A New Era for Salt Lake City’s Marriott Downtown
The newly renovated Marriott Downtown at City Creek in downtown Salt Lake City is a testament to the city’s evolving hospitality landscape. With its shiny, modernized spaces and thoughtful updates, this 510-room hotel is setting a new standard for luxury and comfort in the heart of the city.
The three-year renovation project, which cost “tens of millions” according to the hotel’s management, has transformed the iconic 44-year-old property into a more competitive player in an increasingly crowded market. The upgrades include a refreshed entrance and lobby, updated guest rooms, ballrooms, and meeting spaces, as well as renovations to the hotel’s restaurant, Salt Stone, and cocktail bar, Destinations Lounge.
The redesigned areas feature trendy decor, vibrant color schemes, and modern furniture, lighting, and flooring. Despite these changes, the hotel has retained some of its signature elements, such as marble flooring and chandeliers, preserving a sense of history while embracing contemporary design.
General Manager Andreo Girardi emphasized that the remodel successfully blends the hotel’s heritage with modern comforts. “It’s the best of both worlds — the heritage and history of Salt Lake City’s flagship downtown hotel, combined with the comfort and style of a newly refreshed property,” he said in a statement.
Girardi also highlighted that the renovations have been completed without disrupting the hotel’s operations, even during several record years of occupancy and patronage following the pandemic. This feat speaks to the hotel’s resilience and adaptability.
A Competitive Edge in a Growing Market
The hotel’s strategic location across from the Salt Palace Convention Center has allowed it to attract larger conventions and events, despite the opening of new competitors like the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City, which boasts 700 rooms spread over 25 floors.
Despite this competition, Girardi remains optimistic. “In many ways, we couldn’t be happier than we are,” he said during a recent tour. The hotel continues to draw business and leisure travelers, as well as corporate event planners who value the Marriott brand.
With 25,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is well-positioned to accommodate a variety of events. Additionally, plans are underway to hire a new executive chef for Salt Stone, with the goal of maintaining the restaurant’s tradition of serving American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients while adding new flair and variety.
A Surge in Hotel Development
The post-pandemic era has seen a virtual boom in hotel construction and renovations in Salt Lake City. According to Visit Salt Lake, the city now has over 19,000 guest rooms, with 8,000 located downtown near the Salt Palace.
New developments include the Le Méridien / Element hotel, which opened in 2023 with 270 rooms, and the Asher Adams hotel, offering 225 rooms in a historic building. Boutique hotels like evo, which opened in 2022, cater to younger travelers seeking unique experiences.
Recent renovations have also included the Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown, which is currently upgrading its 381 rooms on South Temple. Meanwhile, plans for a new multiblock sports, entertainment, and convention district around the Delta Center are underway, including a high-rise hotel and major renovations to the Salt Palace and other local landmarks.
In addition, officials with Property Reserve, a real estate arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced that the Salt Lake Plaza hotel will be demolished starting November 1 to make way for a new parking lot. This move is part of preparations for the 2027 reopening of the Salt Lake Temple, which is expected to attract between 3 million and 5 million visitors.
