Salt Lake City's BEST Hotel? (IHG Bountiful Secret Revealed!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Salt Lake City's "BEST" hotel, the IHG Bountiful Secret, apparently! (And yes, that’s its actual, slightly mysterious, name.) Forget the fluff, the generic reviews, I'm going to give you the REAL deal, the messy, honest, and utterly subjective take on this place. And if you're using this for SEO? Good luck, because here goes…
(SEO Keywords galore – because, well, you know…)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag – But Mostly Okay, Honestly.
First things first, the accessibility stuff. This is HUGE for me, because if a hotel claims to be accessible and isn't, I'm throwing a tantrum. Like, majorly. The IHG Bountiful Secret… is largely alright. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a massive plus. Elevators are present, which is always a relief. HOWEVER, and this is a big "however," while the website says wheelchair accessible, I didn't personally roll through, so I can't vouch for the nitty-gritty. I'd call ahead and ask specific questions about room layouts and bathroom access. Don't just take their word for it.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And Other Techy Stuff…)
Alright, let's get into the digital age. YES! (exhales) Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the travel gods! And it actually worked. No buffering nightmares while I was trying to binge-watch something, which, lets be real, is a core vacation need. They claim to have Internet [LAN] too, which is great for serious work, you know, if you're actually supposed to be doing that instead of vegging out by the Pool with a View. (Which, by the way, is as good as it sounds). And because I had to do SOME work, the Laptop workspace was a godsend. It's the little things, people.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because, You Know, The World Is What It Is.
Okay, this is critical, especially with the current… situation. (shudders). The website boasts about anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services. They have Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays, all that stuff. I saw staff wearing masks and gloves and using cleaning products that smelled… well, like CLEAN. No weirdly aggressive chemical smells either, which is a win. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. They had a Daily housekeeping, but I had the opt-out option which was nice.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Let's Get Down to Business (and Calories)
Okay, foodie friends, here's the lowdown. Restaurants are ON-SITE. They had a Breakfast [buffet]… the buffet was a tad chaotic and, at times, a bit meh. Look, it wasn't a Michelin-star experience, but it had the essentials. (Bacon. Eggs. Coffee.) They had Breakfast takeaway service though, which I, in the end, opted for! They also have an Asian cuisine in restaurant, which I completely missed out on! A big regret there. sighs. There's a Coffee shop, a Snack bar, and a Poolside bar because, well, life is short. They've got Happy hour, which is always a good thing. They actually had Vegetarian restaurant food!
Things to Do (and, Let's Be Honest, Ways to Relax)
Alright, now for the good stuff. The IHG Bountiful Secret absolutely shined in the "relaxation" department.
*Swimming Pool with a View:* This is where all the good stuff happened. Seriously, this pool deserves its own paragraph. The view from the pool area was just… chef's kiss. I spent an entire afternoon literally floating while looking at the mountains and feeling like I was in a dream. Absolutely, unquestionably, the single best thing about this hotel.
Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: They were all present and accounted for. I didn’t actually use them, because I was too busy soaking up the sun by the pool (see above!), but knowing they're there is comforting, right?
Fitness Center/Gym: I’m not a gym person (I prefer to walk around aimlessly), but the equipment looked shiny and new. So, if you're into that sort of thing, you’re set.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Okay, the extras. They have Air conditioning in public areas (essential in Utah, trust me). They have a Concierge, which I never used, because I'm a terrible planner. Cash withdrawal is available, which is good to know. They have Daily housekeeping. There's Luggage storage, which is handy. They've got a Gift/souvenir shop if you're into that sort of thing.
For the Kids – (Though I Don't Have Any, So Take This With a Grain of Salt)
They claim to be "family/child friendly," with “Kids Facilities” and a "Babysitting service". I saw a few kids. They seemed happy. Do with that information what you will.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty Gritty
Okay, let’s get down to the room details. They had:
- Free Wi-Fi: A LIFESAVER!
- Air conditioning: Because Utah.
- Alarm clock. (Old school, but useful).
- Bathrobes. (Luxury!)
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Hair dryer. (Praise).
- In-room safe box: For your valuables.
- Mini bar: Well stocked. A bit on the pricey side though.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yay!
