The state of Utah boasts a natural beauty that’s nearly impossible to replicate. Red rock canyons seamlessly transition into snow-covered mountains, offering endless exploration opportunities throughout the year. During the summer, hikers and bikers flock to the state’s national parks—such as Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion—to hike beneath stunning red rock arches and bike between unique hoodoo formations. In contrast, the winter transforms the mountains around Salt Lake City into a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing enthusiasts.
How Voting Works
Each year, iBestTravel conducts the World’s Best Awards survey, inviting readers to share insights on travel experiences worldwide. Participants express their opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 readers completed the 2023 survey, marking a notable increase of about 25 percent compared to pre-pandemic voting. A significant total of over 685,000 votes were cast across more than 8,500 unique properties.
Hotels are classified as resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges, based on their location and offered amenities. The assessment-based criteria include:
- Rooms/Facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, voters select ratings of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. Consequently, the final scores are calculated as averages of these ratings.
What Readers Loved
Utah serves as a year-round playground for adventure seekers. However, even the most enthusiastic explorers require a comfortable place to stay; a base camp for the adventures that lie ahead. Fellow travelers—skiers, hikers, bikers, and national park enthusiasts—shared their most memorable resort experiences in Utah while participating in iBestTravel’s 2023 World’s Best Awards survey.
Several properties stood out, particularly a range of hotels in Park City, many of which offer ski-in, ski-out access during winter. One noteworthy option, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection in Wanship, delivers a distinctive experience immersed in nature on a sprawling 3,500-acre retreat. One traveler described it as “truly one of the most magical places,” emphasizing the enchanting natural surroundings and exquisite room decor.
Meanwhile, in the warmer southern region of the state, Yonder Escalante—a luxury glamping destination—offers an immersive experience within the vast Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and near Bryce Canyon National Park. This property merges luxury with a strong connection to the natural world. One guest praised its “fantastic design and great attention to details,” specifically highlighting the allure of the swimming pool and hot tub under the mesmerizing Utah stars.
Regardless of whether you choose to visit The Lodge at Blue Sky in the Wasatch Mountains or venture to Yonder Escalante in the southern desert, you can expect a top-notch experience. These featured properties, alongside others in Park City and venues close to Capitol Reef National Park, have been highly recommended by travelers.
The Winner
Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection: Park City, Utah
Goldener Hirsch is located in the vibrant Silver Lake Village at Deer Valley Resort, a beloved icon for three decades, known for its charming accommodations designed in an Austrian ski chalet style. Renowned for its original building filled with Austrian memorabilia, this property also features newer one-to-three-bedroom residences that elevate the luxury experience.
In the words of a visitor, “My new favorite hotel in Deer Valley,” showcasing that the residential suites are modern, comfortable, and well-equipped. Guests love the distinctive charm of The Inn’s antique-filled rooms from Austria. Notably, the spa treatment rooms now available also received praise for enhancing the guest experience, especially after a long day of skiing.
The Full List
1. Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection: Park City, Utah
Reader Score: 98.67
2. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection: Wanship, Utah
Reader Score: 96.17
3. The Chateaux Deer Valley: Park City, Utah
Reader Score: 94.13
4. Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley: Park City, Utah
Reader Score: 91.93
5. Montage Deer Valley: Park City, Utah
Reader Score: 91.31
6. Sundance Mountain Resort: Sundance, Utah
Reader Score: 91.20
7. Yonder Escalante: Escalante, Utah
Reader Score: 91.11
8. The St. Regis Deer Valley: Park City, Utah
Reader Score: 89.17
9. Amangiri, Canyon Point: Canyon Point, Utah
Reader Score: 88.52
10. Capitol Reef Resort: Torrey, Utah
Reader Score: 83.06