20 million travelers arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport last year, lured by the capital’s historic sites and the recreational opportunities in the regions beyond. If you’re planning a trip to the Beehive State, creating a hotel checklist can make sure you get the most from your stay. Read on to discover the questions you should ask before you check in.

Location Matters

Prepare for a Utah Vacation with a Hotel Checklist

Image Via Flickr by Davidd

A hotel’s location is the most important consideration for many travelers. If you love the bustling pace of an urban area, you’ll probably look to a room in Salt Lake City. If you prefer to unwind, a more rural location like Price or Moab may suit you better. Ski bunnies typically flock to the snowfields of Park City, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon.

While your vacation style and favorite attractions will influence your desired location, so will your transport. If you’re relying on public transport, you might prefer a hotel close to Salt Lake City International Airport, bus stops, light rail stations, or key attractions. Road trippers and tourists hiring a car will have greater flexibility, so they can generally save money by staying at a hotel off the beaten track.

Choose the Right Room for You

It’s vital to choose a room that suits your needs. Families will likely need double rooms or serviced apartments, while most couples can make do with single rooms. Non-smoking suites are common in most hotels, but your choices are a bit more limited if you want to light up. Smokers United offers a handy list of smoker-friendly hotels in Utah.

Note Special Features

Any hotel stay is always about more than your rented room. Choosing a hotel with great facilities can make your stay something special. Utah hotels with pools and other on-site activities can keep you entertained without putting your hand in your pocket. Restaurants and gymnasiums on the premises are also desirable for some travelers.

When traveling with children, you’ll need to confirm a hotel has essentials like crib hire and babysitting services. The child’s ambassador at Salt Lake City’s Grand America Hotel ensures little ones have a good time, while the ranger talks and wide open spaces of Springdale’s Zion Lodge provide kid-friendly fun outdoors.

If someone in your traveling party is disabled, you’ll also need an accessible hotel. Expedia.com allows you to search for hotels with a range of accessible options, including Braille or raised signage, handicapped parking, and accessible bathrooms.

Consider the Bottom Line

When all things are equal, the choice of hotel room often comes down to price. Expedia.com helps you to compare the best Utah hotel room rates side by side, including any extras. These bonuses, such as complimentary breakfasts, airport transfers, and free WiFi, can save you big bucks in the long run. Some hotels also offer weekend specials and advance purchase discounts which might influence your travel time.

Make sure you don’t forget to ask about taxes. Hidden charges like room occupancy tax and cancellation fees can raise your tariff unexpectedly.

Finding a hotel that ticks all your essential boxes is the first step to enjoying your time in Utah. Asking the important questions before you arrive will make your stay in Utah run smoothly.