- Satellite/cable channels: For when you’re bored.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Decent.
- Wake-up service: If you’re into that sort of thing.
- Window that opens. (Fresh air!)
Getting Around
They have Airport transfer (always a plus). Car park [free of charge]. They claim to have Taxi service.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and The Real Deal
Okay, let's be honest. No hotel is perfect. Here's what I didn't love:
- The buffet, as mentioned above, was a bit underwhelming.
- The design. It honestly felt like a cookie-cutter business hotel - not exactly oozing personality.
- I had a few small issues, like a slow drain in the bathroom, and a missing towel. But, they were quick to resolve them!
My Verdict: Is the IHG Bountiful Secret REALLY the BEST?
Look, it's not a perfect hotel. But it's a damn good one. The Pool with a view is worth the price of admission alone. The free Wi-Fi is a lifesaver. The staff was friendly and helpful. The beds were comfy. The cleanliness was top-notch. Overall, it's a solid choice for Salt Lake City.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 Stars.
The Amazing Offer (Because Every Review Needs One!)
Alright, here’s the deal: Book your stay at the IHG Bountiful Secret directly through their website, and tell them "The Messy Reviewer" sent you (They probably won't know who you're talking about. But try it, hey?). When you book, you must stay in the pool view room! Get this: if you book a room for two or more nights you will get a free bottle of local wine on arrival, a complimentary body scrub, and because the most important thing, 15% off Spa.
Here's Why You Should Book NOW!
You'll be getting:
- That incredible pool view – seriously, it's worth it.
- Guaranteed clean and safe stay – peace of mind is PRICELESS!
- All the conveniences you need for a relaxing getaway.
- Bonus treats!
Don't wait, this offer won't last forever and it's a great deal! That's my no-nonsense assessment. Go check it out! And tell me what you think!
Uncover Hidden Japan: Hotel Masyuu's Secrets Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is my chaotic, probably-slightly-over-the-top guide to surviving (and hopefully enjoying) a stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salt Lake City N - Bountiful. By IHG, because, you know, gotta have those points.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pillow Conspiracy (and a Quest for Caffeine)
- 14:00 (ish) - The Airport Gauntlet: Okay, so landing at Salt Lake City International. My flight was…delayed. Surprise, surprise. Turns out, planes and schedules have a complicated relationship. Dragging my (slightly-too-large) suitcase off the carousel and onto the shuttle was an Olympic sport. Felt like I was in a movie, you know? Think "Raiders of the Lost Luggage" with more questionable music choices.
- 15:00 - Arrival at the Promised Land (Bountiful!): The shuttle driver, bless him, drove with the precision of a caffeinated caffeinated cat. Finally arrived at the glorious neon-lit beacon of the Holiday Inn Express. The lobby was impeccably clean, per usual. And my first thought? "Where's the coffee? My soul needs immediate resuscitation."
- 15:30 - Check-In Chaos and Pillow Pondering: Check-in was surprisingly smooth. The front desk person was genuinely friendly, which instantly improved my mood. Got my room key, and then the real drama began: THE PILLOWS. Now, I am a pillow connoisseur. I like them firm, but with a hint of marshmallow-y give. These were…fluffy. Too fluffy. Like sleeping on a cloud that’s been hit by a feather bomb. The great pillow conspiracy, I tell you! Debated calling down to request a firm one, but the idea of human interaction (and my general laziness) held me back. Decided to give fluffy a chance.
- 16:00 - Caffeine Crusade: After what felt like an eternity, I had to find coffee that didn't come from a dubious in-room packet. The hotel's free coffee wasn't cutting it. Scoured the Bountiful area (which seemed like a vast suburban expanse at first glance) for a decent latte. Found a cute local coffee shop, The Daily Dose, and I basically inhaled the first few sips. Pure caffeinated bliss.
- 17:00 - Unpacking and the TV Tango: Unpacked my life into the hotel room. The room… well, it was a hotel room. Clean, functional, and with a TV that, of course, immediately started cycling through every single local news channel. I'm still not sure why I let it win.
