orange fabrics. Artwork tastefully nods to Utah’s stunning terroir with modern portraits of mountains and trees, often modeled after the Wasatch Mountain views that can be seen from most of the rooms’ vantage points. Bathrooms, which house Atelier Bloem skincare products, are also large and welcoming with many upper-floor suites containing soaking tubs and walk-in showers.
The Food & Drink Situation
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s flagship restaurant, Bambara, wows with a contemporary play on traditional European fare, touting dishes that range from a black garlic koji aged ribeye to famed blue cheese potato chips topped with harissa and chives. Wash it all down with a post-meal bev at The Vault (formerly an actual bank vault), which shakes, stirs, and pours high-quality cocktails, both classic and innovative, among a 40-seat lounge with plush seating and a grandiose mahogany bar.
The Amenities
As with most Kimpton properties, love is in the unique details. Amenities include the Kimpton Plant Pals Program, where guests can request to have a bit of potted green placed in their room for the duration of their stay. Custom-designed PUBLIC bikes can also be reserved for jaunts around downtown, while a lobby bodega and daily happy hour greet guests with refreshments and small bites from Bambara’s extensive menu. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so that Fido can join in on all the fun without an extra fee.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Salt Lake City’s appeal is its ability to straddle a plethora of year-round, outdoor activities with all the conveniences and culture of big-city living. In addition to local hikes at Ensign Peaks and Living Room trails, consider a day trip to nearby Snowbird, the destination’s premier ski resort that also features summertime wildflower walks, mountainside restaurants, and an award-winning Cliff Spa. Be sure to also hit up Tracy Aviary and Red Butte Garden for more flora and fauna or, for travelers who prefer to be indoors, the Utah Museum of Fine Art and Museum of Natural History offer fantastic exhibitions, many times showcasing local artistic talent and geological finds, respectively.
Mural-splashed Maven District impresses with a mission to support primarily female entrepreneurs and small business owners with shops and keepsakes like Lovebound Library's romance books, Acrely Farms' CBD-based beauty products, and Pantry Products’ sustainable self and home goods, many of which are developed and created in-store.
The restaurant scene is surprisingly creative and nuanced for the Mountain West, boasting a variety of globally-influenced cuisine. Standouts include Indian-inspired tacos and teas at Tandoori Taqueria, classic Italian at Matteo, Greek small plates at Manoli’s, and a show-stopping experience at Japanese-based AKER, which often hosts a 10-course omakase Tuna Fight Club that celebrates bluefin in practically every form. Brunch at Eva’s Bakery, Oasis Cafe, and Loki Coffee are also must-visits, with each establishment selling an assortment of pastries, breakfast staples, and—you guessed it—beloved java brewed to perfection and accompanied with homemade syrups and infused milks.
A trip to the city’s weekend farmer’s market is also essential for at-home cooking with fresh produce, proteins, and honeys, as well as locally-made artwork, food products, and jewelry, among other one-of–a-kind finds.
Cap any evening with a silent disco or burlesque show at wild Why Kiki or enjoy live music and craft cocktails at cool and cozy Lake Effect, which houses private seating options for more intimate soirees or date nights.
Fast Facts
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Vibe: A robust history of Salt Lake City’s past marries the modern elegance that has become a mainstay of the Kimpton brand.
Rating: Four-Star
Room Count: 225 guest rooms and suites
Pricing: Prices start at $127/night, depending on season
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: A memorable meal and nightcap at Bambara and The Vault will make staying in for the night not only acceptable, but a welcomed departure from the hustle and bustle of vacation exploration.
Dining: On-site Bambara restaurant and The Vault lounge
Amenities: Gym; restaurant; bar; free wifi; bike rentals; fitness center; pet-friendly
Nearby Attractions: Clark Planetarium, Museum of Natural History, Tracy Aviary, Utah Museum of Fine Art, Red Butte Garden
Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport
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