Hotels in Alta, UT

“This is one of the greatest ski lodges on the planet, period. Since the St. Bernard Lodge in Taos closed three years ago, they have no peer. Located in the historic soul of America's skiing - Alta - sorry Aspen, Jackson Hole & Sun Valley, my latest visit, during the now historic road closure and ski area's "country club" days, April 2-7, confirms my opinion. In short, when unprecedented snow and wind cuts you off from the rest of civilization, produces historic, massive, tree-laden avalanches that not only close the road but spill across the valley into the ski area, and you continue to serve guests in world-class fashion, without missing a beat, tells the story of Alta's Rustler Lodge.Kate Pollard, along with her husband, and former Mayor of Alta, Tom, guided their guests, the staff, and the ski area to not just endure, but to thrive during two days of Interlodge shutdown and two days of endless deep powder skiing. When no one can travel up or down Little Cottonwood Canyon and no one knows or can say when the road or ski area will open, it was Kate who pointed her young staff to always do the right thing. It was Tom & Kate who made sure that the Rustler has plenty of their famous all-you-want-to-eat menu of American cuisine. Breakfast and dinner are included. Simply put, if you don't love the food, you have ordered something you don't love. At the Rustler, feel free to order something else!If you have skied anywhere in the world you know that staff are young folks looking for a winter (or two) of skiing. At the Rustler, I met engineers, pre-meds, and others who were all smart, respectful, and responsive to guest needs. I observed a sweet and caring babysitter one afternoon only to be greeted by this lovely person as my housekeeper the next morning.I have stayed in every class of room the Rustler offers, except the dorm (but friends have and say it is good!). The Rustler difference is that Tom & Kate and Jeff Anderson, the owner, continually reinvest in the property. On this last trip, I stayed in a recently renovated "Cecret" room (#205). While it is impossible to change the size or structure of a hotel room, if you thoughtfully create a comfortable living space with every imaginable need close at hand, i.e., glove and ski-boot warmers in the closet, easily accessible new coffee maker and humidifier, it feels like an old leather jacket - so comfortable you wonder why you haven't put it on in so long!The spa facilities are world-class. Steam, sauna, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a pool - everything one could want. After a day of skiing, a wonderful massage, steam, and soak are perfection. So too is the Powder Tools ski shop. Why leave the Rustler when one can get your boots expertly adjusted by a FreeRide Professional skier?I could go on, but you get the picture. If you are lucky enough, book a room next season, and pray to your God for one day of Country Club skiing!”

“Had our wedding here in September and both Todd and Patrick were so helpful and accommodating the entire time. It really was our dream wedding and we couldn’t have been happier!”

“Such a great facility and location. But poorly managed. For example:1. Hot water didn't work in our bathroom. Front desk guy admitted they knew about this (had been broken for a long time) but didn't tell us until we raised it. They then told us we had to go to a bathroom in the common area on the next floor to take a shower or get hot water for anything else!2. The room was too hot and you can't control your own room temp. When I called the front desk, the guy said he couldn't change the temp without logging into some website, and he didn't know how to log in! Crazy! I sweated and tossed and turned all night, only slept about 4 hours.3. We parked right across the street where other cars were parked. No signs saying any restrictions on parking. But we got a $75 ticket from "Interstate Parking Company." The guy at the front desk said yeah, that sucks, I got one too when I first came here. But no warning to guests! So mindless.4. The key to my room and ski locker didn't work. I had to make 4 visits to the front desk (taking elevator up and down each time) before they finally got it right.All of the above were major problems that they could easily fix if they just got their head in the game. Instead, it all ruined my stay.”