Grand America Hotel - Review - An Elegant Palace in the Heart of Salt Lake City

The towering white Bethel granite exterior of the Grand America Hotel glistens in the Salt Lake City sun, and at night stands as a beacon of luxurious light in the downtown skyline. The Grand America Hotel is a sumptuous palace, a haven for deluxe decadence befitting royalty. This five-star, luxury hotel redefines 'grand' every single day.

Inspired by the charm and craftsmanship of Europe's classic hotels, the Grand America offers 775 luxurious rooms, including 395 exquisite suites. The 24-story hotel overlooks a beautifully landscaped 10-acre footprint in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. The Grand America is 450,000 square feet, or an entire city block, of hand-tooled marble and granite.

I walked through Grand America's beveled-glass and brass doors and entered a lavish wonderland of opulent amenities befitting the royal guests. I was immediately encased in elegant luxury. My eyes darted about, absorbing the gilded images before me: Italian marble floors and walls, English wool carpets, and French furniture and tapestries all illuminated by the Murano crystal chandeliers. In addition to the sumptuous interior decor, the hotel staff and their genuine smiles greeted me at the door. All of this elegance and I had only entered the lobby!

I had the pleasure of staying in the Executive King Suite on the 22nd floor of the Grand America. Elegant French doors separate the bedroom from the living area in the astonishingly spacious 880 square-feet of relaxing decadence. The royal room was decorated with fine fabrics in rich greens, oranges, reds, and yellows. These warm colors combined with the French cherry-wood furnishings created a stylish space that was like a taking a deep breath of fresh air. I was immediately relaxed and more than eager to curl up in the overstuffed down comforter, featherbed, and pillows! Large, glass doors in both the bedroom and living area opened up to granite balconies overlooking the garden area and an amazing view of Salt Lake City in its entirety and the mountains that encircle this conservative city. All rooms in the Grand America offer high-speed Internet connections, 32-inch television sets, in-room safes, 24-hour room service, and three dual-line telephones. My posh, pampering-ready, mini palace featured a Murano crystal chandelier, handcrafted Richelieu furniture, English wool carpets, Carrara Italian marble, and the finest fabrics in order to drape royal guests in luxury.

I have to admit, bathrooms are what I tend to scope out first in a hotel room. The bigger the better in my book! The bathrooms in the scrumptious rooms of the Grand America are nearly the same size as the bedroom. Italian marble floors, wall, Jacuzzi tub, and separate shower sparkle with radiance. In the closet, exquisite terrycloth bathrobes with the Grand America emblem embroidered on the lapel. The bathrooms are equipped with cosmetic mirrors, a hair dryer, and a separate vanity area.

After exploring my sumptuous suite, I was ready to spend a VIP-worthy day in the Grand America Spa. I opened the door to find a waiter standing at attention with a silver tray in hand. 'Courtesy of the Grand America, Miss,' he said and handed me a sparkling silver tray holding a delicious treat: the Grand America's Chocolate Grand Piano. The Chocolate Grand Piano is a dark chocolate grand piano, garnished with some of our very own hand-made chocolates, seasonal berries and a fresh cut rose.

Every moment I spent in the in Grand America Spa was an absolute gilded piece of heaven. The Grand America Spa is a distinctive European ambiance that is dedicated to overall health, fitness and well-being. The staff dedicates their entire purpose to pampering each and every royal guest that enters their princely sanctuary. An exquisite selection of massages, facials and body treatments are available as well as a sauna and eucalyptus steam room.

Upon checking in for my massage, I was led to the women's spa area that included changing rooms, lockers, a steam room, and dry sauna. Soothing classical music and comforting aromas filled the room. Plush overstuffed arm chairs and ottomans were situated next to coffee tables decorated with large bowls of red apples, chilled Dasani water bottles, and varied selection of magazines. I was given my plush robe, sandals, and a few towels and then introduced to my massage therapist.

I chose the Grand America Spa's Grand Sampler massage, which is a combination of deep tissue, Swedish, and Aromatherapy massages. It was exquisite, simply exquisite. I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated! The Grand America Spa's selection of massages promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve circulation, and reduce muscle soreness while easing mental and physical fatigue.

In addition to massage, the Grand America Spa offers body treatments and facials. Royals guests can relax in luxury while their skin benefits from a rich array of minerals, vitamins and other natural elements. Body treatments remove dead cells, impurities and stimulates circulation. With the help of the Grand America Spa staff, skin is brought back to health and radiance, and is silky-smooth to the touch. The Grand America Spa features a Grand Facial, which will improve the cellular process to increase skin repair and collagen production. Men are not forgotten in this pampering palace, for the Men's facial and the Executive Men's Treatment address the specific needs of men's skin which is challenged by daily shaving and structural differences.

During my stay at the Grand America, everyday felt like a summer day. The sun was shining and a slight breeze danced through the air every now and then. It was a perfect day for the pool! The Grand America has a big outdoor pool, an indoor lap pool, a children's pool, and Jacuzzis both indoor and out. Lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas decorated the outside pool area. Tables and chairs were arranged underneath a gazebo that spouted cool mist provided shade from the heat. Waiters darted about delivering drinks, towels, and meals from the exclusive pool side menu. The crystal clear, glistening water of the outdoor pool lulled me in and I enjoyed bobbing about in the lukewarm water. 

The Grand America features three five-star restaurants: the Garden Cafe, the Lobby Lounge, and the Gibson Lounge. The Garden Cafe is renowned for the Sunday Brunch, a sophisticated, succulent collection of fresh produce-filled omelets, fine carving roasts, fresh seafood, and pastries and breads made daily in our in-house bakery all accented with an international flair. The Lobby Lounge boasts an intimate fireplace, spectacular views of the garden courtyard, and plush couches and lounge chairs that wrap royal guests in luxury. A selection of breakfast pastries, light lunch fare, and an afternoon tea are available in the Lobby Lounge. The Gibson Lounge is an intimate, secluded lounge perfect for partaking in appetizers, a beer, or a glass of wine from their extensive wine list all the while watching a game on the big screen plasma TV.

The Grand America Hotel is a palace perfect for pampering and relaxing. Every moment I spent at the Grand America Hotel was dipped in gold, coated in chocolate, and wrapped in heaven. The Grand America Hotel truly brings the definition of "grand" to whole new levels.   

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