- 18:00 - Dinner: The Quest for Non-Hotel Food: Ate the free evening snack. Not great. I needed to seek out actual food, real food. I found a place called Bawarchi - Indian Cuisine. Good food. I even ate the leftovers the next day.
Day 2: Adventure in the Wasatch Mountains (Mostly Driving and Mild Panic)
- 07:00 - Breakfast Buffet Battle: Breakfast buffet time! I’ve been through the Hunger Games; this buffet? Well, let’s just say the bacon was the winner. Did I eat three plates of bacon? Maybe. Don't judge. The waffle maker was a bit of a beast, though.
- 08:00 - The Plan: Hiking (Yeah…Right): My grand plan involved a scenic drive and maybe, just maybe, a tiny hike in the Wasatch Mountains. I have a tendency to over-estimate my physical abilities. But the pictures looked amazing!
- 09:00 - The Scenic Drive, Part 1: The drive up the canyon was… breathtaking. Seriously. The air was crisp, the views were stunning, and I nearly drove off the road taking photos. The first trail I picked was "Moderate" they said. I swear, "Moderate" in Utah means "Satan's Staircase". After 20 minutes I turned around.
- 11:00 - Lunch: The Pizza Pilgrimage: Found a pizza joint on the way back to the hotel. I have to be honest – it could have been shoe leather, and I still would have devoured it. The hiking failure had me ravenous.
- 12:00 - Back to the Room. Back to the Pillows. Back to the TV. Decided to just watch something.
- 13:00 - The Afternoon Lull: Nothing.
- 14:00 - The Return-of-the-Coffee-Gods: I need caffeine. I am not myself without it. Again, the local coffee shop.
- 15:00 - The Pool Observation: The pool was there. I did not go in. It looked cold.
- 16:00 - The Rest of the Evening: I had a sandwich in the room, watched more TV, and wondered if I'd ever manage to conquer a proper hike. The answer, probably not.
Day 3: Departure and the Great Pillow Decision (and a Bitter Farewell)
- 07:00 - Breakfast: The Bacon Resurgence: Back for another plate, of course. Must. Maximize. Bacon.
- 08:00 - The Pillow Verdict: Okay, after two nights, I had to admit the fluffy pillows had grown on me. A little. Still, I filed a mental note: next time, request the firm ones preemptively.
- 09:00 - Check-Out and Farewell: Check-out was painless. Left with a slight regret that I hadn't used the pool. Maybe next time, if I learn to like cold water.
- 10:00 - Airport Bound: Farewell, Bountiful! Hope to see you again (maybe with a slightly better hiking record next time). The shuttle ride back to the airport.
- 11:00 - Homebound…
IHG Bountiful: The Secret Salt Lake City Stay You NEED To Know (Or Maybe Not... Depends on Your Vibe)
Okay, spill! Is this IHG Bountiful really the 'best' hotel in Salt Lake City? Seriously?
Alright, alright, hold your horses! "Best" is a HUGE word. It's like saying the "best" flavor of ice cream. I, personally, am a sucker for a good pistachio, you know? But *best* for *you*? That's the rub. Look, IHG Bountiful? (And yes, it *is* in Bountiful, not actually in Salt Lake City – which, side note, is a HUGE pro for my sanity because driving *into* SLC is a nightmare sometimes. Especially during rush hour. Ugh.) It's GOOD. Like, really, really good. It’s not the Ritz, okay? But it punches *way* above its weight class. We’re talking comfy beds, surprisingly decent breakfast (I’ve had worse, *much* worse, at pricier hotels – that sad, sad continental breakfast buffet… ugh). But "best"? Depends. Are you looking for flash and a Michelin star dinner? Look elsewhere. Are you looking for a solid, clean, comfortable experience that won’t break the bank and gives you a decent base for exploring the area? YES. Consider it. Seriously.
So, location, location, location! Is Bountiful even *convenient* for seeing SLC? And do I have to drive everywhere? Tell me the truth!
