Utah

Utah is a mountain state, arid and mostly desert, but the skiing, national parks, and stunning mountain vistas make it a unique place to visit. Utah boasts the "Greatest Snow on Earth" and of course the Great Salt Lake which gives Salt Lake City its name.

Originally home to Native American tribes like the Anasazi and the Fremont, by the time Europeans began arriving in the 1700s, there were many tribes settling in the state we now call Utah. Most Europeans passed through and kept moving out West, but one group, a Mormon religious group, decided to make it home. They used irrigation to make the dry Utah land fertile, and lived without centralized government until Utah was made a territory in 1850!

Visitors to the busting Salt Lake City will have no shortage of things to do! From visiting the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to floating in the Great Salt Lake, there's no room for boredom here! To learn more about Mormon history, visit Temple Square, a large church with six spires, and a symbolic icon if the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. After Temple Square, head over to the free Church History Museum to learn a detailed history of the Mormon religion. Lastly, visit the granite temple originally built for followers of Brigham Young: Salt Lake Temple.

Families on vacation to Salt Lake City should visit the Wheeler Historic Farm where visitors can milk cows and ride tractors. Another great historic site is This is the Place Heritage Park where 1800s pioneer life is recreated daily – from shops to schools and even a Native American village there is a lot going on here! For some theme-park excitement, visit Lagoon, a local amusement park considered "well worth the trip" by locals. The Hogle Zoo, dating from 1931, is also in the area and even features a recreation of a Himalayan village and five species of endangered Asian cats!

Art lovers will want to visit the Salt Lake Art Center, which focuses on contemporary art. If you're looking for a nice stroll during the spring or summer, visit the Red Butte Garden, which is part of the University of Utah and has over 150 acres of beautifully landscaped paths and trails.

If Cedar City is your destination, check to see if you'll be in the time range of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, where locals and visitors alike find a lot of great medieval and renaissance fun! Also famous in the area as a "mini grand canyon" is the Cedar Breaks National Monument where visitors can see amazing vistas and wildlife from 10,000 feet! Cedar City also offers proximity to the Dixie National Forest, 2 million acres of amazing canyons, rock formations, mountains and pines where visitors can hike, fish or go camping.

In Moab, Utah visitors will definitely want to visit the Arches National Park for stunning hikes (most of them short for beginners). Also nearby with a great view of the Colorado River is Dead Horse Point State Park. In the vicinity is Canyonland National Park, another great park for viewing canyons. With so many hikes, canyons, bike paths, and breathtaking scenery it's more than likely anyone visiting Moab is going for some fantastic outdoor fun, but if you really want something to do on a hot day, visit the Moab Film Museum to see some film exhibits about Western movies.

Whether you're floating in the Salt Lake, visiting zoos and churches in the city, or hiking amazing trails in Moab or Cedar City, Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Knights Inn Cedar City - Starting at $55 a night this great budget hotel is right near Southern Utah University and Brian Head Ski Resort, plus the hotel has its own restaurant and serves a complimentary breakfast.
Inca Inn - Starting at $60 a night, if you're staying in Moab and want to be near to Arches National Park at a great price, this is the spot. Complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi make it a good way to stay full and in touch with the world back home!
The Pavilion In - Starting at $65 a night this hotel may be in the suburbs, but it's a great value and has a spa tub and indoor pool. The hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a hot/cold breakfast buffet.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Comfort Inn & Suites - Starting at $88 a night, keep it familiar with Comfort Inn in Cedar City. Enjoy an indoor pool and spa tub, and complimentary Wi-Fi!
La Quinta Inn Moab - Starting at $136 a night this hotel is in the desert! Nearby is the Arches National park and Dead Horse Point State Park. The hotel features a spa tub and fitness facility, and past guests have enjoyed the cleanliness and friendliness.
Hotel Monaco - Starting at just $109 a night this Salt Lake City hotel is a 4-star property with a restaurant and bar, and 24 hour room service. Amenities also include a health club and fitness facility. The rooms even feature iPod docking stations and city/mountain views!

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

The Garden Cottage Bed & Breakfast - Starting at $139 a night this Cedar City inn is right by the airport and is perfectly cozy. Visitors love the feeling of staying with a friend in a relaxing environment.
The Grand America Hotel - Starting at $186 a night this Salt Lake City hotel has a stunning mountain view, and is near to all the great tourist spots. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar, 24 hour room service, a spa tub and sauna, a full service spa and more! A 5-star property in beautiful Salt Lake City!
Hilton Salt Lake City Center - Starting at $167 a night this 4-star hotel has great amenities such as a steam room, spa tub, spa services and massage, 2 restaurants, pillowtop mattresses and so much more! Right in central Salt Lake City for all your vacation needs!