Hotels

Finding comfortable, conveniently located accommodations in Salt Lake City, usually at relatively reasonable rates, is no trouble at all. In fact, a building boom of new rooms for the 2002 Olympics resulted in a surplus of lodging, so if you check around, you're likely to find rates that are significantly lower than those listed here.

Among the more affordable major chains and franchises (usually charging about $60-$80 for two persons) with locations in Salt Lake City are Days Inn, 315 W. 3300 South (tel. 800/329-7466 or 801/486-8780; www.daysinn.com); Econo Lodge, 715 W. North Temple (tel. 877/233-2666 or 801/363-0062; www.choicehotels.com); and Super 8, 616 S. 200 West (tel. 800/800-8000 or 801/534-0808; www.super8.com).

In the $100-to-$200 range are Comfort Suites Airport, 171 N. 2100 West (tel. 800/424-6423 or 801/715-8688; www.choicehotels.com); Hampton Inn Downtown, 425 S. 300 West (tel. 800/426-7866 or 801/741-1110; http://hamptoninn1.hilton.com); and Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport, 2177 W. North Temple (tel. 800/333-3333 or 801/364-5800; www.radisson.com).

A bit more expensive (generally in the $200-$300 range), the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center, 220 S. State St. (tel. 866/961-8700 or 801/961-8700; www.marriott.com), and the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, 255 S. West Temple (tel. 800/445-8667 or 801/328-2000; www.hilton.com), are among the best full-service chain options downtown.

Prices listed are the rack rates, which virtually no one actually pays; the actual price that you pay will most likely be significantly lower. Make a point of asking for discounts, which are often given to seniors, members of the military, business travelers, and members of travel clubs such as AAA. Or book online through the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau website, www.visitsaltlake.com, often offering the lowest rates available.