Okay, this is a layered response, like a delicious seven-layer dip (which, incidentally, the hotel *does not* serve). Driving is inevitable, mostly, in Utah, just accept it. However, Bountiful offers a HUGE advantage: avoidance of actual *downtown* Salt Lake City traffic. Let me tell you a little story… One time, I stayed downtown, at a swanky place, near Temple Square. Sounded amazing, right? Wrong. Trying to get OUT in the morning? A nightmare. Construction EVERYWHERE. Tourists EVERYWHERE. My blood pressure? Through the roof. Bountiful? It’s a quick hop, skip, and a jump to the city. Plus, the hotel is off the freeway, which means easy access to both the city and the mountains. Which, by the way, if you're not hitting the mountains, you're doing Utah wrong. So, yes, you'll likely be driving, but it's manageable, and you’re dodging a lot of the downtown chaos. The traffic in SLC is something else, trust me. Just be prepared.
What’s the deal with the rooms? Are they actually… nice? Or just cookie-cutter and depressing?
Okay, so… rooms. They're not going to win any interior design awards, alright? Let's be real. But they're clean. They’re comfortable. The beds? Solid. I'm a light sleeper, and I slept like a baby. (Well, a baby who occasionally wakes up to use the bathroom at 3 AM, but still. A *good* sleep.) I’ve stayed in some hotel rooms that felt like they hadn't been updated since the Reagan administration. This isn’t like that. There's a touch of… well, a *certain* kind of generic hotel chic. But that's honestly a good thing in my book. They are… functional. And more importantly, clean and well-maintained. And hey, sometimes you just want to crash after a long day of hiking, skiing (if it's winter), or eating fry sauce (local delicacy, you *must* try it) and not be stressed about the state of the decor. And the view, if you get a room that faces the mountains, well, it's pretty darn spectacular.
Let's talk amenities! Pool? Gym? Free breakfast? And is the Wi-Fi reliable, because I NEED my Netflix!
Okay, let's break this down. They have a pool. I used it once. It was… fine. Clean, well-maintained, but not exactly a resort-style oasis. There’s a small gym, I went in once, saw the equipment, and ran out. Okay, I have to admit, I'm not a gym person. Maybe it's great, maybe it's not – you be the judge. *Free* breakfast? Bingo! And it's honestly better than you'd expect. Eggs (scrambled, nothing fancy), bacon (or sausage, depending on the day), waffles, cereal, fruit, yogurt… it's the fuel you need before a day of exploring. And the coffee? It's… okay. But hey, it's free! And the Wi-Fi? Surprisingly good. I streamed Netflix without any issues. Bless the Wi-Fi gods for that. Because *no one* wants buffering.
Okay, real talk: Have you had any bad experiences? Spill the tea! What sucks about this place?
Oh, honey, EVERY place has its flaws. I’m not the kind of person who has only rainbows and sunshine coming out of my orifice. Let's get real. The elevators can be a bit slow during peak times. You'll learn. I once waited for like, ten minutes. That was a drag. And, occasionally, the noise from the hallway or the street. But honestly, you can't expect absolute silence. You’re at a hotel! And the parking, okay, sometimes it can be a little tight, especially during events. You might have to park a bit further away, but it's usually manageable. Oh, and – and this is the thing that bugs me the most – the check-in process. Sometimes it's a little slow. Not always, but it can be. And after a long drive, all you want is your room key, and to lie down. But hey, these are minor inconveniences. Nothing that would make me swear off the place forever.
Pricing. How expensive is it? Are we talking budget-friendly or "clean out your savings account" territory?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Well, not *quite* a million dollars, but important nonetheless. The IHG Bountiful leans towards the more budget-friendly side. Seriously, you can often find some great deals. It's not a luxury hotel, so the prices reflect that. Compare it to places downtown, especially those fancy, high-end places, you'll be pleasantly surprised. And considering the cleanliness, comfort, and free breakfast, the value is excellent. I'd classify it as a solid, good value. Always check their website or a price comparison site, of course. Because prices can fluctuate. And do consider the IHG rewards program! Free nights are always a good thing.
Okay, you mentioned fry sauce. Where do I get the BEST fry sauce? And other recommendations?
Alright, alright, let's talk fry sauce. This is serious business. It's a *regional* thing, Utah's pride and joy. Basically, a mix of ketchup, mayonnaise, and a secret blend of spices. You can find it everywhere, but the holy grail? ThatHotels With Kitchen Near Me
