Temple Square

$50-100

You can find several good moderately priced motels near Temple Square [1]. The Howard Johnson Express Inn (121 North 300 West, 801/521-3450 or 800/541-7639, www.hojo.com [2], $66 and up) is an older but well-maintained motor-court motel with an outdoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast, and airport shuttle.

Just east of Temple Square is the pleasant, well-maintained Carlton Hotel (140 E. South Temple St., 801/355-3418 or 800/633-3500, www.carltonhotel-slc.com [3], $84 and up). The Carlton is an older hotel in a great location, and it offers a full breakfast and in-room fridge and microwave; there are also five suites.

Overlooking Temple Square is the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel (122 W. South Temple St., 801/521-0130 or 800/366-3684, http://plaza-hotel.com [4], $79 and up), which offers a pool and on-site restaurant in addition to its great location.

$100-150

The first of Salt Lake City [5]'s historic older hotels to be refurbished into a natty, upscale lodging was the Peery Hotel (110 West 300 South, 801/521-4300 or 800/331-0073, www.peeryhotel.com [6], $129 and up). Its 1910 vintage style is preserved in the comfortable lobby, while the guest rooms are completely updated, nicely furnished, and quite spacious. There are two restaurants on the premises, as well as an exercise room.

Some of Salt Lake's most grand heritage homes sit on Capitol Hill, just below the state capitol. Surely one of the most eye-catching is the red sandstone mansion now called the Inn on the Hill (225 N. State St., 801/328-1466, www.innonthehillslc.com [7], $135 and up). Built in 1906 by a local captain of industry, the inn has 14 guest rooms decorated with period detail, but all with modern amenities like private bathrooms. Practically every room has views over all of Salt Lake City. Full gourmet breakfasts are included.

One block west of the temple is the Radisson Salt Lake City Hotel Downtown (215 W. South Temple St., 801/531-7500 or 888/201-1718, www.radisson.com [8], $119 and up). At this modern, 15-story hotel, you'll find a pool, a restaurant, and conference, business, and exercise facilities; children under 12 stay free.

One of SLC's best hotels, the Hilton Salt Lake City Center (255 S. West Temple St., 801/328-2000 or 800/HILTONS, www1.hilton.com, $99-149) is a huge complex with an indoor pool, two fine-dining restaurants, a private club, fitness facilities, valet laundry, and convention facilities for small groups.

$150-200

The Salt Lake City Marriott City Center (220 S. State St., 801/961-8700, www.marriott.com [9], $199 and up) sits above Gallivan Plaza, an urban park and festival space. A luxury-level business hotel, the Marriott has an indoor pool, a recreation area, and a fine dining restaurant.

The Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown (75 S. West Temple St., 801/531-0800 or 800/228-9290, www.marriott.com [9], $159 and up) is directly across from the Salt Palace Convention Center. At this high-quality hotel, there's an indoor/outdoor pool, a sauna, a fitness center, a good restaurant, a lounge, and a private nightclub (available to hotel guests). Weekend rates are often deeply discounted.

Over $200

The Hotel Monaco (15 West 200 South, 801/595-0000 or 877/294-9710, www.monaco-saltlakecity.com [10], $219 and up) occupies a grandly renovated historic office building in a very convenient spot in the middle of downtown; on the main floor is Bambara, one of the most sophisticated restaurants in Utah. Rooms are sumptuously furnished with real élan: This is no anonymous business hotel in beige and mauve. Expect wild colors and contrasting fabrics, lots of flowers, and excellent service. Facilities include an on-site fitness center, meeting rooms, and concierge and valet services. Each room comes with two-line phones and a CD stereo, plus an iron and board. Pets are welcome, and if you forgot your own pet, the hotel will deliver a companion goldfish to your room. If you want to splurge on a hotel in Salt Lake, make it this one.