The Inn at Temple Square - Review - Classic Ambiance, Contemporary Luxury

The Inn at Temple Square Salt Lake City is an elegant, old-fashioned hotel located directly across the street from Temple Square, which is comprised of the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, Conference Center, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and a slew of delicious restaurants! The Inn at Temple Square is housed in a classic and clean brick building, decorated with a green awning overlooking graceful glass revolving doors and the American and Utah state flags, create an ambiance that is steeped in tradition and history. I like to refer to The Inn at Temple Square as the 'little black dress' of hotels in Salt Lake City. Its simplistic and effortless elegance is perfect for any occasion, business or pleasure.

Upon entering the lobby of the Inn at Temple Square, guests are welcomed with the warm glow of a cozy fireplace, shimmering white keys of the baby grand piano, and the gracious smiles of the staff who are more than happy to help you check in as well as carry your luggage to your room. Walking into the lobby is like a breath of fresh air as you are immediately whisked away into the historical Latter Day Saints (Mormon) world circa 1930s. I couldn't help but feel an urge to throw on a sable fur cape, adorn my head with a pillbox hat, and hop in a classic 1931 Ford Model A! Yet, while guests are whisked away into an antiquated era, they can just as easily prance into the 21st century and into the Nordstrom's next door!

The Inn at Temple Square offers everything a traveler would ever need: complimentary high speed internet access, morning newspapers, a splendid view of the city, a complimentary buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant, complimentary day passes to the gym located down the street, complimentary shuttles to and from the airport, and given its prime location, easy access to everything the city has to offer. If you are interested in going for a run, hike, or walk, Memory Grove and City Creek Park are a about a 15 minute walk away. In City Creek Park, one would never guess they were only a few blocks away from the city! The sounds of the river rapids, birds chirping, and people chatting and laughing muffle any urban-related sounds.

The guest rooms at the Inn at Temple Square are incredibly spacious and feature European furnishings such as sleigh and four-poster beds, love seats, night stands, and a desk. The long, rectangular windows allow sunshine to flood the room creating a delicious, airy environment. The large bathrooms offer a Jacuzzi tub, sink and counter top, and a separate vanity area complete with another sink and counter top. The separate vanity area is perfect when two people are staying in the room. Both guests can primp and preen in preparation for their day, or night, without fighting over mirror space! Although there is a TV, cable, VCR rentals, and even video rentals available, with the great views of the city, who would need to watch TV?!

The Inn at Temple Square restaurant, Passages, is an American bistro offering casual American cuisine in a contemporary setting. The black and white checkered tile floor, dark green leather cushioning on the booths, and rich oak tables offer a perfect setting for people watching through the large windows that provide a marvelous view of Temple Square, which is a mere hop, skip, and jump across the street. Colorful international flags are hung from the ceiling and serve as a reminder of the 2002 Winter Olympics that were held in Salt Lake City. The complimentary breakfast offers hot and cold cereal, eggs, potatoes, pastries, juice, tea, and coffee. For lunch, the staple salads, soups, and sandwiches are available. Dinner boasts meat and potato entrees, but also offers seafood and salads for those non-meat eaters.

The Inn at Temple Square is just a part of the Temple Square Hospitality Corporation, which encompasses the The Lion House, The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and the Inn at Temple Square.

The Lion House was once Brigham Young's personal residence. Part of the house has been renovated into the Pantry Restaurant. At the Pantry Restaurant, patrons enjoy exceptional home-style fare while dining amidst the history that surrounds the house. Food is served cafeteria style and truly captures the essence of home-style cooking. The Pantry Restaurant features authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations.

 

 

The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, a mere block away from the Inn at Temple Square, houses two restaurants: the Garden and the Roof. The Garden is a more casual setting on the 10th floor and is a popular setting for lunch and dinner. The Garden is in a patio setting with the walls consisting entirely of windows, and the entire ceiling is a skylight. Breathtaking views from Salt Lake City all the way to the surrounding mountains and up to the sky surround guests as they dine on delicious appetizers, entrees, and salads. In the warmer winter months, the roof opens up for a unique alfresco dining experience. What an experience it is to dine while looking out to the mountains, with a fresh breeze flowing, and the stars twinkling above. All at once, guests are surrounded by wonders of nature and enjoying a relaxing dinner in the city.

The Roof is a fine dining, buffet style restaurant on the 10th floor of the John Smith Memorial Building. Some may think that buffet and fine dining are contradictory terms, but the chefs at the Roof have turned their buffet into a work of art. Several kinds of meat, fish, salads, appetizers, and two dessert tables that extend the length of the entire buffet, are all beautifully arranged for their patrons. Like the Garden, the Roof's walls consist entirely of windows that look out to Salt Lake City and Temple Square. The restaurant is situated such that no matter where you are sitting, you have a wondrous view of the city and, even more spectacular, the sunset.

 

The Inn at Temple Square is quite simply the 'little black dress' of Salt Lake City. The elegant, graceful, and classic ambiance coupled with the modern amenities and first-class location will inevitably please any traveler. It is quite evident that the Temple Square Hospitality Corporation is truly committed to providing visitors and residents of Salt Lake City with an unparalleled experience in Temple Square.

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